A rotating module and a riser vortex-induced vibration suppression device having the same

Abstract

This invention provides a rotating module and a riser vortex-induced vibration suppression device having the same. The rotating module includes a fixed ring, several limiting components, and a rotating collar. The fixed ring is fixedly fitted onto the outer wall of the riser. The limiting components are spaced apart and installed on the outer wall of the fixed ring. Each limiting component includes a mounting frame, an axial limiting bearing, and a radial limiting bearing. The axial and radial limiting bearings are mounted on the mounting frame. The rotating collar is coaxially disposed outside the fixed ring. The inner wall of the rotating collar has an annular groove. The circumferential sidewall of the axial limiting bearing abuts against the top and / or bottom sidewall of the annular groove, and the circumferential sidewall of the radial limiting bearing abuts against the circumferential sidewall of the annular groove. The riser vortex-induced vibration suppression device connects the riser and the guide sleeve through the rotating module. Compared with the prior art, this invention achieves the rotation of the guide sleeve through a combination of small bearings, which can effectively reduce the weight of the overall device and facilitate installation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of marine engineering technology, and in particular to a rotating module and a riser vortex-induced vibration suppression device having the same. Background Technology

[0002] Marine risers are extremely slender, and under the influence of ocean currents, periodically alternating vortices appear on both sides of the riser. These periodically detached vortices then induce periodic hydrodynamic loads around the riser. When the frequency of the hydrodynamic loads approaches a certain natural frequency of the riser, the riser will experience significant vibrations perpendicular to and along the flow direction, i.e., vortex-induced vibration. Vortex-induced vibration is a major cause of riser fatigue damage, severely reducing its service life.

[0003] To reduce and suppress vortex-induced vibration of risers, various suppression devices are applied to the riser surface, primarily falling into two categories: active suppression devices and passive suppression devices. Active suppression devices require external energy input, which is expensive and impractical in real-world marine engineering applications. Passive suppression devices, on the other hand, require no external energy supply, are easy to manufacture and install, and are widely used in marine engineering. Common passive suppression devices include helical plates, deflectors, and flow dividers. Wang's article "Areview on flow-induced vibration of offshore circular cylinders" published in the Journal of Hydrodynamics points out that while helical plates can significantly reduce the amplitude of vortex-induced vibration in risers, they increase the flow resistance of the riser. Deflectors, however, effectively suppress vortex-induced vibration while significantly reducing flow resistance. Deflectors can be further divided into fixed and rotatable types. Fixed deflectors cannot adapt to changes in flow direction; when the incoming flow direction changes, the suppression performance of the device may drop sharply. Rotatable deflectors, however, can deflect to a stable position when the incoming flow direction changes, still maintaining a good suppression effect. Existing rotatable baffles typically rely on bearings to provide rotational freedom; however, bearings suitable for real marine risers are heavy and difficult to install. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a rotating module and a riser vortex-induced vibration suppression device having the same, which achieves the rotation of the guide sleeve through a combination of small bearings, effectively reducing the weight of the overall device and facilitating installation.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a rotating module, comprising:

[0007] A fixing ring is fixedly fitted onto the outer wall of the riser;

[0008] A plurality of limiting components are spaced apart and installed on the outer side wall of the fixed ring. Each limiting component includes a mounting frame, an axial limiting bearing, and a radial limiting bearing. The mounting frame includes an interconnected mounting rod and a U-shaped frame. The end of the mounting rod away from the U-shaped frame is fixedly connected to the outer side wall of the fixed ring. The axial limiting bearing is installed on the mounting rod, and the radial limiting bearing is installed on the U-shaped frame.

[0009] A rotating collar is used to connect a flow guide sleeve. The rotating collar is coaxially disposed outside the fixed ring. The inner sidewall of the rotating collar has an annular groove. The circumferential sidewall of the axial limiting bearing abuts against the top sidewall and / or bottom sidewall of the annular groove, and the circumferential sidewall of the radial limiting bearing abuts against the circumferential sidewall of the annular groove.

[0010] Preferably, the outer wall of the fixing ring has a plurality of bases for mounting the limiting component, the bases having threaded connection holes, and the end of the mounting rod away from the U-shaped frame having an external thread that engages with the threaded connection hole.

[0011] Preferably, the outer wall of the fixing ring is provided with four limiting components, and the four limiting components are arranged symmetrically in pairs.

[0012] Preferably, the rotating collar includes a first half-ring, a second half-ring, and a plurality of connecting plates, wherein the plurality of connecting plates are used to connect the first half-ring and the second half-ring.

[0013] Preferably, it further includes several friction adjustment components, each including a mounting plate and friction bolts. The mounting plate is mounted on the end face of the rotating collar, and the friction bolts are screwed onto the mounting plate. The friction bolts are adapted to adjust the rotational friction of the rotating collar by abutting against the end face of the fixed ring.

[0014] Preferably, the rotating collar has two symmetrically arranged friction adjustment components.

[0015] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a riser vortex-induced vibration suppression device, comprising a flow guide sleeve and a plurality of rotating modules as described in the first aspect above. The flow guide sleeve is rotatably mounted on the riser via the plurality of rotating modules, and the flow guide sleeve is adapted to rotate freely around the axis of the riser.

[0016] Preferably, the number of rotating modules is two.

[0017] Preferably, the flow guide sleeve includes an arc plate and two straight plates. The arc plate is coaxial with the riser. The two straight plates smoothly transition along the tangent of the arc plate until they intersect. After the two straight plates intersect, they each extend a tail plate. The cross-section of the flow guide sleeve is a streamlined shape with a round front and a pointed back.

[0018] Preferably, end caps are installed in the gaps between the two ends of the flow guide sleeve and the rotating module, and the cross-section of the end caps matches the cross-section of the gaps between the two ends of the flow guide sleeve and the rotating module.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0020] (1) The rotating module provided by the present invention realizes the rotation of the guide sleeve through the combination of small bearings, which can effectively reduce the weight of the overall device and facilitate installation;

[0021] (2) The rotating module provided by the present invention is provided with a friction adjustment component, which can adjust the rotational friction of the guide sleeve during use;

[0022] (3) The guide sleeve of the riser vortex-induced vibration suppression device provided by the present invention can rotate freely around the riser axis, and can adapt to the marine environment with frequent changes in flow direction.

[0023] (4) When installing the riser vortex-induced vibration suppression device provided by the present invention, it is only necessary to install several rotating modules at intervals on the riser, and then put the guide sleeve on the riser and connect it with the rotating modules. The manufacturing and installation are simple and convenient. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the specific embodiments will be briefly described below. It should be noted that in all the drawings, the elements or parts are not necessarily drawn to actual scale.

[0025] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the overall structure of the rotating module described in this embodiment of the invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the limiting component of the rotating module in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 This is an assembly diagram of the rotating module described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the riser vortex-induced vibration suppression device described in this embodiment of the invention;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the limiting component of the riser vortex-induced vibration suppression device in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] In the picture:

[0031] 1. Fixed ring; 11. Base; 2. Limiting assembly; 21. Mounting bracket; 211. Mounting rod; 212. U-shaped frame; 22. Axial limiting bearing; 23. Radial limiting bearing; 3. Rotating collar; 31. Ring groove; 32. First half ring; 33. Second half ring; 34. Connecting plate; 4. Friction adjusting assembly; 41. Mounting plate; 42. Friction bolt; 5. Guide sleeve; 51. Arc plate; 52. Straight plate; 53. Tail plate; 6. End cover plate; 7. Riser. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0033] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the system or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., used to define components are merely for the convenience of distinguishing the aforementioned components. Unless otherwise stated, these terms have no special meaning and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0034] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0035] In existing technologies, rotatable guide vanes typically rely on bearings to provide rotational freedom. However, bearings suitable for real marine risers are heavy and difficult to install. Therefore, this invention provides a rotating module and a riser vortex-induced vibration suppression device incorporating the module. The rotation of the guide sleeve is achieved through a combination of small bearings, effectively reducing the overall weight of the device and facilitating installation.

[0036] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the invention can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to enable a more thorough understanding of the invention and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0037] Example 1

[0038] like Figures 1-3 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a rotating module, including:

[0039] Fixing ring 1 is fixedly fitted onto the outer wall of riser 7;

[0040] A plurality of limiting components 2 are spaced apart and installed on the outer side wall of the fixing ring 1. Each limiting component 2 includes a mounting frame 21, an axial limiting bearing 22, and a radial limiting bearing 23. The mounting frame 21 includes a mounting rod 211 and a U-shaped frame 212 connected to each other. The end of the mounting rod 211 away from the U-shaped frame 212 is fixedly connected to the outer side wall of the fixing ring 1. The axial limiting bearing 22 is installed on the mounting rod 211, and the radial limiting bearing 23 is installed on the U-shaped frame 212.

[0041] Rotary collar 3 is used to connect guide sleeve 5. Rotary collar 3 is coaxially arranged outside fixed ring 1. Rotary collar 3 has annular groove 31 on its inner sidewall. The circumferential sidewall of axial limiting bearing 22 abuts against the top sidewall and / or bottom sidewall of annular groove 31. The circumferential sidewall of radial limiting bearing 23 abuts against the circumferential sidewall of annular groove 31.

[0042] In this embodiment, the fixed ring 1 and the rotating collar 3 are connected to the riser 7 and the guide sleeve 5 respectively by bolts or welding. The axial limiting bearing 22 and the radial limiting bearing 23 on the limiting assembly 2 limit the rotating collar 3 on one hand, and provide the rotating collar 3 with rotational freedom on the other hand, thereby realizing the rotation of the guide sleeve 5. Compared with the prior art, this embodiment realizes the rotation of the guide sleeve 5 by combining small bearings, which can effectively reduce the weight of the overall device and facilitate installation.

[0043] Specifically, the outer wall of the fixing ring 1 has several bases 11 for installing the limiting component 2. The bases 11 have threaded connection holes, and the end of the mounting rod 211 away from the U-shaped frame 212 has an external thread that engages with the threaded connection hole.

[0044] It is understood that the limiting component 2 of the present invention is not limited to installation via the base 11, and can also be installed in other ways in some other embodiments. For example, in some specific embodiments, the limiting component 2 can be installed by directly providing a connecting hole for the connecting rod 211 on the outer wall of the fixing ring 1 or by directly welding the mounting rod 211 to the outer wall of the fixing ring 1.

[0045] Preferably, in this embodiment, the outer wall of the fixing ring 1 is provided with four limiting components 2, which are arranged symmetrically in pairs. Of course, in other specific embodiments of the present invention, a corresponding number of limiting components 2 can be provided on the outer wall of the fixing ring 1 according to actual needs. For example, in other specific embodiments, the number of limiting components 2 can be two, three, five, six or more.

[0046] Furthermore, the rotating collar 3 includes a first half-ring 32, a second half-ring 33, and several connecting plates 34, which are used to connect the first half-ring 32 and the second half-ring 33.

[0047] Specifically, the upper and lower end faces of the rotating collar 3 in this embodiment have two connecting plates 34 respectively.

[0048] It should be noted that the rotating collar 3 of the present invention is not limited to the above-described structural form. In some other specific embodiments, the rotating collar 3 may also be composed of three, four or more parts connected together.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, in some optional embodiments, a plurality of friction adjustment components 4 are also included. The friction adjustment components 4 include a mounting plate 41 and a friction bolt 42. The mounting plate 41 is mounted on the end face of the rotating collar 3, and the friction bolt 42 is screwed onto the mounting plate 41. The friction bolt 42 is adapted to adjust the rotational friction of the rotating collar 3 by abutting against the end face of the fixed ring 1.

[0050] The rotational friction of the rotatable guide vane is a key parameter affecting its vortex-induced vibration suppression performance. This embodiment incorporates a friction adjustment component 4, allowing adjustment of the rotational friction of the rotating collar 3 by adjusting the clamping force between the friction bolt 42 and the end face of the fixed ring 1. This enables the adjustment of the rotational friction of the guide sleeve 5 according to its specific working environment, and rotational friction is a crucial parameter affecting the vortex-induced vibration suppression performance of the rotatable guide sleeve 5.

[0051] Preferably, the rotating collar 3 has two symmetrically arranged friction adjusting components 4. Of course, in other embodiments of the present invention, the number of friction adjusting components 4 can be adjusted according to actual needs. For example, the number of friction components can be one, three, four, five or more.

[0052] Example 2

[0053] This embodiment provides a riser vortex-induced vibration suppression device, including a flow guide sleeve 5 and several rotating modules as described in Embodiment 1. The flow guide sleeve 5 is rotatably mounted on the riser 7 through several rotating modules, and the flow guide sleeve 5 is adapted to rotate freely around the axis of the riser 7.

[0054] It is understood that since the riser 7 vortex-induced vibration suppression device provided in this embodiment uses the rotating module as described in Embodiment 1 to connect the riser 7 and the guide sleeve 5, the riser 7 vortex-induced vibration suppression device provided in this embodiment also has the advantages of the rotating module described in Embodiment 1, which will not be described here.

[0055] Preferably, the number of rotating modules in this embodiment is two. Of course, in other embodiments of the present invention, the number of rotating modules can be adjusted according to factors such as the size and shape of the guide sleeve 5.

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown, in some optional embodiments, the flow guide sleeve 5 includes an arc plate 51 and two straight plates 52. The arc plate 51 is coaxial with the riser 7, and the two straight plates 52 smoothly transition along the tangent of the arc plate 51 until they intersect. After the two straight plates 52 intersect, a tail plate 53 extends out from each of them. The cross-section of the flow guide sleeve 5 is streamlined with a rounded front and a pointed rear. The flow guide sleeve 5 in this embodiment adopts a streamlined configuration, which can suppress the vortex-induced vibration of the riser 7 while reducing the flow resistance it experiences.

[0057] Furthermore, end cover plates 6 are respectively installed in the gaps between the two ends of the guide sleeve 5 and the rotating module. The cross-section of the end cover plate 6 matches the cross-section of the gap between the two ends of the guide sleeve 5 and the rotating module. The end cover plates 6 are connected to the guide sleeve 5 and the rotating collar 3 respectively by bolts. The end cover plates 6 can prevent marine organisms from attaching and affecting the rotation of the guide sleeve 5, and can also increase the overall rigidity of the guide sleeve 5.

[0058] It is understood that the flow guide sleeve 5 of the present invention is not limited to the above-described structural form. In other embodiments of the present invention, other existing flow guide sleeves 5 may also be used.

[0059] Specifically, the assembly process of the riser vortex-induced vibration suppression device provided in this embodiment is as follows:

[0060] (1) Secure the retaining ring 1 to the riser 7 with bolts;

[0061] (2) Mount the base 11 onto the fixing ring 1 with bolts;

[0062] (3) Install the axial limiting bearing 22 and the radial limiting bearing 23 onto the mounting rod 211 and the U-shaped frame 212 respectively;

[0063] (4) Connect the mounting bracket 21 to the base 11;

[0064] (5) Install the end cover plate 6 onto the first half ring 32 or the second half ring 33 by bolts;

[0065] (6) Fit the first half-ring 32 and the second half-ring 33 onto the outside of the fixed ring 1 and connect the first half-ring 32 and the second half-ring 33 through the connecting plate 34;

[0066] (7) Install the two friction adjustment components 4 onto the rotating collar 3:

[0067] (8) After aligning the guide sleeve 5 with the end cover plate 6, pass it through the riser 7 from top to bottom. When the top surface of the guide sleeve 5 is flush with the end cover plate 6 and the top surface of the rotating module, fasten the guide sleeve 5 to the rotating module and the end cover plate 6 with bolts.

[0068] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A rotating module, characterized in that, include: A fixing ring (1) is fixedly fitted onto the outer wall of the riser (7); A plurality of limiting components (2) are spaced apart and installed on the outer wall of the fixing ring (1). Each limiting component (2) includes a mounting frame (21), an axial limiting bearing (22), and a radial limiting bearing (23). The mounting frame (21) includes a mounting rod (211) and a U-shaped frame (212) connected to each other. The end of the mounting rod (211) away from the U-shaped frame (212) is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the fixing ring (1). The axial limiting bearing (22) is installed on the mounting rod (211), and the radial limiting bearing (23) is installed on the U-shaped frame (212). A rotating collar (3) is used to connect a flow guide sleeve (5). The rotating collar (3) is coaxially arranged outside the fixed ring (1). The inner sidewall of the rotating collar (3) has an annular groove (31). The circumferential sidewall of the axial limiting bearing (22) abuts against the top sidewall and / or bottom sidewall of the annular groove (31). The circumferential sidewall of the radial limiting bearing (23) abuts against the circumferential sidewall of the annular groove (31).

2. The rotating module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall of the fixing ring (1) has a plurality of bases (11) for mounting the limiting component (2), the bases (11) have threaded connection holes, and the mounting rod (211) has an external thread on the end away from the U-shaped frame (212) that engages with the threaded connection hole.

3. The rotating module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall of the fixed ring (1) is provided with four limiting components (2), and the four limiting components (2) are arranged symmetrically in pairs.

4. The rotating module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating collar (3) includes a first half-ring (32), a second half-ring (33), and a plurality of connecting plates (34), wherein the plurality of connecting plates (34) are used to connect the first half-ring (32) and the second half-ring (33).

5. The rotating module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes several friction adjustment components (4), each friction adjustment component (4) including a mounting plate (41) and a friction bolt (42). The mounting plate (41) is mounted on the end face of the rotating collar (3), and the friction bolt (42) is screwed onto the mounting plate (41). The friction bolt (42) is adapted to adjust the rotational friction of the rotating collar (3) by abutting against the end face of the fixed ring (1).

6. The rotating module as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The rotating collar (3) has two symmetrically arranged friction adjustment components (4).

7. A riser vortex-induced vibration suppression device, characterized in that, It includes a flow guide sleeve (5) and a plurality of rotating modules as described in any one of claims 1-6, wherein the flow guide sleeve (5) is rotatably mounted on the riser (7) by the plurality of rotating modules, and the flow guide sleeve (5) is adapted to rotate freely about the axis of the riser (7).

8. The riser vortex-induced vibration suppression device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The number of rotating modules is two.

9. The riser vortex-induced vibration suppression device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The flow guide sleeve (5) includes an arc plate (51) and two straight plates (52). The arc plate (51) is coaxial with the riser (7). The two straight plates (52) smoothly transition along the tangent of the arc plate (51) until they intersect. After the two straight plates (52) intersect, they each extend a tail plate (53). The cross-section of the flow guide sleeve (5) is a streamlined shape with a round front and a pointed back.

10. The riser (7) vortex-induced vibration suppression device as described in claim 9, characterized in that, End cover plates (6) are respectively installed in the gap between the two ends of the flow guide sleeve (5) and the rotating module. The cross-section of the end cover plate (6) matches the cross-section of the gap between the two ends of the flow guide sleeve (5) and the rotating module.

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