A Simulation Method for the Integrated Processing Technology of a Sensor and a Flexible Tube

The simulation method for integrating sensors with flexible pipes addresses the lack of research on integration processes by optimizing sensor placement and pipe structure, enhancing performance and safety through finite element analysis.

CN118965865BActive Publication Date: 2025-07-15TIANJIN UNIV +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202410969154.5
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-07-19
Publication Date
2025-07-15
Estimated Expiration
2044-07-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing technology has little research on the key technologies, process parameters and sensor performance in the integrated processing process of flexible tubes and sensors, and lacks in-depth discussion, resulting in limited improvement in operating safety and efficiency of flexible tubes.

Method used

By using the finite element method, by determining the sensor layout position and processing process parameters, an integrated processing simulation model for sensors and flexible tubes is established, the integrated processing technology is optimized, and the impact of the processing process on sensor performance and flexible tube structure strength is simulated.

Benefits of technology

Guide and optimize the integrated processing technology, improve the integration effect between sensors and flexible tubes, ensure sensor performance and structural strength of flexible tubes, and improve the operation safety and efficiency of flexible tubes.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention discloses a simulation method for the integrated processing technology of a sensor and a flexible pipe, belonging to the manufacturing and processing field of marine resource development equipment, and comprising the following steps: Step 1: Determine the arrangement position of the sensor and the processing technology method of the sensor and the flexible pipe; Step 2: Obtain the structural parameters of the flexible pipe, the structural parameters of the sensor, and the corresponding material parameters; Step 3: Determine the integrated processing technology parameters; Step 4: Adopt the finite element method to establish a simulation model for the integrated processing technology of the sensor and the flexible pipe by using rod elements and solid elements; Step 5: Optimize the integrated processing technology parameters based on the simulation model. The simulation method for the integrated processing technology of the sensor and the flexible pipe of the present invention simulates the influence of the integrated processing process on the performance of the sensor and the structural strength performance of the flexible pipe, and further guides and optimizes the integrated processing technology.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the manufacturing and processing field of marine resource development equipment, and particularly to a simulation method for the integrated processing technology of sensors and flexible pipes. Background Art

[0002] With the increasing global demand for resources, deep-sea mining has become an important field for exploring and developing new resources. As a crucial infrastructure in deep-sea mining, flexible pipes play a key role in aspects such as mineral transportation, subsea drilling, and the operation of deep-sea mining equipment. With the continuous advancement of deep-sea mining activities, the demand for ensuring the healthy and stable operation of flexible pipes is increasing day by day. In this context, it is particularly important to integrate monitoring sensors inside flexible pipes. These sensors can monitor the operating state of flexible pipes in real time, detect and locate potential problems in a timely manner, thereby providing important support for the safety and efficiency of mining activities.

[0003] Currently, extensive and in-depth research has been carried out on sensors applied in flexible pipes both at home and abroad. These studies mainly focus on using sensors to conduct health detection of flexible pipes or the survival rate of sensors under working conditions, aiming to improve the safety and efficiency of pipeline operation. However, relatively little research has been done on the integrated processing of flexible pipes and sensors, and there is a lack of in-depth discussion on key technologies, process parameters, and their impact on sensor performance during the integrated processing of sensors and flexible pipes.

[0004] Therefore, those skilled in the art have provided a simulation method for the integrated processing technology of sensors and flexible pipes to solve the problems raised in the above background art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a simulation method for the integrated processing technology of sensors and flexible pipes, which is used to evaluate the impact of the integrated processing process on sensor performance and the structural strength performance of flexible pipes, and then guide and optimize the integrated processing technology to solve the problems raised in the above background art.

[0006] To achieve the above purpose, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0007] A simulation method for the integrated processing technology of sensors and flexible pipes includes the following steps:

[0008] Step 1: Determine the arrangement position of the sensor and the processing method of the sensor and the flexible pipe;

[0009] Step 2: Obtain the structural parameters of the flexible pipe, the structural parameters of the sensor, and the corresponding material parameters;

[0010] Step 3: Determine the integrated processing process parameters;

[0011] Step 4: Adopt the finite element method to establish a simulation model for the integrated processing technology of the sensor and the flexible pipe by using rod elements and solid elements;

[0012] Step 5: Optimize the integrated processing technology parameters based on the simulation model.

[0013] As a further solution of the present invention: In the above Step 1, the interior of the flexible pipe includes a lining layer, a compensating and reinforcing layer, a skeleton layer, a tensile reinforcing layer, and an outer covering layer which are arranged in sequence from inside to outside. Among them, the specific process of arranging the sensor is as follows:

[0014] Determine the placement position of the sensor in the compensating and reinforcing layer;

[0015] After determining the placement position, clarify the integrated processing technology process of the sensor and the flexible pipe: The compensating and reinforcing layer is formed by winding multiple aramid ropes around the lining layer. The sensor replaces one or more of the aramid ropes and winds around the lining layer together with the remaining aramid ropes through a winding machine to form a compensating and reinforcing layer with an embedded sensor.

[0016] As a further solution of the present invention: In the above Step 2, the structural parameters of the flexible pipe include the inner diameter, outer diameter, and thickness of each layer of the pipe structure; the structural parameters of the sensor include the optical fiber size and the cross-sectional size of each coating layer; the material parameters include the density, elastic modulus, Poisson's ratio, and ultimate strength of the materials composing the flexible pipe and the sensor.

[0017] As a further solution of the present invention: In the above Step 3, the integrated processing technology parameters include the winding angle, winding speed, and tension of the sensor and the aramid ropes.

[0018] As a further solution of the present invention: In the above Step 4, use the abaqus software for finite element simulation. Use rod elements to simulate the mechanical properties of the aramid ropes and the sensor, use solid elements to establish the model of the lining layer in the flexible pipe, apply the corresponding process parameters and boundary conditions, and complete the construction of the simulation model for the integrated processing technology of the sensor and the flexible pipe.

[0019] As a further solution of the present invention: In the above Step 5, the specific process of optimizing the integrated processing technology parameters is as follows: Based on the simulation model, by continuously adjusting the processing technology parameters, calculate the stress and strain results of the lining layer, aramid ropes, and sensor during the processing technology process, and optimize the processing technology parameters through the feedback of the simulation calculation data.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0021] 1. The simulation method for the integrated processing technology of the sensor and the flexible pipe of the present invention simulates the influence of the integrated processing process on the performance of the sensor and the structural strength performance of the flexible pipe, and thus guides and optimizes the integrated processing technology. Description of the Drawings

[0022] Figure 1 It is a flowchart of a simulation method for the integrated processing technology of a sensor and a flexible pipe;

[0023] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of a compensation enhancement layer with an in - built sensor in the simulation method for the integrated processing technology of a sensor and a flexible pipe;

[0024] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the simulation boundary and process parameter settings of the integrated processing technology in the simulation method for the integrated processing technology of a sensor and a flexible pipe;

[0025] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the simulation model of the integrated processing technology of a sensor and a flexible pipe in the simulation method for the integrated processing technology of a sensor and a flexible pipe;

[0026] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the simulation result of the integrated process in the simulation method for the integrated processing technology of a sensor and a flexible pipe;

[0027] Figure 6 It is a geometric parameter table of the inner lining layer and the compensation enhancement layer in the simulation method for the integrated processing technology of a sensor and a flexible pipe;

[0028] Figure 7 It is a geometric parameter table of the aramid rope and the sensor in the simulation method for the integrated processing technology of a sensor and a flexible pipe;

[0029] Figure 8 It is a material parameter table of each structural model in the simulation method for the integrated processing technology of a sensor and a flexible pipe;

[0030] Figure 9 It is a result table of the elongation rate of light and the stress of the inner lining layer under different tension forces in the simulation method for the integrated processing technology of a sensor and a flexible pipe;

[0031] Figure 10 It is a result table of the elongation rate of light and the stress of the inner lining layer under different winding angles in the simulation method for the integrated processing technology of a sensor and a flexible pipe. Detailed Embodiments

[0032] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without making creative efforts belong to the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] As mentioned in the background art of the present application, through research, it has been found that extensive and in-depth research has been carried out on sensors applied to flexible pipes at home and abroad. These studies mainly focus on using sensors for health detection of flexible pipes or the survival rate of sensors under working conditions, aiming to improve the safety and efficiency of pipeline operation. However, relatively little research has been conducted on the integrated processing and manufacturing process of flexible pipes and sensors, lacking in-depth discussion on key technologies, process parameters during the integrated processing of sensors and flexible pipes, and their impact on sensor performance, thus there are certain defects.

[0034] To solve the above defects, the present application discloses a simulation method for the integrated processing technology of sensors and flexible pipes, which is used to evaluate the influence of the integrated processing process on sensor performance and the structural strength performance of flexible pipes, and further guide and optimize the integrated processing technology.

[0035] The following will introduce in detail how the solution of the present application solves the above technical problems in combination with the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Please refer to Figure 1 , in an embodiment of the present invention, a simulation method for the integrated processing technology of sensors and flexible pipes includes the following steps: Step 1: Determine the arrangement position of the sensor and the processing method of the sensor and the flexible pipe; Step 2: Obtain the structural parameters of the flexible pipe, the structural parameters of the sensor, and the corresponding material parameters; Step 3: Determine the integrated processing parameters; Step 4: Use the finite element method to establish a simulation model for the integrated processing technology of sensors and flexible pipes by using rod elements and solid elements; Step 5: Optimize the integrated processing parameters based on the simulation model.

[0037] In this embodiment, in step one, the interior of the flexible pipe includes a lining layer, a compensating and reinforcing layer, a skeleton layer, a tensile reinforcing layer, and an outer covering layer arranged in sequence from the inside to the outside. Among them, the specific process of arranging the sensor is as follows: Determine the placement position of the sensor in the compensating and reinforcing layer; after determining the placement position, clarify the integrated processing process of the sensor and the flexible pipe: The compensating and reinforcing layer is formed by winding multiple aramid ropes around the lining layer. The sensor replaces one or more of the aramid ropes and is wound around the lining layer together with the remaining aramid ropes by a winding machine to form a compensating and reinforcing layer with an embedded sensor. Among them, the lining layer of the flexible pipe is a layer inside the flexible pipe and is usually made of polymer materials such as polyamide (PA11), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), etc. Its main function is to prevent the fluid medium inside the riser from leaking and play a role in sealing and pressure transmission. There are multiple structural layers for strengthening and compensation in the flexible pipe. These layers can be indirectly regarded as layers with compensation and strengthening functions, that is, the compensating and reinforcing layer. Its main function is to resist pressure rather than directly compensate, but to a certain extent, it can be regarded as enhancing and compensating the overall performance of the flexible pipe. The tensile reinforcing layer is a structural layer in the flexible pipe used to improve the axial strength and withstand tensile force. It is usually made of high-strength materials such as carbon steel cables or fiber-reinforcing materials (such as glass fiber, carbon fiber, etc.).

[0038] In this embodiment, in step 2, the structural parameters of the flexible tube include the inner diameter, outer diameter and thickness of each layer of the tube structure; the structural parameters of the sensor include the size of the optical fiber and the cross-sectional size of each coating layer; the material parameters include the density, elastic modulus, Poisson's ratio and strength limit of the materials constituting the flexible tube and the sensor. More specifically, the model construction requires the inner diameter, outer diameter and thickness of the inner lining layer and the compensation reinforcement layer, the diameter of the aramid rope and the sensor and other geometric parameters; it should be noted that the elastic modulus, Poisson's ratio and strength limit of the material are three important parameters in material mechanics, which respectively describe the performance of the material under different stress conditions. Among them, the elastic modulus, also known as Young's modulus, is a physical quantity that describes the elasticity of a material, indicating the proportional relationship between stress and strain of the material within the elastic deformation range. Specifically, it refers to the ratio of stress to strain of the material when it is subjected to external force, that is, in the elastic deformation stage, the proportional coefficient of stress and strain is proportional (in accordance with Hooke's law). From a macroscopic perspective, the elastic modulus is a measure of the size of an object's ability to resist elastic deformation; from a microscopic perspective, it reflects the strength of the bond between atoms, ions or molecules. In engineering applications, the elastic modulus is a measure of the stiffness of a material and a characterization of the ease with which an object can be deformed. Generally speaking, the larger the elastic modulus, the greater the stiffness of the material, that is, the smaller the elastic deformation under the same stress. The elastic modulus is mainly affected by the chemical composition of the material and has a certain relationship with the temperature, but has little to do with the material's organizational changes, heat treatment state, etc. In addition, for composite materials or special structural materials, their elastic modulus may also be affected by factors such as fiber direction and porosity. Poisson's ratio refers to the ratio of the transverse normal strain to the axial normal strain when the material is subjected to unidirectional tension or compression, also known as the transverse deformation coefficient. It reflects the elastic constant of the transverse deformation of the material when it is subjected to force. The size of the Poisson's ratio reflects the degree of transverse deformation of the material when it is subjected to force. For most materials, the Poisson's ratio is a positive value, indicating transverse contraction when subjected to tension and transverse expansion when subjected to compression. However, some special structural materials discovered in recent years have a negative Poisson's ratio effect, that is, transverse expansion occurs when subjected to tension and transverse contraction occurs when subjected to compression. The Poisson's ratio is affected by factors such as the type, structure, and temperature of the material. Generally speaking, the Poisson's ratio of metal materials is relatively large and stable; however, some materials with special structures, such as porous negative Poisson's ratio materials, may exhibit different Poisson's ratio characteristics. The strength limit is the maximum stress that a material can withstand under extreme loads. It indicates the ultimate strength of the material, that is, when the material reaches the limit state, it will no longer be able to maintain its structural integrity. The strength limit is one of the important indicators of the mechanical properties of materials, which reflects the bearing capacity of the material under extreme conditions. When designing and using materials, it is necessary to ensure that its strength limit can meet the use requirements to ensure the safety and stability of the structure. The strength limit is affected by many factors such as the type of material, heat treatment state, organizational structure, loading rate, etc.Generally speaking, the ultimate strength of materials can be improved by optimizing the chemical composition and microstructure of the materials, adopting appropriate heat treatment processes, and other methods.

[0039] In this embodiment, in step three, the integrated processing process parameters include the winding angles of the sensors and the aramid ropes, the winding speed, and the tension force. It should be noted that the setting of the winding angle is based on the winding angle required for sensor measurement, and the settings of the winding speed and the tension force are the same as those of the actual winding machine.

[0040] In this embodiment, in step four, the finite element simulation is carried out using Abaqus software. The mechanical properties of the aramid rope and the sensor are simulated using rod elements, and the inner lining layer model in the flexible pipe is established using solid elements. The corresponding process parameters and boundary conditions are applied to complete the construction of the simulation model for the integrated processing technology of the sensor and the flexible pipe. This application adopts the finite element method. Rod elements are used to establish the sensor and aramid rope with large flexibility, solid elements are used to establish the inner lining layer structure in the flexible pipe, and a guide ring is used to realize the function of guiding the winding of the aramid rope and the sensor by the winding machine. At the same time, the axial displacement of the flexible pipe is applied to control the pitch of the spiral winding. Among them, Abaqus is a powerful finite element analysis (FEA) software developed by the SIMULIA brand under Dassault Systèmes. It is widely used to solve complex problems of engineering structures and material behaviors. Abaqus supports simulation analyses in multiple disciplines such as structural mechanics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, electromagnetics, and acoustics, and can simulate complex engineering and physical systems. Abaqus provides a comprehensive set of pre- and post-processor tools, including ABAQUS / CAE, enabling users to create complex geometric models, import CAD data, define loads and constraints, etc. Abaqus contains two main solver modules - ABAQUS / Standard and ABAQUS / Explicit, as well as a variety of special solvers, such as the fatigue analysis solver, etc., which are suitable for different types of engineering problems. Abaqus can make full use of high-performance computing clusters to accelerate the calculation speed of large-scale simulations. Abaqus provides a wide range of programming interfaces and integration options, such as supporting Python scripting, enabling users to integrate it with other tools and systems. Abaqus provides intelligent modeling tools, enabling users to automate the creation of geometric models and perform meshing. Abaqus supports the coupled analysis of multiple physical fields, such as structure-thermal coupling, structure-fluid coupling, etc., and can more accurately simulate complex behaviors in the real world. Finite element simulation is an engineering analysis technique based on numerical calculation methods. It transforms a continuous physical problem into a discretized problem and obtains the solution of the continuous problem by solving the discrete problem. More specifically, finite element simulation is a numerical method that regards a continuum as a discrete set composed of a finite number of elements connected together in a certain way to solve problems in aspects such as heat, force, and electromagnetics of the continuum. The basic idea of this method is to discretize the continuous solution domain into a combination of a finite number of elements connected together in a certain way. Rod elements and solid elements are two basic element types commonly used in finite element analysis, and they play important roles in simulating different structures and material behaviors. Among them, a rod element refers to the basic element used to simulate a rod in a certain structure or system in finite element analysis. It usually consists of two nodes and a characteristic length of the rod element and is one of the most basic elements in the structural system.Solid elements are often used to simulate three-dimensional solid structures, such as soil bodies, mechanical parts, etc. It approximately solves the continuum problem by discretizing the continuum into a finite number of interconnected elements.

[0041] In this embodiment, in step five, the specific process of optimizing the integrated processing process parameters is as follows: Based on the simulation model, by continuously adjusting the processing process parameters, the stress, strain and other results of the inner lining layer, aramid rope and sensor in the processing process are calculated. Through the feedback of the simulation calculation data, the processing process parameters are optimized. More specifically, based on the simulation model, the integrated processing process parameters optimized in this application include the winding angle, winding speed, tension force, etc. According to the stress, strain and other results of the inner lining layer, aramid rope and sensor in the processing process obtained by simulation calculation, the influence of the change of process parameters on each structure is evaluated, so as to optimize the processing process parameters.

[0042] To further elaborate on the technical solution of this application, this application provides a specific embodiment based on the simulation of the integrated processing process of the sensor and the flexible pipe:

[0043] During the processing, the compensation reinforcement layer winds the sensor and the aramid rope on the inner lining layer through the rotation of the winding machine, and at the same time the inner lining pipe advances along the pipe axis. After processing, the compensation reinforcement layer with the built-in sensor is as Figure 2 shown. The geometric parameters such as the inner diameter, outer diameter and thickness of the inner lining layer and the compensation reinforcement layer required for modeling, and the diameters of the aramid rope and the sensor are as Figure 6 , Figure 7 shown. The material parameters of each structure model are as Figure 8 shown.

[0044] For the integrated processing process parameter setting of the sensor and the flexible pipe, the winding angle is jointly controlled by the axial displacement speed of the flexible pipe body and the rotation speed of the guide ring. The winding angle is set to α = 35°. According to the inner diameter R = 112 mm of the inner lining layer, the pitch P = 1000 mm is calculated through the formula . Then, when the guide ring rotates one week, the flexible pipe axially displaces 1000 mm, and its winding angle is 35°. The winding speed can be set according to actual needs. In this embodiment, it is preset to 25 s / r. The setting of the tension force can be measured according to the actual processing process. In this embodiment, it is preset to 30 N. The general contact method is adopted during the winding and contact process of the aramid rope and the sensor on the inner lining layer, and the friction coefficient is set to 0.2. The boundary and process parameters are set as Figure 3 shown.

[0045] Use rod elements and solid elements to establish a simulation model for the integrated processing process of the sensor and the flexible pipe as Figure 4 shown. Through simulation calculation, the calculation results of the inner lining layer and the sensor can be obtained as Figure 5 shown. In Figure 5Among them, (a) is the stress distribution of the compensation enhancement layer, (b) is the elongation rate distribution of the sensor, and (c) is the stress distribution of the inner lining layer. By changing the process parameters, the influence of the integrated process under different process conditions on the inner lining layer and the sensor can be obtained, such as Figure 9 shown by changing the tension force and Figure 10 the calculation results of the inner lining layer and the sensor after changing the winding angle as shown, so as to optimize the process.

[0046] The simulation method for the integrated processing technology of the sensor and the flexible pipe of the present invention simulates the influence of the integrated processing process on the performance of the sensor and the structural strength performance of the flexible pipe, and further guides and optimizes the integrated processing technology.

[0047] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present invention fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention and their equivalent technologies, the present invention is also intended to include these changes and modifications.

[0048] The above is only the preferred specific embodiment of the present invention, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention, according to the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, makes equivalent substitutions or changes, and all should be covered by the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A simulation method for the integrated processing technology of a sensor and a flexible tube, characterized in that, Including the following steps: Step 1: Determine the arrangement position of the sensor and the processing method of the sensor and the flexible pipe; Step 2: Obtain the structural parameters of the flexible pipe, the structural parameters of the sensor, and the corresponding material parameters; Step 3: Determine the integrated processing process parameters; Step 4: Adopt the finite element method, and use rod elements and solid elements to establish a simulation model for the integrated processing process of the sensor and the flexible pipe; Step 5: Optimize the integrated processing process parameters based on the simulation model; In the above Step 1, the interior of the flexible pipe includes a lining layer, a compensating reinforcement layer, a skeleton layer, a tensile reinforcement layer, and an outer coating layer arranged in sequence from inside to outside. Among them, the specific process of arranging the sensor is as follows: Define the placement position of the sensor in the compensating reinforcement layer; After determining the placement position, define the integrated processing process of the sensor and the flexible pipe: The compensating reinforcement layer is formed by winding multiple aramid ropes around the lining layer. The sensor replaces one or more of the aramid ropes and winds around the lining layer together with the remaining aramid ropes through a winding machine to form a compensating reinforcement layer with an embedded sensor.

2. The simulation method for the integrated processing technology of a sensor and a flexible tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the above Step 2, the structural parameters of the flexible pipe include the inner diameter, outer diameter, and thickness of each layer of the pipe body structure; the structural parameters of the sensor include the fiber optic size and the cross-sectional sizes of each coating layer; the material parameters include the density, elastic modulus, Poisson's ratio, and ultimate strength of the materials composing the flexible pipe and the sensor.

3. A simulation method for the integrated processing technology of a sensor and a flexible tube according to claim 2, characterized in that In the above Step 3, the integrated processing process parameters include the winding angles, winding speeds, and tension forces of the sensor and the aramid ropes.

4. A simulation method for the integrated processing technology of a sensor and a flexible tube according to claim 3, characterized in that, In the above Step 4, use the abaqus software for finite element simulation. Use rod elements to simulate the mechanical properties of the aramid ropes and the sensor, use solid elements to establish a model of the lining layer in the flexible pipe, apply the corresponding process parameters and boundary conditions, and complete the construction of the simulation model for the integrated processing process of the sensor and the flexible pipe.

5. A simulation method for the integrated processing technology of a sensor and a flexible tube according to claim 4, characterized in that, In the above Step 5, the specific process of optimizing the integrated processing process parameters is as follows: Based on the simulation model, by continuously adjusting the processing process parameters, calculate the stress and strain results of the lining layer, aramid ropes, and sensor during the processing process. Through the feedback of the simulation calculation data, optimize the processing process parameters.

Citation Information

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