Submarine pipeline modular backfilling device

Abstract

The invention belongs to the field of ocean engineering, particularly relates to a modularized backfilling device for submarine pipelines, and aims to solve the problem that in the prior art, the application range of a backfilling device is relatively low. The device comprises a suction unit, a main body frame, a conveying pipeline and a sliding shoe structure, the piston shoe structure integrally supports the equipment on a seabed, the main body frame is driven to move through movement of a water surface operation mother ship, the main body frame drives the suction unit, the piston shoe structure and the conveying pipeline to move along the pipe ditch, meanwhile, the suction unit can break open undisturbed soil of the seabed, and the conveying pipeline is driven to move along the pipe ditch. And the crushed soil slurry is discharged into the pipe ditch through the conveying pipeline for backfilling, and finally the backfilling work of the whole submarine pipeline is completed. The device has the advantages of being quick to disassemble, easy and convenient to install and easy to transport, and conversion between a conventional pipe ditch backfilling module and an ultra-wide pipe ditch backfilling module can be quickly completed on a construction site according to actual requirements of different projects.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the field of marine engineering, and in particular relates to a modular backfilling device for a submarine pipeline. Background Art

[0002] Submarine pipelines are the main channels for marine oil and gas transportation. In order to prevent the submarine pipelines from being affected by the natural environment and human activities at sea after laying, it is necessary to dig trenches on the seabed, lower the pipelines into the trenches and backfill them for protection. Conventional trench backfilling methods for submarine pipelines include natural backfilling, artificial backfilling and mechanical backfilling.

[0003] The natural siltation method refers to the soil on both sides of the pipeline trench being continuously displaced under the long-term action of ocean currents and wave forces. As time goes by, the pipeline trench is completely buried by the earthwork brought by the ocean currents, thus achieving natural siltation of the pipeline trench. The natural siltation method usually takes about half a year from the excavation of the pipeline trench to the full siltation and filling. It is time-consuming and has a greater risk of pipeline damage. If the seabed soil in the trench area contains a large amount of sand and gravel, the natural siltation method cannot be used to fill the trench.

[0004] Artificial backfilling refers to the artificial use of sand and stone throwing or covering with cement blocks to bury and protect pipelines. Generally, for areas near the coast where natural backfill is not suitable, artificial backfill materials such as gravel, stones or soil can be used for artificial backfilling; if the speed of the ocean current around the pipeline is high, the soil around the pipeline will be washed away or eddies will be generated near the pipeline, thereby exposing the pipeline. When special treatment is required for the buried pipeline, blocks of stone or special interlocking rows are usually used to cover and protect the pipeline. Under normal circumstances, artificial backfilling is inefficient and costly, and is generally only suitable for the protection of small-scale submarine pipelines in special areas. The artificial backfilling method is not applicable when backfilling large areas of submarine pipelines in high flow rates and deep water environments.

[0005] Mechanical backfilling refers to the use of mechanical equipment to backfill the soil on both sides of the submarine pipeline trench into the trench to complete the pipeline burial. In the prior art, mechanical backfilling is mainly based on plow-type backfilling equipment, which is towed by an engineering ship to operate the backfilling plow. During the movement of the backfilling plow, the plow body shears the backfill on the one hand, and on the other hand, the three-dimensional inner wall with a certain angle on the inside of the plow body pushes the backfill back into the pipeline trench, thereby completing the burial of the pipeline trench. Since the backfilling plow requires the ship to provide a large traction force to complete the soil shearing, it has high requirements for the ship's mooring system, and is limited by its own mechanical structure size. It is generally only suitable for backfilling operations with shallow trench widths of small-diameter submarine pipelines. Based on this, the present invention provides a modular backfilling device for submarine pipelines. Summary of the invention

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem in the prior art, that is, the mechanical backfilling method in the prior art cannot be adaptively adjusted according to the width of submarine pipeline trenches of various diameters, and can only be applied to submarine pipeline trenches of small diameters, thereby reducing the application range of the device, the present invention provides a submarine pipeline modular backfilling device, including: a suction unit, a main frame, a conveying pipeline, and a sliding shoe structure;

[0007] The sliding shoe structure moves along the seabed, the sliding shoe structure is fixed to the main frame, the main frame is connected to the surface operation mother ship, and the surface operation mother ship provides traction for the device;

[0008] The suction unit is fixed to the main frame, and the suction unit is arranged on the side of the pipe trench;

[0009] One end of the delivery pipeline is connected to the suction unit, and the other end of the delivery pipeline is used to deliver the filler into the pipe trench.

[0010] In some preferred embodiments, the suction unit comprises a cutter suction pump and a rotary impeller;

[0011] The cutter suction pump is fixed to the main frame, and the cutter suction pump is sealed and connected to one end of the conveying pipeline;

[0012] The rotary impeller is drivingly connected to a rotary motor, and the rotary motor is fixed to the cutter suction pump.

[0013] In some preferred embodiments, the suction pump, the rotary impeller, and the conveying pipeline are evenly distributed in at least one group on the main frame.

[0014] In some preferred embodiments, the main frame is assembled from a plurality of connecting rods that are detachably fixedly connected to each other.

[0015] In some preferred embodiments, the suction pump and the rotary motor are both controlled by an underwater cable.

[0016] In some preferred embodiments, a lifting lug is fixed above the main frame, and the lifting lug is connected to a surface operation mother ship.

[0017] In some preferred embodiments, the sliding shoe structures are symmetrically arranged in two groups along the center of the main frame.

[0018] Beneficial effects of the present invention:

[0019] The present invention uses a suction pump group to take soil on the seabed outside the trench, and transports the soil to the inside of the trench through a delivery pipeline to complete the backfilling of the submarine pipeline. The overall structure adopts a modular design, which can adapt to different trench widths and is suitable for geological soils such as silt, silt and clay. It has low construction costs, high soil utilization rate, and will not pollute the marine environment. It effectively solves the technical problem of backfilling the original soil of submarine pipelines in a variety of geological soils under high flow rate, deep water and large trench width environments.

[0020] The present invention uses a mechanical suction pump and a rotating impeller combination to break and extract the original soil of the seabed to complete the original soil backfill of the submarine trench. The soil breaking strength can reach 30kPa, the maximum head can reach 40m, and the backfill speed can reach 3km / d. The equipment has a high soil utilization rate and has little impact on the marine ecological environment. It is suitable for geological soil conditions such as silt, silt and clay. The overall structure of the equipment adopts a modular design, which has the advantages of quick disassembly, easy installation and easy transportation. According to the actual needs of different projects, the conversion of conventional trenches and ultra-wide trench backfill modules can be quickly completed at the construction site, effectively solving the technical problem of original soil backfill of ultra-wide trenches (trench width ≥ 10m) under high flow rate conditions in shallow and near-shore waters. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Other features, objects and advantages of the present application will become more apparent by reading the detailed description of non-limiting embodiments made with reference to the following drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 is an axonometric diagram of a first embodiment of a modular backfill device for a submarine pipeline according to the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 It is an axonometric diagram of a second embodiment of a modular backfilling device for a submarine pipeline according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The present application will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It is to be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the relevant invention, rather than to limit the invention. It is also necessary to explain that, for ease of description, only the parts related to the relevant invention are shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0025] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present application can be combined with each other. The present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in combination with the embodiments.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, the first embodiment of the present invention is a modular backfill device for submarine pipelines, comprising: a suction unit 1, a main frame 2, a conveying pipeline 3, and a sliding shoe structure 4;

[0027] The sliding shoe structure 4 moves along the seabed, the sliding shoe structure 4 is fixed to the main frame 2, the main frame 2 is connected to the surface operation mother ship, and the surface operation mother ship provides traction for the device;

[0028] The suction unit 1 is fixed to the main frame 2, and the suction unit 1 is arranged on the side of the pipe trench;

[0029] One end of the delivery pipeline 3 is connected to the suction unit 1 , and the other end of the delivery pipeline 3 is used to deliver the filler into the pipe trench.

[0030] When the present invention is in use, after the deck assembly and debugging of the surface support vessel are completed, the equipment is lowered into the water by a crane, and the sliding shoe structures 4 on both sides support the equipment as a whole on the seabed, the suction unit 1 is energized, and the main frame 2 is driven to move by the movement of the surface operation mother ship, and the main frame 2 drives the suction unit 1, the sliding shoe structure 4, and the conveying pipeline 3 to move along the trench. At the same time, the suction unit 1 can break the original soil of the seabed, and discharge the broken soil slurry into the trench through the conveying pipeline 3 for backfilling, thereby finally completing the backfilling work of the entire submarine pipeline.

[0031] Among them, in this embodiment, the middle part of the main frame 2 is located directly above the trench, and the middle part of the main frame 2 is hollowed out to facilitate the filling material to fall into the trench. The suction unit 1 is arranged on the left and right sides of the trench. This embodiment is used for backfilling trenches of conventional sizes for submarine pipelines.

[0032] Wherein, by providing the sliding shoe structure 4, the friction between the device and the seabed can be reduced when the device moves, so that the device can always move along the trench.

[0033] Preferably, see Figure 1 , the suction unit 1 comprises a cutter suction pump 11 and a rotary impeller 12;

[0034] The cutter suction pump 11 is fixed to the main frame 2, and the cutter suction pump 11 is sealed and connected to one end of the conveying pipeline 3;

[0035] The rotary impeller 12 is drivingly connected to a rotary motor, and the rotary motor is fixed to the cutter suction pump 11 .

[0036] The cutter suction pump 11 and the rotary motor may be provided in multiple groups on the cutter suction pump 11 . In the present embodiment, two groups are provided on the cutter suction pump 11 .

[0037] The present invention breaks up the original soil of the seabed through the cutter suction pump 11, and the rotary impellers 12 added on both sides can increase the breaking area and efficiency.

[0038] Preferably, see Figure 1 The suction pump 11 , the rotary impeller 12 , and the conveying pipeline 3 are evenly distributed in at least one group on the main frame 2 .

[0039] The present invention can improve the filling efficiency and filling effect by arranging multiple groups of the suction pumps 11, the rotary impellers 12, and the conveying pipelines 3.

[0040] Among them, in this embodiment, the suction pump 11, the rotary impeller 12, and the conveying pipeline 3 are evenly distributed in 4 groups on the main frame 2, two of which are arranged on the left side of the trench, and the other two are arranged on the right side of the trench.

[0041] Preferably, see Figure 1 The main frame 2 is assembled from a plurality of connecting rods that are detachably fixed to each other.

[0042] The main frame 2 composed of the connecting rods of the present invention can be made highly maneuverable and can be assembled in different shapes according to different needs, thereby completing operations in different modes.

[0043] Preferably, see Figure 1 The suction pump 11 and the rotary motor are both controlled by underwater cables.

[0044] Preferably, see Figure 1 A lifting lug 5 is fixed above the main frame 2, and the lifting lug 5 is connected to the surface operation mother ship.

[0045] The present invention can facilitate the connection between the surface operation mother ship and the main frame 2 through the above content.

[0046] Preferably, see Figure 1 The lifting ears 5 are evenly distributed in multiple groups along the end points above the main frame 2.

[0047] The present invention can make the device more stable when moving by providing multiple groups of lifting ears 5.

[0048] Preferably, see Figure 1 The sliding shoe structures 4 are symmetrically arranged in two groups along the center of the main frame 2.

[0049] The present invention can increase the stability of the device when it moves as a whole through the above contents.

[0050] In this embodiment, two groups of the sliding shoe structures 4 are respectively arranged on both sides of the pipe trench.

[0051] like Figure 2As shown, the second embodiment of the present invention is a modular backfill device for submarine pipelines, comprising: a suction unit 1, a main frame 2, a conveying pipeline 3, and a sliding shoe structure 4;

[0052] The sliding shoe structure 4 moves along the seabed, the sliding shoe structure 4 is fixed to the main frame 2, the main frame 2 is connected to the surface operation mother ship, and the surface operation mother ship provides traction for the device;

[0053] The suction unit 1 is fixed to the main frame 2, and the suction unit 1 is arranged on the side of the pipe trench;

[0054] One end of the delivery pipeline 3 is connected to the suction unit 1 , and the other end of the delivery pipeline 3 is used to deliver the filler into the pipe trench.

[0055] When the present invention is in use, after the deck assembly and debugging of the surface support vessel are completed, the equipment is lowered into the water by a crane, and the equipment is supported as a whole on the seabed by the sliding shoe structures on both sides, the suction unit 1 is energized, and the main frame 2 is driven to move by the movement of the surface operation mother ship, and the main frame 2 drives the suction unit 1, the sliding shoe structure 4, and the conveying pipeline 3 to move along the trench. At the same time, the suction unit 1 can break the original soil of the seabed, and discharge the broken soil slurry into the trench through the conveying pipeline 3 for backfilling, thereby finally completing the backfilling work of the entire submarine pipeline.

[0056] Among them, in this embodiment, the device is entirely arranged on a single side of the trench. This embodiment is used for backfilling of extra-wide trenches, and the conveying pipeline 3 is fixed to the main frame 2 through support rods.

[0057] Wherein, by providing the sliding shoe structure 4, the friction between the device and the seabed can be reduced when the device moves, so that the device can always move along the trench.

[0058] Preferably, see Figure 2 , the suction unit 1 comprises a cutter suction pump 11 and a rotary impeller 12;

[0059] The cutter suction pump 11 is fixed to the main frame 2, and the cutter suction pump 11 is sealed and connected to one end of the conveying pipeline 3;

[0060] The rotary impeller 12 is drivingly connected to a rotary motor, and the rotary motor is fixed to the cutter suction pump 11 .

[0061] The cutter suction pump 11 and the rotary motor may be provided in multiple groups on the cutter suction pump 11 . In the present embodiment, two groups are provided on the cutter suction pump 11 .

[0062] The present invention breaks up the original soil of the seabed through the cutter suction pump 11, and the rotary impellers 12 added on both sides can increase the breaking area and efficiency.

[0063] Preferably, see Figure 2 The suction pump 11 , the rotary impeller 12 , and the conveying pipeline 3 are evenly distributed in at least one group on the main frame 2 .

[0064] The present invention can improve the filling efficiency and filling effect by arranging multiple groups of the suction pumps 11, the rotary impellers 12, and the conveying pipelines 3.

[0065] Preferably, see Figure 2 The main frame 2 is assembled from a plurality of connecting rods that are detachably fixed to each other.

[0066] The main frame 2 composed of the connecting rods of the present invention can be made highly maneuverable and can be assembled in different shapes according to different needs, thereby completing operations in different modes.

[0067] Preferably, see Figure 2 The suction pump 11 and the rotary motor are both controlled by underwater cables.

[0068] Preferably, see Figure 2 A lifting lug 5 is fixed above the main frame 2, and the lifting lug 5 is connected to the surface operation mother ship.

[0069] The present invention can facilitate the connection between the surface operation mother ship and the main frame 2 through the above content.

[0070] Preferably, see Figure 2 The lifting ears 5 are evenly distributed in multiple groups along the end points above the main frame 2.

[0071] The present invention can make the device more stable when moving by providing multiple groups of lifting ears 5.

[0072] Preferably, see Figure 2 The sliding shoe structures 4 are symmetrically arranged in two groups along the center of the main frame 2.

[0073] The present invention can increase the stability of the device when it moves as a whole through the above contents.

[0074] In this embodiment, the two groups of sliding shoe structures 4 are both arranged on a single side of the pipe trench.

[0075] The terms "first", "second", etc. are used to distinguish similar objects rather than to describe or indicate a particular order or sequence.

[0076] The term "comprise" or any other similar term is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus / device that includes a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus / device.

[0077] So far, the technical solutions of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it is easy for those skilled in the art to understand that the protection scope of the present invention is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principle of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after these changes or substitutions will fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A modular backfill device for submarine pipelines, characterized in that: It comprises a suction unit (1), a main frame (2), a delivery pipeline (3), and a sliding shoe structure (4); The sliding shoe structure (4) moves along the seabed, the sliding shoe structure (4) is fixed to the main frame (2), the main frame (2) is connected to the surface operation mother ship, and the surface operation mother ship provides traction for the device; The suction unit (1) is fixed to the main frame (2), and the suction unit (1) is arranged on the side of the pipe trench; One end of the delivery pipeline (3) is connected to the suction unit (1), and the other end of the delivery pipeline (3) is used to deliver the filler into the pipe trench.

2. A modular backfilling device for submarine pipelines according to claim 1, characterized in that: The suction unit (1) comprises a suction pump (11) and a rotary impeller (12); The cutter suction pump (11) is fixed to the main frame (2), and the cutter suction pump (11) is sealedly connected to one end of the conveying pipeline (3); The rotary impeller (12) is drivingly connected to a rotary motor, and the rotary motor is fixed to the cutter suction pump (11).

3. A modular backfilling device for submarine pipelines according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cutter suction pump (11), the rotary impeller (12), and the conveying pipeline (3) are evenly distributed in at least one group on the main frame (2).

4. A modular backfilling device for submarine pipelines according to claim 3, characterized in that: The main frame (2) is assembled from a plurality of connecting rods which are detachably fixedly connected to each other.

5. The modular backfilling device for submarine pipelines according to claim 4, characterized in that: The suction pump (11) and the rotary motor are both controlled by underwater cables.

6. A modular backfilling device for submarine pipelines according to claim 5, characterized in that: A lifting lug (5) is fixed above the main frame (2), and the lifting lug (5) is connected to a mother ship for surface operations.

7. A modular backfilling device for submarine pipelines according to claim 6, characterized in that: The lifting ears (5) are evenly distributed in multiple groups along the end points above the main frame (2).

8. The modular backfilling device for submarine pipelines according to claim 6, characterized in that: The sliding shoe structures (4) are symmetrically arranged in two groups along the center of the main frame (2).

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