Underwater pressure compensator

Abstract

The invention discloses an underwater pressure compensator which comprises an upper transparent liquid storage shell and a lower transparent liquid storage shell, the upper transparent liquid storage shell is connected with the lower transparent liquid storage shell through a sealing flange, an end cover plate is arranged on the upper transparent liquid storage shell, and a position sensor is connected to the end cover plate. The end, away from the sealing flange, of the lower transparent liquid storage shell is embedded into the base plate, the end cover plate is connected with a pull rod, the pull rod penetrates through the sealing flange to be connected to the base plate, sensor shells are arranged in the upper transparent liquid storage shell and the lower transparent liquid storage shell, and the sensor shells are sleeved with springs. The underwater pressure compensator is large in capacity and can also be used as an oil tank of a hydraulic system of underwater equipment, the liquid storage shell is made of corrosion-resistant and transparent acrylic materials, and visual inspection can be conducted on the quality of added liquid; the compensator is simple in structure and easy to install and maintain, has high-pressure automatic pressure relief and exhaust functions, and can effectively protect the compensator and a shell connected with the compensator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of marine equipment industry, and in particular relates to an underwater pressure compensator. Background Art

[0002] Underwater engineering construction, oil and gas resource development, scientific research and other fields require the application of professional underwater equipment, such as ROV, underwater trenchers and other equipment. At present, there are two main types of pressure-resistant designs for underwater equipment: one relies on the strength of the shell material to resist external water pressure, with low-pressure gas inside, and the shell is under pressure on one side. This type of shell is generally a cylindrical structure; the other is to fill the shell with liquid, a common liquid is insulating hydraulic oil, to keep the internal pressure of the shell synchronized with the external environmental water pressure, and both sides of the shell are under the same pressure. This type of shell is generally a cubic structure.

[0003] These devices will face many challenges when used in complex underwater environments, such as: (1) high water pressure. The water pressure in the deep sea increases dramatically with depth and may reach extremely high levels. Underwater equipment needs to be able to withstand this pressure, otherwise it may be damaged. (2) Depth changes. During underwater work, the equipment needs to operate at different depths. The change in depth causes the water pressure on the entire equipment to change rapidly, which places strict requirements on the equipment components and its overall performance.

[0004] Therefore, it is urgent to design an underwater pressure compensator to solve the above-mentioned problems of isolating seawater and balancing seawater pressure. Summary of the invention

[0005] In order to solve the technical problem mentioned in the background technology that the underwater equipment needs to be able to withstand such pressure, otherwise it may be damaged, an underwater pressure compensator is provided to solve the problem of isolating seawater and balancing seawater pressure.

[0006] To achieve the above purpose, the specific technical solution of the underwater pressure compensator of the present invention is as follows: An underwater pressure compensator comprises an upper transparent liquid storage shell and a lower transparent liquid storage shell. The upper transparent liquid storage shell is connected to the lower transparent liquid storage shell via a sealing flange. An end cover is provided on the upper transparent liquid storage shell, and a position sensor is connected to the end cover. An end of the lower transparent liquid storage shell away from the sealing flange is embedded in a chassis, and a pull rod is connected to the end cover, which passes through the sealing flange and is connected to the chassis. Sensor shells are provided in the upper transparent liquid storage shell and the lower transparent liquid storage shell, and a spring is sleeved on the sensor shell.

[0007] Furthermore, the sensor housing is connected to the end cover plate by installing fixing bolts, and a magnet ring is arranged in the sensor housing.

[0008] Furthermore, a pressure relief valve and an exhaust valve are provided on the end cover plate, and the end cover plate is connected to the compensation liquid interface of the underwater equipment housing.

[0009] Furthermore, a position sensor is provided at the center of the end cover plate, and the position sensor cooperates with the magnet ring to monitor the change of the liquid level.

[0010] Furthermore, the upper transparent liquid storage shell is fixedly connected to the end cover plate by installing bolts, and one end of the upper transparent liquid storage shell away from the end cover plate is fixedly connected to the sealing flange.

[0011] Furthermore, a lower transparent liquid storage shell is embedded in the sealing flange, and one end of the lower transparent liquid storage shell away from the sealing flange is embedded in the chassis.

[0012] Furthermore, a plunger is arranged in the upper transparent liquid storage shell, a diaphragm is sleeved on the plunger, and the edge of the diaphragm is filled in the sealing groove of the sealing flange.

[0013] Furthermore, the end cover plate is fixed to the plunger by installing fixing bolts, so that the diaphragm plate, the diaphragm and the sensor housing are fixed to the plunger, a plunger sealing ring is provided between the diaphragm and the plunger, and a cover plate sealing ring is provided between the plunger and the sensor housing.

[0014] Furthermore, one end of the spring is pushed into the interior of the plunger, and the end of the spring away from the plunger is embedded in the slot of the chassis.

[0015] Furthermore, an end cover sealing ring is provided between the end cover plate and the upper transparent liquid storage shell.

[0016] The underwater pressure compensator of the present invention has the following advantages: The compensator design can be adapted to various underwater equipment such as underwater robots ROVs and trenchers, providing a customized solution. The volume size can be adjusted according to the needs. The upper end cover can be installed with a variety of hydraulic joints. The interface form is variable and can connect multiple shells that need to be compensated to meet the needs of various usage scenarios. It has a dynamic compensation function, and always keeps the internal pressure of the connected shell slightly higher than the external environment. The external environment liquid will not invade the shell connected to the compensator of the present invention. This application has a large capacity and can also be used as an oil tank for the hydraulic system of underwater equipment. The liquid storage shell is made of corrosion-resistant and transparent acrylic material, and the quality of the installed liquid can be visually inspected. It is easy to install and maintain, and has high-pressure automatic pressure relief and exhaust functions, which can effectively protect the compensator and the connected shell. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 It is a front view of the underwater pressure compensator of the present invention; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the underwater pressure compensator of the present invention; Figure 3A partial cross-sectional view of the diaphragm installation of the underwater pressure compensator of the present invention; Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the liquid filling posture of the underwater pressure compensator of the present invention.

[0018] Description of the markings in the figure: 1. Exhaust valve; 2. Pressure relief valve; 3. End cover; 4. Upper transparent liquid storage shell; 5. Sealing flange; 6. Lower transparent liquid storage shell; 7. Chassis; 8. Diaphragm; 9. Pull rod; 10. Sensor shell; 11. Cover seal; 12. Plunger; 13. Diaphragm plate; 14. End cover seal; 15. Spring; 16. Position sensor; 17. Mounting bolts; 18. Plunger seal; 19. Magnet ring; 20. Mounting bolts; 21. Center hole. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solution in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, although some embodiments herein include certain features included in other embodiments but not other features, the combination of features of different embodiments is meant to be within the scope of the present invention and form different embodiments. For example, in the claims, any one of the claimed embodiments may be used in any combination.

[0021] Please refer to the attached Figure 1 To Attachment Figure 4 A subsea pressure compensator of the present invention is described.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, the underwater pressure compensator in the present invention includes an upper transparent liquid storage shell 4 and a lower transparent liquid storage shell 6. The upper transparent liquid storage shell 4 is connected to the lower transparent liquid storage shell 6 through a sealing flange 5. An end cover plate 3 is provided on the upper transparent liquid storage shell 4, and a position sensor 16 is connected to the end cover plate 3. The end of the lower transparent liquid storage shell 6 away from the sealing flange 5 is embedded in the chassis 7. A pull rod 9 is connected to the end cover plate 3, and the pull rod 9 passes through the sealing flange 5 and is connected to the chassis 7. A sensor housing 10 is provided in the upper transparent liquid storage shell 4 and the lower transparent liquid storage shell 6, and a spring 15 is sleeved on the sensor housing 10.

[0023] The compensator design can be adapted to various underwater equipment such as underwater robots (ROVs) and trenchers, providing a customized solution. The volume size can be adjusted according to the design needs. The upper end cover can be installed with a variety of hydraulic joints. The interface form is variable and can be connected to multiple shells that need to be compensated to meet the needs of various usage scenarios. It has a dynamic compensation function, and always keeps the internal pressure of the connected shell slightly higher than the external environment pressure, and the external environment liquid will not invade the shell connected to the compensator of the present invention.

[0024] This application has a large capacity and can also be used as an oil tank for the hydraulic system of underwater equipment. The liquid storage shell is made of corrosion-resistant, transparent acrylic material, which can visually inspect the quality of the added liquid; it is easy to install and maintain, and has high-pressure automatic pressure relief and exhaust functions, which can effectively protect the compensator and the connected shell.

[0025] Further, if Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the sensor housing 10 is connected to the end cover plate 3 by installing fixing bolts 20, and a magnet ring 19 is provided in the sensor housing 10; a pressure relief valve 2 and an exhaust valve 1 are provided on the end cover plate 3, and the end cover plate 3 is connected to the compensation liquid interface of the underwater equipment housing; a position sensor 16 is provided in the center of the end cover plate 3, and the position sensor 16 cooperates with the magnet ring 19 to monitor the liquid level change.

[0026] In this embodiment, the end cover plate 3 is the inlet for the compensator to connect to the compensation liquid of the underwater equipment shell. Preferably, two BSP specification interfaces are pre-installed with a 30Psi pressure relief valve 2 and a 1 / 4" exhaust valve 1; 18 holes are evenly distributed around the end cover plate 3 for connection and fixation with other components, and a position sensor 16 is installed in the center of the end cover plate 3 for monitoring the liquid level of the compensator.

[0027] Further, if Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the upper transparent liquid storage shell 4 is fixedly connected to the end cover plate 3 by installing bolts 17, and the end of the upper transparent liquid storage shell 4 away from the end cover plate 3 is fixedly connected to the sealing flange 5; the lower transparent liquid storage shell 6 is embedded in the sealing flange 5, and the end of the lower transparent liquid storage shell 6 away from the sealing flange 5 is embedded in the chassis 7; a plunger 12 is provided in the upper transparent liquid storage shell 4, and a diaphragm 8 is sleeved on the plunger 12, and the edge of the diaphragm 8 is filled in the sealing groove of the sealing flange 5.

[0028] In this embodiment, preferably, the upper part of the upper transparent liquid storage shell 4 is connected and fixed to the end cover plate 3 by installing bolts 17, and the lower part of the upper transparent liquid storage shell 4 is sealed and fixed to the sealing flange 5 by bolts; the upper part of the lower transparent liquid storage shell 6 is embedded in the sealing flange 5, and the lower part of the lower transparent liquid storage shell 6 is embedded in the chassis 7; the pull rod 9 passes through the lower transparent liquid storage shell 6 and the sealing flange 5, and fixes the chassis 7 and the end cover plate 3 together to form the external main frame structure of the compensator.

[0029] Further, if Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the end cover plate 3 is fixed to the diaphragm plate 13, the diaphragm 8, and the sensor housing 10 on the plunger 12 by installing fixing bolts 20, a plunger sealing ring 18 is provided between the diaphragm 8 and the plunger 12, and a cover plate sealing ring 11 is provided between the plunger 12 and the sensor housing 10; one end of the spring 15 is pushed into the interior of the plunger 12, and the end of the spring 15 away from the plunger 12 is embedded in the card groove of the chassis 7; an end cover sealing ring 14 is provided between the end cover plate 3 and the upper transparent liquid storage housing 4.

[0030] In this embodiment, preferably, the diaphragm 8 is sleeved on the outside of the plunger 12, and the edge protrusion of the diaphragm 8 fills the sealing groove of the sealing flange 5; by installing the fixing bolts 20 and the connection of the end cover plate 3, the diaphragm plate 13, the diaphragm 8, and the sensor housing 10 are fixed on the plunger 12; the upper part of the spring 15 is pushed into the interior of the plunger 12, and the lower part of the spring 15 is embedded in the slot of the chassis 7, so that the elastic compensation function of the compensator is formed by this structure.

[0031] Preferably, the end cover sealing ring 14 and the plunger sealing ring 18 are both O-type, the end cover sealing ring 14 seals the connection between the end cover plate 3 and the upper transparent liquid storage shell 4, and the edge protrusion of the diaphragm 8 seals the connection between the upper transparent liquid storage shell 4 and the sealing flange 5.

[0032] The plunger sealing ring 18 seals the connection between the diaphragm 8 and the plunger 12; the cover sealing ring 11 seals the connection between the sensor housing 10 and the plunger 12. Through these sealing forms, a variable sealed liquid storage cavity of the compensator is formed between the end cover 3, the upper transparent liquid storage housing 4, the diaphragm 8, and the plunger 12.

[0033] The specific implementation steps of the underwater pressure compensator of this application are as follows: When assembling the compensator: 1. Clean all parts and apply silicone oil to all sealing rings; 2. Install the position sensor 16 and the pressure relief valve 2 on the end cover plate 3 and seal the redundant interface; 3. Assemble the diaphragm 8 and the plunger 12, install the plunger sealing ring 18 onto the plunger 12, install two sizes of cover sealing rings 11, and install the magnet ring 19 inside the sensor housing 10; the plunger 12 is inserted into the diaphragm 8, aligning the hole between the diaphragm 8 and the plunger 12, the diaphragm plate 13 presses the diaphragm 8, the sensor housing 10 is inserted into the cavity of the plunger 12, the cover is inserted into and presses the sensor housing 10, and then connected by installing the fixing bolts 20; 4. When assembling the sealed liquid storage cavity, the edge protrusion of the diaphragm 8 is embedded in the sealing groove of the sealing flange 5, and the upper transparent liquid storage shell 4 presses the edge protrusion of the diaphragm 8, aligns the hole position, and is connected by installing bolts 17; the end cover sealing ring 14 is installed in the upper sealing groove of the upper transparent liquid storage shell 4, and the position sensor 16 of the end cover plate 3 is inserted into the sensor housing 10, and the hole position of the pull rod is aligned with the end cover plate 3, and the plunger 12 is retracted into the transparent liquid storage shell to keep the diaphragm 8 without wrinkles, and the connection is achieved by installing the fixing bolts 20; 5. Assemble the whole, the pull rod 9 passes through the chassis 7, and a nut is installed at the end of the pull rod 9 close to the chassis 7, and the spring 15 and the lower transparent liquid storage shell 6 are placed, and enter the groove of the chassis 7; the plunger 12 penetrates the end cover 3, the lower transparent liquid storage shell 6, and the sealing flange 5, and a nut is installed at the end of the pull rod 9 close to the end cover 3; keep the pull rod 9 vertically upward, guide the pull rod 9 into the hole of the sealing flange 5, and the sensor housing 10 enters the middle of the spring 15, and the spring 15 is pushed into the plunger 12; press the end cover 3 downward, the spring 15 contracts, and guide the pull rod 9 to enter the lower transparent liquid storage shell 6, and continue to increase the compression force. After the threaded section of the pull rod 9 protrudes from the end cover 3, fix it with a nut to complete the assembly.

[0034] Add compensation fluid operation: 1. The end cover plate 3 is equipped with a liquid filling port that matches the liquid filling equipment, and the liquid pipeline is connected to the shell that needs to be compensated; 2. Place the compensator horizontally and keep the exhaust valve 1 at the top. It can also be placed vertically, but the center hole 21 of the compensator chassis must be unobstructed. The liquid adding equipment is pressurized, the liquid enters the compensator, the plunger 12 moves toward the chassis 7, the spring 15 is compressed, and the sensor housing 10 extends from the center hole of the chassis 7. After about half of the liquid is added, adjust the compensator posture to allow the air to completely escape from the exhaust valve 1. After the position sensor is connected to the corresponding monitoring equipment, the changes in the liquid level of the compensator can be continuously and dynamically observed during the liquid adding process.

[0035] Based on the underwater pressure compensator, the compensator design can be adapted to various underwater equipment such as underwater robots ROVs and trenchers, providing a customized solution. The volume size can be adjusted according to the needs. The upper end cover can be installed with a variety of hydraulic connectors. The interface form is variable and can connect multiple shells that need to be compensated to meet the needs of various usage scenarios. It has a dynamic compensation function, and always keeps the internal pressure of the connected shell slightly higher than the external environment. The external environment liquid will not invade the shell connected to the compensator of the present invention. This application has a large capacity and can also be used as an oil tank for the hydraulic system of underwater equipment. The liquid storage shell is made of corrosion-resistant and transparent acrylic material, and the quality of the added liquid can be visually inspected. It is easy to install and maintain, and has high-pressure automatic pressure relief and exhaust functions, which can effectively protect the compensator and the connected shell.

[0036] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other different forms of changes or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is not necessary and impossible to list all the embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An underwater pressure compensator, characterized in that: It includes an upper transparent liquid storage shell and a lower transparent liquid storage shell. The upper transparent liquid storage shell is connected to the lower transparent liquid storage shell through a sealing flange. An end cover is provided on the upper transparent liquid storage shell. A position sensor is connected to the end cover. The end of the lower transparent liquid storage shell away from the sealing flange is embedded in the chassis. A pull rod is connected to the end cover. The pull rod passes through the sealing flange and is connected to the chassis. Sensor shells are provided in the upper transparent liquid storage shell and the lower transparent liquid storage shell. A spring is provided on the sensor shell.

2. The underwater pressure compensator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sensor housing is connected to the end cover plate by installing fixing bolts, and a magnet ring is arranged in the sensor housing.

3. The underwater pressure compensator according to claim 1, characterized in that: A pressure relief valve and an exhaust valve are arranged on the end cover plate, and the end cover plate is connected to the compensation liquid interface of the underwater equipment shell.

4. The underwater pressure compensator according to claim 2, characterized in that: A position sensor is provided at the center of the end cover plate, and the position sensor cooperates with the magnet ring to monitor the change of liquid level.

5. The underwater pressure compensator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper transparent liquid storage shell is fixedly connected to the end cover plate by installing bolts, and one end of the upper transparent liquid storage shell away from the end cover plate is fixedly connected to the sealing flange.

6. The underwater pressure compensator according to claim 5, characterized in that: A lower transparent liquid storage shell is embedded on the sealing flange, and one end of the lower transparent liquid storage shell away from the sealing flange is embedded in the chassis.

7. The underwater pressure compensator according to claim 5, characterized in that: A plunger is arranged in the upper transparent liquid storage shell, a diaphragm is sleeved on the plunger, and the edge of the diaphragm is filled in the sealing groove of the sealing flange.

8. The underwater pressure compensator according to claim 5, characterized in that: The end cover plate is fixed to the plunger by installing fixing bolts, so that the diaphragm plate, the diaphragm and the sensor housing are fixed on the plunger. A plunger sealing ring is arranged between the diaphragm and the plunger, and a cover plate sealing ring is arranged between the plunger and the sensor housing.

9. The underwater pressure compensator according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the spring is pushed into the interior of the plunger, and the end of the spring away from the plunger is embedded in the card slot of the chassis.

10. The underwater pressure compensator according to claim 8, characterized in that: An end cover sealing ring is arranged between the end cover plate and the upper transparent liquid storage shell.

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