Automatic ball throwing and collecting device for natural gas gathering and transportation pipeline pigging

Abstract

The invention discloses an automatic ball throwing and collecting device for natural gas gathering and transportation pipeline pigging. The automatic ball throwing and collecting device comprises a ball throwing part and a ball collecting part. The ball throwing part comprises a ball storage barrel and a first driving assembly, and the ball storage barrel is communicated with a medium pipeline through a pipeline; the first driving assembly is used for pushing the spherical pig in the spherical pig storage barrel into the medium pipeline; the ball receiving part comprises a ball receiving box, a second driving assembly and an incoming ball detection mechanism; the ball receiving box is communicated with the medium pipeline through a pipeline; the incoming ball detection mechanism is used for detecting the position of the spherical pig in the medium pipeline; and the second driving assembly is used for pushing the spherical pig in the medium pipeline into the spherical pig receiving box. By the adoption of the scheme, manual intervention is not needed, and the system remotely controls pigging ball serving and ball receiving, so that pigging operation efficiency is improved, the labor intensity of workers is relieved, safety risks are reduced, the intelligent management level of pigging operation is improved, and unattended management work of a gas reservoir development station is supported.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of natural gas pipeline gathering and transportation, and in particular to an automatic ball throwing and collecting device for pigging a natural gas gathering and transportation pipeline. Background Art

[0002] To remove debris, accumulated liquid, and contaminants from natural gas pipelines, improve gas transmission efficiency, reduce corrosion on pipeline walls, and extend pipeline service life, regular pigging of natural gas gathering and transmission pipelines is required to ensure efficient operation. Furthermore, with the gradual increase in water production in the later stages of gas reservoirs and the commissioning of new areas, the frequency of pigging will increase further.

[0003] At present, the natural gas gathering and transmission network pigging device generally adopts the pigging valve device. The device installation is shown in the attached figure of the instruction manual. Figure 1 The existing pigging operation requires employees to go to each single well station for on-site operation. They manually switch the pigging device multiple times to insert and remove the pig. The natural gas flow pushes the pig to carry the dirt in the pipeline to the downstream gas gathering station for unified treatment. This operation process has the following problems:

[0004] 1) Each operation requires manual process switching, with more than 30 steps. The pigging work is tedious, labor-intensive, and costly.

[0005] 2) Natural gas gathering and transmission pipelines transport flammable and explosive media, and some pipelines have high pressures and contain sulfur. Frequent opening of equipment for pigging operations poses a high safety risk.

[0006] 3) Pigging operation requires opening the pig valve to release the natural gas in the valve cavity, resulting in waste of natural gas resources and environmental pollution;

[0007] 4) Currently, gas reservoirs generally adopt the "central well station + unmanned mode". The existing pipe cleaning operation mode requires central well station employees to go to each single well station to perform related operations, which is not conducive to unmanned management of the station. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention aims to address the deficiencies of the prior art and to provide an automatic ball launching and collecting device for natural gas gathering and transmission pipeline cleaning, thereby realizing remote control of ball launching and collecting in the pipeline without the need for human intervention, thereby improving the efficiency of the pipeline cleaning operation, reducing the labor intensity of employees, lowering safety risks, and enhancing the intelligent management level of the pipeline cleaning operation, thus supporting unmanned station management of gas reservoirs.

[0009] The present invention is achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0010] An automatic ball throwing and collecting device for pigging a natural gas gathering and transmission pipeline comprises a ball throwing part and a ball collecting part;

[0011] The ball throwing part includes a ball storage bucket and a first drive assembly. The ball storage bucket is connected to the medium pipeline through a pipe; the first drive assembly is used to push the pipe cleaning ball in the ball storage bucket into the medium pipeline;

[0012] The ball receiving part includes a ball receiving box, a second drive assembly and an incoming ball detection mechanism. The ball receiving box is connected to the medium pipeline through a pipe; the incoming ball detection mechanism is used to detect the position of the pipe cleaning ball in the medium pipeline; the second drive assembly is used to push the pipe cleaning ball in the medium pipeline into the ball receiving box.

[0013] Compared with the existing technology, each operation of the cleaning ball requires manual reversal of the process, and the equipment must be opened frequently for cleaning operations, which poses a high safety risk. The natural gas in the valve cavity is vented, which also causes waste of natural gas resources and environmental pollution. The present invention provides an automatic ball launching and collecting device for cleaning natural gas gathering and transmission pipelines, so that the system remotely controls the launching and collecting of cleaning balls without manual intervention, thereby improving the efficiency of cleaning operations, reducing the labor intensity of employees, reducing safety risks, and improving the intelligent management level of cleaning operations, supporting unmanned site management of gas reservoirs. The specific scheme includes a ball throwing part and a ball receiving part. The pipe cleaning ball thrown by the ball throwing part is an interference fit rubber ball, the diameter of which is larger than the inner diameter of the medium pipeline. The interference fit ball can thoroughly remove water and other impurities in the pipeline; the ball throwing part includes a ball storage bucket and a first drive component. The pipe cleaning ball is located in the ball contact bucket. When pipe cleaning is required, the first drive component is started to push the pipe cleaning ball into the medium pipeline. At this time, the pipe cleaning ball moves along the medium pipeline under the push of the medium to clean the pipe; and the ball receiving part is located at the downstream pipeline. When the ball detection mechanism detects that the pipe cleaning ball has reached the specified position, the second drive component is started to push the pipe cleaning ball out of the medium pipeline and into the ball receiving box to complete the pipe cleaning work; in addition, a control component is also included, and the operation of each part is controlled by the control component, so that the system can remotely control the pipe cleaning ball launching and collecting, improve the efficiency of pipe cleaning operations, reduce the labor intensity of employees, and reduce safety risks.

[0014] In order to optimize the automatic pipe feeding stroke of the pipe cleaning ball, the first driving assembly includes a first telescopic mechanism and a horizontal branch pipe, and the horizontal branch pipe is connected to the medium pipeline; the output end of the first telescopic mechanism is provided with a horizontal piston adapted to the inner diameter of the horizontal branch pipe, and the horizontal piston is located in the horizontal branch pipe and can move along the length direction of the horizontal branch pipe; the opening end of the ball storage barrel faces downward and is connected to the upper side wall of the horizontal branch pipe; the movement of the horizontal piston along the length direction of the horizontal branch pipe is used to close or open the opening of the ball storage barrel through its own side wall. In this solution, there is also a horizontal branch pipe. The first telescopic mechanism adopts a linear drive motor and is arranged at the end of the horizontal branch pipe. The horizontal piston at its output end extends into the horizontal branch pipe; the ball storage barrel is inverted with its open end facing downward. When the side wall of the horizontal piston closes the opening of the ball storage barrel, the pipe cleaning ball is located on the side wall of the horizontal piston under the action of its own gravity; when pipe cleaning is required, the horizontal piston is retracted to move the horizontal piston back to open the opening of the ball storage barrel. At this time, the pipe cleaning ball falls into the horizontal branch pipe under the action of its own gravity, and then the horizontal piston is extended to push the pipe cleaning ball into the medium pipeline through the horizontal piston to improve the automation stroke.

[0015] In order to avoid medium leakage and improve the sealing effect, the first drive assembly also includes a second telescopic mechanism and a vertical branch pipe. The end of the horizontal branch pipe away from the first telescopic mechanism is connected to the side wall of the vertical branch pipe, and the lower end of the vertical branch pipe is connected to the medium pipeline; the output end of the second telescopic mechanism is provided with a vertical piston adapted to the inner diameter of the vertical branch pipe, and the vertical piston is located in the vertical branch pipe and can move along the length direction of the vertical branch pipe; the movement of the vertical piston along the length direction of the vertical branch pipe is used to close or open the opening at one end of the horizontal branch pipe through its own side wall. In this solution, a vertical branch is also provided. The second telescopic mechanism adopts a linear drive motor and is arranged at the upper end of the vertical branch. The vertical piston at its output end extends into the vertical branch. Under normal working conditions, the vertical piston closes the opening of the horizontal branch. When cleaning is required, the cleaning ball is first pushed to the vertical piston through the stroke of the horizontal piston, and then the vertical piston is retracted to open the side wall of the horizontal branch. After opening, the horizontal piston is driven to push the cleaning ball into the vertical branch, and finally the vertical piston is extended to push the cleaning ball into the medium pipeline. The mutual cooperation between the above-mentioned horizontal piston and the vertical piston can prevent the medium from entering the ball storage barrel, thereby avoiding medium leakage. In addition, special sealing rings are used at both the horizontal piston and the vertical piston to ensure that the piston is sealed and leak-free during the movement process, thereby improving the sealing effect.

[0016] To facilitate the pressing of the pipe cleaning ball into the medium pipeline, the medium pipeline includes a right-angle pipe, and the ball-throwing part is arranged at the right-angle pipe; the vertical pipeline in the right-angle pipe and the vertical branch pipe are coaxially arranged, and the lower end of the vertical branch pipe is connected to the upper end of the vertical pipeline. In this solution, a right-angle pipe, i.e., a right-angle elbow, is arranged between the medium inlet pipeline and the medium outlet pipeline. One branch pipe of the right-angle pipe is horizontal, and the other branch pipe is vertical. The lower end of the vertical branch pipe is connected to the upper side of the right-angle pipe. Therefore, the pipe cleaning ball can be pressed into the medium outlet pipeline through the right-angle pipe through the vertical piston, which can force the pipe cleaning ball and the medium outlet pipeline to form an effective seal, actively forming a medium pressure difference on both sides of the pipe cleaning ball, and the medium pressure difference drives the pipe cleaning ball to move in the pipeline to clean the pipe.

[0017] Further solutions:

[0018] As a specific implementation of the ball collecting part, the second driving assembly includes a piston cylinder and a third telescopic mechanism, and the middle part of the piston cylinder is cross-connected with the medium pipeline; the piston cylinder includes a first sub-piston cylinder and a second sub-piston cylinder respectively arranged on both sides of the medium pipeline, the end of the first sub-piston cylinder away from the medium pipeline is connected to the interior of the ball collecting box, and the end of the second sub-piston cylinder away from the medium pipeline is connected to the third telescopic mechanism; the output end of the third telescopic mechanism is provided with a movable piston adapted to the inner diameter of the piston cylinder, and the movable piston is located in the piston cylinder and can move along the length direction of the piston cylinder; the movement of the movable piston along the length direction of the piston cylinder is used to push the pipe cleaning ball at the intersection of the piston cylinder and the medium pipeline into the ball collecting box. In this solution, the first sub-piston cylinder and the second sub-piston cylinder are respectively arranged on both sides of the medium pipeline and are connected to each other, that is, forming a cross channel with the medium pipeline. The third telescopic mechanism adopts a linear drive motor and is arranged at the end of the second sub-piston cylinder. The movable piston at its output end extends into the second sub-piston cylinder; and the ball receiving box is arranged at the end of the first sub-piston cylinder. When the pipe cleaning ball moves from the upstream pipeline to the intersection position, the movable piston is driven to extend and push the pipe cleaning ball into the first sub-piston cylinder, and then further pushed into the ball receiving box, thereby automatically completing the collection of the pipe cleaning ball.

[0019] In order to limit the pipe cleaning ball to the intersection position, the intersection of the piston cylinder and the medium pipeline is provided with a ball stopper at one end close to the gas outlet pipeline.

[0020] In order to shorten the stroke of the moving piston and realize the rapid ejection of the pipe cleaning ball, the inner side of the piston cylinder is also provided with an inner cylinder body with a coaxial sliding connection, and the inner cylinder body can slide along the length direction of the piston cylinder; one end of the inner cylinder body extends into the first sub-piston cylinder and is connected to the moving piston; the other end of the inner cylinder body extends into the second sub-piston cylinder; the inner cylinder body located at the intersection is provided with a through hole for the pipe cleaning ball to enter and exit; the incoming ball detection mechanism is arranged inside the other end of the inner cylinder body, and the incoming ball detection mechanism includes a proximity switch and a retractable touch ball head, the ball head part of the touch ball head extends into the medium pipeline; the retraction of the touch ball head is used to trigger the proximity switch, and the proximity switch is used to control the retraction of the third retractable mechanism. When the cam is in the air, the piston is moved in a direction of rotation and the piston retracts, and the cam is pressed downwards to push the cam into the air-conditioning valve, and the cam is pressed downwards to stop the cam from sliding back into the air-conditioning valve.

[0021] As a specific implementation method of touching the proximity switch, the incoming ball detection mechanism also includes a piston rod and a hinge plate, the piston rod is slidably arranged inside the inner cylinder and can slide along the length direction of the inner cylinder; the touch ball head is located at one end of the piston rod, and the other end of the piston rod extends out of the other end of the inner cylinder; the other end of the piston rod is sequentially sleeved with a push plate and an end plate in the direction away from the inner cylinder; the hinge plate and the proximity switch are both arranged at the other end of the inner cylinder, the hinge plate is located between the push plate and the end plate, and a return spring is provided between the hinge plate and the end plate; one end of the hinge plate is hinged to the end of the inner cylinder, and the rotation of the other end of the hinge plate is used to trigger the proximity switch; the partial projection of the push plate along the axis of the piston rod falls on the hinge plate. In this solution, the piston rod can slide in the inner cylinder. When the pipe cleaning ball squeezes and pushes the ball head, the piston rod moves toward the ball receiving box. Since the lower end of the hinged plate is hinged to the end of the inner cylinder by a pin shaft, the upper end of the hinged plate can rotate around the lower end, and its rotation direction is along the axis of the inner cylinder; in addition, the projection of the push plate along the axis of the piston rod falls on the hinge plate, so the movement of the push plate can push the hinge plate to rotate. Since the contact of the proximity switch is located within the rotation range of the other end of the hinge plate, the rotation of the other end of the hinge plate can trigger the proximity switch, so that it senses and controls the third telescopic mechanism to realize the pushing stroke; since there is a reset spring between the hinge plate and the end plate, the hinge plate is reset under the elastic force of the reset spring.

[0022] To facilitate adjustment and reset of the ball contact head's position, the inner bore at the other end of the inner cylinder has a stepped hole with a reduced diameter; a fixed block is provided inside the stepped hole, through which the other end of the piston rod slides; an adjustment block is also sleeved on the other end of the piston rod extending from the inner cylinder, with an adjustment spring interposed between the adjustment block and the fixed block. In this solution, the front section of the stepped hole guides and limits the piston rod; a fixed block is provided inside the stepped hole, through which the piston rod passes and is slidably connected. Because an adjustment spring is interposed between the fixed block and the adjustment block, the elastic force of the adjustment spring drives the piston rod and the ball contact head to reset.

[0023] In order to facilitate the pushing out of the pipe cleaning ball from the through hole, a horizontal pushing assembly is provided in the ball receiving box, and the horizontal pushing assembly includes a third telescopic mechanism, the output end of which is telescopic in a direction perpendicular to the inner cylinder and is used to extend into the through hole; in this solution, the horizontal pushing assembly is arranged in the ball receiving box and is located on the side of the open end of the ball receiving box, the horizontal pushing assembly includes a third telescopic mechanism, and the third telescopic mechanism adopts a linear drive motor, and its output end can be telescopic laterally, thereby extending into the through hole of the inner cylinder, pushing out the pipe cleaning ball, and forcing the pipe cleaning ball to fall into the ball receiving box, completing the ball collection.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0025] 1) The automatic ball-feeding and -feeding device for pigging a natural gas gathering and transmission pipeline provided by the present invention can be safely used in explosion-proof environments, enabling automatic pigging and -feeding during pigging operations on natural gas gathering and transmission pipelines, thereby improving pigging efficiency, optimizing the transmission efficiency of the natural gas gathering and transmission network, and ensuring efficient pipeline operation and full utilization of gas well production capacity.

[0026] 2) The present invention provides an automatic ball-feeding device for pigging natural gas gathering and transmission pipelines. The device can automatically send and receive pigging balls, eliminating the need for on-site operation. This can significantly reduce the labor intensity of operators, save operation and maintenance costs, reduce safety risks, and effectively improve pipeline management and unmanned station management.

[0027] 3) The present invention provides an automatic ball-feeding device for pigging a natural gas gathering and transmission pipeline. The device does not require venting or reverse flow operations, thus reducing the venting of raw gas, avoiding resource waste and environmental pollution, and meeting safety and environmental protection requirements.

[0028] 4) The present invention provides an automatic ball-feeding and receiving device for natural gas gathering and transmission pipeline cleaning. The control system of the device can be directly connected to the gas field management platform. The system remote control device in the central control room automatically sends and recovers the cleaning balls, thereby further improving the efficiency of the cleaning operation. Against the background of accelerating the digital transformation and upgrading of gas reservoirs and vigorously promoting the integration of "industrialization and informationization", it is of great significance to promote the automation of natural gas gathering and transmission pipeline cleaning operations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the examples. It should be understood that the following drawings only illustrate certain embodiments of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting the scope. A person of ordinary skill in the art can also derive other relevant drawings based on these drawings without inventive effort. In the drawings:

[0030] Figure 1 It is a general plan view of a pig valve in the prior art;

[0031] Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of a pitching part according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 A partial schematic diagram of a pitching portion of an embodiment provided by the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the initial position of a pitching part according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the falling position of a pipe cleaning ball of a ball throwing part according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the horizontal ball delivery position of a pitching part according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the vertical piston retracted position of the pitching part of an embodiment provided by the present invention;

[0037] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the vertical piston ball delivery position of the ball delivery part of an embodiment provided by the present invention;

[0038] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the position of the vertical piston of the ball delivery part of an embodiment of the present invention after completing ball delivery;

[0039] Figure 10 A schematic structural diagram of a ball receiving portion according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of a ball receiving portion of an embodiment provided by the present invention;

[0041] Figure 12 A partial schematic diagram of a ball receiving portion of an embodiment provided by the present invention;

[0042] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of a ball incoming detection system for a ball receiving portion of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of a pipe cleaning ball receiving part of an embodiment of the present invention entering a ball receiving box;

[0044] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of a ball receiving portion of an embodiment of the present invention pushing a pipe cleaning ball into a ball receiving box;

[0045] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the initial position of the ball receiving part after resetting according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Markings and corresponding parts names in the accompanying drawings:

[0047] 1-ball storage barrel, 2-horizontal piston, 3-vertical piston, 4-medium inlet pipeline, 5-first telescopic mechanism, 6-second telescopic mechanism, 7-vertical branch pipe, 8-medium outlet pipeline, 11-ball receiving box, 12-second drive assembly, 13-incoming ball detection mechanism, 14-third telescopic mechanism, 15-second sub-piston cylinder, 16-ball contact head, 17-proximity switch, 18-piston rod, 19-push plate, 20-hinge plate, 21-end plate, 22-reset spring, 23-fixed block, 24-adjusting block, 25-adjusting spring, 26-transverse push assembly, 27-ball stopper, 28-pin shaft, 29-upstream pipeline, 30-downstream pipeline, 31-first sub-piston cylinder, 32-control assembly, 33-inner cylinder. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with examples and drawings. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0049] Example 1:

[0050] like Figure 2-Figure 16 As shown, this embodiment 1 provides a natural gas gathering and transportation pipeline pigging automatic ball throwing and receiving device, comprising a ball throwing part and a ball receiving part;

[0051] The ball throwing part includes a ball storage bucket 1 and a first drive assembly. The ball storage bucket 1 is connected to the medium pipeline through a pipe; the first drive assembly is used to push the pipe cleaning ball in the ball storage bucket 1 into the medium pipeline;

[0052] The ball receiving part includes a ball receiving box 11, a second drive assembly 12 and an incoming ball detection mechanism 13. The ball receiving box 11 is connected to the medium pipeline through a pipe; the incoming ball detection mechanism 13 is used to detect the position of the pipe cleaning ball in the medium pipeline; the second drive assembly 12 is used to push the pipe cleaning ball in the medium pipeline into the ball receiving box 11.

[0053] Compared with the existing technology, each operation of the cleaning ball requires manual reversal of the process, and the equipment must be opened frequently for cleaning operations, which poses a high safety risk. The natural gas in the valve cavity is vented, which also causes waste of natural gas resources and environmental pollution. The present invention provides an automatic ball launching and collecting device for cleaning natural gas gathering and transmission pipelines, so that the system remotely controls the launching and collecting of cleaning balls without manual intervention, thereby improving the efficiency of cleaning operations, reducing the labor intensity of employees, reducing safety risks, and improving the intelligent management level of cleaning operations, supporting unmanned site management of gas reservoirs. The specific scheme includes a ball throwing part and a ball receiving part. The pipe cleaning ball thrown by the ball throwing part is an interference fit rubber ball, the diameter of which is larger than the inner diameter of the medium pipeline. The interference fit ball can thoroughly remove water and other impurities in the pipeline; the ball throwing part includes a ball storage bucket 1 and a first drive component. The pipe cleaning ball is located in the ball contact bucket. When pipe cleaning is needed, the first drive component is started to push the pipe cleaning ball into the medium pipeline. At this time, the pipe cleaning ball moves along the medium pipeline under the push of the medium to clean the pipe; and the ball receiving part is located at the downstream pipeline 30. When the ball detection mechanism 13 detects that the pipe cleaning ball has reached the specified position, the second drive component 12 is started to push the pipe cleaning ball out of the medium pipeline and push it into the ball receiving box 11 to complete the pipe cleaning work; in addition, it also includes a control component 32, which is used to control the operation of each part, so that the system can remotely control the pipe cleaning ball launching and collecting, improve the efficiency of pipe cleaning operations, reduce the labor intensity of employees, and reduce safety risks.

[0054] Example 2:

[0055] This embodiment 2 is further optimized on the basis of embodiment 1, and provides a specific implementation method of the pitching part, such as Figure 2-Figure 9 As shown;

[0056] In this embodiment, in order to optimize the automatic pipe feeding stroke of the pipe cleaning ball, the first driving assembly includes a first telescopic mechanism 5 and a horizontal branch pipe, and the horizontal branch pipe is connected to the medium pipeline; the output end of the first telescopic mechanism 5 is provided with a horizontal piston 2 adapted to the inner diameter of the horizontal branch pipe, and the horizontal piston 2 is located in the horizontal branch pipe and can move along the length direction of the horizontal branch pipe; the opening end of the ball storage barrel 1 faces downward and is connected to the upper side wall of the horizontal branch pipe; the movement of the horizontal piston 2 along the length direction of the horizontal branch pipe is used to close or open the opening of the ball storage barrel 1 through its own side wall. In this solution, there is also a horizontal branch pipe. The first telescopic mechanism 5 adopts a linear drive motor and is arranged at the end of the horizontal branch pipe. The horizontal piston 2 at its output end extends into the horizontal branch pipe; the ball storage barrel 1 is inverted with its open end facing downward. When the side wall of the horizontal piston 2 closes the opening of the ball storage barrel 1, the pipe cleaning ball is located on the side wall of the horizontal piston 2 under the action of its own gravity; when pipe cleaning is needed, the horizontal piston 2 is retracted, so that the horizontal piston 2 retreats to open the opening of the ball storage barrel 1. At this time, the pipe cleaning ball falls into the horizontal branch pipe under the action of its own gravity, and then the horizontal piston 2 is extended, and the pipe cleaning ball is pushed into the medium pipeline through the horizontal piston 2 to improve the automation stroke.

[0057] In this embodiment, in order to avoid medium leakage and improve the sealing effect, the first drive assembly also includes a second telescopic mechanism 6 and a vertical branch pipe 7. The end of the horizontal branch pipe away from the first telescopic mechanism 5 is connected to the side wall of the vertical branch pipe 7, and the lower end of the vertical branch pipe 7 is connected to the medium pipeline; the output end of the second telescopic mechanism 6 is provided with a vertical piston 3 adapted to the inner diameter of the vertical branch pipe 7, and the vertical piston 3 is located in the vertical branch pipe 7 and can move along the length direction of the vertical branch pipe 7; the movement of the vertical piston 3 along the length direction of the vertical branch pipe 7 is used to close or open the opening at one end of the horizontal branch pipe through its own side wall. In this solution, a vertical branch pipe 7 is also provided. The second telescopic mechanism 6 adopts a linear drive motor and is arranged at the upper end of the vertical branch pipe 7. The vertical piston 3 at its output end extends into the vertical branch pipe 7. Under normal working conditions, the vertical piston 3 closes the opening of the horizontal branch pipe. When cleaning is needed, the cleaning ball is first pushed to the vertical piston 3 through the stroke of the horizontal piston 2, and then the vertical piston 3 is retracted to open the side wall of the horizontal branch pipe. After opening, the horizontal piston 2 is driven to push the cleaning ball into the vertical branch pipe 7, and finally the vertical piston 3 is extended to push the cleaning ball into the medium pipeline. The mutual cooperation between the above-mentioned horizontal piston 2 and the vertical piston 3 can prevent the medium from entering the ball storage barrel 1, thereby avoiding medium leakage. In addition, special sealing rings are used at both the horizontal piston 2 and the vertical piston 3 to ensure that the piston is sealed and leak-free during the movement process, thereby improving the sealing effect.

[0058] In this embodiment, to facilitate the pressing of the pipe cleaning ball into the medium pipeline, the medium pipeline includes a right-angle pipe, and the ball-throwing portion is arranged at the right-angle pipe; the vertical pipeline in the right-angle pipe and the vertical branch pipe 7 are coaxially arranged, and the lower end of the vertical branch pipe 7 is connected to the upper end of the vertical pipeline. In this solution, a right-angle pipe, i.e., a right-angle elbow, is provided between the medium inlet pipeline 4 and the medium outlet pipeline 8. One branch of the right-angle pipe is horizontal, and the other branch is vertical. The lower end of the vertical branch pipe 7 is connected to the upper side of the right-angle pipe. Therefore, the pipe cleaning ball can be pressed into the medium outlet pipeline 8 through the vertical piston 3 through the right-angle pipe, thereby forcing the pipe cleaning ball and the medium outlet pipeline 8 to form an effective seal, actively forming a medium pressure difference on both sides of the pipe cleaning ball, and the medium pressure difference drives the pipe cleaning ball to move in the pipeline to clean the pipe.

[0059] How the pitching part works:

[0060] The motor + elevator mode is used to push the piston rod to perform axial movement; the PLC programming is used to control the motor to complete the device's throwing action in the specified process and finally restore the initial position;

[0061] Step 1: If Figure 4 As shown, in the initial position, the horizontal piston 2 and the vertical piston are in a sealed state, ensuring that the medium will not leak out when the ball is not being dropped during normal production; at this time, the horizontal piston 2 closes the open end of the ball storage barrel 1 to prevent the pig from falling;

[0062] Step 2: If Figure 5 As shown, the vertical piston 3 remains stationary in a sealed state, and the horizontal piston 2 moves to the left to open the opening of the ball storage barrel 1, and the interference ball falls into the horizontal branch pipe.

[0063] Step 3: If Figure 6 As shown, the vertical piston 3 is still in a sealed state, and the horizontal piston 2 sends the ball to between the horizontal sealing ring and the vertical piston 3.

[0064] Step 4: If Figure 7 As shown, the horizontal piston 2 remains in a sealed state, the vertical piston 3 retreats, the ball pitching chamber is in a high-pressure state, and the horizontal piston 2 and the vertical piston 3 are in a sealed state.

[0065] Step 5: If Figure 8 As shown, the horizontal piston 2 and the vertical piston 3 are in a sealed state, and the horizontal piston 2 sends the ball into the vertical branch pipe 7.

[0066] Step 6: If Figure 9 As shown, the horizontal piston 2 and the vertical piston 3 maintain a sealed state. The vertical piston 3 pushes the interference ball to the medium outlet pipeline 8. The interference ball, i.e., the pipe cleaning ball, deforms in the medium outlet pipeline 8 to form a sealing surface, generating a medium pressure difference between the upper and lower surfaces of the interference ball. The medium pressure difference drives the interference ball to clean the pipeline.

[0067] Step 7: Vertical piston 3 returns to Figure 4 Initial position shown.

[0068] Example 3:

[0069] This embodiment 3 is further optimized on the basis of embodiment 1, and provides a specific implementation method of the ball receiving part, such as Figures 10 to 16 As shown;

[0070] In this embodiment, as a specific implementation method of the ball collecting part, the second drive assembly 12 includes a piston cylinder and a third telescopic mechanism 14, and the middle part of the piston cylinder is cross-connected with the medium pipeline; the piston cylinder includes a first sub-piston cylinder 31 and a second sub-piston cylinder 15 respectively arranged on both sides of the medium pipeline, the end of the first sub-piston cylinder 31 away from the medium pipeline is connected to the interior of the ball collecting box 11, and the end of the second sub-piston cylinder 15 away from the medium pipeline is connected to the third telescopic mechanism 14; the output end of the third telescopic mechanism 14 is provided with a movable piston adapted to the inner diameter of the piston cylinder, and the movable piston is located in the piston cylinder and can move along the length direction of the piston cylinder; the movement of the movable piston along the length direction of the piston cylinder is used to push the pipe cleaning ball at the intersection of the piston cylinder and the medium pipeline into the ball collecting box 11. In this solution, the first sub-piston cylinder 31 and the second sub-piston cylinder 15 are respectively arranged on both sides of the medium pipeline and are connected to each other, that is, they form a cross channel with the medium pipeline. The third telescopic mechanism 14 adopts a linear drive motor and is arranged at the end of the second sub-piston cylinder 15. The movable piston at its output end extends into the second sub-piston cylinder 15; and the ball receiving box 11 is arranged at the end of the first sub-piston cylinder 31. When the pipe cleaning ball moves from the upstream pipeline 29 to the intersection position, the movable piston is driven to extend and push the pipe cleaning ball into the first sub-piston cylinder 31, and then further pushed into the ball receiving box 11, thereby automatically completing the collection of the pipe cleaning ball.

[0071] In this embodiment, in order to restrict the pig ball to the intersection, the intersection of the piston cylinder and the medium pipeline is provided with a ball stopper 27 at one end close to the gas outlet pipeline.

[0072] In this embodiment, in order to shorten the stroke of the mobile piston and realize the rapid ejection of the pipe cleaning ball, the inner side of the piston cylinder is also provided with an inner cylinder body 33 with a coaxial sliding connection, and the inner cylinder body 33 can slide along the length direction of the piston cylinder; one end of the inner cylinder body 33 extends into the first sub-piston cylinder 31 and is connected to the mobile piston; the other end of the inner cylinder body 33 extends into the second sub-piston cylinder 15; the inner cylinder body 33 located at the intersection is provided with a through hole for the pipe cleaning ball to enter and exit; the incoming ball detection mechanism 13 is arranged inside the other end of the inner cylinder body 33, and the incoming ball detection mechanism 13 includes a proximity switch 17 and a retractable touch ball head 16, the ball head part of the touch ball head 16 extends into the medium pipeline; the extension and retraction of the touch ball head 16 is used to trigger the proximity switch 17, and the proximity switch 17 is used to control the extension and retraction of the third retractable mechanism 14. In this solution, the inner cylinder 33 is coaxially slidably connected to the inner side of the piston cylinder, and the two ends of the inner cylinder 33 extend into the first sub-piston cylinder 31 and the second sub-piston cylinder 15 respectively. A through hole is provided in the middle to facilitate the entry of the pipe cleaning ball into the inner cylinder 33; when the pipe cleaning ball enters the inner cylinder 33, it squeezes the ball head 16 inward for compression, thereby triggering the proximity switch 17 and controlling the third telescopic mechanism 14 to extend and retract. During the telescopic process, the moving piston drives the inner cylinder 33 as a whole to move toward the ball receiving box 11 and gradually extends. When the through hole in the middle of the inner cylinder 33 is located in the ball receiving box 11, the pipe cleaning ball in the through hole can be pushed into the ball receiving box 11 by the horizontal pushing assembly 26, and then the moving piston is driven to contract, so that the inner cylinder 33 is reset to complete the pushing stroke. At this time, the stroke of the moving piston only needs to have the length of the first sub-piston cylinder 31.

[0073] In this embodiment, as a specific implementation method of the touch proximity switch 17, the ball detection mechanism 13 further includes a piston rod 18 and a hinge plate 20. The piston rod 18 is slidably arranged inside the inner cylinder 33 and can slide along the length direction of the inner cylinder 33; the ball contact head 16 is located at one end of the piston rod 18, and the other end of the piston rod 18 extends out of the other end of the inner cylinder 33; the other end of the piston rod 18 is sequentially sleeved with a push plate in the direction away from the inner cylinder 33. 19 and the end plate 21; the hinged plate 20 and the proximity switch 17 are both arranged at the other end of the inner cylinder 33, the hinged plate 20 is located between the push plate 19 and the end plate 21, and a return spring 22 is provided between the hinged plate 20 and the end plate 21; one end of the hinged plate 20 is hinged to the end of the inner cylinder 33, and the rotation of the other end of the hinged plate 20 is used to trigger the proximity switch 17; the partial projection of the push plate 19 along the axis of the piston rod 18 falls on the hinged plate 20. In this solution, the piston rod 18 can slide in the inner cylinder 33. When the pipe cleaning ball squeezes and pushes the ball head 16, the piston rod 18 moves toward the ball receiving box 11. Since the lower end of the hinge plate 20 is hinged to the end of the inner cylinder 33 by the pin 28, the upper end of the hinge plate 20 can rotate around the lower end, and its rotation direction is along the axis of the inner cylinder 33; in addition, the projection of the push plate 19 along the axis of the piston rod 18 falls on the hinge plate 20, so the movement of the push plate 19 can push the hinge plate 20 to rotate. Since the contact of the proximity switch 17 is located between the rotation range of the other end of the hinge plate 20, the rotation of the other end of the hinge plate 20 can touch the proximity switch 17, so that it senses and controls the third telescopic mechanism 14 to realize the pushing stroke; since a return spring 22 is provided between the hinge plate 20 and the end plate 21, the hinge plate 20 is reset under the elastic force of the return spring 22.

[0074] In this embodiment, to facilitate adjustment and reset of the position of the contact ball head 16, the inner hole at the other end of the inner cylinder 33 is provided with a stepped hole of reduced diameter; a fixed block 23 is provided inside the stepped hole, through which the other end of the piston rod 18 slides; an adjustment block 24 is also sleeved on the other end of the piston rod 18 extending from the inner cylinder 33, with an adjustment spring 25 provided between the adjustment block 24 and the fixed block 23. In this solution, the front section of the stepped hole guides and limits the position of the piston rod 18; a fixed block 23 is provided inside the stepped hole, through which the piston rod 18 passes and is slidably connected. Because an adjustment spring 25 is provided between the fixed block 23 and the adjustment block 24, the elastic force of the adjustment spring 25 drives the piston rod 18 and the contact ball head 16 to reset.

[0075] In this embodiment, in order to facilitate the pushing of the pipe cleaning ball from the through hole, a horizontal pushing assembly 26 is provided in the ball receiving box 11, and the horizontal pushing assembly 26 includes a third telescopic mechanism 14, and the output end of the third telescopic mechanism 14 is telescopic in a direction perpendicular to the inner cylinder 33, and is used to extend into the through hole; in this scheme, the horizontal pushing assembly 26 is arranged in the ball receiving box 11 and is located on the side of the open end of the ball receiving box 11, and the horizontal pushing assembly 26 includes a third telescopic mechanism 14, and the third telescopic mechanism 14 adopts a linear drive motor, and its output end can be telescopic laterally, thereby extending into the through hole of the inner cylinder 33, pushing the pipe cleaning ball out, and the pipe cleaning ball falls into the ball receiving box 11, completing the ball collection.

[0076] How the ball receiving part works:

[0077] The motor + lift mode is used to push the piston rod to move axially; the PLC programming is used to control the motor to complete the device's ball throwing action in the specified process and finally restore the initial position; the specific mechanical structure of the automatic ball collecting device is as follows Figure 11 、 Figure 12 As shown, an annular band is machined into the body. During the ball pushing process, upstream gas will pass through the annular band and enter the downstream pipeline 30. The entire process is non-throttling and does not affect the normal production process. When a ball arrives from the upstream pipeline 29, the ball stopper 27 blocks the incoming ball. At the same time, the ball contact head 16 contacts the incoming ball and pushes the piston rod to the right after detection, causing the hinge plate 20 to rotate about the pin 28. At this time, the proximity switch 17 is sensed, and the motor rotates to push the piston and the incoming ball outward, and the horizontal push assembly 26 pushes the ball into the ball receiving box 11.

[0078] Step 1: If Figure 13 As shown, the ball hits the ball head 16, thereby pushing the hinge plate 20 to rotate around the rotation axis. The proximity switch 17 receives the ball signal and starts the motor to push the pipe cleaning ball out of the piston rod. This step realizes the conversion of mechanical signals into electrical signals, playing the role of automatic detection of incoming balls.

[0079] Step 2: If Figure 14 As shown, the motor rotates to push the inner cylinder 33 with the ball, and brings the pipe cleaning ball to the horizontal pushing assembly 26 in the ball receiving box 11.

[0080] Step 3: If Figure 15 As shown, the horizontal pushing assembly 26 pushes the cleaning ball out of the through hole. At this time, the hinge plate 20 returns to its initial position under the action of the return spring 22.

[0081] Step 4: If Figure 16 As shown, the transverse thrust assembly 26 is reset, so that the inner cylinder 33 and the piston rod 18 return to their initial positions.

[0082] The specific implementation methods described above further illustrate the objectives, technical solutions and beneficial effects of the present invention in detail. It should be understood that the above description is only a specific implementation method of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A natural gas gathering and transportation pipeline automatic ball throwing and collecting device, characterized in that: It includes the pitching part and the receiving part; The ball throwing part comprises a ball storage bucket (1) and a first driving assembly, wherein the ball storage bucket (1) is connected to a medium pipeline through a pipeline; the first driving assembly is used to push the pipe cleaning ball in the ball storage bucket (1) into the medium pipeline; The ball receiving part comprises a ball receiving box (11), a second driving assembly (12) and a ball incoming detection mechanism (13); the ball receiving box (11) is connected to the medium pipeline through a pipeline; the ball incoming detection mechanism (13) is used to detect the position of the pipe cleaning ball in the medium pipeline; the second driving assembly (12) is used to push the pipe cleaning ball in the medium pipeline into the ball receiving box (11).

2. The automatic ball throwing and collecting device for pigging a natural gas gathering and transportation pipeline according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The first driving assembly comprises a first telescopic mechanism (5) and a horizontal branch pipe, wherein the horizontal branch pipe is connected to the medium pipeline; the output end of the first telescopic mechanism (5) is provided with a horizontal piston (2) adapted to the inner diameter of the horizontal branch pipe, wherein the horizontal piston (2) is located in the horizontal branch pipe and can move along the length direction of the horizontal branch pipe; the opening end of the ball storage barrel (1) faces downward and is connected to the upper side wall of the horizontal branch pipe; the movement of the horizontal piston (2) along the length direction of the horizontal branch pipe is used to close or open the opening of the ball storage barrel (1) through its own side wall.

3. The automatic ball throwing and receiving device for pigging a natural gas gathering and transportation pipeline according to claim 2 is characterized in that: The first driving assembly further comprises a second telescopic mechanism (6) and a vertical branch pipe (7); one end of the horizontal branch pipe away from the first telescopic mechanism (5) is connected to the side wall of the vertical branch pipe (7); the lower end of the vertical branch pipe (7) is connected to the medium pipeline; the output end of the second telescopic mechanism (6) is provided with a vertical piston (3) adapted to the inner diameter of the vertical branch pipe (7); the vertical piston (3) is located in the vertical branch pipe (7) and can move along the length direction of the vertical branch pipe (7); the movement of the vertical piston (3) along the length direction of the vertical branch pipe (7) is used to close or open an opening at one end of the horizontal branch pipe through its own side wall.

4. The automatic ball throwing and receiving device for pigging a natural gas gathering and transportation pipeline according to claim 3 is characterized in that: The medium pipeline comprises a right-angle pipeline, and the ball-dropping part is arranged at the right-angle pipeline; the vertical pipeline in the right-angle pipeline and the vertical branch pipe (7) are coaxially arranged, and the lower end of the vertical branch pipe (7) is connected to the upper end of the vertical pipeline.

5. The automatic ball throwing and receiving device for pigging a natural gas gathering and transportation pipeline according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The second driving assembly (12) comprises a piston cylinder and a third telescopic mechanism (14), the middle portion of the piston cylinder is cross-connected with the medium pipeline; the piston cylinder comprises a first sub-piston cylinder (31) and a second sub-piston cylinder (15) which are arranged on both sides of the medium pipeline, the end of the first sub-piston cylinder (31) away from the medium pipeline is connected to the inside of the ball receiving box (11), and the end of the second sub-piston cylinder (15) away from the medium pipeline is connected to the third telescopic mechanism (14); The output end of the third telescopic mechanism (14) is provided with a movable piston matched with the inner diameter of the piston cylinder, the movable piston is located in the piston cylinder and can move along the length direction of the piston cylinder; the movement of the movable piston along the length direction of the piston cylinder is used to push the cleaning ball at the intersection of the piston cylinder and the medium pipeline into the ball receiving box (11).

6. The automatic ball throwing and receiving device for pigging a natural gas gathering and transportation pipeline according to claim 5 is characterized in that: The intersection of the piston cylinder and the medium pipeline is provided with a ball stopper (27) at one end close to the gas outlet pipeline.

7. The automatic ball throwing and collecting device for pigging a natural gas gathering and transportation pipeline according to claim 5 is characterized in that: The inner side of the piston cylinder is also provided with an inner cylinder body (33) which is coaxially slidably connected, and the inner cylinder body (33) can slide along the length direction of the piston cylinder; one end of the inner cylinder body (33) extends into the first sub-piston cylinder (31) and is connected to the movable piston; the other end of the inner cylinder body (33) extends into the second sub-piston cylinder (15); the inner cylinder body (33) at the intersection is provided with a through hole for the pipe cleaning ball to enter and exit; The incoming ball detection mechanism (13) is arranged inside the other end of the inner cylinder (33), and comprises a proximity switch (17) and a retractable ball head (16), wherein the ball head portion of the ball head (16) extends into the medium pipeline; the retraction of the ball head (16) is used to trigger the proximity switch (17), and the proximity switch (17) is used to control the retraction of the third retractable mechanism (14).

8. The automatic ball throwing and receiving device for pigging a natural gas gathering and transportation pipeline according to claim 7 is characterized in that: The ball detection mechanism (13) further comprises a piston rod (18) and a hinge plate (20); the piston rod (18) is slidably arranged inside the inner cylinder (33) and can slide along the length direction of the inner cylinder (33); the ball contact head (16) is located at one end of the piston rod (18), and the other end of the piston rod (18) extends out of the other end of the inner cylinder (33); a push plate (19) and an end plate (21) are sequentially sleeved on the other end of the piston rod (18) in a direction away from the inner cylinder (33); The hinged plate (20) and the proximity switch (17) are both arranged at the other end of the inner cylinder (33); the hinged plate (20) is located between the push plate (19) and the end plate (21); a return spring (22) is arranged between the hinged plate (20) and the end plate (21); one end of the hinged plate (20) is hinged to the end of the inner cylinder (33); the rotation of the other end of the hinged plate (20) is used to trigger the proximity switch (17); the partial projection of the push plate (19) along the axis of the piston rod (18) falls on the hinged plate (20).

9. The automatic ball throwing and receiving device for pigging a natural gas gathering and transportation pipeline according to claim 8, characterized in that: The inner hole at the other end of the inner cylinder (33) is provided with a stepped hole with a reduced diameter; a fixing block (23) is arranged inside the stepped hole, and the other end of the piston rod (18) slides through the fixing block (23); an adjusting block (24) is also sleeved on the other end of the piston rod (18) extending out of the inner cylinder (33), and an adjusting spring (25) is arranged between the adjusting block (24) and the fixing block (23).

10. The automatic ball throwing and collecting device for pigging a natural gas gathering and transportation pipeline according to claim 7, characterized in that: The ball receiving box (11) is provided with a transverse push assembly (26), and the transverse push assembly (26) comprises a third telescopic mechanism, the output end of which is telescopic in a direction perpendicular to the inner cylinder (33) and is used to extend into the through hole.

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