An automatic pigging and pigging device for natural gas gathering and transmission pipelines.

Abstract

This invention discloses an automatic pigging device for natural gas gathering and transmission pipelines, comprising a pigging section and a pigging retrieval section. The pigging section includes a pig storage tank and a first drive assembly, the pig storage tank being connected to a medium pipeline via a pipeline. The first drive assembly is used to push the pigging balls in the storage tank into the medium pipeline. The pigging retrieval section includes a pigging box, a second drive assembly, and an incoming pigging detection mechanism, the pigging box being connected to the medium pipeline via a pipeline. The incoming pigging detection mechanism is used to detect the position of the pigging balls in the medium pipeline. The second drive assembly is used to push the pigging balls in the medium pipeline into the pigging box. Using this solution, no manual intervention is required; the system remotely controls the pigging ball issuance and retrieval, thereby improving the efficiency of pigging operations, reducing the labor intensity of employees, lowering safety risks, enhancing the intelligent management level of pigging operations, and supporting unmanned management of gas reservoirs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of natural gas pipeline gathering and transportation, and specifically to an automatic pigging and pigging device for natural gas gathering and transportation pipelines. Background Technology

[0002] To remove debris, liquid, and contaminants from natural gas pipelines, improve gas transmission efficiency, reduce pipeline corrosion, and extend pipeline lifespan, regular cleaning operations are necessary to ensure efficient pipeline operation. Furthermore, with the gradual increase in water production in the later stages of gas reservoir development and the commissioning of new areas, the frequency of pipeline cleaning will further increase.

[0003] Currently, the most common pigging devices used in natural gas gathering and transmission pipelines are pigging valve devices. See the attached diagram in the instruction manual for device installation details. Figure 1 The existing pipeline cleaning operation requires employees to operate on-site at each individual well station, manually changing the cleaning device multiple times to insert and remove the cleaning pellets. The natural gas flow propels the cleaning pellets to carry the contaminants in the pipeline to the downstream gas gathering station for unified treatment. The operation process has the following problems:

[0004] 1) Each operation requires manual process reversal, with more than 30 steps, making the cleaning work tedious, labor-intensive, and costly.

[0005] 2) The natural gas gathering and transmission pipelines transport flammable and explosive media, and some pipelines have high pressure and the transported media contains sulfur. Frequent opening of equipment for pipeline cleaning operations poses a high safety risk.

[0006] 3) Pipeline cleaning requires opening the cleaning valve to vent the natural gas in the valve chamber, resulting in waste of natural gas resources and environmental pollution;

[0007] 4) At present, gas reservoirs generally adopt the "central well station + unmanned operation mode". The existing pipeline cleaning operation mode requires central well station staff to go to each individual well station to carry out related operations, which is not conducive to unmanned operation management of the site. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention aims to provide an automatic pigging device for natural gas gathering and transmission pipelines. This device enables remote control of pigging operations without manual intervention, thereby improving pigging efficiency, reducing labor intensity for employees, lowering safety risks, enhancing the intelligent management level of pigging operations, and supporting unmanned station management of gas reservoirs.

[0009] This invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0010] An automatic pigging device for natural gas gathering and transmission pipelines includes a pig-throwing section and a pig-retrieving section;

[0011] The ball-throwing section includes a ball storage tank and a first drive assembly. The ball storage tank is connected to a medium pipeline via a pipe. The first drive assembly is used to push the cleaning balls in the ball storage tank into the medium pipeline.

[0012] The ball receiving section 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 via a pipe. The incoming ball detection mechanism is used to detect the position of the cleaning ball in the medium pipeline. The second drive assembly is used to push the cleaning ball in the medium pipeline into the ball receiving box.

[0013] Compared to existing technologies where each pigging operation requires manual process switching and frequent equipment opening for pigging, posing significant safety risks, and where venting natural gas from the valve chamber leads to natural gas waste and environmental pollution, this invention provides an automatic pigging device for natural gas gathering and transmission pipelines. This device enables remote control of pigging operations without manual intervention, thereby improving pigging efficiency, reducing employee workload, lowering safety risks, enhancing the intelligent management level of pigging operations, and supporting unmanned management of gas reservoirs. The specific solution includes a ball-throwing section and a ball-retrieving section. The ball-throwing section delivers interference-fit rubber balls with a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the medium pipeline. The interference-fit balls can thoroughly remove water and other impurities from the pipeline. The ball-throwing section includes a ball storage tank and a first drive assembly. The pig is located in the ball-contact tank. When pigging is required, the first drive assembly is activated to push the pig into the medium pipeline. At this time, the pig moves along the medium pipeline under the propulsion of the medium to perform pigging. The ball-retrieving section is located at the downstream pipeline. When the incoming ball detection mechanism detects that the pig has reached the designated position, the second drive assembly is activated to push the pig out of the medium pipeline and into the ball-retrieving box to complete the pigging operation. In addition, a control assembly is included to control the operation of each part, thereby facilitating remote control of pig-throwing and ball-retrieving by the system, improving the efficiency of pigging operations, reducing the labor intensity of employees, and reducing safety risks.

[0014] To optimize the automated pipe entry stroke of the pigging pig, the first drive assembly includes a first telescopic mechanism and a horizontal branch pipe, which is connected to the medium pipeline. The output end of the first telescopic mechanism has a horizontal piston that matches the inner diameter of the horizontal branch pipe. The horizontal piston is located inside the horizontal branch pipe and can move along the length of the horizontal branch pipe. The opening end of the pig storage tank faces downward and is connected to the upper side wall of the horizontal branch pipe. The movement of the horizontal piston along the length of the horizontal branch pipe is used to close or open the opening of the pig storage tank through its own side wall. This solution also includes a horizontal branch pipe. The first telescopic mechanism uses a linear drive motor and is located at the end of the horizontal branch pipe. The horizontal piston at its output end extends into the horizontal branch pipe. The ball storage tank is inverted with its open end facing downwards. When the opening of the ball storage tank is closed by the side wall of the horizontal piston, the pig is located on the side wall of the horizontal piston under its own weight. When pigging is required, the horizontal piston is retracted, causing it to retract and open the opening of the ball storage tank. At this time, the pig falls into the horizontal branch pipe under its own weight. Then, the horizontal piston extends and pushes the pig into the medium pipeline to improve the automation process.

[0015] To prevent media leakage and improve sealing performance, the first drive assembly further 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 media pipeline. The output end of the second telescopic mechanism has a vertical piston that matches the inner diameter of the vertical branch pipe. The vertical piston is located inside the vertical branch pipe and can move along the length of the vertical branch pipe. The movement of the vertical piston along the length 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. This design also includes a vertical branch pipe. The second telescopic mechanism uses a linear drive motor and is located at the upper end of the vertical branch pipe. The vertical piston at its output end extends into the vertical branch pipe. Under normal operating conditions, the vertical piston closes the opening of the horizontal branch pipe. When cleaning is required, the horizontal piston pushes the cleaning ball to the vertical piston. Then, the vertical piston retracts to open the side wall of the horizontal branch pipe. After opening, the horizontal piston is driven to push the cleaning ball into the vertical branch pipe. Finally, the vertical piston extends to push the cleaning ball into the medium pipeline. Through the cooperation between the horizontal and vertical pistons, the medium can be prevented from entering the ball storage tank, thus avoiding medium leakage. In addition, special sealing rings are used at both the horizontal and vertical pistons to ensure that the pistons are sealed and leak-free during operation, improving the sealing effect.

[0016] To facilitate the insertion of the pig into the media pipeline, the media pipeline includes a right-angled pipe, with the pig insertion section located at the right-angled pipe. The vertical pipe and the vertical branch pipe within the right-angled pipe are coaxially arranged, and the lower end of the vertical branch pipe is connected to the upper end of the vertical pipe. In this design, a right-angled pipe (i.e., a right-angled elbow) is installed between the media inlet pipeline and the media outlet pipeline. One branch pipe of the right-angled pipe is horizontal, and the other is vertical, with the lower end of the vertical branch pipe connected to the upper side of the right-angled pipe. Therefore, through a vertical piston, the pig can be pressed into the media outlet pipeline through the right-angled pipe, forcing an effective seal between the pig and the media outlet pipeline. This actively creates a media pressure difference on both sides of the pig, driving the pig to move and clean within the pipeline.

[0017] Further solutions:

[0018] As a specific implementation of the ball receiving section, the second drive assembly includes a piston cylinder and a third telescopic mechanism. The middle part of the piston cylinder is connected to the medium pipeline through a cross. The piston cylinder includes a first sub-piston cylinder and a second sub-piston cylinder respectively disposed on both sides of the medium pipeline. The end of the first sub-piston cylinder away from the medium pipeline is connected to the inside of the ball receiving 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 has a movable piston adapted to the inner diameter of the piston cylinder. The movable piston is located inside 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 pigging ball at the intersection of the piston cylinder and the medium pipeline into the ball receiving box. In this scheme, the first and second sub-piston cylinders are located on both sides of the medium pipeline and are interconnected, forming a cross channel with the medium pipeline. The third telescopic mechanism adopts a linear drive motor and is located at the end of the second sub-piston cylinder, with its output piston extending into the second sub-piston cylinder. The pig collection box is located at the end of the first sub-piston cylinder. When the pig moves from the upstream pipeline to the intersection, it drives the moving piston to extend and pushes the pig into the first sub-piston cylinder, and then further pushes it into the pig collection box, thereby automatically completing the collection of the pig.

[0019] To confine the pigging ball to the intersection point, the intersection point of the piston cylinder and the medium pipeline is equipped with a ball deflector at the end near the outlet pipeline.

[0020] To shorten the stroke of the moving piston and enable rapid deployment of the pigging ball, the piston cylinder is further equipped with a coaxially slidably connected inner cylinder, which can slide along the length of the piston cylinder. One end of the inner cylinder extends into the first sub-piston cylinder and is connected to the moving piston; the other end of the inner cylinder extends into the second sub-piston cylinder. The inner cylinder located at the intersection has a through hole for the pigging ball to enter and exit. The incoming ball detection mechanism is located inside the other end of the inner cylinder. The incoming ball detection mechanism includes a proximity switch and a retractable contact head, the ball head of which extends into the medium pipeline. The extension and retraction of the contact head is used to activate the proximity switch, which controls the extension and retraction of the third telescopic mechanism. In this design, the inner cylinder is coaxially slidably connected to the inside of the piston cylinder. Both ends of the inner cylinder extend into the first and second sub-piston cylinders, respectively. A through hole is opened in the middle to facilitate the entry of the pigging ball into the inner cylinder. When the pigging ball enters the inner cylinder, it compresses the contact head inward, triggering a proximity switch to control the extension and retraction of the third telescopic mechanism. During this process, the moving piston drives the entire inner cylinder towards the receiving box and gradually extends into it. Simultaneously, the inner cylinder moves the pigging ball, which is then positioned relative to the inner cylinder, allowing for sliding to reduce friction. When the through hole in the middle of the inner cylinder is inside the receiving box, the pigging ball can be pushed laterally into the receiving box via the horizontal push assembly. The moving piston then retracts, resetting the inner cylinder and completing the pushing stroke. At this point, the stroke of the moving piston only needs to be the length of the first sub-piston cylinder.

[0021] As a specific implementation of a proximity switch, the incoming ball detection mechanism further includes a piston rod and a hinge plate. The piston rod is slidably disposed inside the inner cylinder and can slide along the length of the inner cylinder. The contact 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. A push plate and an end plate are sequentially sleeved on the other end of the piston rod in a direction away from the inner cylinder. The hinge plate and the proximity switch are both disposed 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 disposed 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 activate the proximity switch. A portion of the push plate's projection along the axis of the piston rod falls onto the hinge plate. In this design, the piston rod can slide within the inner cylinder. When the pigging ball squeezes and pushes the contact head, the piston rod moves towards the receiving box. Since the lower end of the hinge plate is hinged to the end of the inner cylinder via a pin, the upper end of the hinge plate can rotate around the lower end in the direction of the rotation along the axis of the inner cylinder. Additionally, the projection of the push plate along the piston rod axis falls on the hinge plate, so the movement of the push plate can drive 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, causing it to sense and control the third telescopic mechanism to achieve the pushing stroke. Because there is a return spring between the hinge plate and the end plate, the hinge plate is reset under the elastic force of the return spring.

[0022] To facilitate adjustment and repositioning of the contact head, the inner bore at the other end of the inner cylinder has a stepped hole with a reduced diameter. A fixing block is provided inside the stepped hole, and the other end of the piston rod slides through the fixing block. An adjusting block is also fitted onto the other end of the piston rod extending out of the inner cylinder, and an adjusting spring is provided between the adjusting block and the fixing block. In this design, the piston rod is guided and limited by the front section of the stepped hole; while the fixing block is provided inside the stepped hole, the piston rod passes through the fixing block and is slidably connected to the fixing block. Since there is an adjusting spring between the fixing block and the adjusting block, the spring force is used to drive the piston rod and the contact head to reposition.

[0023] To facilitate the ejection of the pig from the through hole, a horizontal pushing assembly is provided inside the pig receiving box. The horizontal pushing assembly includes a third telescopic mechanism. The output end of the third telescopic mechanism extends and retracts 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 located inside the pig receiving box and on one side of the opening end of the pig receiving box. The horizontal pushing assembly includes a third telescopic mechanism, which uses a linear drive motor. Its output end can extend and retract laterally, thereby extending into the through hole of the inner cylinder to eject the pig, allowing the pig to fall into the pig receiving box, thus completing the pig collection.

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

[0025] 1) The present invention provides an automatic pig loading and unloading device for natural gas gathering and transmission pipeline cleaning, which can be safely applied in explosion-proof environments to realize the automatic loading and unloading of pigs in natural gas gathering and transmission pipeline cleaning operations, thereby improving the efficiency of cleaning operations, optimizing the pipeline transportation efficiency of natural gas gathering and transmission network, and ensuring the efficient operation of pipelines and the full utilization of gas well production capacity;

[0026] 2) The present invention provides an automatic pigging device for natural gas gathering and transmission pipelines. The device can automatically send and receive pigging balls without the need for on-site personnel, which can greatly reduce the labor intensity of operators, save operation and maintenance costs, reduce safety risks, and effectively improve the level of pipeline management and the level of unmanned management of stations.

[0027] 3) The present invention provides an automatic pigging and pigging device for natural gas gathering and transmission pipelines. The device does not require venting or reversing the flow, which reduces the venting of raw gas, avoids resource waste and environmental pollution, and meets safety and environmental protection requirements.

[0028] 4) The present invention provides an automatic pigging device for natural gas gathering and transmission pipelines. The control system of the device can be directly connected to the gas field management platform. The pigging balls can be automatically issued and retrieved through the remote control device in the central control room, thereby further improving the efficiency of pigging operations. In the context of accelerating the digital transformation and upgrading of gas reservoirs and vigorously promoting the integration of informatization and industrialization, the automation of natural gas gathering and transmission pipeline pigging operations is of great significance. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly described below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be considered as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall plan view of a pigging valve in the existing technology;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the throwing part according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 A partial schematic diagram of the throwing section of one embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the initial position of the throwing part in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the landing position of the pigging ball in the throwing section of one embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the horizontal ball delivery position of the throwing section in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the vertical piston retraction position of the throwing section in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the vertical piston ball delivery position of the ball-throwing section in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 9 A schematic diagram showing the vertical piston completing the ball delivery position in the ball-throwing section according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the ball-collecting part according to an embodiment of the present invention;

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

[0041] Figure 12 A partial schematic diagram of the ball-collecting portion according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the incoming pig detection in the pig receiving section of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the pigging ball reaching the pigging box in the pigging section of one embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of pushing a pigging ball into a collection box in the pig collection section of one embodiment of the present invention;

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

[0046] The attached diagram shows the markings and corresponding component names:

[0047] 1-Ball storage tank, 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-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-Fixing block, 24-Adjusting block, 25-Adjusting spring, 26-Horizontal 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 Implementation

[0048] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the present invention are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0049] Example 1:

[0050] like Figures 2-16 As shown, this embodiment 1 provides an automatic pigging device for natural gas gathering and transmission pipelines, including a pigging section and a pigging section;

[0051] The ball-throwing section includes a ball storage tank 1 and a first drive assembly. The ball storage tank 1 is connected to a medium pipeline via a pipe. The first drive assembly is used to push the cleaning ball in the ball storage tank 1 into the medium pipeline.

[0052] The ball receiving section 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 cleaning ball in the medium pipeline. The second drive assembly 12 is used to push the cleaning ball in the medium pipeline into the ball receiving box 11.

[0053] Compared to existing technologies where each pigging operation requires manual process switching and frequent equipment opening for pigging, posing significant safety risks, and where venting natural gas from the valve chamber leads to natural gas waste and environmental pollution, this invention provides an automatic pigging device for natural gas gathering and transmission pipelines. This device enables remote control of pigging operations without manual intervention, thereby improving pigging efficiency, reducing employee workload, lowering safety risks, enhancing the intelligent management level of pigging operations, and supporting unmanned management of gas reservoirs. The specific solution includes a ball-throwing section and a ball-retrieving section. The ball-throwing section throws interference-fit rubber balls with a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the medium pipeline. The interference-fit balls can thoroughly remove water and other impurities from the pipeline. The ball-throwing section includes a ball storage tank 1 and a first drive assembly. The pig is located in the ball-throwing tank. When pigging is required, the first drive assembly is activated to push the pig into the medium pipeline. At this time, the pig moves along the medium pipeline under the propulsion of the medium to perform pigging. The ball-retrieving section is located at the downstream pipeline 30. When the incoming ball detection mechanism 13 detects that the pig has reached the designated position, the second drive assembly 12 is activated to push the pig out of the medium pipeline and into the ball-retrieving box 11 to complete the pigging work. In addition, a control assembly 32 is included to control the operation of each part, thereby facilitating remote control of pigging ball launching and retrieval by the system, improving the efficiency of pigging operations, reducing the labor intensity of employees, and reducing safety risks.

[0054] Example 2:

[0055] This embodiment 2 further optimizes the first embodiment and provides a specific implementation method for the throwing part, such as... Figures 2-9 As shown;

[0056] In this embodiment, to optimize the automated pipe entry stroke of the pigging ball, the first drive assembly includes a first telescopic mechanism 5 and a horizontal branch pipe, which is connected to the medium pipeline; the output end of the first telescopic mechanism 5 has a horizontal piston 2 adapted to the inner diameter of the horizontal branch pipe, the horizontal piston 2 is located inside the horizontal branch pipe and can move along the length direction of the horizontal branch pipe; the opening end of the pigging tank 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 pigging tank 1 through its own side wall. In this scheme, a horizontal branch pipe is also included. The first telescopic mechanism 5 adopts a linear drive motor and is set 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 tank 1 is inverted with its open end facing down. When the opening of the ball storage tank 1 is closed by the side wall of the horizontal piston 2, the pig is located on the side wall of the horizontal piston 2 under its own gravity. When pigging is required, the horizontal piston 2 is retracted, causing the horizontal piston 2 to retract and open the opening of the ball storage tank 1. At this time, the pig falls into the horizontal branch pipe under its own gravity. Then, the horizontal piston 2 is extended, and the pig is pushed into the medium pipeline by the horizontal piston 2 to improve the automation stroke.

[0057] In this embodiment, to prevent media leakage and improve the sealing effect, the first drive assembly further 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 media pipeline. The output end of the second telescopic mechanism 6 has a vertical piston 3 that is adapted to the inner diameter of the vertical branch pipe 7. The vertical piston 3 is located inside the vertical branch pipe 7 and can move along the length of the vertical branch pipe 7. The movement of the vertical piston 3 along the length 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 design, a vertical branch pipe 7 is also provided. The second telescopic mechanism 6 adopts a linear drive motor and is located 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 operating conditions, the vertical piston 3 closes the opening of the horizontal branch pipe. When cleaning is required, the cleaning ball is first pushed to the vertical piston 3 by the stroke of the horizontal piston 2. Then, the vertical piston 3 retracts 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. Finally, the vertical piston 3 extends to push the cleaning ball into the medium pipeline. Through the cooperation between the horizontal piston 2 and the vertical piston 3, the medium can be prevented from entering the ball storage tank 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 pistons are sealed and leak-free during operation, thus improving the sealing effect.

[0058] In this embodiment, to facilitate the insertion of the pig into the medium pipeline, the medium pipeline includes a right-angle pipe, and the pig insertion section is located at the right-angle pipe. The vertical pipe and the vertical branch pipe 7 in the right-angle pipe are coaxially arranged, and the lower end of the vertical branch pipe 7 is connected to the upper end of the vertical pipe. In this scheme, a right-angle pipe, i.e., a right-angle elbow, is set 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, and the lower end of the vertical branch pipe 7 is connected to the upper side of the right-angle pipe. Therefore, by means of the vertical piston 3, the pig can be inserted into the medium outlet pipeline 8 through the right-angle pipe, which can force the pig and the medium outlet pipeline 8 to form an effective seal, actively creating a medium pressure difference on both sides of the pig. The medium pressure difference drives the pig to move in the pipeline for cleaning.

[0059] How the pitching part works:

[0060] The device uses a motor + lifting mechanism to drive the piston rod to move axially; the motor is programmed and controlled by PLC to complete the ball-throwing action of the device in a specified process, and finally returns to the initial position.

[0061] Step 1: As 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 fed during normal production; at this time, the horizontal piston 2 seals the opening of the ball storage tank 1 to prevent the pigging ball from falling out.

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

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

[0064] Step 4: As Figure 7 As shown, the horizontal piston 2 remains sealed, the vertical piston 3 retracts, and the ball-throwing chamber is under high pressure while the horizontal piston 2 and the vertical piston 3 remain sealed.

[0065] Step 5: As 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: As Figure 9 As shown, the horizontal piston 2 and the vertical piston 3 remain in a sealed state. The vertical piston 3 pushes the interference ball to the medium outlet pipeline 8. The interference ball, i.e. the pigging ball, deforms in the medium outlet pipeline 8 to form a sealing surface. A medium pressure difference is generated on the upper and lower surfaces of the interference ball. The medium pressure difference drives the interference ball to pigging the pipeline.

[0067] Step 7: Vertical piston 3 returns to its original position. Figure 4 The initial position is shown.

[0068] Example 3:

[0069] This embodiment 3 further optimizes the embodiment 1 and provides a specific implementation method for the ball collection part, such as... Figures 10 to 16 As shown;

[0070] In this embodiment, as a specific implementation of the ball receiving part, the second drive assembly 12 includes a piston cylinder and a third telescopic mechanism 14. The middle part of the piston cylinder is connected to the medium pipeline through a cross. The piston cylinder includes a first sub-piston cylinder 31 and a second sub-piston cylinder 15 respectively disposed 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 has a movable piston adapted to the inner diameter of the piston cylinder. The movable piston is located inside 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 pigging ball at the intersection of the piston cylinder and the medium pipeline into the ball receiving box 11. In this scheme, the first sub-piston cylinder 31 and the second sub-piston cylinder 15 are respectively located on both sides of the medium pipeline and are interconnected, forming a cross channel with the medium pipeline. The third telescopic mechanism 14 adopts a linear drive motor and is located at the end of the second sub-piston cylinder 15. The moving piston at its output end extends into the second sub-piston cylinder 15. The pig collection box 11 is located at the end of the first sub-piston cylinder 31. When the pig moves from the upstream pipeline 29 to the intersection position, it drives the moving piston to extend and pushes the pig into the first sub-piston cylinder 31, and then pushes it further into the pig collection box 11, thereby automatically completing the collection of the pig.

[0071] In this embodiment, in order to confine the pigging ball to the intersection point, the intersection point of the piston cylinder and the medium pipeline is equipped with a ball deflector 27 at the end near the outlet pipeline.

[0072] In this embodiment, to shorten the stroke of the moving piston and achieve rapid ejection of the pigging ball, the piston cylinder is also equipped with an inner cylinder 33 that is coaxially slidably connected. The inner cylinder 33 can slide along the length direction of the piston cylinder. One end of the inner cylinder 33 extends into the first sub-piston cylinder 31 and is connected to the moving piston. The other end of the inner cylinder 33 extends into the second sub-piston cylinder 15. The inner cylinder 33 located at the intersection has a through hole for the pigging ball to enter and exit. The incoming ball detection mechanism 13 is disposed inside the other end of the inner cylinder 33. The incoming ball detection mechanism 13 includes a proximity switch 17 and a retractable contact head 16. The ball head portion of the contact head 16 extends into the medium pipeline. The extension and retraction of the contact head 16 is used to activate the proximity switch 17. The proximity switch 17 is used to control the extension and retraction of the third telescopic mechanism 14. In this design, the inner cylinder 33 is coaxially slidably connected to the inside of the piston cylinder. Both 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 opened in the middle to facilitate the entry of the pigging ball into the inner cylinder 33. When the pigging ball enters the inner cylinder 33, it compresses the contact head 16 inward, thereby triggering the proximity switch 17, which controls the third telescopic mechanism 14 to extend and retract. During the extension and retraction process, the moving piston drives the inner cylinder 33 to move towards the pig receiving box 11, and gradually extends... The pig is inserted into the receiving box 11, and the inner cylinder 33 drives the pig to move synchronously. At this time, the pig is stopped relative to the inner cylinder 33, and thus it is pushed by sliding to reduce friction. When the position of the through hole in the middle of the inner cylinder 33 is inside the receiving box 11, the pig in the through hole can be pushed laterally into the receiving box 11 by the horizontal push assembly 26. Then, the moving piston is driven to retract, so that the inner cylinder 33 is reset and the pushing stroke is completed. At this time, the stroke of the moving piston only needs to be the length of the first sub-piston cylinder 31.

[0073] In this embodiment, as a specific implementation of the 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 disposed inside the inner cylinder 33 and can slide along the length of the inner cylinder 33. The 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. Push plates are sequentially sleeved on the other end of the piston rod 18 along the direction away from the inner cylinder 33. 19 and end plate 21; the hinge plate 20 and the proximity switch 17 are both disposed at the other end of the inner cylinder 33. The hinge plate 20 is located between the push plate 19 and the end plate 21. A return spring 22 is disposed between the hinge plate 20 and the end plate 21. One end of the hinge plate 20 is hinged to the end of the inner cylinder 33. The rotation of the other end of the hinge plate 20 is used to activate the proximity switch 17. A portion of the projection of the push plate 19 along the axis of the piston rod 18 falls on the hinge plate 20. In this design, the piston rod 18 can slide within the inner cylinder 33. When the pigging ball squeezes and pushes the contact head 16, the piston rod 18 moves towards the ball receiving box 11. Since the lower end of the hinge plate 20 is hinged to the end of the inner cylinder 33 via the pin 28, the upper end of the hinge plate 20 can rotate around the lower end in the direction of rotation 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. Therefore, 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 within the rotation range of the other end of the hinge plate 20, the rotation of the other end of the hinge plate 20 can trigger the proximity switch 17, causing it to sense and control the third telescopic mechanism 14 to achieve the pushing stroke. Since there is a return spring 22 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 contact head 16, the inner hole at the other end of the inner cylinder 33 has a stepped hole with a reduced diameter; a fixing block 23 is provided 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 provided between the adjusting block 24 and the fixing block 23. In this solution, the piston rod 18 is guided and limited by the front section of the stepped hole; while the fixing block 23 is provided inside the stepped hole, the piston rod 18 passes through the fixing block 23 and slides with the fixing block 23. Since there is an adjusting spring 25 between the fixing block 23 and the adjusting block 24, the adjusting spring 25 is used to drive the piston rod 18 and the contact head 16 to reset under the elastic force of the adjusting spring 25.

[0075] In this embodiment, to facilitate the ejection of the pig from the through hole, the receiving box 11 is equipped with a horizontal pushing assembly 26. The horizontal pushing assembly 26 includes a third telescopic mechanism 14. The output end of the third telescopic mechanism 14 extends and retracts 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 set inside the receiving box 11 and located on one side of the opening end of the receiving box 11. The horizontal pushing assembly 26 includes a third telescopic mechanism 14. The third telescopic mechanism 14 adopts a linear drive motor, and its output end can extend and retract laterally, thereby extending into the through hole of the inner cylinder 33 to eject the pig, so that the pig falls into the receiving box 11, completing the pig collection.

[0076] How the ball-collecting section works:

[0077] The automatic ball-collecting device employs a motor + lifting mechanism to drive the piston rod axially. PLC programming controls the motor to complete the ball-throwing action within a specified timeframe, finally returning the device to its initial position. The specific mechanical structure of the automatic ball-collecting device is as follows: Figure 11 , Figure 12 As shown, the main body is processed with a ring belt. During the ball pushing process, the upstream gas will enter the downstream pipeline 30 through the ring belt. The entire process does not throttle the flow and does not affect the normal production process. When the ball arrives at the upstream pipeline 29, the ball stopper 27 blocks the ball. At the same time, the ball contact head 16 contacts the ball and pushes the piston rod to detect it. After that, it pushes the piston rod to move to the right, causing the hinge plate 20 to rotate around the pin 28. At this time, the proximity switch 17 will sense it, and the motor will rotate to push the piston and the ball outward. The horizontal push assembly 26 pushes the ball into the ball receiving box 11.

[0078] Step 1: As Figure 13 As shown, the incoming ball strikes the contact head 16, thereby pushing the hinge plate 20 to rotate around the axis. The proximity switch 17 receives the incoming ball signal and starts the motor to push the pig out of the piston rod. This step converts the mechanical signal into an electrical signal, which serves to automatically detect the incoming ball.

[0079] Step 2: As Figure 14 As shown, the motor rotates, pushing the inner cylinder 33 carrying the pig to the horizontal push assembly 26 inside the pig collection box 11.

[0080] Step 3: As Figure 15 As shown, the horizontal push assembly 26 pushes the pig 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: As Figure 16 As shown, the transverse push assembly 26 is reset, restoring the inner cylinder 33 and piston rod 18 to their initial positions.

[0082] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of the present invention. It should be understood that the above description is only a specific embodiment 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 within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic pigging and pigging device for natural gas gathering and transmission pipelines, characterized in that, Includes the pitching and catching phases; The ball-throwing section includes a ball storage tank (1) and a first drive assembly. The ball storage tank (1) is connected to a medium pipeline via a pipe. The first drive assembly is used to push the cleaning balls in the ball storage tank (1) into the medium pipeline. The ball receiving section 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 cleaning ball in the medium pipeline. The second drive assembly (12) is used to push the cleaning ball in the medium pipeline into the ball receiving box (11). The second drive assembly (12) includes a piston cylinder and a third telescopic mechanism (14). The middle part of the piston cylinder is connected to the medium pipeline through a cross. The piston cylinder includes a first sub-piston cylinder (31) and a second sub-piston cylinder (15) respectively disposed 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). 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 equipped with a movable piston that is adapted to the inner diameter of the piston cylinder. The movable piston is located inside 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 pigging ball at the intersection of the piston cylinder and the medium pipeline into the pig collection box (11). The piston cylinder also has an inner cylinder (33) that is coaxially slidably connected inside. The inner cylinder (33) can slide along the length of the piston cylinder. One end of the inner cylinder (33) extends into the first sub-piston cylinder (31) and is connected to the movable piston. The other end of the inner cylinder (33) extends into the second sub-piston cylinder (15). The inner cylinder (33) located at the intersection has a through hole for the cleaning ball to enter and exit. The incoming ball detection mechanism (13) is located inside the other end of the inner cylinder (33). The incoming ball detection mechanism (13) includes a proximity switch (17) and a retractable contact head (16). The ball head portion of the contact head (16) extends into the medium pipeline. The extension and retraction of the contact head (16) is used to activate the proximity switch (17). The proximity switch (17) is used to control the extension and retraction of the third telescopic mechanism (14). The ball detection mechanism (13) further includes a piston rod (18) and a hinge plate (20). The piston rod (18) is slidably disposed inside the inner cylinder (33) and can slide along the length direction of the inner cylinder (33). The 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 hinge plate (20) and the proximity switch (17) are both located at the other end of the inner cylinder (33). The hinge plate (20) is located between the push plate (19) and the end plate (21). A return spring (22) is provided between the hinge plate (20) and the end plate (21). One end of the hinge plate (20) is hinged to the end of the inner cylinder (33). The rotation of the other end of the hinge plate (20) is used to activate the proximity switch (17). A portion of the projection of the push plate (19) along the axis of the piston rod (18) falls on the hinge plate (20).

2. The automatic pigging and pigging device for natural gas gathering and transmission pipelines according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first drive assembly includes a first telescopic mechanism (5) and a horizontal branch pipe, which is connected to the medium pipeline; the output end of the first telescopic mechanism (5) is equipped with a horizontal piston (2) that is adapted to the inner diameter of the horizontal branch pipe, the horizontal piston (2) is located inside the horizontal branch pipe and can move along the length of the horizontal branch pipe; the ball storage tank (1) has its opening facing downward and is connected to the upper side wall of the horizontal branch pipe; the movement of the horizontal piston (2) along the length of the horizontal branch pipe is used to close or open the opening of the ball storage tank (1) through its own side wall.

3. The automatic pigging and pigging device for natural gas gathering and transmission pipelines according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first drive assembly further 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 equipped with a vertical piston (3) that is adapted to the inner diameter of the vertical branch pipe (7). The vertical piston (3) is located inside 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.

4. The automatic pigging and pigging device for natural gas gathering and transmission pipelines according to claim 3, characterized in that, The medium pipeline includes a right-angle pipe, and the ball-throwing part is located 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.

5. The automatic pigging and pigging device for natural gas gathering and transmission pipelines according to claim 1, characterized in that, The intersection of the piston cylinder and the medium pipeline has a ball stopper (27) at the end near the outlet pipeline.

6. The automatic pigging and pigging device for natural gas gathering and transmission pipelines according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner hole at the other end of the inner cylinder (33) has a stepped hole with a reduced diameter; a fixing block (23) is provided 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 provided between the adjusting block (24) and the fixing block (23).

7. The automatic pigging and pigging device for natural gas gathering and transmission pipelines according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ball receiving box (11) is provided with a horizontal pushing assembly (26), which includes a third telescopic mechanism. The output end of the third telescopic mechanism extends and retracts in a direction perpendicular to the inner cylinder (33) and is used to extend into the through hole.

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