Submarine pipeline repairing connector, submarine pipeline repairing system and repairing method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a submarine pipeline repairing connector, a submarine pipeline repairing system and a repairing method of the submarine pipeline repairing connector. The submarine pipeline repairing connector comprises a pipe body with a first end and a second end which are opposite to each other; the rigid connecting mechanism is used for being connected with a rigid pipeline and located at the first end of the pipe body, the rigid connecting mechanism comprises an anchoring ring, a sealing piece and a driving mechanism which are all arranged in the pipe body, and the driving mechanism can drive the anchoring ring and the sealing piece to have a moving trend towards the outer side wall of the rigid pipeline inserted into the pipe body; the flexible connecting mechanism is used for being connected with the flexible pipeline and located at the second end of the pipe body, and the flexible connecting mechanism comprises a flexible pipeline sealing mechanism for sealing the flexible pipeline and the pipe body and a flexible pipeline anchoring mechanism for anchoring the flexible pipeline. The problems that in the prior art, installation is difficult, flexibility is poor, and sealing performance is poor can be solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of marine oil and gas resource development, and in particular to a submarine pipeline repair connector, a submarine pipeline repair system and a repair method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Submarine pipelines have the advantages of continuous fluid transportation and large transportation volume, and are one of the important infrastructures for the development of marine oil and gas resources.

[0003] In the early development of shallow-water oil and gas fields, the connection of underwater equipment usually adopts a bolt flange connection system, which is completed by divers. However, with the continuous development of deep-water oil and gas fields, the bolt flange connection system is restricted, so the deep-water non-submersible connection system has emerged. The non-submersible connection system relies on ROV robots to complete the connection of underwater connectors. At present, many foreign companies have mastered the research and development technology of underwater connectors. Underwater connector products around the world basically come from underwater equipment suppliers such as FMC, Cameron, Oil States, GE VetcoGrey and Aker Solutions. The core technology is only mastered within the company, and there are few public publications that explain the key technologies of deep-water underwater connectors. The commonly used underwater connectors at home and abroad and their respective advantages and disadvantages are as follows:

[0004] Flange type underwater connector: It is necessary to apply pre-tightening force by tightening bolts to achieve the purpose of connection, so it has stronger sealing and load resistance. However, it is only suitable for shallow water environment, and there are cumbersome installation and difficult to solve deep sea installation problems.

[0005] Claw-type underwater connector: With advantages such as bolt-free structure, good self-alignment function and low installation difficulty, it has become the most widely used underwater pipe connector. However, it must be installed with the help of special tools and has a low degree of automation.

[0006] Clamp-type underwater connector: Compared with the claw-type underwater connector, it is smaller in size, more accurately aligned, has better anti-fishing net dragging performance in shallow water applications, and has better sealing and load resistance. However, it has higher requirements for the coaxiality of the connector and the original pipe, and leakage may occur during the pressure test after installation.

[0007] Compression-type underwater connector: It can be used in various pipelines and has strong adaptability. It can be used as a quick emergency repair measure for pipeline damage and leakage, but it requires special clamping tools for loading and installation. The plastic deformation of the connector joint is used to seal the pipeline, resulting in weak sealing and load resistance. It can only be used in shallow water within a depth of 50m. Summary of the invention

[0008] The HDGSC connector of the Oceanerring pipeline connection and maintenance system in the existing technology is suitable for non-submersible maintenance of deep-sea pipelines. The hydraulic pipe end connection part of the connector is developed based on the existing "hydraulic smart flange connector (HSF)" and "smart flange connector plus (SFC+)". Oceanerring's HDGSC connector technology solution has significant advantages in applications such as submarine pipeline connection, maintenance and sealing through multiple innovations such as high-density gravity sealing, hydraulic drive, automated operation and high-strength materials. The core advantage of this solution is that it can provide reliable connection effects, ensure the stable operation of the submarine oil and gas transmission system, and is suitable for extreme submarine environments.

[0009] However, the symmetrical structure limits the installation to steel pipes at both ends, and rigid pipes have high technical and equipment requirements during installation, requiring precise assembly and debugging processes, and may be complicated to install. This may lead to errors or failures during installation for inexperienced engineers. In addition, the connector has a large number of limit screws installed on the outer shell, which places high demands on the sealing of the internal structure, and its complex structure is also very difficult to process. In addition, its installation also has compatibility issues: in some diversified or special industrial systems, the standardization of HDGSC connectors may not be high enough, resulting in compatibility issues with existing equipment or systems, especially if equipment from different manufacturers needs to be connected to each other.

[0010] The symmetrical self-driving deep-sea pipeline connector in the prior art mainly consists of four parts: driving structure, anchoring structure, sealing structure and locking structure. The driving structure consists of a housing, an anchoring driving structure, a sealing driving structure and a Gley ring; the anchoring structure consists of an end cap and a pressure ring; the sealing structure consists of a spacer ring, an anti-burst ring and a sealing ring; the locking structure consists of a locking pin, a spring and a spring cap. Before actual loading, the connector and the pipeline must be on the same center line. Control the ROV to inject high-pressure oil into the oil filling port of the connector housing, so that the high-pressure oil enters the oil chamber of the connector. The sealing drive structure moves toward one end of the sealing ring under the action of the hydraulic oil. The sealing ring and the anti-burst ring will be squeezed under the axial load of the drive structure, and axial and radial deformation will occur, and finally contact with the pipeline to achieve sealing; when the sealing drive structure moves to the limit position, the locking pin enters the pin hole under the action of the spring, and this operation ensures that the sealing structure forms a stable seal; similarly, the anchoring drive structure moves toward the end cover under the action of the hydraulic oil, and the lower conical surface of the pressure ring contacts the upper conical surface of the slip of the end cover. During the axial movement, the slip of the end cover is radially displaced under the action of the pressure ring, so that the slip teeth are embedded in the outer wall of the pipeline, and the embedding depth is positively correlated with the feed displacement. When the pressure ring moves to the limit position, the inner surface of the pressure ring and the outer surface of the slip are interfered, which can effectively compress the slip and ensure the connection strength between the end cover and the pipeline. The other end of the connector continues the above loading process, and finally realizes the anchoring and sealing of the entire connector.

[0011] In this type of connector, the anchoring structure does not have a fixing device, and is prone to fall out and fail after being anchored and locked. In addition, the anchoring structure integrated with the end cover limits the number of anchoring teeth. The locking structure of this connector relies on a spring pin embedded in the outer shell, which falls vertically. When locked, the pin is subjected to a large shear force. According to the third strength criterion, it is prone to shear failure and loosening. In the sealing structure of this connector, it is difficult to provide sufficient sealing stress with only two rubber sealing rings. When the connector is used in deep sea, a more reasonable sealing form is required to provide higher sealing stress. In addition, in the double-head symmetrical rigid pipe connector, the center-to-center connection also places high demands on the equipment, and the connection is difficult. The two ends of the connector with a symmetrical structure are connected to steel pipes, and rigid pipes have the following disadvantages when connected: Poor flexibility: Rigid pipes are usually not flexible and cannot adapt to slight displacements or changes in the environment, which can easily lead to stress concentration and damage; Difficult installation: Rigid connections require precise alignment, and additional tools and equipment may be required during installation, which increases the complexity of construction; Poor seismic performance: Under earthquakes or other dynamic loads, rigid connections may not be able to effectively absorb vibrations, resulting in pipe ruptures or failure of connections; Thermal expansion problems: Temperature changes can cause pipes to expand or contract, and rigid connections may not be able to cope with these changes, causing stress concentration and damage; High maintenance difficulty: Once a failure occurs, the repair and replacement of rigid connections may be relatively difficult, increasing maintenance costs and downtime; High cost: The material and installation costs of rigid connections may be higher, especially when special processes or equipment are required.

[0012] The marine non-bonded flexible pipe joint in the prior art has an inner and outer sheath, which are generally made of polymer materials and mainly play the role of sealing the pipeline medium, and are the objects of the joint sealing; the sealing ring has two sealing surfaces, the outer sealing surface is a conical surface, which forms a line surface match with the inner sleeve of the joint, and the inner sealing surface is an arc surface, which cooperates with the inner sleeve of the softer material, and forms a surface surface match under the compression of the arc surface of the sealing ring. There are two possible leakage paths in the joint sealing system: one is the path where the conical surface of the sealing ring contacts the inner sleeve of the joint; the other is the path where the sealing ring contacts the inner sleeve.

[0013] Flexible pipe joints are mostly used in marine flexible risers or submarine flexible manifolds, and their ends are flange structures. When used to repair damaged submarine pipelines, flange joints need to be welded on the cutting ports of rigid pipes before they can be docked with the flexible pipe joints. This makes it difficult to apply in practice, and the advantage of the wide applicability of flexible pipes in repairing pipe sections cannot be utilized.

[0014] In order to overcome at least one of the above-mentioned defects of the prior art, the technical problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a submarine pipeline repair connector, a submarine pipeline repair system and a repair method thereof, which can solve the problems of difficult installation, poor flexibility and poor sealing in the prior art.

[0015] The specific technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention is:

[0016] A submarine pipeline repair connector, the submarine pipeline repair connector comprising:

[0017] a tube having opposing first and second ends;

[0018] A rigid connection mechanism for connecting a rigid pipe, which is located at the first end of the pipe body, and comprises: an anchor ring, a seal and a driving mechanism, all of which are arranged in the pipe body, and the driving mechanism can drive the anchor ring and the seal to have a tendency to move the outer side wall of the rigid pipe inserted into the pipe body;

[0019] A flexible connection mechanism for connecting a flexible pipe is located at the second end of the pipe body, and comprises a flexible pipe sealing mechanism for sealing the flexible pipe and the pipe body, and a flexible pipe anchoring mechanism for anchoring the flexible pipe.

[0020] Preferably, the seal comprises: a sealing body which is annular and extends along its own axial direction, the sealing body is made of a flexible material, and both ends of the sealing body respectively have annular holes, the annular holes extend along the axial direction of the sealing body, and the radial width of the annular holes decreases from the respective corresponding ends toward the middle of the sealing body; and metal rings are respectively arranged in the two annular holes, and the diameter of the metal rings is larger than the radial width of one end of the annular hole close to the middle of the sealing body.

[0021] Preferably, the side wall of the tube body has a hydraulic hole;

[0022] The driving mechanism comprises: an anchor ring driving member and a sealing member driving member which can move relatively along the axial direction of the tube body, one end of the anchor ring driving member abuts against the anchor ring, one end of the sealing member driving member abuts against the sealing member, a hydraulic cavity is formed between the anchor ring driving member, the sealing member driving member and the tube body, and the hydraulic hole is communicated with the hydraulic cavity; a locking structure;

[0023] The anchor ring driver and the seal driver have a first position and a second position. In the first position, the anchor ring driver and the seal driver can move relative to each other along the axial direction of the tube body. In the second position, the locking structure can prevent the anchor ring driver and the seal driver from moving in relative directions.

[0024] Preferably, the locking structure comprises:

[0025] One of the anchor ring driver and the seal driver is provided with a limiting groove;

[0026] The other of the anchor ring driver and the seal driver has a groove thereon;

[0027] The elastic member and the limiting member are installed in the groove, and in the second position, the elastic member can drive the limiting member to enter the limiting groove.

[0028] Preferably, the cross section of the limiting groove is triangular, and the long side of the triangle is located at the outermost side of the limiting groove; the locking structure comprises: a spring pin and a rotating shaft arranged in the groove, the limiting member has a first through hole, the rotating shaft is passed through the first through hole, and the limiting member also has a sliding groove;

[0029] The elastic member is a torsion spring, the spring pin is inserted into the torsion spring, one force-bearing rod of the spring is against the side wall of the groove, the other force-bearing rod of the spring is inserted into the slide groove, and the torsion spring can drive the limiting member to rotate around the rotating shaft so that the limiting member is stuck in the limiting groove;

[0030] When the limiting member is inserted into the limiting groove, the limiting member forms an acute angle with the axial direction of the anchor ring driving member or the sealing member driving member.

[0031] Preferably, the first end of the tube body has a first step and a second step from outside to inside in sequence, the outer side wall of the seal driving member has a third step; the inner side wall of the seal driving member has a fourth step; and the outer side wall of the anchor ring driving member has a fifth step;

[0032] In the second position, the third step is against the first step; the seal is arranged between the second step and the end of the seal driver; the end of the anchor ring driver can be against the fourth step; the hydraulic chamber is formed between the fifth step of the anchor ring driver, the other end of the seal driver and the tube body.

[0033] Preferably, the inner side wall of the second end of the tube body has a first sealing slope;

[0034] The flexible pipe sealing mechanism comprises:

[0035] A joint inner cover disposed at the second end surface of the tube body, the joint inner cover having a first inner extension portion extending into the tube body;

[0036] A sealing metal ring is arranged inside the second end of the tube body, the outer side of the sealing metal ring has a second sealing inclined surface that is in close contact with the first sealing inclined surface, and the inner side of the sealing metal ring has a sealing arc surface for closely sealing with the outer side wall of the flexible pipe;

[0037] A first bolt that fixes the joint inner cover to the second end of the tube body can, depending on the degree of screwing of the first bolt, press the first inner extension against the sealing metal ring and make the sealing arc surface of the sealing metal ring press against the outer wall of the flexible pipe.

[0038] Preferably, the flexible pipe anchoring mechanism comprises:

[0039] A joint end housing fixedly connected to the tube body, the joint end housing being formed with an anchor opening, and an inner side wall of the anchor opening having a first inclined portion;

[0040] An anchoring ring disposed outside the anchoring opening, the anchoring ring having a second inner extension extending into the anchoring opening, and an outer side wall of the second inner extension having a second inclined portion matching the first inclined portion;

[0041] The second bolt that fixes the anchor ring to the joint end housing can anchor the second inner extension to the outer side wall of the flexible pipe under the action of the first inclined portion and the second inclined portion according to the degree of screwing of the second bolt.

[0042] A submarine pipeline repair system, comprising:

[0043] two subsea pipeline repair connectors as described above;

[0044] A flexible pipeline, one end of the flexible pipeline is connected to the flexible connection mechanism of one of the submarine pipeline repair connectors, the other end of the flexible pipeline is connected to the flexible connection mechanism of another submarine pipeline repair connector, the rigid connection mechanism of one of the submarine pipeline repair connectors is used to connect with a rigid pipeline of the submarine pipeline, and the rigid connection mechanism of the other submarine pipeline repair connector is used to connect with another rigid pipeline of the submarine pipeline.

[0045] A submarine pipeline repair method using the above submarine pipeline repair system, the submarine pipeline repair method comprising:

[0046] Before lowering into the seabed, one end of the flexible pipe is connected to the flexible connection mechanism of one of the submarine pipeline repair connectors, and the other end of the flexible pipe is connected to the flexible connection mechanism of another submarine pipeline repair connector;

[0047] Lowering the submarine pipeline repair system connected with the flexible pipeline into the target sea area of ​​the damaged section of the submarine pipeline;

[0048] The rigid connection mechanism of one of the submarine pipeline repair connectors is connected to a rigid pipe of the damaged section of the submarine pipeline through its own driving mechanism, and the rigid connection mechanism of another submarine pipeline repair connector is connected to another rigid pipe of the damaged section of the submarine pipeline through its own driving mechanism, so that the two rigid pipes of the damaged section of the submarine pipeline are connected.

[0049] The technical solution of the present invention has the following significant beneficial effects:

[0050] 1. The first end of the tube body of the submarine pipeline repair connector in the present application can be connected to the rigid pipeline through a rigid connection mechanism. When connected, the driving mechanism is used to drive the anchor ring and the seal to move toward the outer wall of the rigid pipeline inserted into the tube body, so that the anchor ring anchors the rigid pipeline and the seal seals the rigid pipeline; the second end of the tube body can be anchored to the flexible pipeline through the flexible pipeline anchoring mechanism in the flexible connection mechanism, and sealed with the flexible pipeline through the flexible pipeline sealing mechanism in the flexible connection mechanism. In the above manner, the submarine pipeline repair connector can be used to achieve the docking of the rigid pipeline and the flexible pipeline. Due to the existence of the flexible pipeline, the submarine pipeline repair connector can conveniently and quickly dock a flexible pipeline with a rigid pipeline. The entire docking process is highly flexible, simple and convenient to install, and has high sealing performance with the rigid pipeline. In addition, the flexible pipeline has better corrosion resistance and environmental applicability than the rigid pipeline.

[0051] 2. The submarine pipeline repair system in this application can overcome the problem of difficulty in installing rigid pipelines. Since one end of the submarine pipeline repair connector is connected to a flexible pipeline, when the other end of the submarine pipeline repair connector is connected to a rigid pipeline, it can provide better space for movement during installation. The submarine pipeline repair connector and the rigid pipeline are also more convenient to operate due to the large allowable disturbance of the flexible pipeline when aligning. In addition, when repairing the damaged section of the submarine pipeline, part of the damaged section can be replaced with a flexible pipe through the submarine pipeline repair system, which is more practical and reliable.

[0052] With reference to the following description and drawings, specific embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in detail, indicating the manner in which the principles of the present invention can be adopted. It should be understood that the embodiments of the present invention are not limited in scope. Features described and / or shown for one embodiment can be used in one or more other embodiments in the same or similar manner, combined with features in other embodiments, or replace features in other embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] The accompanying drawings described herein are only for explanation purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way. In addition, the shapes and proportional dimensions of the various components in the figures are only schematic, used to help understand the present invention, and are not specifically limited to the shapes and proportional dimensions of the various components of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can select various possible shapes and proportional dimensions to implement the present invention according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a submarine pipeline repair connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of the driving mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of a torsion spring driving a limiting member to rotate around a rotating shaft in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of a torsion spring driving a limiting member before rotating around a rotating shaft in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a sealing member in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of a submarine pipeline repair system in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Reference numerals in the above drawings:

[0061] 1. Tube body; 11. Hydraulic hole; 12. First step; 13. Second step; 14. First sealing inclined surface; 15. Sixth step; 16. Annular protrusion; 2. Rigid connection mechanism; 21. Anchor ring; 22. Seal; 221. Seal body; 2211. Annular hole; 222. Metal ring; 23. Driving mechanism; 231. Anchor ring driving member; 2311. Fifth step; 232. Seal driving member; 2321. Third step; 2322. Fourth step; 24. Joint end cover; 25. Fourth bolt; 233. Locking structure; 2331. Limiting groove; 2332. Groove; 2333. Elastic member; 2334. Limiting member; 233 41. first through hole; 23342. slide groove; 2335. spring pin; 2336. rotating shaft; 3. flexible connection mechanism; 31. flexible pipe sealing mechanism; 311. joint inner cover; 3111. first inner extension; 312. sealing metal ring; 3121. second sealing inclined surface; 3122. sealing arc surface; 313. first bolt; 314. termination ring; 32. flexible pipe anchoring mechanism; 321. joint end shell; 3211. first inclined portion; 322. anchoring ring; 3221. second inclined portion; 323. second bolt; 324. third bolt; 100. submarine pipeline repair connector; 200. flexible pipeline; 300. rigid pipeline. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] The details of the present invention can be more clearly understood by combining the accompanying drawings and the description of the specific embodiments of the present invention. However, the specific embodiments of the present invention described herein are only used for the purpose of explaining the present invention and cannot be understood as limiting the present invention in any way. Under the guidance of the present invention, technicians can conceive of any possible variations based on the present invention, which should be regarded as belonging to the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that when an element is referred to as "arranged on" another element, it can be directly on another element or there can also be a central element. When an element is considered to be "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to another element or there may be a central element at the same time. The terms "installed", "connected" and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection, or it can be the communication between the two elements, it can be directly connected, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances. The terms "vertical", "horizontal", "up", "down", "left", "right" and similar expressions used herein are only for illustrative purposes and do not represent the only implementation method.

[0063] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those generally understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs. The terms used herein in the specification of this application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application. The term "and / or" used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more related listed items.

[0064] With the massive consumption of land resources, people have gradually turned their attention to marine resources. Marine oil and gas reserves account for about 1 / 3 of the world's total oil and gas reserves, of which 60% are distributed on the continental shelf, and deep-sea and ultra-deep-sea oil and gas resources account for 30%, with very considerable reserves. Therefore, deep-sea oil exploitation is of vital importance.

[0065] Submarine pipelines are an important way to transport crude oil in the ocean, but due to the complex marine environment and seawater erosion, pipelines are very easy to be damaged. Leaked crude oil will damage the marine environment and cause great harm to the marine ecosystem. Leaked crude oil will have catastrophic consequences for the society's economy. Oil spills will cause economic losses to related companies and rise in crude oil prices. In order to avoid the above problems, when a submarine pipeline is found to be damaged and leaking, the pipeline needs to be repaired immediately. According to the specific form of submarine pipeline maintenance, there are mainly welding maintenance methods and mechanical connection maintenance methods. For the welding maintenance method, maintenance engineering ships, dry tanks, local dry welding and other equipment are used, but it has the disadvantages of very complicated repair process, high maintenance costs, and low operating efficiency; the mechanical connection maintenance method is to connect the new pipeline with the old pipeline through a mechanical connector to complete the repair process. This method does not require welding, has high maintenance efficiency, and is relatively inexpensive. Whether the pipeline connector can be sealed determines whether the pipeline repair is successful. Otherwise, crude oil leakage will still occur, causing great harm to the marine environment and social economy.

[0066] In order to solve the problems of difficult installation, poor flexibility and poor sealing in the prior art, a submarine pipeline repair connector 100 is proposed in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a submarine pipeline repair connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1As shown, the submarine pipeline repair connector 100 may include: a pipe body 1 having a first end and a second end opposite to each other; a rigid connection mechanism 2 for connecting a rigid pipe 300, which is located at the first end of the pipe body 1, and the rigid connection mechanism 2 includes: an anchor ring 21, a seal 22 and a driving mechanism 23, all of which are arranged in the pipe body 1, and the driving mechanism 23 can drive the anchor ring 21 and the seal 22 to have a tendency to move the outer side wall of the rigid pipe 300 inserted into the pipe body 1; a flexible connection mechanism 3 for connecting a flexible pipe 200, which is located at the second end of the pipe body 1, and the flexible connection mechanism 3 includes: a flexible pipe sealing mechanism 31 for sealing the flexible pipe 200 and the pipe body 1, and a flexible pipe anchoring mechanism 32 for anchoring the flexible pipe 200.

[0067] In the present application, the first end of the pipe body 1 of the submarine pipeline repair connector 100 can be connected to the rigid pipe 300 through the rigid connection mechanism 2. When connected, the driving mechanism 23 is used to drive the anchoring ring 21 and the sealing member 22 to move toward the outer side wall of the rigid pipe 300 inserted into the pipe body 1, so that the anchoring ring 21 anchors the rigid pipe 300 and the sealing member 22 seals the rigid pipe 300; the second end of the pipe body 1 can be anchored to the flexible pipe 200 through the flexible pipe anchoring mechanism 32 in the flexible connection mechanism 3, and sealed with the flexible pipe 200 through the flexible pipe sealing mechanism 31 in the flexible connection mechanism 3. In the above manner, the submarine pipeline repair connector 100 can be used to achieve the docking of the rigid pipeline 300 and the flexible pipeline 200. Due to the existence of the flexible pipeline 200, the submarine pipeline repair connector 100 can conveniently and quickly dock a flexible pipeline 200 with a rigid pipeline 300. The entire docking process is highly flexible, the installation is simple and convenient, the sealing performance of the docking with the rigid pipeline 300 is high, and the flexible pipeline 200 has better corrosion resistance and environmental applicability than the rigid pipeline 300.

[0068] This application also proposes a submarine pipeline repair system. Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a submarine pipeline repair system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 As shown, the submarine pipeline repair system may include: two submarine pipeline repair connectors 100 as described above; a flexible pipeline 200, one end of the flexible pipeline 200 is connected to the flexible connection mechanism 3 of one submarine pipeline repair connector 100, and the other end of the flexible pipeline 200 is connected to the flexible connection mechanism 3 of another submarine pipeline repair connector 100; the rigid connection mechanism 2 of one submarine pipeline repair connector 100 is used to connect with a rigid pipe 300 of the submarine pipeline, and the rigid connection mechanism 2 of the other submarine pipeline repair connector 100 is used to connect with another rigid pipe 300 of the submarine pipeline.

[0069] When a damaged section of a submarine pipeline appears, a submarine pipeline repair system can be used to repair the damaged section of the submarine pipeline. The submarine pipeline repair method using the submarine pipeline repair system may include the following steps:

[0070] Before being lowered into the seabed, one end of the flexible pipe 200 is connected to the flexible connection mechanism 3 of one seabed pipeline repair connector 100 , and the other end of the flexible pipe 200 is connected to the flexible connection mechanism 3 of another seabed pipeline repair connector 100 .

[0071] The submarine pipeline repair system connected with the flexible pipeline 200 is lowered into the target sea area of ​​the damaged section of the submarine pipeline.

[0072] The rigid connection mechanism 2 of one submarine pipeline repair connector 100 is connected to a rigid pipe 300 of the damaged section of the submarine pipeline through its own driving mechanism 23, and the rigid connection mechanism 2 of another submarine pipeline repair connector 100 is connected to another rigid pipe 300 of the damaged section of the submarine pipeline through its own driving mechanism 23, so that the two rigid pipes 300 of the damaged section of the submarine pipeline are connected.

[0073] The submarine pipeline repair system in the present application can overcome the problem of difficult installation with the rigid pipeline 300. Since one end of the submarine pipeline repair connector 100 is connected to the flexible pipeline 200, when the other end of the submarine pipeline repair connector 100 is connected to the rigid pipeline 300, it can provide better space for movement during installation. The submarine pipeline repair connector 100 and the rigid pipeline 300 are also more convenient to operate due to the large allowable disturbance of the flexible pipeline 200 when they are aligned. In addition, when repairing the damaged section of the submarine pipeline, part of the damaged section can be replaced with a flexible pipe through the submarine pipeline repair system, which is more practical and reliable.

[0074] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the driving mechanism in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 As shown, a hydraulic hole 11 is provided on the side wall of the tube body 1. The driving mechanism 23 may include: an anchor ring driver 231 and a seal driver 232 which can move relative to each other along the axial direction of the tube body 1, one end of the anchor ring driver 231 abuts against the anchor ring 21, one end of the seal driver 232 abuts against the seal 22, a hydraulic cavity is formed between the anchor ring driver 231, the seal driver 232 and the tube body 1, and the hydraulic hole 11 is connected to the hydraulic cavity; a locking structure 233. The anchor ring driver 231 and the seal driver 232 have a first position and a second position. In the first position, the anchor ring driver 231 and the seal driver 232 can move relative to each other along the axial direction of the tube body 1. In the second position, the locking structure 233 can prevent the anchor ring driver 231 and the seal driver 232 from moving in relative directions.

[0075] In the first position, when hydraulic fluid is injected into the hydraulic chamber, under the pressure of the hydraulic fluid, the anchor ring driver 231 and the seal driver 232 can move in opposite directions along the axial direction of the tube body 1. When the anchor ring driver 231 and the seal driver 232 move in opposite directions along the axial direction of the tube body 1 to a certain extent, they reach the second position. In the second position, the locking structure 233 prevents the anchor ring driver 231 and the seal driver 232 from moving in opposite directions along the axial direction of the tube body 1. During the movement of the anchor ring driver 231 and the seal driver 232 in opposite directions along the axial direction of the tube body 1, one end of the anchor ring driver 231 abuts against the anchor ring 21 and presses the anchor ring 21, so that the anchor ring 21 locks the rigid pipe 300 extending into the anchor ring 21 in the radial direction, thereby achieving the anchoring effect on the rigid pipe 300. One end of the seal driving member 232 presses against the seal 22 and squeezes the seal 22 axially, so that the seal 22 bulges in the radial direction or presses the rigid pipe 300 and the inner wall of the tube body 1 extending into the seal 22, thereby achieving sealing between the seal 22 and the rigid pipe 300 and the inner wall of the tube body 1.

[0076] When the submarine pipeline repair system is docked with the rigid pipeline 300 on the seabed, after the rigid pipeline 300 is inserted into the rigid connection mechanism 2 of the submarine pipeline repair connector 100, the ROV is controlled to inject hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic cavity through the hydraulic hole 11, thereby driving the anchor ring driver 231 and the seal driver 232 to move relative to each other along the axial direction of the pipe body 1.

[0077] The first end of the tube body 1 has a first step 12 and a second step 13 from outside to inside, and the outer side wall of the seal driver 232 has a third step 2321. The inner side wall of the seal driver 232 has a fourth step 2322. The outer side wall of the anchor ring driver 231 has a fifth step 2311. In the second position, the third step 2321 abuts against the first step 12. The seal 22 is arranged between the second step 13 and the end of the seal driver 232. The end of the anchor ring driver 231 can abut against the fourth step 2322. A hydraulic chamber is formed between the fifth step 2311 of the anchor ring driver 231, the other end of the seal driver 232 and the tube body 1.

[0078] The outer side walls of the seal driver 232 and the anchor ring driver 231 are in contact with the inner side wall on the left side of the first step 12 of the pipe body 1. The outer side wall on the right side of the third step 2321 of the seal driver 232 is in contact with the inner side wall between the first step 12 and the second step 13 of the pipe body 1. The outer side wall on the left side of the fourth step 2322 of the seal driver 232 is in contact with the outer side wall on the right side of the fifth step 2311 of the anchor ring driver 231. The inner diameters of the anchor ring driver 231, the seal driver 232 and the seal 22 may be equal, and are substantially equal to the outer diameter of the rigid pipe 300, thereby ensuring smooth insertion of the rigid pipe 300.

[0079] In one possible implementation, Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a torsion spring driving a limiting member to rotate around a rotating shaft in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a torsion spring driving a limiting member to rotate around a rotating shaft in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the locking structure 233 may include: a limiting groove 2331 on one of the anchor ring driver 231 and the seal driver 232; a groove 2332 on the other of the anchor ring driver 231 and the seal driver 232; an elastic member 2333 and a limiting member 2334 installed in the groove 2332, and in the second position, the elastic member 2333 can drive the limiting member 2334 to enter the limiting groove 2331. In the first position, the elastic member 2333 can make the limiting member 2334 have a side wall against one of the anchor ring driver 231 and the seal driver 232, and when the second position is reached, the elastic member 2333 drives the limiting member 2334 to enter the limiting groove 2331, and thereafter, the anchor ring driver 231 and the seal driver 232 cannot move in relative directions.

[0080] Furthermore, the cross section of the limiting groove 2331 may be triangular, and the long side of the triangle is located at the outermost side of the limiting groove 2331. Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the locking structure 233 includes: a spring pin 2335 and a rotating shaft 2336 arranged in the groove 2332, the limiting member 2334 has a first through hole 23341, the rotating shaft 2336 is inserted in the first through hole 23341, and the limiting member 2334 also has a sliding groove 23342. The elastic member 2333 is a torsion spring, the spring pin 2335 is inserted in the torsion spring, one force rod of the spring is against the side wall of the groove 2332, and the other force rod of the spring is inserted into the sliding groove 23342. The other force rod of the spring can move a distance in the sliding groove 23342, so that the torsion spring can drive the limiting member 2334 to rotate around the rotating shaft 2336 so that the limiting member 2334 is stuck in the limiting groove 2331. When the limiting member 2334 is inserted into the limiting groove 2331 , the limiting member 2334 forms an acute angle with the axial direction of the anchor ring driving member 231 or the sealing member driving member 232 .

[0081] When the stopper 2334 is inserted into the stopper groove 2331 so that the anchor ring driver 231 and the seal driver 232 cannot move in the relative direction, the axis of the stopper 2334 and the axes of the anchor ring driver 231 and the seal driver 232 are at a relatively small angle, such as less than 45 degrees, and as much as possible less than 30 degrees, so that it is mainly affected by the axial force, more reliable, and will not be easily damaged by shearing or loosened; in addition, the total number of the stopper 2334, the stopper groove 2331 and the groove 2332 can be reduced. There can be multiple stoppers 2334, stopper grooves 2331 and grooves 2332, which are arranged circumferentially around the anchor ring driver 231 and the seal driver 232.

[0082] In order to install the anchor ring 21 into the pipe body 1 and achieve a certain degree of limitation, the first end of the pipe body 1 is provided with a joint end cover 24, and the joint end cover 24 is connected to the first end of the pipe body 1 through a fourth bolt 25. A plurality of bolt holes can be provided in the circumference of the joint end cover 24, and the bolt holes are provided along the axial direction of the pipe body 1. The left end of the outer wall of the anchor ring 21 has a first inclined surface, the right end of the outer wall of the anchor ring 21 has a second inclined surface, the inner wall of the joint end cover 24 has a third inclined surface matching the first inclined surface, and the inner wall of the anchor ring driver 231 has a fourth inclined surface matching the second inclined surface. There is a certain gap between the anchor ring driver 231 and the joint end cover 24. The above structure can limit the anchor ring 21, and at the same time, when the anchor ring driver 231 moves toward the joint end cover 24, under the action of the inclined surface, the anchor ring 21 can be tightened to anchor the inserted rigid pipe 300.

[0083] In a feasible implementation manner, in order to improve the sealing effect of the sealing member 22, Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a sealing member in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5As shown, the seal 22 may include: a sealing body 221 which is annular and extends along its own axial direction, the sealing body 221 is made of a flexible material, and has an annular hole 2211 at both ends of the sealing body 221, the annular hole 2211 extends along the axial direction of the sealing body 221, and the radial width of the annular hole 2211 decreases from the respective corresponding ends toward the middle of the sealing body 221; metal rings 222 are respectively arranged in the two annular holes 2211, and the diameter of the metal ring 222 is larger than the radial width of one end of the annular hole 2211 close to the middle of the sealing body 221.

[0084] When the seal 22 is squeezed in its own axial direction, the metal ring 222 will move toward the middle of the seal body 221. Since the radial width of the annular hole 2211 decreases from the corresponding ends to the middle of the seal body 221, under the action of the metal ring 222 squeezing, the seal body 221 will expand inward and outward in the radial direction, thereby improving the sealing between the seal 22 and the inner wall of the pipe body 1 and the outer wall of the inserted rigid pipe 300.

[0085] like Figure 1 As shown, the inner wall of the second end of the pipe body 1 has a first sealing bevel 14. The flexible pipe sealing mechanism 31 may include: a joint inner cover 311 disposed at the end surface of the second end of the pipe body 1, the joint inner cover 311 having a first inner extension 3111 extending into the pipe body 1; a sealing metal ring 312 disposed inside the second end of the pipe body 1, the outer side of the sealing metal ring 312 having a second sealing bevel 3121 tightly attached to the first sealing bevel 14, and the inner side of the sealing metal ring 312 having a sealing arc surface 3122 for tightly sealing with the outer side wall of the flexible pipe 200; a first bolt 313 for fixing the joint inner cover 311 to the second end of the pipe body 1, and the first inner extension 3111 can be pressed against the sealing metal ring 312 and the sealing arc surface 3122 of the sealing metal ring 312 can be pressed against the outer side wall of the flexible pipe 200 according to the degree of screwing of the first bolt 313. The sealing metal ring 312 has a body and an extension portion, the second sealing bevel 3121 and the sealing arc surface 3122 are located on the extension portion, and the body is tubular, and its inner diameter is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the flexible pipe 200. The thickness and strength of the extension portion in the radial direction are lower than those of the body, so that when the first bolt 313 is screwed in to push the first inner extension portion 3111 against the sealing metal ring 312 and push the sealing metal ring 312 to the left, the extension portion is easy to move or lock in the radial direction along the first sealing bevel 14, so that the sealing metal ring 312 and the inner side wall of the pipe body 1 are kept sealed, and the sealing metal ring 312 and the outer side wall of the flexible pipe 200 are kept sealed.

[0086] like Figure 1As shown, the inner side wall of the second end of the pipe body 1 has a sixth step 15, which can be located on the left side of the first sealing slope 14. When the flexible pipe 200 is extended, the sixth step 15 can abut against the end of the flexible pipe 200 to prevent the flexible pipe 200 from further extending. In order to better abut the end of the flexible pipe 200 and make the axis of the flexible pipe 200 as consistent as possible with the axis of the pipe body 1, a termination ring 314 with an inner edge extending inward in the radial direction can be provided at the sixth step 15, and the inner edge can abut against the skeleton layer in the flexible pipe 200, so as to more effectively abut the end of the flexible pipe 200.

[0087] As feasible, Figure 1 As shown, the flexible pipe anchoring mechanism 32 may include: a joint end housing 321 fixedly connected to the pipe body 1, the joint end housing 321 is formed with an anchoring opening, and the inner side wall of the anchoring opening has a first inclined portion 3211; an anchoring ring 322 arranged outside the anchoring opening, the anchoring ring 322 has a second inner extension extending into the anchoring opening, and the outer side wall of the second inner extension has a second inclined portion 3221 matched with the first inclined portion 3211; a second bolt 323 for fixing the anchoring ring 322 with the joint end housing 321, and according to the degree of screwing of the second bolt 323, the second inner extension can be anchored to the outer side wall of the flexible pipe 200 under the action of the first inclined portion 3211 and the second inclined portion 3221. There may be a plurality of second bolts 323, which are distributed around the circumference of the anchoring ring 322. The second bolt 323 is extended along the axial direction of the pipe body 1.

[0088] In order to make the joint end housing 321 fixedly connected to the pipe body 1, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, the pipe body 1 has an annular protrusion 16 extending outward in the radial direction, and the left end of the joint end housing 321 is fixedly connected to the annular protrusion 16 by a plurality of third bolts 324 , and the third bolts 324 are arranged in a circumferential distribution around the annular protrusion 16 .

[0089] All articles and references disclosed, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated herein by reference for various purposes. The term "consisting essentially of ... " describing a combination should include determined elements, ingredients, parts or steps and other elements, ingredients, parts or steps that do not substantially affect the basic novel features of the combination. The use of the terms "comprising" or "including" to describe the combination of elements, ingredients, parts or steps here also contemplates the implementation method consisting essentially of these elements, ingredients, parts or steps. Here, by using the term "may", it is intended to illustrate that any attribute described that "may" includes is optional. Multiple elements, ingredients, parts or steps can be provided by a single integrated element, ingredient, part or step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, ingredient, part or step can be divided into separate multiple elements, ingredients, parts or steps. The disclosure "one" or "one" used to describe an element, ingredient, part or step is not said to exclude other elements, ingredients, parts or steps.

[0090] Each embodiment in this specification is described in a progressive manner, and each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. The same and similar parts between the embodiments can be referred to each other. The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of the present invention. The purpose is to enable people familiar with this technology to understand the content of the present invention and implement it accordingly, and it cannot be used to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any equivalent changes or modifications made according to the spirit of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A submarine pipeline repair connector, characterized in that: The submarine pipeline repair connector comprises: a tube having opposing first and second ends; A rigid connection mechanism for connecting a rigid pipe, which is located at the first end of the pipe body, and comprises: an anchor ring, a seal and a driving mechanism, all of which are arranged in the pipe body, and the driving mechanism can drive the anchor ring and the seal to have a tendency to move the outer side wall of the rigid pipe inserted into the pipe body; A flexible connection mechanism for connecting a flexible pipe is located at the second end of the pipe body, and comprises a flexible pipe sealing mechanism for sealing the flexible pipe and the pipe body, and a flexible pipe anchoring mechanism for anchoring the flexible pipe.

2. The submarine pipeline repair connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing member comprises: a sealing body which is annular and extends along its own axial direction, the sealing body is made of a flexible material, and both ends of the sealing body respectively have annular holes, the annular holes extend along the axial direction of the sealing body, and the radial width of the annular holes decreases from the respective corresponding ends toward the middle of the sealing body; and metal rings are respectively arranged in the two annular holes, and the diameter of the metal rings is larger than the radial width of one end of the annular hole close to the middle of the sealing body.

3. The submarine pipeline repair connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The side wall of the tube body is provided with a hydraulic hole; The driving mechanism comprises: an anchor ring driving member and a sealing member driving member which can move relatively along the axial direction of the tube body, one end of the anchor ring driving member abuts against the anchor ring, one end of the sealing member driving member abuts against the sealing member, a hydraulic cavity is formed between the anchor ring driving member, the sealing member driving member and the tube body, and the hydraulic hole is communicated with the hydraulic cavity; a locking structure; The anchor ring driver and the seal driver have a first position and a second position. In the first position, the anchor ring driver and the seal driver can move relative to each other along the axial direction of the tube body. In the second position, the locking structure can prevent the anchor ring driver and the seal driver from moving in relative directions.

4. The submarine pipeline repair connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The locking structure comprises: One of the anchor ring driver and the seal driver is provided with a limiting groove; The other of the anchor ring driver and the seal driver has a groove thereon; The elastic member and the limiting member are installed in the groove, and in the second position, the elastic member can drive the limiting member to enter the limiting groove.

5. The submarine pipeline repair connector according to claim 4, characterized in that: The cross section of the limiting groove is triangular, and the long side of the triangle is located at the outermost side of the limiting groove; the locking structure comprises: a spring pin and a rotating shaft arranged in the groove, the limiting member has a first through hole, the rotating shaft is passed through the first through hole, and the limiting member also has a sliding groove; The elastic member is a torsion spring, the spring pin is inserted into the torsion spring, one force-bearing rod of the spring is against the side wall of the groove, the other force-bearing rod of the spring is inserted into the slide groove, and the torsion spring can drive the limiting member to rotate around the rotating shaft so that the limiting member is stuck in the limiting groove; When the limiting member is inserted into the limiting groove, the limiting member forms an acute angle with the axial direction of the anchor ring driving member or the sealing member driving member.

6. The submarine pipeline repair connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first end of the tube body has a first step and a second step from outside to inside in sequence, the outer side wall of the seal driving member has a third step; the inner side wall of the seal driving member has a fourth step; and the outer side wall of the anchor ring driving member has a fifth step; In the second position, the third step is against the first step; the seal is arranged between the second step and the end of the seal driver; the end of the anchor ring driver can be against the fourth step; the hydraulic chamber is formed between the fifth step of the anchor ring driver, the other end of the seal driver and the tube body.

7. The submarine pipeline repair connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner side wall of the second end of the tube body has a first sealing slope; The flexible pipe sealing mechanism comprises: A joint inner cover disposed at the second end surface of the tube body, the joint inner cover having a first inner extension portion extending into the tube body; A sealing metal ring is arranged inside the second end of the tube body, the outer side of the sealing metal ring has a second sealing inclined surface that is in close contact with the first sealing inclined surface, and the inner side of the sealing metal ring has a sealing arc surface for closely sealing with the outer side wall of the flexible pipe; A first bolt that fixes the joint inner cover to the second end of the tube body can, depending on the degree of screwing of the first bolt, press the first inner extension against the sealing metal ring and make the sealing arc surface of the sealing metal ring press against the outer wall of the flexible pipe.

8. The submarine pipeline repair connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flexible pipe anchoring mechanism comprises: A joint end housing fixedly connected to the tube body, the joint end housing being formed with an anchor opening, and an inner side wall of the anchor opening having a first inclined portion; An anchoring ring disposed outside the anchoring opening, the anchoring ring having a second inner extension extending into the anchoring opening, and an outer side wall of the second inner extension having a second inclined portion matching the first inclined portion; The second bolt that fixes the anchor ring to the joint end housing can anchor the second inner extension to the outer side wall of the flexible pipe under the action of the first inclined portion and the second inclined portion according to the degree of screwing of the second bolt.

9. A submarine pipeline repair system, characterized in that: The submarine pipeline repair system comprises: Two submarine pipeline repair connectors as claimed in claim 1; A flexible pipeline, one end of the flexible pipeline is connected to the flexible connection mechanism of one of the submarine pipeline repair connectors, the other end of the flexible pipeline is connected to the flexible connection mechanism of another submarine pipeline repair connector, the rigid connection mechanism of one of the submarine pipeline repair connectors is used to connect with a rigid pipeline of the submarine pipeline, and the rigid connection mechanism of the other submarine pipeline repair connector is used to connect with another rigid pipeline of the submarine pipeline.

10. A method for repairing a submarine pipeline using the submarine pipeline repair system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The submarine pipeline repair method comprises: Before lowering into the seabed, one end of the flexible pipe is connected to the flexible connection mechanism of one of the submarine pipeline repair connectors, and the other end of the flexible pipe is connected to the flexible connection mechanism of another submarine pipeline repair connector; Lowering the submarine pipeline repair system connected with the flexible pipeline into the target sea area of ​​the damaged section of the submarine pipeline; The rigid connection mechanism of one of the submarine pipeline repair connectors is connected to a rigid pipe of the damaged section of the submarine pipeline through its own driving mechanism, and the rigid connection mechanism of another submarine pipeline repair connector is connected to another rigid pipe of the damaged section of the submarine pipeline through its own driving mechanism, so that the two rigid pipes of the damaged section of the submarine pipeline are connected.

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