Subsea pipeline repair connector, subsea pipeline repair system and method of repairing thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a submarine pipeline repair connector, a submarine pipeline repair system and a repair method thereof, and relates to the technical field of pipeline repair. The submarine pipeline repair connector comprises a pipe body with opposite first and second ends; a rigid connecting mechanism for connecting a rigid pipeline is arranged at the first end of the pipe body, and the rigid connecting mechanism comprises an anchoring ring, a sealing element and a driving mechanism, which are all arranged in the pipe body; the driving mechanism can drive the anchoring ring and the sealing element to have a moving tendency on the outer sidewall of the rigid pipeline inserted into the pipe body; a flexible connecting mechanism for connecting a flexible pipeline is arranged at the second end of the pipe body, and the flexible connecting mechanism comprises a flexible pipeline sealing mechanism for realizing sealing of the flexible pipeline and the pipe body, and a flexible pipeline anchoring mechanism for realizing anchoring of the flexible pipeline. The application can solve the problems of difficult installation, poor flexibility and poor sealing in the prior art.

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 days of shallow-water oil and gas field exploitation, the connection of underwater equipment usually used a bolt flange connection system, which relied on divers to complete. However, with the continuous development of deep-water oil and gas fields, the bolt flange connection system has been 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 connectors: These connectors require preload by tightening bolts to achieve connection, resulting in stronger sealing and load-bearing capabilities. However, they are only suitable for shallow water environments and pose cumbersome installation challenges, including difficult-to-solve deep-sea installation issues.

[0005] Claw-type underwater connectors: With advantages such as boltless construction, good self-alignment, and easy installation, they have become the most widely used underwater pipe connector. However, installation requires specialized tools and has a low degree of automation.

[0006] Clamp-type underwater connectors: Compared to claw-type underwater connectors, these are smaller and more accurately aligned. They offer better protection against fishing net snags in shallow waters and offer superior sealing and load resistance. However, they require high coaxiality between the connector and the original pipe, and leakage may occur during post-installation pressure testing.

[0007] Press-fit underwater connectors: They can be used on various pipelines and are highly adaptable. They can be used as a quick emergency repair measure for pipeline damage and leakage. However, they require 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. They can only be used in shallow waters within a depth of 50m. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The existing HDGSC connector of the Oceanerring pipeline connection and maintenance system is suitable for non-submersible maintenance of deep-sea pipelines. The hydraulic pipe end connection portion 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, through multiple innovations such as high-density gravity sealing, hydraulic drive, automated operation, and high-strength materials, gives it significant advantages in applications such as submarine pipeline connection, maintenance, and sealing. The core advantage of this solution is that it can provide a reliable connection effect, ensure the stable operation of the submarine oil and gas transmission system, and is suitable for extreme submarine environments.

[0009] However, the symmetrical structure restricts 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 also makes processing very difficult. 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] Existing symmetrical self-actuated deep-sea pipeline connectors primarily consist of a drive structure, an anchoring structure, a sealing structure, and a locking mechanism. The drive structure comprises a housing, an anchoring drive structure, a sealing drive structure, and a Gly ring; the anchoring structure comprises an end cap and a pressure ring; the sealing structure comprises a spacer ring, an anti-burst ring, and a sealing ring; and the locking mechanism comprises a locking pin, a spring, and a spring cap. Before actual loading, the connector and pipeline must be aligned. The ROV controls the injection of high-pressure oil into the oil inlet of the connector housing, allowing it to enter the connector's oil chamber. The seal drive mechanism, under the action of the hydraulic oil, moves toward one end of the seal ring. The seal ring and anti-burst ring are squeezed by the axial load of the drive mechanism, undergoing axial and radial deformation, ultimately contacting the pipeline and achieving a seal. When the seal drive mechanism reaches its limit, the locking pin, under the action of the spring, enters the pin hole, ensuring a stable seal. Similarly, the anchor drive mechanism, under the action of the hydraulic oil, moves toward the end cap. The lower conical surface of the pressure ring contacts the upper conical surface of the end cap's slips. During this axial movement, the end cap's slips undergo radial displacement under the action of the pressure ring, causing the slip teeth to embed into the outer wall of the pipeline. The embedment depth is positively correlated with the feed displacement. When the pressure ring reaches its limit, the inner surface of the pressure ring and the outer surface of the slips achieve interference fit, effectively compressing the slips and ensuring the connection strength between the end cap and the pipeline. The loading process continues at the other end of the connector, ultimately achieving anchoring and sealing of the entire connector.

[0011] In this type of connector, the anchoring structure does not have a fixed device, and it is easy to fall out and fail after the anchor is locked. In addition, the anchoring structure is integrated with the end cover, which limits the number of anchor teeth. The locking structure of this connector relies on a spring pin embedded in the shell, which falls vertically. When locked, the pin is subjected to a large shear force. According to the third strength criterion, it is easy to be sheared and broken, and it is easy to loosen. 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 applications, a more reasonable sealing form is required to provide higher sealing stress. In addition, in the double-headed symmetrical rigid pipe connector, the center connection also places high requirements on the equipment, and the connection is more 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 rupture or failure of the connection; Thermal expansion problems: Temperature changes can cause pipes to expand or contract, and rigid connections may not be able to cope with these changes, resulting in 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] Existing marine non-bonded flexible pipe joints feature inner and outer sheaths, typically made of polymer materials. These sheaths primarily seal the pipeline medium and are the subject of the joint's seal. The sealing ring has two sealing surfaces: a conical outer surface, which forms a linear fit with the joint's inner sleeve, and an arc-shaped inner surface, which forms a surface-to-surface fit with the softer inner sleeve under the compression of the ring's arc surface. This joint's sealing system has two potential leakage paths: one where the ring's conical surface contacts the joint's inner sleeve, and the other where the ring contacts the inner sleeve.

[0013] Flexible pipe joints are mostly used in marine flexible risers or submarine flexible manifolds. Their ends are flange structures. When used to repair damaged submarine pipelines, flange joints need to be welded to the cut ends of the rigid pipelines before they can be docked with the flexible pipe joints. This makes it difficult to apply in practice and fails to take advantage of the wide applicability of flexible pipes in repairing pipe sections.

[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, comprising:

[0017] a tubular body having opposing first and second ends;

[0018] a rigid connection mechanism for connecting a rigid pipe, located at the first end of the pipe body, the rigid connection mechanism comprising: an anchor ring, a seal, and a drive mechanism, all of which are disposed within the pipe body, the drive mechanism being capable of driving the anchor ring and the seal to move the outer side wall of the rigid pipe inserted into the pipe body;

[0019] A flexible connecting mechanism for connecting a flexible pipe is located at the second end of the pipe body, and includes 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 includes: a sealing body that 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 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; metal rings are respectively arranged in the two annular holes, and the diameter of the metal rings is larger than the radial width of the 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 includes: an anchor ring driver and a seal driver that can move relative to each other along the axial direction of the tube body, one end of the anchor ring driver abuts against the anchor ring, one end of the seal driver abuts against the seal, a hydraulic cavity is formed between the anchor ring driver, the seal driver and the tube body, and the hydraulic hole is connected to the hydraulic cavity; a locking structure;

[0023] The anchoring ring driver and the sealing driver have a first position and a second position. In the first position, the anchoring ring driver and the sealing 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 anchoring ring driver and the sealing 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. 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 includes: 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 further 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 abuts against the side wall of the groove, and 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 engaged with the limiting groove;

[0030] When the limiting member is inserted into the limiting groove, an acute angle is formed between the limiting member and 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, 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 provided 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 disposed inside the second end of the tube body, wherein the outer side of the sealing metal ring has a second sealing inclined surface 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 contacting and sealing with the outer side wall of the flexible pipe;

[0037] A first bolt that securely connects the inner cover of the joint to the second end of the tube body can, depending on the degree to which the first bolt is screwed in, press the first inner extension against the sealing metal ring and allow the sealing arc surface of the sealing metal ring to 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, wherein the joint end housing is formed with an anchoring opening, and an inner sidewall of the anchoring opening has 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, the outer sidewall of the second inner extension having a second inclined portion cooperating with the first inclined portion;

[0041] The second bolt that securely connects the anchor ring to the connector 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, depending on the degree of screwing of the second bolt.

[0042] A submarine pipeline repair system, comprising:

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

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

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

[0046] Before being lowered 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 submarine pipeline repair connector is connected to a rigid pipe of the damaged submarine pipeline section through its own driving mechanism, and the rigid connection mechanism of the other submarine pipeline repair connector is connected to the other rigid pipe of the damaged submarine pipeline section through its own driving mechanism, thereby connecting the two rigid pipes of the damaged submarine pipeline section.

[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 pipe through a rigid connection mechanism. During the connection, the driving mechanism is used to drive the anchoring ring and the sealing member to move toward the outer wall of the rigid pipe inserted into the tube body, so that the anchoring ring anchors the rigid pipe and the sealing member seals the rigid pipe. The second end of the tube body can be anchored to the flexible pipe through the flexible pipe anchoring mechanism in the flexible connection mechanism and sealed with the flexible pipe through the flexible pipe sealing mechanism in the flexible connection mechanism. In the above manner, the submarine pipeline repair connector can be used to achieve the docking of a rigid pipe and a flexible pipe. Due to the presence of a flexible pipe, the submarine pipeline repair connector can quickly and easily dock a flexible pipe with a rigid pipe. The entire docking process is highly flexible, simple and convenient to install, and has a high degree of sealing when docking with the rigid pipe. In addition, the flexible pipe has better corrosion resistance and environmental applicability than the rigid pipe.

[0051] 2. The submarine pipeline repair system of this application overcomes the installation difficulties associated with rigid pipelines. Because a flexible pipe is connected to one end of the submarine pipeline repair connector, this provides ample space for movement when connecting the other end to the rigid pipeline. Alignment between the submarine pipeline repair connector and the rigid pipeline is also facilitated by the flexible pipe's large tolerance for tampering. Furthermore, when repairing a damaged section of a submarine pipeline, the damaged section can be replaced with a flexible pipe using the submarine pipeline repair system, providing greater practicality and reliability.

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

[0053] The drawings described herein are for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. Additionally, those skilled in the art will recognize that the drawings described herein are not necessarily drawn to scale and that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the dimensions of the various features in the drawings are intended to be approximate rather than exact.

[0054] Figure 1 Structure diagram of the submarine pipeline repair connector in the embodiment of the present application;

[0055] Figure 2 Structure diagram of the driving mechanism in the embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Figure 3 Structure diagram of the torsion spring driving limiting member after rotating around the rotation shaft in the embodiment of the present application;

[0057] Figure 4 Structure diagram of the torsion spring driving limiting member before rotating around the rotation shaft in the embodiment of the present application;

[0058] Figure 5 Structure diagram of the sealing member in the embodiment of the present application;

[0059] Figure 6 Structure diagram of the submarine pipeline repair system in the embodiment of the present application.

[0060] Reference signs in the above drawings:

[0061] 1. Tube body; 11. Hydraulic hole; 12. First step; 13. Second step; 14. First sealing slope; 15. Sixth step; 16. Annular protrusion; 2. Rigid connection mechanism; 21. Anchor ring; 22. Seal; 221. Sealing body; 2211. Annular hole; 222. Metal ring; 23. Driving mechanism; 231. Anchor ring driver; 2311. Fifth step; 232. Seal driver; 2321. Third step; 2322. Fourth step; 24. Connector end cap; 25. Fourth bolt; 233. Locking mechanism; 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 housing; 3211. First inclined portion; 322. Anchoring ring; 3221. Second inclined portion; 323. Second bolt; 324. Third bolt; 100. Subsea pipeline repair connector; 200. Flexible pipe; 300. Rigid pipe. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] The details of the present invention can be more clearly understood in conjunction with 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 for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention in any way. Based on the teachings of the present invention, skilled artisans can conceive of any possible variations based on the present invention, all of which should be considered within the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "disposed on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there can be an intermediate element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there can be an intermediate element. The terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to mechanical or electrical connections, internal communication between two elements, direct connection, or indirect connection through an intermediary. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms based on the specific circumstances. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only embodiments.

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

[0064] With the massive depletion of land-based resources, people are increasingly turning their attention to marine resources. Marine oil and gas reserves account for approximately one-third of the world's total, with 60% located on the continental shelf and 30% in the deep and ultra-deep seas. These reserves are substantial, making deep-sea oil extraction crucial.

[0065] Submarine pipelines are an important means of transporting crude oil by sea. However, due to factors such as the complex marine environment and seawater erosion, pipelines are extremely susceptible to damage. Leaked crude oil can damage the marine environment and cause great harm to the marine ecosystem. Leaked crude oil can have catastrophic consequences for the society's economy. Oil spills can cause economic losses to related companies and increase the price of crude oil. To avoid the above problems, when a submarine pipeline is found to be damaged or leaking, the pipeline needs to be repaired immediately. The specific form of submarine pipeline repair mainly includes welding repair methods and mechanical connection repair methods. The welding repair method uses equipment such as repair engineering ships, dry tanks, and local dry welding. However, it has disadvantages such as a very complex repair process, high repair costs, and low operating efficiency. The mechanical connection repair method uses a mechanical connector to connect the new pipeline to the old pipeline to complete the repair process. This method does not require welding, has high maintenance efficiency, and is relatively low cost. Whether the pipeline connector can achieve sealing determines the success of the pipeline repair. 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 structural diagram 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 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. During the connection, the driving mechanism 23 is used to drive the anchoring ring 21 and the sealing member 22 to move toward the outer 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 this manner, the submarine pipeline repair connector 100 can be used to achieve docking of a rigid pipeline 300 and a flexible pipeline 200. Due to the presence 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, installation is simple and convenient, and the docking with the rigid pipeline 300 has a high degree of sealing. In addition, 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 pipe 200, one end of the flexible pipe 200 being connected to the flexible connection mechanism 3 of one submarine pipeline repair connector 100, and the other end of the flexible pipe 200 being connected to the flexible connection mechanism 3 of the other submarine pipeline repair connector 100; the rigid connection mechanism 2 of one submarine pipeline repair connector 100 being used to connect to a rigid pipe 300 of the submarine pipeline, and the rigid connection mechanism 2 of the other submarine pipeline repair connector 100 being used to connect to 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 submarine pipeline repair connector 100 , and the other end of the flexible pipe 200 is connected to the flexible connection mechanism 3 of another submarine 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 submarine pipeline section via its own driving mechanism 23, and the rigid connection mechanism 2 of the other submarine pipeline repair connector 100 is connected to another rigid pipe 300 of the damaged submarine pipeline section via its own driving mechanism 23, thereby connecting the two rigid pipes 300 of the damaged submarine pipeline section.

[0073] The submarine pipeline repair system of this application overcomes the installation difficulties associated with rigid pipe 300. Because one end of the submarine pipeline repair connector 100 is connected to the flexible pipe 200, the other end of the connector 100 is connected to the rigid pipe 300, providing ample space for movement during installation. The flexible pipe 200 also allows for greater tolerance during alignment of the connector 100 and the rigid pipe 300. Furthermore, when repairing a damaged section of a submarine pipeline, the system can replace the damaged section with a flexible pipe, enhancing practicality and reliability.

[0074] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the driving mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 As shown, a hydraulic hole 11 is formed on the sidewall of the tubular body 1. The driving mechanism 23 may include: an anchor ring driver 231 and a seal driver 232, which are capable of relative movement along the axial direction of the tubular body 1. One end of the anchor ring driver 231 abuts the anchor ring 21, and one end of the seal driver 232 abuts the seal 22. A hydraulic chamber is formed between the anchor ring driver 231, the seal driver 232, and the tubular body 1, and the hydraulic hole 11 is connected to the hydraulic chamber; and 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 are capable of relative movement along the axial direction of the tubular body 1. In the second position, the locking structure 233 prevents the anchor ring driver 231 and the seal driver 232 from moving relative to each other.

[0075] In the first position, when hydraulic fluid is injected into the hydraulic chamber, the anchor ring driver 231 and the seal driver 232 are able to move away from each other axially along the tubular body 1 under the pressure of the hydraulic fluid. As the anchor ring driver 231 and the seal driver 232 move away from each other axially along the tubular 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 the axial direction of the tubular body 1. During the movement of the anchor ring driver 231 and the seal driver 232 away from each other axially along the tubular body 1, one end of the anchor ring driver 231 abuts against the anchor ring 21 and compresses the anchor ring 21, thereby radially locking the rigid pipe 300 extending therein, thereby anchoring the rigid pipe 300. One end of the seal driving member 232 presses against the seal 22 and squeezes the seal 22 in the axial direction, 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 that extend 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 away from each other along the axial direction of the pipe body 1.

[0077] The first end of the tubular body 1 has, from outside to inside, a first step 12 and a second step 13. The outer sidewall of the seal driver 232 has a third step 2321. The inner sidewall of the seal driver 232 has a fourth step 2322. The outer sidewall 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 disposed 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 tubular body 1.

[0078] The outer walls of the seal driver 232 and the anchor ring driver 231 abut against the inner wall to the left of the first step 12 of the tubular body 1. The outer wall to the right of the third step 2321 of the seal driver 232 abuts against the inner wall between the first step 12 and the second step 13 of the tubular body 1. The outer wall to the left of the fourth step 2322 of the seal driver 232 abuts against the outer wall to the right of the fifth step 2311 of the anchor ring driver 231. The inner diameters of the anchor ring driver 231, seal driver 232, and seal 22 can be equal, 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 before rotating around a rotating shaft according to 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. In the second position, the elastic member 2333 can drive the limiting member 2334 into the limiting groove 2331. In the first position, the elastic member 2333 can cause the limiting member 2334 to have a sidewall that abuts against one of the anchor ring driver 231 and the seal driver 232. When the second position is reached, the elastic member 2333 drives the limiting member 2334 into the limiting groove 2331, and thereafter, the anchor ring driver 231 and the seal driver 232 cannot move relative to each other.

[0080] Furthermore, the cross section of the limiting groove 2331 may be triangular, with the long side of the triangle being 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 disposed within a groove 2332. The retaining member 2334 has a first through-hole 23341, and the rotating shaft 2336 extends through the first through-hole 23341. The retaining member 2334 also has a sliding groove 23342. The elastic member 2333 is a torsion spring, with the spring pin 2335 extending through the torsion spring. One of the spring's force-bearing rods abuts against the sidewall of the groove 2332, while the other spring's force-bearing rod is inserted into the sliding groove 23342. The other spring's force-bearing rod can move a certain distance within the sliding groove 23342, allowing the torsion spring to drive the retaining member 2334 to rotate about the rotating shaft 2336, causing the retaining member 2334 to engage the retaining 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 driver 231 or the sealing driver 232 .

[0081] When the limiting member 2334 is engaged with the limiting groove 2331, so that the anchor ring driver 231 and the seal driver 232 cannot move in relative directions, the axis of the limiting member 2334 is at a relatively small angle with the axes of the anchor ring driver 231 and the seal driver 232, such as less than 45 degrees, and preferably less than 30 degrees. This allows the limiting member 2334 to be primarily acted upon by axial forces, resulting in greater reliability and less prone to shear damage and loosening. Furthermore, the total number of limiting members 2334, limiting grooves 2331, and grooves 2332 can be reduced. A plurality of limiting members 2334, limiting grooves 2331, and grooves 2332 can be provided, arranged circumferentially around the anchor ring driver 231 and the seal driver 232.

[0082] To enable the anchor ring 21 to be installed within the pipe body 1 and achieve a certain degree of positional restraint, a joint end cap 24 is provided at the first end of the pipe body 1. The joint end cap 24 is connected to the first end of the pipe body 1 via a fourth bolt 25. Multiple bolt holes may be provided around the joint end cap 24, with the bolt holes being 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 portion, the right end of the outer wall of the anchor ring 21 has a second inclined portion, the inner wall of the joint end cap 24 has a third inclined portion that matches the first inclined portion, and the inner wall of the anchor ring driver 231 has a fourth inclined portion that matches the second inclined portion. A certain gap is provided between the anchor ring driver 231 and the joint end cap 24. This structure allows the anchor ring 21 to be positioned. Furthermore, when the anchor ring driver 231 moves toward the joint end cap 24, the inclined portion allows the anchor ring 21 to tighten and anchor the inserted rigid pipe 300.

[0083] In a feasible embodiment, 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, as shown in FIG. Figure 5As shown, the seal 22 may include: a sealing body 221 that 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 each end 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 the 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 sealing body 221. Since the radial width of the annular hole 2211 decreases from the respective corresponding ends toward the middle of the sealing body 221, under the action of the squeezing of the metal ring 222, the sealing 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 rigid pipe 300 inserted therein.

[0085] like Figure 1 As shown, the inner sidewall 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 second end surface 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 within the second end of the pipe body 1, the outer side of the sealing metal ring 312 having a second sealing bevel 3121 in close contact with the first sealing bevel 14, and the inner side of the sealing metal ring 312 having a sealing arc surface 3122 for tightly sealing against the outer side wall of the flexible pipe 200; and a first bolt 313 that securely connects the joint inner cover 311 to the second end of the pipe body 1. Depending on the degree of tightening of the first bolt 313, 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. The sealing metal ring 312 comprises a main body and an extension portion, with a second sealing bevel 3121 and a sealing arc 3122 located on the extension portion. The main body is tubular, with an inner diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the flexible pipe 200. The extension portion is radially thinner and stronger than the main body. This facilitates radial movement or locking along the first sealing bevel 14 when the first bolt 313 is screwed in, forcing the first inner extension 3111 against the sealing metal ring 312 and pushing the sealing metal ring 312 to the left. This maintains a seal between the sealing metal ring 312 and the inner wall of the pipe body 1, and between the sealing metal ring 312 and the outer wall of the flexible pipe 200.

[0086] like Figure 1As shown, the inner sidewall of the second end of the tube body 1 has a sixth step 15. The sixth step 15 can be located to the left of the first sealing bevel 14. When the flexible pipe 200 is inserted, the sixth step 15 can abut the end of the flexible pipe 200, preventing the flexible pipe 200 from extending further. 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 tube body 1, a termination ring 314 with an inner edge extending radially inward can be provided at the sixth step 15. The inner edge can abut the skeleton layer in the flexible pipe 200, thereby more effectively abutting the end of the flexible pipe 200.

[0087] As feasible, Figure 1 As shown, the flexible pipe anchoring mechanism 32 may include: a connector end housing 321 fixedly connected to the pipe body 1, the connector end housing 321 forming an anchoring opening with a first inclined portion 3211 on its inner sidewall; an anchoring ring 322 disposed outside the anchoring opening, the anchoring ring 322 having a second inner extension extending into the anchoring opening, the outer sidewall of the second inner extension having a second inclined portion 3221 that mates with the first inclined portion 3211; and a second bolt 323 that securely connects the anchoring ring 322 to the connector end housing 321. Depending on the degree of tightening of the second bolt 323, the second inner extension can be anchored to the outer sidewall of the flexible pipe 200 by the first inclined portion 3211 and the second inclined portion 3221. Multiple second bolts 323 may be provided, distributed circumferentially around the anchoring ring 322. The second bolts 323 extend axially along 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. The left end of the joint end shell 321 is fixedly connected to the annular protrusion 16 by multiple third bolts 324, and the third bolts 324 are distributed circumferentially around the annular protrusion 16.

[0089] All articles and references disclosed, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. The term "essentially consisting of..." describing a combination should include the identified 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 herein also contemplates an embodiment that is essentially composed of these elements, ingredients, parts or steps. By using the term "may", it is intended to illustrate that any attribute described that "may" include 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 "an" used to describe an element, ingredient, part or step is not intended 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 or 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. Their purpose is to enable people familiar with this technology to understand the content of the present invention and implement it accordingly, and they 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 included in 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 tubular body having opposing first and second ends; a rigid connection mechanism for connecting a rigid pipe, located at the first end of the pipe body, the rigid connection mechanism comprising: an anchor ring, a seal, and a drive mechanism, all of which are disposed within the pipe body, the drive mechanism being capable of driving the anchor ring and the seal to move the outer side wall of the rigid pipe inserted into the pipe body; a flexible connecting mechanism for connecting a flexible pipe, located at the second end of the pipe body, the flexible connecting mechanism comprising: 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; The side wall of the tube body is provided with a hydraulic hole; The driving mechanism includes: an anchor ring driver and a seal driver that can move relative to each other along the axial direction of the tube body, one end of the anchor ring driver abuts against the anchor ring, one end of the seal driver abuts against the seal, a hydraulic cavity is formed between the anchor ring driver, the seal driver and the tube body, and the hydraulic hole is connected to 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 the relative direction. 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; an elastic member and a limiting member installed in the groove, wherein in the second position, the elastic member can drive the limiting member to enter the limiting groove; The locking structure further includes: 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 further has a sliding groove; The elastic part is a torsion spring, the spring pin is inserted into the torsion spring, one force-bearing rod of the torsion spring is against the side wall of the groove, and the other force-bearing rod of the torsion spring is inserted into the sliding groove. The torsion spring can drive the limiting part to rotate around the rotating shaft so that the limiting part is stuck in the limiting groove.

2. The submarine pipeline repair connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing member includes: a sealing body that is annular and extends along its own axial direction, the sealing body is made of a flexible material, and has an annular hole at each end of the sealing body, the annular hole extending along the axial direction of the sealing body, and the radial width of the annular hole 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 ring is larger than the radial width of the 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 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; When the limiting member is inserted into the limiting groove, an acute angle is formed between the limiting member and the axial direction of the anchor ring driving member or the sealing member driving member.

4. The submarine pipeline repair connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first end of the tube body has a first step and a second step from outside to inside, 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.

5. 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 provided 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 disposed inside the second end of the tube body, wherein the outer side of the sealing metal ring has a second sealing inclined surface 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 contacting and sealing with the outer side wall of the flexible pipe; The first bolt that fixes the joint inner cover to the second end of the tube body can 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 according to the degree of screwing of the first bolt.

6. 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, wherein the joint end housing is formed with an anchoring opening, and an inner sidewall of the anchoring opening has 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, the outer sidewall of the second inner extension having a second inclined portion cooperating with the first inclined portion; The second bolt that securely connects the anchor ring to the connector 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, depending on the degree of screwing of the second bolt.

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

8. A method for repairing a submarine pipeline using the submarine pipeline repair system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The submarine pipeline repair method comprises: Before being lowered 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 submarine pipeline repair connector is connected to a rigid pipe of the damaged submarine pipeline section through its own driving mechanism, and the rigid connection mechanism of the other submarine pipeline repair connector is connected to the other rigid pipe of the damaged submarine pipeline section through its own driving mechanism, thereby connecting the two rigid pipes of the damaged submarine pipeline section.

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