A ball receiving and serving device, a ball receiving and serving system, and a control method for the ball receiving and serving system.

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of energy pipeline cleaning, and particularly to a launching and receiving device, a launching and receiving system, and a control method for the launching and receiving system. The launching and receiving device comprises a receiving cylinder, a storage cylinder, a launching cylinder, and a placing cylinder, each adapted and connected to a four-way structure. Valves are installed at the ends of the receiving and launching cylinders, and blind flanges are installed at the ends of the storage and placing cylinders. A valve for fluid discharge is installed in the storage cylinder, and a valve for fluid inlet is installed in the placing cylinder. By changing the connection state of the device body through different valves, the deployment area of ​​the launching and receiving device is reduced, saving land costs, reducing the number of auxiliary detection devices, and saving installation and maintenance costs. The device body switches between receiving and launching states through valve coordination, simplifying control. This invention also relates to a launching and receiving system using the launching and receiving device and a control method for the launching and receiving system. By adopting the launching and receiving system, the launching and receiving operation process at the transmission and distribution station is optimized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of energy pipeline cleaning, and in particular to a launcher / receiver device, a launcher / receiver system, and a control method for the launcher / receiver system. Background Technology

[0002] In the oil and gas industry, pipelines need to be maintained regularly to ensure their long-term stable operation. Due to the long length of oil and gas transportation pipelines, cleaning them in sections is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and long-term pipeline supply interruptions have a significant impact on downstream areas. Therefore, a cleaning ball receiving and launching device is used to clean the pipelines. The receiving device pushes a cleaning ball into the pipeline, where the fluid inside the pipeline propels the cleaning ball. During the movement of the cleaning ball, it continuously contacts the inner wall of the pipeline, scraping off the dirt attached to the inner wall and pushing the dirt into the downstream receiving device.

[0003] However, the current ball receiving and launching equipment requires separate deployment of ball receiving and launching devices at the transmission and distribution station. The ball receiving device collects clean balls from upstream, while the launching device sends clean balls downstream. To ensure the safe operation of the equipment, pressure gauges, thermometers, and other auxiliary monitoring equipment need to be deployed on both the ball receiving and launching devices. This results in high deployment costs and complex maintenance procedures for the ball receiving and launching equipment. Moreover, due to the explosion risk in the oil and gas extraction and transportation environment, sufficient safety distances must be reserved when deploying the ball receiving and launching devices, resulting in a large overall footprint for the ball receiving and launching equipment.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a technical solution to address the problems of large footprint and high deployment costs associated with the current independently operating ball receiving and launching devices in ball distribution stations. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the technical problems of large footprint and high deployment cost of the independently operating ball receiving and launching devices in current ball distribution stations, and to provide a ball receiving and launching device, a ball receiving and launching system, and a control method for the ball receiving and launching system.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: A ball receiving and serving device includes a device body, which comprises a ball receiving tube, a ball storage tube, a ball serving tube, a ball placement tube, and a cross-connecting four-way structure. The ball receiving tube, the ball storage tube, the ball serving tube, and the ball placement tube are respectively adapted and connected to the four-way structure. The ball receiving tube and the ball storage tube are axially connected, and the ball serving tube and the ball placement tube are axially connected. Blind plates are provided at the ends of the ball storage tube and the ball placement tube. A first control valve is provided at the end of the ball serving tube, and a second control valve is provided at the end of the ball receiving tube. A third control valve is provided in the ball storage tube for communicating with its internal space, and a fourth control valve is provided in the ball placement tube for communicating with its internal space.

[0007] This invention provides a ball receiving and serving device, which has a four-way structure connecting a ball receiving tube, a ball storage tube, a ball serving tube, and a ball placement tube. The axes of the ball receiving tube and the ball storage tube are connected, as are the axes of the ball serving tube and the ball placement tube. This allows the clean balls collected by the ball receiving tube to be intercepted in the ball storage tube, and the clean balls placed in the ball placement tube to be pushed straight into the ball serving tube. Both the ball receiving and serving operations can be completed within the device itself. Blind plates are installed at the ends of the ball storage tube and the ball placement tube to seal the device body, ensuring safe operation and preventing leakage of flammable and explosive substances. A first control valve is installed at the end of the ball serving tube, a second control valve at the end of the ball receiving tube, a third control valve for communicating with the internal space of the ball storage tube, and a fourth control valve for communicating with the internal space of the ball placement tube. When launching a ball, by opening the second and third control valves and closing the first and fourth control valves, fluid flows through the ball receiving tube and the ball storage tube, thereby intercepting the clean ball in the upstream pipeline within the ball storage tube. When launching a ball, by opening the first and fourth control valves and closing the second and third control valves, fluid flows through the ball placing tube and the ball launching tube, thereby pushing the clean ball placed in the launching section into the downstream pipeline. Specifically, the first control valve connects to the downstream pipeline to discharge the clean ball from the launching tube; the second control valve connects to the upstream pipeline to collect the incoming ball; the third control valve discharges fluid from the device body; and the fourth control valve injects fluid into the device body. By using the ball receiving and launching device, both ball receiving and launching operations can be completed. The ball receiving and launching device occupies less space and is more convenient to operate.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the four-way structure has two intersecting circular channels inside. The inner walls of the circular channels are smooth, making it easier for the cleaning ball to pass through; the two circular channels intersect to form a "+" shaped structure, or the two circular channels intersect to form an "X" shaped structure.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the four-way structure includes four connectors, and each connector has at least one through hole on its side wall. The through hole extends through the circular channel, and a rod-shaped structural member can be fitted inside the through hole to restrict the movement path of the cleaning ball. The four-way connector has four joints, which connect to the receiving tube, storage tube, launching tube, and placement tube respectively. Each joint has a through-hole on its side wall, arranged radially along a circular channel. When not in use, bolts can be installed in the through-holes for sealing. When receiving balls, the bolts on the launching tube and placement tube sides of the four-way connector are removed and replaced with rod-shaped structural members. These rod-shaped members obstruct the path of the cleaning ball into the launching and placement tubes, ensuring the cleaning ball can only enter the storage tube from the receiving tube, preventing it from entering these tubes. When launching balls, the bolts on the receiving tube and storage tube sides of the four-way connector are removed and replaced with rod-shaped structural members, obstructing the path of the cleaning ball into these tubes, ensuring the cleaning ball can only move within the placement and launching tubes, preventing it from entering these tubes. The rod-shaped structural members are threaded into the through-holes for sealing.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the circular channel, the inner diameter of the ball storage cylinder, and the inner diameter of the ball placement cylinder are all larger than the diameter of the cleaning ball. The third control valve is disposed on the side wall of the ball storage cylinder, and the fourth control valve is disposed on the side wall of the ball placement cylinder. The fact that the diameter of the circular channel, the inner diameter of the ball storage cylinder, and the inner diameter of the ball placement cylinder are all larger than the diameter of the cleaning ball allows fluid to flow through the gap between the cleaning ball and the ball placement or storage cylinder after the cleaning ball enters the ball placement cylinder and the ball storage cylinder. The fluid is ultimately discharged from the device body through the third control valve.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, both the ball receiving tube and the ball launching tube include cylindrical structural components. The cylindrical structural components include a first cylinder, a transition section, and a second cylinder. The two ends of the transition section are respectively adapted to connect the first cylinder and the second cylinder. The first cylinder is connected to the four-way structure, and the second cylinder is connected to the second control valve or the first control valve. The inner diameter of the first cylinder is larger than the inner diameter of the second cylinder, and the inner diameter of the second cylinder is adapted to the inner diameter of the cleaning ball. The cylindrical structure consists of a first cylinder, a transition section, and a second cylinder, which are sequentially fitted and connected. The inner diameter of the first cylinder is larger than that of the second cylinder, and the inner diameter of the second cylinder is matched with the inner diameter of the cleaning ball. The inner diameter of one end of the transition section is matched with the inner diameter of the first cylinder, and the inner diameter of the other end is matched with the inner diameter of the second cylinder. The transition section is a tapered cylinder. The inner diameter of the second cylinder is matched with the inner diameter of the upstream or downstream pipeline. This allows the cleaning ball to enter the downstream pipeline under the action of fluid thrust, or makes it easier for the cleaning ball from the upstream pipeline to enter the device body and be intercepted.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the four-way structure has chamfered corners at its inner wall edges. The chamfered corners prevent the scouring pad from getting stuck at the intersection of the four-way structure and avoid the scouring pad being cut by impact; all four corners of the inner wall of the four-way structure are chamfered.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the four-way structure is equipped with a drain valve and a vent valve, both of which are connected to the internal space of the four-way structure. The drain valve is used to discharge contaminants pushed into the device body from the upstream pipeline, and the vent valve is used to discharge air from the device body. During ball collection, the cleaning ball pushes contaminants into the device body; opening the drain valve allows the contaminants to be discharged. During ball launching, after placing the cleaning ball and sealing it with a blind plate, the vent valve and the fourth control valve must be opened before opening the first control valve. Fluid is injected through the fourth control valve, and air is discharged from the device body through the vent valve, filling the device body with fluid and preventing air from entering the downstream pipeline. Preferably, the drain valve is located at the bottom of the four-way structure, and the vent valve is located at the top of the four-way structure.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device body is equipped with a pressure gauge, a thermometer, and a safety valve. The safety valve prevents overpressure within the device body, while the pressure gauge and thermometer monitor the internal conditions of the device body, ensuring the safety of operators.

[0015] A ball receiving and launching system includes a flow pipeline and the aforementioned ball receiving and launching device. Along the flow direction of fluid within the flow pipeline, a first branch, a first valve, a second branch, a third branch, a second valve, and a fourth branch are sequentially arranged on the flow pipeline. The first branch is connected to a second control valve, the second branch is connected to the fourth control valve, the third branch is connected to the third control valve, and the fourth branch is connected to the first control valve. The first valve and the second valve are used to control the flow direction of the fluid within the flow pipeline.

[0016] This invention discloses a ball receiving and launching system that combines a ball receiving device and a ball launching device. A second control valve, a fourth control valve, a third control valve, and a first control valve on the device body are connected via a first branch, a second branch, a third branch, and a fourth branch. The flow direction of the fluid is controlled by the cooperation of the first valve, the second valve, the second control valve, the fourth control valve, the third control valve, and the first control valve on the flow pipeline. This allows the device body to perform both ball receiving and launching functions, reducing the deployment area of ​​the ball receiving and launching system, simplifying the pipeline layout, and saving on installation costs. In terms of use, the ball receiving and launching system optimizes the ball receiving and launching process, making maintenance and repair more convenient and saving on maintenance costs.

[0017] A control method for a ball receiving and launching system, employing the aforementioned ball receiving and launching system, wherein one end of the circulation pipeline is connected to an upstream pipeline of a distribution station, and the other end is connected to a downstream pipeline of the distribution station, the control method comprising: Fluid delivery status: The third control valve, the fourth control valve, the second control valve and the first control valve are closed, and the first valve and the second valve are opened, so that the fluid flows through the upstream pipeline, the flow pipeline and the downstream pipeline; Ball collection state: Open the second control valve and the third control valve, close the first control valve and the fourth control valve, open the second valve, and close the first valve, so that the fluid passes through the upstream pipeline, the flow pipeline, the first branch, the second control valve, the device body, the third control valve, the third branch, the flow pipeline, and the downstream pipeline. When the fluid carries the cleaning ball into the device body, the cleaning ball is intercepted by the ball storage section. Serving state: Open the first control valve and the fourth control valve, close the second control valve and the third control valve, open the first valve, close the second valve, so that the fluid passes through the upstream pipeline, the flow pipeline, the first valve, the second branch, the fourth control valve, the device body, the first control valve, the flow pipeline and the downstream pipeline. The cleaning ball is placed in the ball placement section. When the fluid passes through the device body, the fluid pushes the cleaning ball into the downstream pipeline.

[0018] This invention provides a method for launching and receiving balls, employing the aforementioned ball launching and receiving system. When the distribution station is in fluid transport mode, the fluid directly flows through the flow pipeline into the downstream pipeline. When it is necessary to receive balls from the upstream pipeline, the upstream fluid passes through the device body, causing the cleaning balls from the upstream pipeline to be intercepted by the device body, trapping both contaminants and cleaning balls inside the device body. When it is necessary to launch balls from the downstream pipeline, cleaning balls are installed inside the device body, allowing the fluid to pass through the device body into the downstream pipeline. The cleaning balls installed inside the device body are propelled into the downstream pipeline by the fluid. This ball launching and receiving system achieves fluid transport, ball launching, and ball receiving functions, saving deployment costs. By combining the opening and closing of multiple valves, the device body can achieve different functions, optimizing the operation process.

[0019] In summary, due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: 1. A ball receiving and serving device of the present invention comprises a ball receiving tube, a ball storage tube, a ball serving tube, and a ball placement tube connected in a four-way structure. The axes of the ball receiving tube and the ball storage tube are connected, and the axes of the ball serving tube and the ball placement tube are connected, so that the clean ball received by the ball receiving tube can be intercepted in the ball storage tube, and the clean ball placed from the ball placement tube can be pushed straight into the ball serving tube. Both the ball receiving and serving operations can be completed within the device body. Blind plates are provided at the ends of the ball storage tube and the ball placement tube to seal the device body, ensuring the safe operation of the ball receiving and serving device and preventing the leakage of flammable and explosive substances. A first control valve is provided at the end of the ball serving tube, a second control valve is provided at the end of the ball receiving tube, a third control valve is provided in the ball storage tube for communicating with the internal space of the ball storage tube, and a fourth control valve is provided in the ball placement tube for communicating with the internal space of the ball placement tube. During ball collection, the second and third control valves are opened, while the first and fourth control valves are closed, allowing fluid to flow through the ball collection cylinder and the ball storage cylinder, thereby intercepting the clean ball in the upstream pipeline within the ball storage cylinder. During ball service, the first and fourth control valves are opened, while the second and third control valves are closed, allowing fluid to flow through the ball placement cylinder and the ball service cylinder, thereby pushing the clean ball placed in the service section into the downstream pipeline. Specifically, the first control valve connects to the downstream pipeline to discharge the clean ball from the service cylinder, the second control valve connects to the upstream pipeline to collect incoming balls, the third control valve discharges fluid from the device body, and the fourth control valve injects fluid into the device body. By using this ball collection and service device, both ball collection and service operations can be completed. This device occupies less space and is more convenient to operate.

[0020] 2. The ball receiving and launching device of the present invention is easy to manufacture and convenient to deploy, reducing the deployment area of ​​the ball receiving and launching device, saving land costs, reducing the number of auxiliary testing equipment, and saving equipment installation and maintenance costs; the device body switches the ball receiving and launching states through valve cooperation, which is simple to control, optimizes the operation process, and has good economic and practical value.

[0021] 3. The ball receiving and launching system of the present invention combines the ball receiving device and the ball launching device by employing a ball receiving and launching device of the present invention. The second control valve, fourth control valve, third control valve, and first control valve on the device body are connected through a first branch, a second branch, a third branch, and a fourth branch, respectively. The flow direction of the fluid is controlled by the first valve, second valve, second control valve, fourth control valve, third control valve, and first control valve installed on the flow pipeline. This allows the device body to perform both ball receiving and launching functions, reducing the deployment area of ​​the ball receiving and launching system, simplifying the pipeline layout, and saving on device deployment costs. In terms of use, the ball receiving and launching system optimizes the ball receiving and launching process, making maintenance and repair more convenient and saving on maintenance costs.

[0022] 4. A method for launching and receiving balls according to the present invention employs the aforementioned launching and receiving system. When the distribution station is in a fluid transport state, the fluid directly enters the downstream pipeline through the flow pipeline. When it is necessary to receive balls from the upstream pipeline, the upstream fluid passes through the device body, causing the cleaning balls in the upstream pipeline to be intercepted by the device body, trapping both dirt and cleaning balls inside the device body. When it is necessary to launch balls from the downstream pipeline, cleaning balls are placed inside the device body, allowing the fluid to pass through the device body into the downstream pipeline. The cleaning balls placed inside the device body are propelled into the downstream pipeline by the fluid. The launching and receiving system realizes the functions of fluid transport, launching, and receiving balls, saving deployment costs. By combining the opening and closing of multiple valves, the device body can achieve different functions, optimizing the operation process. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a ball receiving and launching device; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the device body of Embodiment 1; Figure 3 This is a simplified cross-sectional view of the four-way structure in Example 1; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the four-way structure of Example 1; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the blind plate in Example 1; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the four-way structure in Example 2; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the four-way structure in use according to Example 2; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the device body structure in Embodiment 3; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the device body structure in Embodiment 4; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a ball receiving and serving system according to Example 5.

[0024] icon: 1000 - Device body; 1 - Ball receiving tube; 2 - Ball storage tube; 3 - Ball launching tube; 4 - Ball placing tube; 5 - Four-way structure; 6 - Blind plate; 7 - First control valve; 8 - Second control valve; 9 - Third control valve; 10 - Fourth control valve; 11 - Vent valve; 12 - Drain valve; 13 - Flow pipeline; 51 - Chamfer; 52 - Circular channel; 53 - Connector; 54 - Through hole; 55 - Rod-shaped structural component; 61 - Spring component; 101 - First cylinder; 102 - Transition section; 103 - Second cylinder; 131 - First branch; 132 - Second branch; 133 - Third branch; 134 - Fourth branch; 135 - First valve; 136 - Second valve. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0027] Example 1 like Figure 1 The device shown includes a ball receiving and serving device, comprising a device body 1000. The device body 1000 includes a ball receiving tube 1, a ball storage tube 2, a ball serving tube 3, a ball placement tube 4, and a cross-connecting four-way structure 5. The ball receiving tube 1, the ball storage tube 2, the ball serving tube 3, and the ball placement tube 4 are respectively adapted and connected to the four-way structure 5. The ball receiving tube 1 and the ball storage tube 2 are axially connected, and the ball serving tube 3 and the ball placement tube 4 are axially connected. Blind plates 6 are provided at the ends of the ball storage tube 2 and the ball placement tube 4. A first control valve 7 is provided at the end of the ball serving tube 3, and a second control valve 8 is provided at the end of the ball receiving tube 1. A third control valve 9 is provided for communicating with the internal space of the ball storage tube 2, and a fourth control valve 10 is provided for communicating with the internal space of the ball placement tube 4.

[0028] like Figures 2-5 As shown, specifically, the ball receiving tube 1, ball storage tube 2, ball launching tube 3, ball placement tube 4, and four-way structure 5 are all pressure-bearing structural components. The ball receiving tube 1, ball storage tube 2, ball launching tube 3, and ball placement tube 4 are welded and connected to the four-way structure 5 respectively.

[0029] Specifically, the four-way structure 5 has two intersecting circular channels 52 inside. The two circular channels 52 are the same size and intersect in a "+" shape to form four channels. The four channels are respectively connected to the ball receiving tube 1, the ball launching tube 3, the ball storage tube 2, and the ball placing tube 4. The inner diameter of the ball storage tube 2 and the ball placing tube is the same as the diameter of the circular channel 52.

[0030] Specifically, the diameter of the circular channel 52 is larger than the diameter of the cleaning ball. A third control valve 9 is installed on the side wall of the ball storage cylinder 2, and a fourth control valve 10 is installed on the side wall of the ball placement cylinder 4. When the cleaning ball enters the ball storage cylinder 2 or the ball placement cylinder 4, a gap is left between the cleaning ball and the inner wall of the ball storage cylinder 2 or the ball placement cylinder 4. The cleaning ball is intercepted by the ball storage cylinder 2 or the ball placement cylinder 4, and the fluid can flow from the third control valve 9 or the fourth control valve 10 installed at the top, so as to avoid the accumulation of pressure in the device body 1000 and the risk of explosion.

[0031] Specifically, both the receiving tube 1 and the launching tube 3 are cylindrical structures, each consisting of a first cylinder 101, a transition section 102, and a second cylinder 103. The first cylinder 101, the transition section 102, and the second cylinder 103 are connected sequentially, such that the diameter of one end of the transition section 102 matches the diameter of the first cylinder 101, and the diameter of the other end matches the diameter of the second cylinder 103. From the first cylinder 101 to the second cylinder 103, the transition section 102 is a tapered cylinder with a decreasing diameter. The diameter of the first cylinder 101 matches the diameter of the circular channel 52, and the diameter of the second cylinder 103 matches the diameter of the cleaning ball, allowing the cleaning ball to abut against the inner wall of the first cylinder. The diameter of the second cylinder 103 is the same as the diameter of the upstream or downstream pipeline, making it easier for the cleaning ball to be pushed into the downstream pipeline under the action of the fluid. The transition section 102 is welded to the first cylinder 101 and to the second cylinder 103.

[0032] Specifically, chamfers 51 are provided at the four corners of the intersection of the inner wall of the four-way structure 5 to prevent the cleaning ball from being stuck and to prevent the cleaning ball from being cut by impact.

[0033] Specifically, a thermometer is installed on the outer wall of the four-way structure 5 to measure the temperature of the internal space of the four-way structure 5, a pressure gauge is installed on the outer wall of the ball storage cylinder 2 to measure the pressure inside the ball storage cylinder 2, and a safety valve is installed on the outer wall of the ball placement cylinder 4 to connect the internal space of the ball placement cylinder 4. Since the ball receiving cylinder 1, ball storage cylinder 2, ball launching cylinder 3, ball placement cylinder 4 and the internal space of the four-way structure 5 are interconnected, the pressure gauge, thermometer and safety valve can be installed at any position on the main body of the device 1000.

[0034] Specifically, the blind plate 6 is hinged to the end of the ball storage cylinder 2 or the ball placement cylinder 4, so that the blind plate 6 can be opened or closed quickly. A spring 61 is set in the middle of the blind plate 6 facing the four-way structure 5 as a buffer device. The buffer device is used to abut the cleaning ball and prevent the cleaning ball from colliding with the blind plate 6.

[0035] Specifically, the diameter of the circular channel 52 is 100cm, and the diameter of the second cylinder 103 is 90cm.

[0036] Preferably, the ball receiving tube 1, the ball storage tube 2, the ball launching tube 3, the ball placing tube 4, and the four-way structure 5 are integrally formed structural components.

[0037] In this embodiment, a ball launching and receiving device enables the device body 1000 to launch by opening the first control valve 7 and the fourth control valve 10. This creates a passage between the fourth control valve 10, the ball holding tube 4, the four-way structure 5, the launching tube 3, and the first control valve 7. Fluid enters through the fourth control valve 10 and exits through the first control valve 7, thereby pushing the cleaning ball into the downstream pipeline. Opening the first control valve 7 and the fourth control valve 10 enables the device body 1000 to receive by opening the second control valve 8, the receiving tube 1, the four-way structure 5, the ball storage tube 2, and the third control valve 9. Fluid from the upstream pipeline carrying the cleaning ball enters the device body 1000 through the second control valve 8, and the fluid exits through the third control valve 9. The cleaning ball is retained by the ball storage tube 2. Dirt pushed into the device body 1000 by the cleaning ball is discharged through the drain valve 12. When sending the cleaning ball downstream, the air inside the device body 1000 is vented through the vent valve 11 to prevent air from entering the downstream pipeline.

[0038] A ball receiving and serving device of the present invention comprises a ball receiving cylinder 1, a ball storage cylinder 2, a ball serving cylinder 3, and a ball placement cylinder 4 connected in a four-way structure 5. The ball receiving cylinder 1 and the ball storage cylinder 2 are axially connected, as are the ball serving cylinder 3 and the ball placement cylinder 4. This allows the clean balls collected in the ball receiving cylinder 1 to be intercepted in the ball storage cylinder 2, and the clean balls placed in the ball placement cylinder 4 to be pushed straight into the ball serving cylinder 3. Both the ball receiving and serving operations can be completed within the device body 1000. Blind plates 6 are installed at the ends of the ball storage cylinder 2 and the ball placement cylinder 4 to seal the device body 1000, ensuring the safe operation of the ball receiving and serving device and preventing the leakage of flammable and explosive substances. A first control valve 7 is installed at the end of the ball serving cylinder 3, a second control valve 8 is installed at the end of the ball receiving cylinder 1, a third control valve 9 for communicating with the internal space of the ball storage cylinder 2 is installed in the ball storage cylinder 2, and a fourth control valve 10 for communicating with the internal space of the ball placement cylinder 4 is installed in the ball placement cylinder 4. During ball collection, by opening the second control valve 8 and the third control valve 9, and closing the first control valve 7 and the fourth control valve 10, fluid flows through the ball collection cylinder 1 and the ball storage cylinder 2, thereby intercepting the clean ball in the upstream pipeline within the ball storage cylinder 2. During ball service, by opening the first control valve 7 and the fourth control valve 10, and closing the second control valve 8 and the third control valve 9, fluid flows through the ball placement cylinder 4 and the ball service cylinder 3, thereby pushing the clean ball placed in the service section into the downstream pipeline. Specifically, the first control valve 7 connects to the downstream pipeline to discharge the clean ball from the ball service cylinder 3, the second control valve 8 connects to the upstream pipeline to collect incoming balls, the third control valve 9 discharges fluid from the device body 1000, and the fourth control valve 10 injects fluid into the device body 1000. By using the ball collection and service device, both ball collection and service operations can be completed. The ball collection and service device occupies less space and is more convenient to operate.

[0039] Example 2 like Figures 6-7A ball receiving and launching device is provided, which has a structure that is generally the same as that of Embodiment 1. The difference from Embodiment 1 is that at least one through hole 54 is provided on the side wall of each connector 53. The through hole 54 passes through the circular channel 52. A rod-shaped structural member 55 can be adapted to be provided in the through hole 54. The rod-shaped structural member 55 is used to restrict the movement path of the cleaning ball.

[0040] Specifically, the four-way structure 5 has four connectors 53, which are respectively connected to the ball receiving tube 1, the ball storage tube 2, the ball launching tube 3, and the ball placing tube 4. Each connector 53 has a through hole 54 on its side wall, which is radially arranged along the circular channel 52. When not in use, bolts can be installed in the through holes 54 for sealing. When ball receiving is required, the bolts on the four-way structure 5 located on the sides of the ball launching tube 3 and the ball placing tube 4 are removed and replaced with rod-shaped structural members 55. The rod-shaped structural members 55 guide the path of the cleaning ball into the ball launching tube 3 and the ball placing tube 4. The cleaning ball is blocked from entering the receiving tube 1 and the storage tube 2, preventing it from entering either the receiving tube 1 or the storage tube 2. When a serving operation is required, the bolts on the four-way structure 5 located on the receiving tube 1 and the storage tube 2 side are removed and replaced with a rod-shaped structural member 55. The rod-shaped structural member 55 blocks the path of the cleaning ball into the receiving tube 1 and the storage tube 2, allowing the cleaning ball to move only within the placing tube 4 and the serving tube 3, preventing it from entering the storage tube 2 and the receiving tube 1. The rod-shaped structural member 55 is threadedly connected to the through hole 54 for sealing.

[0041] Example 3 like Figure 8 The ball receiving and launching device shown has a structure that is roughly the same as that of Embodiment 1. The difference from Embodiment 1 is that the cross-through four-way structure 5 is an X-shaped structural component.

[0042] Specifically, the included angle between adjacent channels in the four-way structure 5 is 30 degrees or 150 degrees.

[0043] Preferably, the four-way structure 5 can be at any angle between adjacent channels.

[0044] In this embodiment, a ball receiving and launching device has a four-way structure 5 that is an X-shaped structure. The ball receiving tube 1, ball storage tube 2, ball launching tube 3, and ball placement tube 4 extend along the X-shaped structure, allowing the device body 1000 to adapt to a narrower installation space and occupy a smaller layout area.

[0045] Example 4 like Figure 9 The ball receiving and receiving device shown has a structure that is generally the same as that of Embodiment 1. The difference from Embodiment 1 is that the ball serving tube 3 and / or the ball receiving tube 1 are conical tubes.

[0046] Specifically, the conical tube has a large opening and a small opening. The inner diameter of the large opening is the same as the diameter of the circular channel 52, and the inner diameter of the small opening is adapted to the diameter of the cleaning ball.

[0047] Specifically, the large port is welded to the four-way structure 5, and the small port is connected to the first control valve 7 or the second control valve 8.

[0048] In this embodiment, a ball receiving and launching device is constructed by making the launching tube 3 and / or the receiving tube 1 into a conical tube. This allows the clean ball to quickly enter the ball storage tube 2 during ball receiving. During ball launching, as the fluid flows out with the conical tube, the flow area gradually decreases, causing the fluid flow velocity to gradually increase, making it easier for the clean ball to enter the downstream pipe.

[0049] Example 5 like Figure 10 The illustrated ball receiving and launching system includes a flow pipe 13 and a ball receiving and launching device according to Embodiment 1 / Embodiment 2 / Embodiment 3 / Embodiment 4. Along the flow direction of fluid in the flow pipe 13, a first branch 131, a first valve 135, a second branch 132, a third branch 133, a second valve 136, and a fourth branch 134 are sequentially arranged on the flow pipe 13. The first branch 131 is connected to the second control valve 8, the second branch 132 is connected to the fourth control valve 10, the third branch 133 is connected to the third control valve 9, and the fourth branch 134 is connected to the first control valve 7. The first valve 135 and the second valve 136 are used to control the flow direction of fluid in the flow pipe 13.

[0050] The present invention provides a ball receiving and launching system that combines a ball receiving device and a ball launching device. The second control valve 8, the fourth control valve 10, the third control valve 9, and the first control valve 7 on the device body 1000 are connected via a first branch 131, a second branch 132, a third branch 133, and a fourth branch 134. The flow direction of the fluid is controlled by the first valve 135, the second valve 136, the second control valve 8, the fourth control valve 10, the third control valve 9, and the first control valve 7 installed on the flow pipeline 13. This allows the device body 1000 to perform both ball receiving and launching functions, reducing the deployment area of ​​the ball receiving and launching system, simplifying the pipeline layout, and saving on installation costs. In terms of use, the ball receiving and launching system optimizes the ball receiving and launching process, making maintenance and repair more convenient and saving on maintenance costs.

[0051] Example 6 A control method for a ball receiving and launching system, using a ball receiving and launching system as described in Example 5, wherein one end of the flow pipeline 13 is connected to the upstream pipeline of the distribution station, and the other end is connected to the downstream pipeline of the distribution station. The control method includes: Fluid transport status: Close the third control valve 9, the fourth control valve 10, the second control valve 8 and the first control valve 7, and open the first valve 135 and the second valve 136 to allow the fluid to flow through the upstream pipeline, the flow pipeline 13 and the downstream pipeline; Ball collection state: Open the second control valve 8 and the third control valve 9, close the first control valve 7 and the fourth control valve 10, open the second valve 136 and close the first valve 135, so that the fluid passes through the upstream pipeline, the flow pipeline 13, the first branch 131, the second control valve 8, the device body 1000, the third control valve 9, the third branch 133, the flow pipeline 13 and the downstream pipeline. When the fluid carries the cleaning ball into the device body 1000, the cleaning ball is intercepted by the ball storage section. Serving state: Open the first control valve 7 and the fourth control valve 10, close the second control valve 8 and the third control valve 9, open the first valve 135, close the second valve 136, so that the fluid passes through the upstream pipeline, the flow pipeline 13, the first valve 135, the second branch 132, the fourth control valve 10, the device body 1000, the first control valve 7, the flow pipeline 13 and the downstream pipeline. The cleaning ball is placed in the ball placement section. When the fluid passes through the device body 1000, the fluid pushes the cleaning ball into the downstream pipeline.

[0052] In a ball-launching and receiving method of the present invention, when the distribution station is in fluid transport mode, the fluid directly enters the downstream pipeline through the flow pipeline 13; when it is necessary to receive balls from the upstream pipeline, the upstream fluid passes through the device body 1000, causing the cleaning balls in the upstream pipeline to be intercepted by the device body 1000, trapping both dirt and cleaning balls inside the device body 1000; when it is necessary to launch balls from the downstream pipeline, cleaning balls are placed inside the device body 1000, allowing the fluid to pass through the device body 1000 and enter the downstream pipeline, while the cleaning balls placed inside the device body 1000 are propelled into the downstream pipeline by the fluid; the ball-launching and receiving system realizes the functions of fluid transport, ball launch, and ball retrieval, saving deployment costs, and the device body 1000 can achieve different functions by combining the opening and closing of multiple valves, thus optimizing the operation process.

[0053] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A ball receiving and launching device, characterized in that, The device includes a main body (1000), which comprises a ball receiving tube (1), a ball storage tube (2), a ball launching tube (3), a ball placing tube (4), and a cross-connected four-way structure (5). The ball receiving tube (1), the ball storage tube (2), the ball launching tube (3), and the ball placing tube (4) are respectively adapted and connected to the four-way structure (5). The ball receiving tube (1) and the ball storage tube (2) are axially connected, and the ball launching tube (3) and the ball placing tube (4) are axially connected. The cylinder (4) is axially continuous; the ends of the ball storage cylinder (2) and the ball placement cylinder (4) are covered with blind plates (6); the end of the ball launching cylinder (3) is provided with a first control valve (7); the end of the ball receiving cylinder (1) is provided with a second control valve (8); the ball storage cylinder (2) is provided with a third control valve (9) for communicating with the internal space of the ball storage cylinder (2); the ball placement cylinder (4) is provided with a fourth control valve (10) for communicating with the internal space of the ball placement cylinder (4).

2. The ball receiving and launching device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The four-way structure (5) has two intersecting circular channels (52) inside.

3. The ball receiving and launching device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The four-way structure (5) includes four connectors (53), and each connector (53) has at least one through hole (54) on its side wall. The through hole (54) passes through the circular channel (52), and a rod-shaped structural member (55) can be fitted inside the through hole (54). The rod-shaped structural member (55) is used to restrict the movement path of the cleaning ball.

4. The ball receiving and launching device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The diameter of the circular channel (52), the inner diameter of the ball storage cylinder (2) and the inner diameter of the ball placement cylinder (4) are all larger than the diameter of the cleaning ball. The third control valve (9) is located on the side wall of the ball storage cylinder (2) and the fourth control valve (10) is located on the side wall of the ball placement cylinder (4).

5. The ball receiving and launching device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, Both the ball receiving tube (1) and the ball launching tube (3) include cylindrical structural components. The cylindrical structural components include a first cylinder (101), a transition section (102), and a second cylinder (103). The two ends of the transition section (102) are respectively adapted to connect the first cylinder (101) and the second cylinder (103). The first cylinder (101) is connected to the four-way structure (5), and the second cylinder (103) is connected to the second control valve (8) or the first control valve (7). The inner diameter of the first cylinder (101) is larger than the inner diameter of the second cylinder (103), and the inner diameter of the second cylinder (103) is adapted to the inner diameter of the cleaning ball.

6. The ball receiving and launching device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The four-way structure (5) has chamfers (51) at the inner corners.

7. The ball receiving and launching device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The four-way structure (5) is equipped with a drain valve (12) and a vent valve (11), both of which are connected to the internal space of the four-way structure (5).

8. A ball receiving and launching device as described in any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The device body (1000) is equipped with a pressure gauge, a thermometer and a safety valve.

9. A ball receiving and serving system, characterized in that, The device includes a flow pipeline (13) and a ball receiving and launching device according to any one of claims 1-8. Along the flow direction of the fluid in the flow pipeline (13), a first branch (131), a first valve (135), a second branch (132), a third branch (133), a second valve (136), and a fourth branch (134) are sequentially arranged on the flow pipeline (13). The first branch (131) is connected to the second control valve (8), the second branch (132) is connected to the fourth control valve (10), the third branch (133) is connected to the third control valve (9), and the fourth branch (134) is connected to the first control valve (7). The first valve (135) and the second valve (136) are used to control the flow direction of the fluid in the flow pipeline (13).

10. A control method for a ball receiving and serving system, characterized in that, Using the ball receiving and launching system according to claim 9, one end of the flow pipeline (13) is connected to the upstream pipeline of the distribution station, and the other end is connected to the downstream pipeline of the distribution station. The control method includes: Fluid transport status: Close the third control valve (9), the fourth control valve (10), the second control valve (8) and the first control valve (7), and open the first valve (135) and the second valve (136) to allow the fluid to flow through the upstream pipeline, the flow pipeline (13) and the downstream pipeline; Ball collection state: Open the second control valve (8) and the third control valve (9), close the first control valve (7) and the fourth control valve (10), open the second valve (136), and close the first valve (135), so that the fluid passes through the upstream pipeline, the flow pipeline (13), the first branch (131), the second control valve (8), the device body (1000), the third control valve (9), the third branch (133), the flow pipeline (13), and the downstream pipeline. When the fluid carries the cleaning ball into the device body (1000), the cleaning ball is intercepted by the ball storage section. Serving state: Open the first control valve (7) and the fourth control valve (10), close the second control valve (8) and the third control valve (9), open the first valve (135), close the second valve (136), so that the fluid passes through the upstream pipeline, the flow pipeline (13), the first valve (135), the second branch (132), the fourth control valve (10), the device body (1000), the first control valve (7), the flow pipeline (13) and the downstream pipeline. The cleaning ball is placed in the ball placement section. When the fluid passes through the device body (1000), the fluid pushes the cleaning ball into the downstream pipeline.

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