A cable fault detection device

Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of submarine cables, and discloses a cable fault detection device, comprising a mounting base and a buoy, a detection tube provided in the cable body, a mobile reference module provided in the detection tube; the mobile reference module comprises two end caps, a center rod fixedly installed between the two end caps, an inflatable air bag is sleeved on the surface of the center rod, and when air flows in the detection tube, the mobile reference module moves along the inner cavity of the detection tube. The detection device proposed by the present invention, by providing a detection tube in the cable body and a mobile reference module in the detection tube, injecting air into the detection tube, driving the mobile reference module to move along the detection tube, and using an underwater sonar detector to detect the moving path of the mobile reference module, so as to detect the defect location of damage, deformation or fracture of the cable body. This dynamic detection method has strong recognition, reduces the difficulty of detection and analysis, improves work efficiency, and provides guarantee for regular inspection and maintenance of submarine cables.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of submarine cables, and in particular to a cable fault detection device. Background Art

[0002] Submarine cable failures are primarily caused by two factors: electrical failures such as cable breakdown caused by the cable itself; and physical damage caused by external forces such as illegal anchoring by upstream vessels and fishing operations. To reduce the occurrence of failures, regular inspections of submarine cable operation are necessary to identify potential risks in advance. Traditional manual diving inspections are subject to numerous limitations, resulting in low efficiency and high safety risks. Furthermore, they are only suitable for shallow waters and cannot meet the power supply requirements in complex sea conditions. Intelligent and efficient submarine cable operation and maintenance methods and support equipment are urgently needed.

[0003] In the prior art, a patent application document with publication number CN116238653A discloses a submarine cable fault monitoring device, which includes a hull, a fault detector body installed on the top of the hull, and a number of fixed seats installed on both sides of the hull. A connecting arm is installed on the fixed seat through a rotating shaft, wherein one end of the connecting arm is connected to the rotating shaft, and the other end of the connecting arm is installed with an auxiliary float through a telescopic mechanism. A distance adjustment mechanism is installed on the connecting arm, and two tension springs are installed on the distance adjustment mechanism, wherein one end of the tension spring is connected to the distance adjustment mechanism, and the other end of the tension spring is fixed to the side of the hull through a fixed bracket.

[0004] In actual use, the fault detector body is set on the hull. Since it is too far away from the submarine cable, it is suitable for detecting targets with larger fault defects. For faults caused by submarine cable damage and leakage that are not obvious in the early stage, this long-distance detection has a small fault target, which is difficult to detect and analyze, and is easy to miss, resulting in a huge workload and low efficiency. Based on this, the existing underwater cable fault detection has the problems of long distance, poor resolution, difficult operation and low work efficiency, which need to be solved urgently. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to solve the shortcomings of the existing underwater cable fault detection technology, such as long distance, poor resolution, difficult operation and low working efficiency, and to propose a cable fault detection device.

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions: a cable fault detection device, comprising a mounting base and a buoy, a traction rope being connected between the mounting base and the buoy, a pressure relief valve being provided in the buoy, a flow guide assembly being provided in the mounting base, the pressure relief valve being connected to the flow guide assembly through a connecting pipe, and the cable body laid underwater being fixedly connected to the mounting base.

[0007] A detection tube is provided in the cable body, and the guide assembly is connected to the inner cavity of the detection tube. A mobile reference module is provided in the detection tube. The mobile reference module includes two end caps, and a center rod is fixedly installed between the two end caps. The surface of the center rod is sleeved with an expansion airbag. When the air pressure in the detection tube changes, the volume of the expansion airbag increases or decreases, so that the outer surface of the expansion airbag slides in contact with the inner wall of the detection tube. When there is air flow in the detection tube, the mobile reference module is driven to move along the inner cavity of the detection tube. The mobile reference module moves along the detection tube, and the moving path of the mobile reference module is detected by an underwater sonar detector to detect the defect location of damage, deformation or fracture of the cable body.

[0008] Preferably, the diversion assembly includes a drainage hood, and the first joint and the second joint are fixedly installed at both ends of the drainage hood, respectively. The end of the connecting pipe away from the buoy is connected to the inner cavity of the drainage hood, and the first joint and the second joint are both connected to the detection tube. A valve sleeve and a support sleeve are fixedly installed in the drainage hood, and a transmission rod is slidably installed in the support sleeve. A valve plug is fixedly installed at the end of the transmission rod, and a reset spring is arranged between the support sleeve and the valve plug. Under the action of the reset spring, the valve plug slides into the valve sleeve, and the valve sleeve is connected to the mouth of the first joint. The opening and closing of the first joint is controlled by the movement of the valve plug.

[0009] Among them, multiple sealing plugs are arranged in the detection tube, and the multiple sealing plugs divide the inner cavity of the detection tube into multiple sections. The first joint and the second joint are respectively connected to the inner cavity of the detection tube located on both sides of the sealing plug, so that the airflow in the detection tube flows in one direction, thereby achieving the effect of driving the mobile reference module to move in a fixed direction.

[0010] Preferably, a permanent magnet block is embedded in the interior of the transmission rod, and a first spiral coil is embedded in the interior of the support sleeve. When the first spiral coil is energized, it generates a force that repels or attracts the permanent magnet block. When the first spiral coil is energized, it adsorbs the transmission rod to open the valve plug, allowing the airflow to enter the detection tube from the first joint, driving the mobile reference module to return to its original path in the detection tube, thereby meeting the requirement that the mobile reference module can be reused.

[0011] Preferably, an induction wire is embedded inside the end cap, a mounting ring is fixedly installed inside the end cap, a second spiral coil is embedded in the mounting ring, the induction wire is electrically connected to the second spiral coil, and a permanent magnet ring is provided on the surface sliding sleeve of the center rod, which contacts the end face of the inflatable airbag.

[0012] Preferably, when the cable body is energized, the cable core of the cable body generates a magnetic field, and airflow is injected into the detection tube to push the mobile reference module to move along the inner cavity of the detection tube. After the magnetic induction current generated by the induction wire cutting the magnetic field is introduced into the second spiral coil, the second spiral coil generates a force that repels or attracts the permanent magnet ring. By changing the pressure of the permanent magnet ring on the expansion airbag, the size of the expansion airbag is adjusted, thereby changing the moving speed of the mobile reference module.

[0013] When the mobile reference module moves along the inner cavity of the detection tube, the underwater sonar detector is used to detect the moving path of the mobile reference module. This dynamic detection method has strong recognition, reduces the difficulty of detection and analysis, and improves work efficiency.

[0014] Preferably, when the power to the cable body is cut off, the magnetic field around the cable core of the cable body disappears, and the volume of the expanded airbag is reduced, so that a ventilation gap is generated between the outer surface of the expanded airbag and the inner wall of the detection tube. The inner cavity of the detection tube is connected through the ventilation gap. Under normal circumstances, the entire inner cavity of the detection tube is in a connected state, and air is injected into the detection tube to detect the air pressure changes in the detection tube, so as to monitor the safety of the entire cable body.

[0015] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0016] 1. The detection device proposed in the present invention disposes a detection tube and a mobile reference module in the cable body, injects air into the detection tube, drives the mobile reference module to move along the detection tube, and uses an underwater sonar detector to detect the movement path of the mobile reference module to detect the location of damage, deformation or breakage defects in the cable body. This dynamic detection method has strong recognition, reduces the difficulty of detection and analysis, improves work efficiency, and provides guarantee for regular inspection and maintenance of submarine cables.

[0017] 2. The detection device proposed by the present invention, under the condition of a certain airflow rate injected into the detection tube, adjusts the size of the inflatable airbag by changing the pressure of the permanent magnetic ring on the inflatable airbag, thereby changing the moving speed of the mobile reference module to meet the use requirements of different detection;

[0018] For example, if the cable body is deformed and there is a narrow area in the inner cavity of the detection tube, the narrow area blocks the movement of the mobile reference module, thereby detecting the position of the narrow area, and then reducing the volume of the inflated airbag to facilitate the mobile reference module to pass through the narrow area for subsequent detection tasks. Alternatively, if the cable body leaks to varying degrees and the input flow is close to the leakage flow, the mobile reference module will stay near the leak point to better determine the leak location and facilitate maintenance.

[0019] 3. The detection device proposed in the present invention sets two buoys in a cable section of a certain length. The maintenance ship sails to the position of the two buoys, injects air into the detection tube at the position of the pressure relief valve, and drives the mobile reference module to move along the detection tube. The mobile reference module will stop at the break of the cable body, thereby detecting the specific cable break position, such as the burial depth parameters and the broken end offset position, which provides convenience for salvage and maintenance.

[0020] 4. The detection device proposed in the present invention is provided with a drainage cover. The movement of the valve plug inside the drainage cover controls the opening and closing of the first joint. When air is injected into the detection tube at the buoy, the valve plug is used to close the first joint, causing the air flow in the detection tube to flow in one direction, thereby achieving the effect of driving the movable reference module to move in a fixed direction.

[0021] Since a first spiral coil is provided in the support sleeve, the first spiral coil attracts the transmission rod when energized, opens the valve plug, and allows the airflow to enter the detection tube from the first joint, driving the mobile reference module to return to the original path in the detection tube. During daily detection, the function of the mobile reference module to move back and forth is realized, and it can be reused. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic plan view of the detection device proposed by the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the local structure of the cable body proposed by the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the front cross-section structure of the mobile reference module proposed in the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure enlargement at point A;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the front cross-section structure of the drainage cover proposed by the present invention Figure 1 ;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the front cross-section structure of the drainage cover proposed by the present invention Figure 2 .

[0028] In the figure: 1. Mounting base; 2. Buoy; 3. Towing rope; 4. Pressure relief valve; 5. Cable body; 6. Detection tube; 7. End cap; 8. Center rod; 9. Inflatable airbag; 10. Drainage cover; 11. First joint; 12. Second joint; 13. Connecting pipe; 14. Valve sleeve; 15. Support sleeve; 16. Transmission rod; 17. Valve plug; 18. Return spring; 19. Sealing plug; 20. Permanent magnet block; 21. First spiral coil; 22. Induction wire; 23. Second spiral coil; 24. Permanent magnet ring; 25. Underwater sonar detector; 26. Ventilation gap; 27. Mobile reference module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments.

[0030] Reference Figures 1-6 A cable fault detection device includes a mounting base 1 and a buoy 2, a traction rope 3 is connected between the mounting base 1 and the buoy 2, a pressure relief valve 4 is provided in the buoy 2, a diversion component is provided in the mounting base 1, the pressure relief valve 4 is connected to the diversion component through a connecting pipe 13, and a cable body 5 laid underwater is fixedly connected to the mounting base 1.

[0031] A detection tube 6 is provided in the cable body 5, and the flow guide assembly is connected to the inner cavity of the detection tube 6; specifically, the flow guide assembly includes a drainage cover 10, and the first joint 11 and the second joint 12 are fixedly installed at both ends of the drainage cover 10, and the end of the connecting pipe 13 away from the buoy 2 is connected to the inner cavity of the drainage cover 10, and the first joint 11 and the second joint 12 are both connected to the detection tube 6. In detail, a plurality of sealing plugs 19 are provided in the detection tube 6, and the plurality of sealing plugs 19 divide the inner cavity of the detection tube 6 into multiple sections. The first joint 11 and the second joint 12 are respectively connected to the inner cavity of the detection tube 6 located on both sides of the sealing plug 19, see Figure 5 .

[0032] refer to Figure 5 A valve sleeve 14 and a support sleeve 15 are fixedly installed in the drainage cover 10, and a transmission rod 16 is slidably installed in the support sleeve 15. A valve plug 17 is fixedly installed on the end of the transmission rod 16. A return spring 18 is provided between the support sleeve 15 and the valve plug 17. Under the action of the return spring 18, the valve plug 17 is slidably inserted into the valve sleeve 14, and the valve sleeve 14 is connected with the mouth of the first joint 11. The air pressure in the first joint 11 increases, and the valve plug 17 can be pushed open. When the air pressure in the first joint 11 is relatively low, the valve plug 17 blocks the valve sleeve 14, and the opening and closing of the first joint 11 is controlled by the movement of the valve plug 17.

[0033] refer to Figure 3A mobile reference module 27 is provided in the detection tube 6. The mobile reference module 27 includes two end caps 7. A center rod 8 is fixedly installed between the two end caps 7. The surface of the center rod 8 is provided with an expansion airbag 9.

[0034] Specifically, an induction wire 22 is embedded inside the end cap 7, a mounting ring is fixedly installed inside the end cap 7, a second spiral coil 23 is embedded in the mounting ring, the induction wire 22 is electrically connected to the second spiral coil 23, and a permanent magnet ring 24 is provided on the surface sliding sleeve of the center rod 8, and the permanent magnet ring 24 is in contact with the end face of the expansion airbag 9.

[0035] When the cable body 5 is energized, the cable core of the cable body 5 generates a magnetic field, and airflow is injected into the detection tube 6, pushing the mobile reference module 27 to move along the inner cavity of the detection tube 6. After the magnetic induction current generated by the induction wire 22 cutting the magnetic field is introduced into the second spiral coil 23, the second spiral coil 23 generates a force that magnetically repels or attracts the permanent magnet ring 24. When the permanent magnet ring 24 squeezes the expansion airbag 9, the internal pressure of the expansion airbag 9 increases, and expansion deformation occurs, causing the distance between the outer surface of the expansion airbag 9 and the inner wall of the detection tube 6 to decrease or contact. When the permanent magnet ring 24 moves away from the expansion airbag 9, the expansion airbag 9 naturally contracts, so that the distance between the outer surface of the expansion airbag 9 and the inner wall of the detection tube 6 is maximized, forming a ventilation gap 26.

[0036] When the cable body 5 is powered off, the magnetic field around the cable core of the cable body 5 disappears, and the volume of the expansion airbag 9 shrinks, so that a ventilation gap 26 is generated between the outer surface of the expansion airbag 9 and the inner wall of the detection tube 6. The inner cavity of the detection tube 6 is connected through the ventilation gap 26, so that under normal circumstances, the entire inner cavity of the detection tube 6 is in a connected state.

[0037] During use, the cable body 5 is normally in a power-off state. Since the inner cavity of the detection tube 6 is connected to the open valve plug 17 through the ventilation gap 26, air is injected into the detection tube 6 to detect the air pressure change in the detection tube 6, so as to monitor the safety of the entire cable body 5.

[0038] When the air pressure in the detection tube 6 changes, the volume of the inflatable airbag 9 increases or decreases, and air at a certain pressure is injected into the detection tube 6, so that the outer surface of the inflatable airbag 9 slides in contact with the inner wall of the detection tube 6. If the detection tube 6 is damaged or broken, the internal air is discharged to the outside, so that there is air flow in the detection tube 6, and the mobile reference module 27 is driven to move along the inner cavity of the detection tube 6. When the mobile reference module 27 moves along the inner cavity of the detection tube 6, the underwater sonar detector 25 is used to detect the moving path of the mobile reference module 27, such as Figure 1 shown.

[0039] Under the condition of a constant airflow rate injected into the detection tube 6, the size of the expansion bag 9 is adjusted by changing the pressure of the permanent magnetic ring 24 on the expansion bag 9, and the moving speed of the mobile reference module 27 is changed by utilizing the friction between the expansion bag 9 and the detection tube 6 to meet the use requirements of different detections;

[0040] For example, the cable body 5 is deformed, and there is a narrow area in the inner cavity of the detection tube 6. The narrow area blocks the movement of the mobile reference module 27, thereby achieving the effect of detecting the position of the narrow area, and then reducing the volume of the expansion airbag 9 to facilitate the mobile reference module 27 to pass through the narrow area to perform subsequent detection tasks. Alternatively, when the cable body 5 leaks to varying degrees and the airflow input flow rate is close to the leakage flow rate, the mobile reference module 27 will stay near the leakage point to better determine the leakage location and facilitate maintenance.

[0041] It should be noted here that the moving speed of the mobile reference module 27 is not only controlled by the flow rate of the airflow injected into the detection tube 6, but also needs to be controlled by adjusting the current size of the cable core introduced into the cable body 5. Because, if only the flow rate is used to control its moving speed, when the airflow flow injected into the detection tube 6 is large, the airflow is discharged from the pressure relief valves 4 at various locations, and the moving speed of the mobile reference module 27 is too fast, and the mobile reference module 27 cannot stay near the leakage point. If the airflow flow injected into the detection tube 6 is small, the speed of the mobile reference module 27 is too slow, affecting the detection efficiency.

[0042] Taking a complete break in a submarine cable as an example, when the cable body 5 breaks, a submarine cable pulse tester is first used to perform preliminary detection and location of the fault point of the laid submarine cable. The submarine cable pulse tester can accurately measure the length of the submarine cable from the fault point to the signal input point. However, the cable body 5 is not laid in a straight line, so it can only roughly determine the range of the fault point. It is also necessary to accurately detect the location of the fault point.

[0043] The detection device proposed in the present invention sets two buoys 2 in a cable section of a certain length. The maintenance ship sails to the positions of the two buoys 2 within the range of the fault point, injects air into the detection tube 6 at the position of the pressure relief valve 4, and drives the mobile reference module 27 to move along the detection tube 6. The mobile reference module 27 will stop at the break of the cable body 5, thereby detecting the specific cable break position, such as the burial depth parameters and the broken end offset position, guiding divers to find cables underwater or guiding the mud flushing and suction device to operate, significantly improving the emergency repair efficiency of sudden cable break accidents at sea, and providing convenience for salvage and maintenance.

[0044] In this embodiment, a permanent magnet 20 is embedded in the transmission rod 16 , and a first spiral coil 21 is embedded in the support sleeve 15 . When energized, the first spiral coil 21 generates a magnetic repulsive or attractive force with the permanent magnet 20 .

[0045] By setting up the drainage cover 10, the opening and closing of the first joint 11 is controlled by the movement of the valve plug 17 in the drainage cover 10. When air is injected into the detection tube 6 at the buoy 2, the valve plug 17 is used to close the first joint 11, so that the air flow in the detection tube 6 enters the detection tube 6 through the second joint 12. The air flow in the detection tube 6 flows in one direction, thereby achieving the effect of driving the mobile reference module 27 to move in a fixed direction. Figure 1 As shown, the mobile reference module 27 moves to the right;

[0046] Since a first spiral coil 21 is provided in the support sleeve 15 and an external power supply is provided for the first spiral coil 21, when the first spiral coil 21 is energized, the drive rod 16 is attracted and actuated, so that the valve plug 17 is opened, and the air flow enters the detection tube 6 from the first connector 11, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown, the mobile reference module 27 is driven to return to its original path in the detection tube 6, that is, the mobile reference module 27 moves to the left. In the daily detection process, the function of the mobile reference module 27 moving back and forth is realized and it can be reused. It should be noted that a mobile reference module 27 is respectively provided in the cable of each interval section, and the mobile reference module 27 cannot enter the drainage cover 10.

[0047] The detection device proposed in the present invention sets a detection tube 6 in the cable body 5, and sets a mobile reference module 27 in the detection tube 6, injects air into the detection tube 6, drives the mobile reference module 27 to move along the detection tube 6, and uses an underwater sonar detector 25 to detect the moving path of the mobile reference module 27, so as to detect the defect location of damage, deformation or fracture of the cable body 5. This dynamic detection method has strong recognition, reduces the difficulty of detection and analysis, improves work efficiency, and provides guarantee for regular inspection and maintenance of submarine cables.

[0048] The above description is only a preferred specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any technician familiar with the technical field, within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention, who makes equivalent replacements or changes based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered by the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cable fault detection device, comprising a mounting base (1) and a buoy (2), characterized in that: A traction rope (3) is connected between the mounting base (1) and the buoy (2), a pressure relief valve (4) is provided in the buoy (2), a flow guide assembly is provided in the mounting base (1), the pressure relief valve (4) is connected to the flow guide assembly via a connecting pipe (13), and a cable body (5) laid underwater is fixedly connected to the mounting base (1); A detection tube (6) is provided in the cable body (5), the flow guide assembly is in communication with the inner cavity of the detection tube (6), and a movable reference module (27) is provided in the detection tube (6); The mobile reference module (27) includes two end caps (7), a center rod (8) is fixedly installed between the two end caps (7), and an expansion air bag (9) is sleeved on the surface of the center rod (8). When the air pressure in the detection tube (6) changes, the volume of the expansion air bag (9) increases or decreases, so that the outer surface of the expansion air bag (9) is in sliding contact with the inner wall of the detection tube (6). When air flows in the detection tube (6), the mobile reference module (27) is driven to move along the inner cavity of the detection tube (6); The flow guide assembly includes a flow guide cover (10), and a first joint (11) and a second joint (12) are fixedly mounted at both ends of the flow guide cover (10), and an end of the connecting pipe (13) away from the buoy (2) is connected to the inner cavity of the flow guide cover (10), and the first joint (11) and the second joint (12) are both connected to the detection tube (6); A valve sleeve (14) and a support sleeve (15) are fixedly installed in the drainage cover (10), a transmission rod (16) is slidably installed in the support sleeve (15), a valve plug (17) is fixedly installed at the end of the transmission rod (16), a return spring (18) is provided between the support sleeve (15) and the valve plug (17), under the action of the return spring (18), the valve plug (17) is slidably inserted into the valve sleeve (14), the valve sleeve (14) is communicated with the mouth of the first joint (11), and the opening and closing of the first joint (11) are controlled by the movement of the valve plug (17); A permanent magnet (20) is embedded in the transmission rod (16), and a first spiral coil (21) is embedded in the support sleeve (15). When the first spiral coil (21) is energized, it generates a magnetic repulsive or attractive force with the permanent magnet (20).

2. A cable fault detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of sealing plugs (19) are provided in the detection tube (6), and the plurality of sealing plugs (19) divide the inner cavity of the detection tube (6) into multiple sections. The first connector (11) and the second connector (12) are respectively connected to the inner cavity of the detection tube (6) located on both sides of the sealing plug (19).

3. A cable fault detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: An induction wire (22) is embedded in the end cap (7), a mounting ring is fixedly installed in the end cap (7), a second spiral coil (23) is embedded in the mounting ring, the induction wire (22) is electrically connected to the second spiral coil (23), and a permanent magnet ring (24) is provided on the surface sliding sleeve of the center rod (8), and the permanent magnet ring (24) contacts the end surface of the expansion airbag (9).

4. A cable fault detection device according to claim 3, characterized in that: When the cable body (5) is energized, the cable core of the cable body (5) generates a magnetic field, and airflow is injected into the detection tube (6), pushing the mobile reference module (27) to move along the inner cavity of the detection tube (6). After the magnetic induction current generated by the induction wire (22) cutting the magnetic field is introduced into the second spiral coil (23), the second spiral coil (23) generates a magnetic repulsive or attractive force with the permanent magnet ring (24).

5. A cable fault detection device according to claim 4, characterized in that: When the mobile reference module (27) moves along the inner cavity of the detection tube (6), the underwater sonar detector (25) is used to detect the moving path of the mobile reference module (27).

6. A cable fault detection device according to claim 3, characterized in that: When the cable body (5) is powered off, the magnetic field around the cable core of the cable body (5) disappears, and the volume of the expansion airbag (9) shrinks, so that a ventilation gap (26) is generated between the outer surface of the expansion airbag (9) and the inner wall of the detection tube (6), and the inner cavity of the detection tube (6) is connected through the ventilation gap (26).

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