Deepwater subsea pipeline flange and gasket mounting device

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of deepwater subsea pipelines, in particular to a deepwater subsea pipeline flange and gasket mounting device which comprises two half tiles which are oppositely combined, a rubber sleeve wrapping the outer sides of the half tiles, a connecting bolt used for connecting the two half tiles, an inner hexagon bolt used for being fixed to a flange, and a flange groove and an inner hexagon bolt hole which are formed in the end face of the flange. The two half tiles are encircled into an annular structure through the connecting bolts, a fixing cavity for accommodating the flange sealing washer is formed in each half tile, an annular flange sealing groove is formed in the inner side of the flange, and the rubber sleeve is used for pressing and attaching the flange sealing washer to the surface of the flange sealing groove. According to the deepwater subsea pipe flange and gasket installation device, the two oppositely-combined half tiles are adopted in the device and define an annular structure through the connecting bolts, and a fixing cavity is formed in the annular structure to contain a flange sealing gasket. By means of the design, the flange and the gasket are more convenient to install, the problem that a steel ring is prone to falling off in the traditional installation process is solved, and the installation efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of deep - water submarine pipelines, and more specifically, to a device for installing flanges and gaskets of deep - water submarine pipelines. Background Art

[0002] At present, the number of deep - water oil and gas fields in China is increasing continuously. For example, LW3 - 1 gas field, LH16 - 2 oil field, LS17 - 2 gas field, etc. have been put into production, and the number of deep - water submarine pipelines is also rising rapidly. However, with the increase of the operation years of submarine pipelines, as well as reasons such as pipeline corrosion and dragging by trawlers, the risk of submarine pipeline damage accidents is increasing day by day. Once a submarine pipeline is damaged, it may cause serious marine environmental pollution and bring huge economic losses to oil and gas fields and downstream users. Therefore, it is particularly urgent to study equipment and solutions suitable for deep - water submarine pipeline maintenance.

[0003] In the shallow - water field (within 300 meters), China already has corresponding submarine pipeline maintenance equipment and technical solutions, can produce matching flanges and steel rings, and divers can complete the work of aligning submarine pipeline flanges and installing gaskets underwater. However, when installing the flange alignment, due to the easy detachment of the steel ring and the narrow installation space, the installation efficiency is low. In addition, the maximum diving depth of divers can only reach 300 meters. In the deep - water field above 300 meters, only remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) can be used for operations.

[0004] The current flanges and steel rings applied to shallow - water submarine pipelines cannot be used for the alignment between deep - water submarine pipelines because they cannot be operated by ROVs, and also cannot meet the requirements of deep - water submarine pipeline maintenance operations. This technical gap limits the efficiency and feasibility of deep - water submarine pipeline maintenance, and there is an urgent need for an innovative solution to fill this gap and improve the technical ability and efficiency of deep - water submarine pipeline maintenance. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a device for installing flanges and gaskets of deep - water submarine pipelines, so as to solve the problem that the current flanges and steel rings applied to shallow - water submarine pipelines cannot be used for the alignment between deep - water submarine pipelines because they cannot be operated by ROVs, and also cannot meet the requirements of deep - water submarine pipeline maintenance operations as mentioned in the above background art.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a deep - water submarine pipeline flange and gasket installation device, which includes two split - type half - tiles, a rubber sleeve wrapped around the outer side of the half - tiles, connecting bolts for connecting the two half - tiles, hexagon socket head cap bolts for fixing to the flange, and a flange groove and hexagon socket head cap bolt holes provided on the flange end face; the two half - tiles are enclosed into an annular structure by the connecting bolts, a fixing cavity for accommodating the flange sealing gasket is formed inside the half - tiles, an annular flange sealing groove is provided on the inner side of the flange, the rubber sleeve is used to press the flange sealing gasket tightly against the surface of the flange sealing groove, the hexagon socket head cap bolts pass through the hexagon socket head cap bolt holes to fix the half - tiles to the flange, and the connecting bolts are received in the flange groove.

[0007] Preferably, the half - tiles are made of stainless steel and the thickness is less than the gap after flange alignment and tensioning.

[0008] Preferably, the inner diameter of the annular enclosure of the half - tiles matches the outer diameter of the flange sealing gasket.

[0009] Preferably, the rubber sleeve is made of a highly elastic and corrosion - resistant material, and the inner surface is provided with anti - slip textures matching the shape of the flange sealing gasket. The outer surface is combined with the inner wall of the half - tile through a vulcanization process to provide a radial pressing force during enclosure.

[0010] Preferably, the depth of the flange groove is equal to the head height of the connecting bolt.

[0011] Preferably, the hexagon socket head cap bolt holes are countersunk hole structures, located outside both ends of the flange groove, and the axes are perpendicular to the flange end face. The screw length of the hexagon socket head cap bolts is less than the flange thickness to ensure that the end face of the half - tile is flush with the flange end face after the hexagon socket head cap bolts are fixed.

[0012] Preferably, flange bolt holes are arranged at equal intervals in a ring on the flange end face. After the flanges are aligned, the relatively arranged flange bolt holes are connected and matched through flange alignment bolts.

[0013] Preferably, both ends of the flange alignment bolts are locked by nuts, and sealing gaskets are provided on the nut surfaces.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0015] In this deep - water submarine pipeline flange and gasket installation device, the device uses two split - type half - tiles, which are enclosed into an annular structure by connecting bolts, and a fixing cavity is formed inside to accommodate the flange sealing gasket. This design makes the installation of the flange and gasket more convenient, reduces the problem that the steel ring is likely to fall off during the traditional installation process, and improves the installation efficiency.

[0016] The use of the rubber sleeve, through its high elasticity and corrosion resistance, presses the flange sealing gasket tightly against the surface of the flange sealing groove, enhancing the sealing performance and ensuring the stability of the installation. The design of the device takes into account the special requirements of deep-water operations, especially in the case of operations carried out by remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). Its compact structure is easy to operate by ROVs, filling the technical gap in the installation of flanges and gaskets in deep-water submarine pipeline maintenance.

[0017] The inner surface of the rubber sleeve is provided with anti-slip textures matching the shape of the flange sealing gasket, and the outer surface is combined with the inner wall of the half tile through vulcanization process, providing a radial pressing force, ensuring the tight fit between the sealing gasket and the flange sealing groove, and enhancing the sealing effect.

[0018] The device is fixed on the flange by inner hexagon bolts, and the connecting bolts are stored in the flange groove, making the whole device flat after installation and not easily affected by the outside. At the same time, this design also facilitates subsequent maintenance and replacement work. The use of the device reduces the risks of divers in deep-water operations, especially in the deep-water area over 300 meters, with operations carried out by ROVs, greatly improving the safety of operations. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] Figure 1 One of the partial structural schematic diagrams of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 Another partial structural schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 For the present invention Figure 2 The partial enlarged schematic diagram at position A in the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 The installation schematic diagram of the flange sealing gasket in the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 The cross-sectional schematic diagram of the flange in the present invention;

[0024] Figure 6 The present invention Figure 5 The partial enlarged schematic diagram at position B in the present invention;

[0025] Figure 7 The combined structural schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0026] The meanings of each label in the figure are as follows:

[0027] 1. Half tile; 2. Rubber sleeve; 3. Flange sealing gasket; 4. Connecting bolt; 5. Inner hexagon bolt; 6. Flange groove; 7. Flange bolt hole; 8. Inner hexagon bolt hole; 9. Flange sealing groove; 10. Flange alignment bolt; 11. Flange. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0028] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0029] The present invention provides a deep - sea pipeline flange and gasket installation device, as Figures 1-7 shown, which includes two split - type half - tiles 1, a rubber sleeve 2 wrapped outside the half - tile 1, a connecting bolt 4 for connecting the two half - tiles 1, an inner - hexagon bolt 5 for fixing to the flange 11, and a flange groove 6 and an inner - hexagon bolt hole 8 provided on the end face of the flange 11; the two half - tiles 1 are enclosed into an annular structure by the connecting bolt 4, a fixing cavity for accommodating the flange sealing gasket 3 is formed inside the half - tile 1, an annular flange sealing groove 9 is provided on the inner side of the flange 11, the rubber sleeve 2 is used to press the flange sealing gasket 3 tightly against the surface of the flange sealing groove 9, the inner - hexagon bolt 5 passes through the inner - hexagon bolt hole 8 to fix the half - tile 1 to the flange 11, and the connecting bolt 4 is received in the flange groove 6. Through the two split - type half - tiles 1, which cooperate with the connecting bolt 4 to enclose an annular structure, this structure can stably surround and fix the flange sealing gasket 3 in the formed fixing cavity. The annular flange sealing groove 9 provided on the inner side of the flange 11 cooperates with the rubber sleeve 2 wrapped outside the half - tile 1, and the rubber sleeve 2 uses its elasticity to press the flange sealing gasket 3 tightly against the surface of the flange sealing groove 9, ensuring the reliability and stability of the seal. At the same time, the inner - hexagon bolt 5 passes through the inner - hexagon bolt hole 8 on the end face of the flange 11 to firmly fix the half - tile 1 to the flange 11, making the entire installation device a tight whole. In addition, the connecting bolt 4 is cleverly received in the flange groove 6, which not only maintains the flatness of the device appearance but also avoids the interference or damage that may be caused by the exposure of the connecting bolt 4. In summary, the deep - sea pipeline flange and gasket installation device effectively improves the installation efficiency and sealing performance of the flange and gasket, providing a convenient and reliable solution for the maintenance operation of deep - sea pipelines.

[0030] In this embodiment, the half - tile 1 is made of stainless steel and its thickness is less than the gap after the flange 11 is assembled and tensioned. The half - tile 1 made of stainless steel has good corrosion resistance and strength, which can ensure long - term stable use in the deep - sea environment. At the same time, the thickness design of the half - tile 1 is less than the gap after the flange 11 is assembled and tensioned, enabling the half - tile 1 to be easily installed and adapted to the tensioned state of the flange, improving the flexibility and adaptability of the installation.

[0031] Specifically, the inner diameter of the annular enclosure of the half tile 1 matches the outer diameter of the flange sealing gasket 3. The precise matching of the inner diameter of the annular enclosure of the half tile 1 and the outer diameter of the flange sealing gasket 3 ensures that the sealing gasket 3 can be stably installed in the fixed cavity formed inside the half tile 1, avoiding the offset or detachment of the sealing gasket and improving the reliability and stability of the seal.

[0032] Furthermore, the rubber sleeve 2 is made of a highly elastic and corrosion-resistant material, specifically fluororubber. Fluororubber has excellent corrosion resistance and can resist the erosion of various chemical media, such as acids, alkalis, oils, etc. At the same time, it also has good elasticity and mechanical strength, can meet the usage requirements in high-temperature and high-pressure environments, and has anti-slip textures on its inner surface that match the shape of the flange sealing gasket 3. The outer surface is combined with the inner wall of the half tile 1 through a vulcanization process to provide a radial pressing force during enclosure. The rubber sleeve 2 made of a highly elastic and corrosion-resistant material can adapt to the harsh conditions of the deep-water environment and maintain long-term elastic properties. The anti-slip texture design on the inner surface enhances the friction with the flange sealing gasket 3 and prevents the sliding of the sealing gasket. The combination of the outer surface and the inner wall of the half tile 1 through the vulcanization process ensures the tight connection between the rubber sleeve 2 and the half tile 1, provides sufficient radial pressing force, and ensures the tight fit between the sealing gasket and the flange sealing groove.

[0033] Furthermore, the depth of the flange groove 6 is equal to the head height of the connecting bolt 4. This enables the connecting bolt 4 to be completely received within the flange groove 6 after installation, maintaining the flatness of the device's appearance and avoiding potential interference or damage caused by the exposure of the connecting bolt.

[0034] Furthermore, the hexagon socket head bolt hole 8 has a counterbore structure, is located on the outer sides of both ends of the flange groove 6, and its axis is perpendicular to the end face of the flange 11. The screw length of the hexagon socket head bolt 5 is less than the flange thickness, ensuring that the end face of the half tile 1 is flush with the end face of the flange 11 after the hexagon socket head bolt 5 is fixed.

[0035] Furthermore, flange bolt holes 7 are arranged at equal intervals in a ring on the end face of the flange 11. After the flanges 11 are paired, the relatively arranged flange bolt holes 7 are connected and matched through flange pairing bolts 10. The flange bolt holes 7 arranged at equal intervals in a ring on the end face of the flange 11 provide convenient connection points for the pairing of the flanges. Connecting the relatively arranged flange bolt holes 7 through the flange pairing bolts 10 realizes the stable pairing of the flanges and improves the reliability and stability of the flange connection.

[0036] Furthermore, both ends of the flange pairing bolt 10 are locked with nuts, and sealing washers are provided on the nut surfaces. The nuts ensure the firmness of the flange pairing. The sealing washers provided on the nut surfaces provide an additional sealing effect, prevent leakage at the flange connection, and improve the sealing performance of the entire flange connection system.

[0037] When the deep - sea pipeline flange and gasket installation device of the present invention is in use, first, manually open the two half - tiles 1, and install the flange sealing gasket 3 into the rubber sleeve 2 wrapped outside the half - tile 1. Connect and fasten the two half - tiles 1 through the connecting bolts 4 to ensure that the sealing gasket 3 is stably installed in the fixed cavity formed inside the half - tile 1 and will not fall off from the rubber sleeve 2.

[0038] Before the sea pipeline flange enters the water, fix the installation device to the flange 11 through the hexagon socket head cap bolts 5 and the hexagon socket head cap bolt holes 8 with countersunk head structures. Ensure that the flange sealing gasket 3 is completely fitted with the flange sealing groove 9. At the same time, the connecting bolts 4 are cleverly received in the flange groove 6 to keep the appearance of the device flat.

[0039] Lift and lower the pipeline and the flange containing the sealing gasket into the water to the designated position. The ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) monitors the underwater lowering process to ensure that the flange and the pipeline reach the designated position safely and accurately.

[0040] The ROV operates the deep - sea pipeline flange alignment auxiliary equipment underwater to promote the alignment of the two flanges of the sea pipeline. During the alignment process, the sealing groove 9 of the other half flange is closely fitted with the already installed sealing gasket 3 to form a reliable seal.

[0041] The ROV operates the underwater bolt installation equipment to complete the action of inserting the flange bolt 10 into the flange bolt hole 7. The flange bolt holes 7 are arranged equidistantly in a ring on the end face of the flange 11, providing convenient connection points for the alignment of the flanges. The ROV operates the bolt tensioning device to tighten and apply force to the flange bolt 10 to ensure the firmness and tightness of the flange connection. Both ends of the flange alignment bolt 10 are locked by nuts, and sealing gaskets are provided on the nut surfaces, providing an additional sealing effect to prevent leakage at the flange connection.

[0042] After the above steps, the flange alignment installation and sealing work are completed. After the entire installation device is fixed, its plane is completely parallel and tightly attached to the flange surface, ensuring the stability and reliability of the deep - sea pipeline flange and gasket installation device.

[0043] The above shows and describes the basic principles, main features and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited by the above - mentioned embodiments. The above - mentioned embodiments and the descriptions in the specification are only preferred examples of the present invention and are not used to limit the present invention. Without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, the present invention will have various changes and improvements, and these changes and improvements all fall within the scope of the present invention claimed. The scope of the present invention claimed is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A deep - water submarine pipeline flange and gasket installation device, characterized in that: It includes two mating half-watts (1), a rubber sleeve (2) wrapped around the outside of the half-watt (1), a connecting bolt (4) for connecting the two half-watts (1), an inner hexagon bolt (5) for fixing to the flange (11), and a flange groove (6) and an inner hexagon bolt hole (8) provided on the end face of the flange (11); the two half-watts (1) are enclosed to form an annular structure by the connecting bolt (4), a fixing cavity for accommodating a flange sealing washer (3) is formed inside the half-watt (1), and an annular flange sealing groove (9) is provided on the inner side of the flange (11).

2. The deep-water submarine pipeline flange and gasket installation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rubber sleeve (2) is used to press the flange sealing washer (3) tightly against the surface of the flange sealing groove (9), the inner hexagon bolt (5) passes through the inner hexagon bolt hole (8) to fix the half-watt (1) to the flange (11), and the connecting bolt (4) is received in the flange groove (6).

3. The deep - water submarine pipeline flange and gasket installation device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The half-watt (1) is made of stainless steel and its thickness is less than the gap after the flanges (11) are assembled and tensioned.

4. The deep - water submarine pipeline flange and gasket installation device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The inner diameter of the annular enclosure of the half-watt (1) matches the outer diameter of the flange sealing washer (3).

5. The deep - water submarine pipeline flange and gasket installation device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The rubber sleeve (2) is made of a highly elastic and corrosion-resistant material, and its inner surface is provided with anti-slip textures matching the shape of the flange sealing washer (3), and its outer surface is combined with the inner wall of the half-watt (1) by vulcanization process, and is used to provide a radial pressing force during enclosure.

6. The deep-water submarine pipeline flange and gasket installation device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The depth of the flange groove (6) is equal to the head height of the connecting bolt (4).

7. The deep - water submarine pipeline flange and gasket installation device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The inner hexagon bolt hole (8) is a countersunk hole structure, located outside both ends of the flange groove (6), and its axis is perpendicular to the end face of the flange (11).

8. The deep-water submarine pipeline flange and gasket installation device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The screw length of the inner hexagon bolt (5) is less than the flange thickness, ensuring that the end face of the half-watt (1) is flush with the end face of the flange (11) after the inner hexagon bolt (5) is fixed.

9. The deep-water submarine pipeline flange and gasket installation device according to claim 8, characterized in that: Flange bolt holes (7) are arranged annularly and equidistantly on the end face of the flange (11). After the flanges (11) are assembled, the flange bolt holes (7) arranged oppositely are connected and matched by flange assembly bolts (10).

10. The deep-water submarine pipeline flange and gasket installation device according to claim 9, characterized in that: Both ends of the flange assembly bolt (10) are locked by nuts, and sealing washers are provided on the nut surfaces.

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