Seal structure and self-repairing method for modular joint of pipe section of suspended data center in sea

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of ocean engineering and data center engineering, and relates to a sea-suspended data center pipe joint modularized joint sealing structure and a self-repairing method, which comprises a titanium alloy corrugated compensation cover located at an outer layer, the outer layer titanium alloy corrugated compensation cover is designed in a detachable mode and has a corrugated structure; a hexagonal honeycomb self-repairing cabin located at a middle layer and arranged on the inner side of the titanium alloy corrugated compensation cover, the middle layer hexagonal honeycomb self-repairing cabin is internally provided with a microcapsule matrix distribution; and an electromagnetic drive sealing ring located at an inner layer and arranged on the inner side of the middle layer hexagonal honeycomb self-repairing cabin and having adjustable contact pressure. The application adopts a split three-level sealing structure, fully gives play to the advantages of each layer, and ensures the excellent sealing performance of the pipe joint connector in a deep-sea high-pressure environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of marine engineering and data center engineering technology, and relates to a modular joint sealing structure and self-repairing method for a floating data center pipe section. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous advancement of marine development, floating data centers in the ocean are playing an increasingly important role as emerging infrastructure. However, they face the complex and harsh challenges of the marine environment, which places extremely high demands on the key component of the data center—the pipe joint. As a crucial part connecting various parts of the data center, the sealing performance and structural stability of the pipe joint directly determine whether the entire data center can operate safely and stably. Currently, pipe joints generally use traditional connection methods, such as welding and bolting. However, these traditional methods have many drawbacks in the marine environment. The marine environment is rich in salt, has high humidity, and contains various chemicals, making traditional connection methods highly susceptible to corrosion. Over time, the sealing performance of the joint is difficult to maintain, and once damage occurs, repair work is not only difficult but also costly, seriously affecting the normal operation of the data center.

[0003] While some existing patents have explored sealing designs for pipe joints, they all exhibit significant limitations. Some patents focus on improving the mechanical strength of the joint, neglecting the long-term stability of the sealing performance. In practical applications, these joints are highly prone to leakage in marine environments, failing to meet the stringent sealing requirements of data centers. Other patents, while proposing self-healing concepts, lack matching high-efficiency sealing materials and reasonable structural designs. This significantly reduces the effectiveness of self-healing, making it difficult to meet practical application standards. Furthermore, these patents do not adequately consider the durability and reliability of the joints in complex marine environments, failing to provide long-term stable protection for data centers.

[0004] Taking a sealing pipe joint (application number: CN201921580119.5) as an example, this joint forms a sealing part through the combination of a slot and an insertion part between the outer and inner cylinder parts of the joint body. This achieves a certain degree of ease of installation and disassembly, improves structural strength, and extends service life. However, its sealing ring is made of neoprene rubber. In the marine environment, neoprene rubber is affected by various factors such as chemicals and ultraviolet rays, which can easily lead to aging and cracking, thus affecting the sealing performance. In addition, over time, due to factors such as mechanical vibration and temperature changes, the fit between the sealing ring and the slot may loosen or wear, resulting in a further decline in sealing performance, which cannot meet the high standard requirements for the sealing performance of pipe joints in marine suspended data centers.

[0005] In summary, in order to solve the problems of poor sealing performance, insufficient corrosion resistance, and unsatisfactory self-healing effect of existing pipe joints in marine environments, and to ensure the safe and stable operation of marine suspended data centers, it is urgent to develop a new type of modular joint sealing structure for marine suspended data centers. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, the purpose of this invention is to provide a sealing structure and self-repairing method for modular joints of floating data center pipe sections, so as to solve the problems of insufficient sealing performance, poor durability and lack of self-repair capability of pipe joints in the prior art, realize the long-term stable operation of pipe modules in complex marine environments, and improve the overall performance and reliability of floating data centers in the sea.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0008] A modular joint sealing structure for a floating data center pipe section in the sea, comprising:

[0009] The outer titanium alloy corrugated compensation cover is a detachable design and has a corrugated structure.

[0010] The hexagonal honeycomb self-healing chamber located in the middle layer is set inside the titanium alloy corrugated compensation cover, and the hexagonal honeycomb self-healing chamber in the middle layer is provided with a microcapsule matrix distribution;

[0011] The electromagnetically driven sealing ring located in the inner layer is set inside the hexagonal honeycomb self-healing chamber in the middle layer and has adjustable contact pressure.

[0012] Furthermore, a plurality of redundant sealing channels are provided on the inner side of the electromagnetic drive sealing ring, arranged along the axial direction of the electromagnetic drive sealing ring.

[0013] Furthermore, a two-component epoxy resin-graphene composite sealant is filled between the electromagnetic drive sealing ring and the hexagonal honeycomb self-healing chamber to further improve sealing reliability.

[0014] Furthermore, electro-hydraulic locking rings are embedded at both ends of the sealing structure to achieve rapid locking between the sealing structure and the pipe section.

[0015] Furthermore, the outer titanium alloy corrugated compensation cover is provided with a light-triggered self-healing polyurethane coating.

[0016] Furthermore, the light-triggered self-healing polyurethane coating can automatically repair surface damage of the titanium alloy corrugated compensation cover under light conditions, enhancing the durability of the sealing structure.

[0017] Furthermore, the microcapsules in the microcapsule matrix distribution are filled with two-component epoxy resin.

[0018] Furthermore, the microcapsules in the microcapsule matrix distribution rupture when the pH value is below 5.5, releasing repair substances to repair the damaged area.

[0019] A self-repairing method for a modular joint sealing structure of a marine suspended data center pipe section, employing the aforementioned modular joint sealing structure, the self-repairing method comprising:

[0020] When the titanium alloy corrugated compensation cover is damaged, the damage light triggers the self-healing polyurethane coating to automatically repair the surface damage of the titanium alloy corrugated compensation cover under light irradiation.

[0021] When the hexagonal honeycomb self-healing chamber is damaged, seawater enters the chamber, and the microcapsules in the microcapsule matrix distribution rupture under the stimulation of seawater, releasing repair substances for rapid repair of the damaged area.

[0022] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0023] 1. This invention employs a split-type three-stage sealing structure, fully leveraging the advantages of each layer to ensure superior sealing performance of the connector in deep-sea high-pressure environments. The outer titanium alloy corrugated compensation cover resists seawater corrosion and impact, protecting internal components from the harsh marine environment. The middle hexagonal honeycomb self-healing chamber enhances mechanical strength and stability, effectively dispersing external stress and reducing the impact of the deep-sea environment on the sealing system. The inner electromagnetically driven sealing ring dynamically adjusts contact pressure, maintaining excellent sealing performance and preventing seawater infiltration. The synergistic effect of these three layers provides outstanding durability and reliability for the sealing system in extreme environments.

[0024] 2. The self-healing function integrated in this invention significantly extends system lifespan and reduces maintenance costs through advanced materials and mechanisms. The microcapsule matrix embedded within the hexagonal honeycomb self-healing chamber releases a two-component epoxy resin upon contact with corrosive seawater via a pH-sensitive cell disruption reaction (triggered at pH < 5.5), rapidly repairing minor damage and preventing further deterioration. Furthermore, the outer light-triggered self-healing polyurethane coating automatically repairs surface scratches under light exposure, enhancing system durability. This dual self-healing mechanism reduces the need for frequent manual maintenance, improves economic efficiency, and ensures long-term operational stability in deep-sea environments.

[0025] 3. This invention achieves rapid and reliable pipe section connection through an electro-hydraulic locking ring and redundant sealing channels. The locking ring enables quick and secure connection, improving operational efficiency; the redundant sealing channels evenly distribute pressure, reducing stress concentration and enhancing connection durability and sealing performance. This design simplifies installation and maintenance processes, reduces energy consumption, and ensures reliable system operation in deep-sea suspended data centers. By improving connection efficiency and stability, this invention offers significant advantages in practical applications and economic benefits.

[0026] Other advantages, objectives, and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following examination, or may be learned from practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention can be realized and obtained through the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0028] Figure 1 This is an overall architecture diagram of a modular joint sealing structure for a floating data center pipe section in an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a modular joint sealing structure for a floating data center pipe section in an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a self-repairing method for a modular joint sealing structure of a floating data center pipe section in an embodiment.

[0031] Reference numerals: 1-Titanium alloy corrugated compensation cover, 2-Hexagonal honeycomb self-healing chamber, 3-Electromagnetic drive sealing ring, 4-Electro-hydraulic locking ring, 5-Redundant sealing channel, 6-Microcapsule matrix distribution, 7-Phototriggered self-healing polyurethane coating, 8-Filling area of ​​epoxy resin-graphene composite sealant. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. The present invention can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It should be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are only schematic representations of the basic concept of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0033] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are schematic diagrams, not actual images. They should not be construed as limiting the invention. To better illustrate the embodiments of the invention, some parts in the drawings may be omitted, enlarged, or reduced, and do not represent the actual product dimensions. It is understandable to those skilled in the art that some well-known structures and their descriptions may be omitted in the drawings.

[0034] In the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," and "rear" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0035] Example 1

[0036] Please see Figures 1-2 A modular joint sealing structure for a floating data center pipe section in the sea, comprising:

[0037] The outer titanium alloy corrugated compensation cover 1 is located on the outer layer. The outer titanium alloy corrugated compensation cover is a detachable design and has a corrugated structure.

[0038] The hexagonal honeycomb self-healing chamber 2, located in the middle layer, is disposed inside the titanium alloy corrugated compensation cover, and the hexagonal honeycomb self-healing chamber in the middle layer is provided with a microcapsule matrix distribution 6.

[0039] The electromagnetic drive sealing ring 3, located in the inner layer, is disposed inside the hexagonal honeycomb self-healing chamber in the middle layer and has adjustable contact pressure.

[0040] Furthermore, a plurality of redundant sealing channels 5 are provided on the inner side of the electromagnetic drive sealing ring 3, arranged along the axial direction of the electromagnetic drive sealing ring.

[0041] Furthermore, a two-component epoxy resin-graphene composite sealant 8 is filled between the electromagnetic drive sealing ring 3 and the hexagonal honeycomb self-healing chamber 2 to further improve sealing reliability.

[0042] Furthermore, electro-hydraulic locking rings 4 are embedded at both ends of the sealing structure as multi-modal connection mechanisms, and cooperate with redundant sealing channels 5 to form an intelligent interconnection interface system, so as to realize the rapid locking of the sealing structure and the pipe section.

[0043] Furthermore, the outer titanium alloy corrugated compensation cover 1 is provided with a light-triggered self-healing polyurethane coating 7.

[0044] Furthermore, the light-triggered self-healing polyurethane coating 7 can automatically repair surface damage of the titanium alloy corrugated compensation cover under light conditions, enhancing the durability of the sealing structure.

[0045] Furthermore, the microcapsules in the microcapsule matrix distribution 6 are filled with two-component epoxy resin.

[0046] Furthermore, the microcapsules in the microcapsule matrix distribution 6 rupture when the pH value is below 5.5, releasing repair substances to repair the damaged area.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, each component adopts a standardized interface design, which facilitates production, assembly and maintenance, while supporting flexible configuration of different functional modules according to actual needs, thereby improving overall performance and adaptability.

[0048] This sealing structure is used to connect the pipe sections of the floating data center in the ocean, ensuring sealing and stability in the marine environment. The assembly steps are as follows:

[0049] Preparation:

[0050] Take two pipe sections that need to be connected and check that the surfaces of the connection ends are flat and clean, ensuring there is no oil, rust, or other impurities. Prepare the necessary tools for assembly, such as sealant application equipment and electro-hydraulic locking devices.

[0051] Install the electro-hydraulic locking ring:

[0052] An electro-hydraulic locking ring 4 is embedded at the connection end of each pipe section module. The position of the locking ring is adjusted to make it concentric with the connection end of the pipe section, and then the response time of the locking ring is tested through the electronic control system to ensure that it can complete the locking action within 50ms.

[0053] Install an electromagnetic drive sealing ring:

[0054] An electromagnetically driven sealing ring 3 is installed at the connection end of one of the pipe sections. The electromagnetically driven sealing ring 3 adopts an adjustable contact pressure design, which is adjusted to a preset pressure value (e.g., 0.5 MPa) by an electromagnetic drive device. At least three redundant sealing channels 5 are axially formed on the inner side of the electromagnetically driven sealing ring 3 (more channels can be formed as needed in other embodiments). Each channel is 2 mm deep and 1 mm wide, and the channels are filled with a two-component epoxy resin-graphene composite sealant 8. After filling, the sealing performance of the inner layer is tested with a pressure tester to ensure no leakage.

[0055] Install hexagonal honeycomb self-healing compartments:

[0056] An epoxy resin-graphene composite sealant is applied to the outside of the electromagnetic drive sealing ring 3 to form the epoxy resin-graphene composite sealant filling area 8. Then, the hexagonal honeycomb self-healing chamber 2 is fitted onto the electromagnetic drive sealing ring 3.

[0057] The honeycomb structure is made of a high-strength polymer, with each honeycomb unit having a side length of approximately 5 millimeters. A microcapsule matrix is ​​uniformly filled within the honeycomb unit, forming a microcapsule matrix distribution. The microcapsules contain a two-component epoxy resin and have a diameter of approximately 50 micrometers.

[0058] Install titanium alloy corrugated compensation cover:

[0059] A titanium alloy corrugated compensation cover 1 is installed on the outside of the hexagonal honeycomb self-healing chamber 2. This cover features a detachable design and a corrugated structure to absorb stress variations at pipe joint connections. A special clamping tool is used to secure the compensation cover to the pipe joint, ensuring alignment of the connection points. After installation, the integrity of the corrugated structure is checked.

[0060] Apply a self-healing coating:

[0061] A light-triggered self-healing polyurethane coating 7 is uniformly coated on the outer surface of the titanium alloy corrugated compensation cover 1. The coating thickness is controlled at about 0.2 mm, and the coating is cured by irradiation with ultraviolet light for 5 minutes to ensure that it can achieve self-healing function under light conditions.

[0062] Docking and locking:

[0063] Connect the other end of the pipe section module to the pipe section with the installed sealing structure, and adjust the electro-hydraulic locking rings 4 at both ends to align and lock them. After locking, check the sealing and stability of the entire connection to ensure there is no loosening or leakage.

[0064] Through the above steps, the assembly of a modular joint sealing structure for a marine-floating data center pipe section was completed. This structure can effectively prevent seawater infiltration in a marine environment and improve sealing reliability through redundant design.

[0065] Example 2: Self-repair method for the sealing structure of modular joints in a floating data center pipe section

[0066] like Figure 3 As shown, this embodiment provides a self-repairing method for the sealing structure of a modular joint of a floating data center pipe section. This method utilizes the sealing structure assembled in Embodiment 1 to achieve automatic repair when the outer or middle layer is damaged, ensuring the long-term sealing of the pipe section connection.

[0067] Self-repair steps:

[0068] Repair of outer layer damage:

[0069] When the titanium alloy corrugated compensation cover 1 is damaged (such as by cracks or pinholes) due to external impact or corrosion, the light-triggered self-healing polyurethane coating 7 on the outer surface comes into play. In a marine environment, when sunlight or artificial ultraviolet light irradiates the damaged area, the photosensitive molecules in the coating are activated, triggering a cross-linking reaction of the polyurethane molecular chains.

[0070] Repair of middle layer damage:

[0071] When the outer layer repair is insufficient to repair the damage, and the hexagonal honeycomb self-healing chamber 2 is damaged by external force or fatigue, allowing seawater to seep into the honeycomb structure, the microcapsule matrix distribution 6 begins to function. The microcapsules within the honeycomb units rupture under the influence of seawater (generally, seawater has a pH value below 5.5), releasing the internal two-component epoxy resin. The repair material rapidly solidifies, filling the damaged area and forming a tough repair layer.

[0072] Verify the repair effect:

[0073] After repair, pressure testing equipment was used to test the sealing performance of the entire sealing structure to ensure no leakage under internal and external pressure differences. Simultaneously, the structural integrity of the titanium alloy corrugated compensation cover 1 and the hexagonal honeycomb self-healing chamber 2 was checked to confirm the durability after repair.

[0074] Through the self-healing method described above, the sealing structure can achieve self-repair in complex marine environments, effectively extending its service life and ensuring the operational safety of the data center pipe module.

[0075] Furthermore, this embodiment also provides a self-repair test method for the sealing structure of the modular joint of a floating data center pipe section, specifically including the following steps:

[0076] Step 1: Install the pipe joint with the modular joint sealing structure for the floating data center pipe section in a dedicated test device, ensuring that the pipe joint is under water pressure simulating a marine environment; check the sealing performance and connection stability of the test device to ensure that there are no unexpected leaks during the test.

[0077] Step 2: Gradually increase the water pressure to 1.5 times the design working pressure, maintain stable pressure, and continue for no less than 2 hours; during the pressurization process, record the pressure change curve to ensure that the pressure loading process is smooth and without sudden changes.

[0078] Step 3: While maintaining high pressure, add a salt solution simulating seawater corrosion to the water, ensuring the salt solution fully contacts the pipe joint. Observe and record the corrosion status of the joint surface and each layer of the structure for at least 4 hours;

[0079] Step 4: Evaluate the sealing performance based on leakage conditions to ensure the joint is leak-free under design pressure. If leakage is found, analyze the cause and adjust the sealing structure or materials to obtain the optimal sealing structure for the modular joint of the underwater suspended data center pipe section;

[0080] Step 5: Under simulated marine environmental conditions, conduct vibration tests on the pipe joint to simulate the impact of water flow and mechanical vibration in the marine environment, and observe and record the sealing performance and structural stability of the joint during the vibration process;

[0081] Step Six: After the test, gradually reduce the pressure to atmospheric pressure and record the pressure drop curve. Then remove the pipe joint from the test apparatus for a detailed visual inspection and performance evaluation. The inspection includes checking for obvious deformation, wear, or corrosion on the sealing surface, and verifying the integrity of each layer of the structure.

[0082] Step 7: Artificially create tiny scratches or cracks on the self-healing coating outside the sealing structure to simulate damage conditions in actual use. The damage locations should be selected in different areas of the coating, including areas with higher and lower stress.

[0083] Step 8: Expose the damaged area to light of a specific wavelength to simulate natural lighting conditions and trigger the self-healing coating's repair mechanism. The light intensity and wavelength should be adjusted according to the characteristics of the coating material to ensure that the lighting conditions meet the design requirements.

[0084] Step Nine: Disassemble and inspect the pipe joint, focusing on the distribution of the microcapsule matrix and the self-healing effect of the light-triggered self-healing polyurethane coating. Observe the microcapsule rupture and the filling effect of the repair material under a microscope to evaluate the actual effect of the self-healing function.

[0085] Step 10: Compare the integrity of the coating before and after repair, assess the self-healing performance, and ensure that the coating can complete automatic repair within the specified time and restore its protective function.

[0086] Based on the test results, a regular maintenance plan is developed to check the wear and aging of each component and replace damaged components in a timely manner to ensure the good performance of the modular joint sealing structure of the underwater suspended data center pipe section in practical applications.

[0087] In summary, this invention improves the sealing performance and self-repair capability of the joint through the integrated design of a split three-stage sealing structure and a self-repair function. The self-repair function is achieved through microcapsule matrix distribution and photo-triggered coating, which can automatically repair itself after damage, extend the service life of the system, and provide an innovative solution for sealing deep-sea pipe joints, with broad application prospects.

[0088] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A self-repairing method for the modular joint sealing structure of a floating data center pipe section, characterized in that, The modular joint sealing structure of the underwater suspended data center pipe section includes: The outer titanium alloy corrugated compensation cover is a detachable design and has a corrugated structure. The hexagonal honeycomb self-healing chamber located in the middle layer is set inside the titanium alloy corrugated compensation cover, and the hexagonal honeycomb self-healing chamber in the middle layer is provided with a microcapsule matrix distribution; The electromagnetic drive sealing ring located in the inner layer is set inside the hexagonal honeycomb self-healing chamber in the middle layer and has adjustable contact pressure. The outer titanium alloy corrugated compensation cover is provided with a light-triggered self-healing polyurethane coating, and the microcapsules in the microcapsule matrix distribution are filled with two-component epoxy resin as a repair material. This self-healing method includes: When the titanium alloy corrugated compensation cover is damaged, the light-triggered self-healing polyurethane coating automatically repairs the surface damage of the titanium alloy corrugated compensation cover under light irradiation. When the hexagonal honeycomb self-healing chamber is damaged and seawater enters it, the microcapsules in the microcapsule matrix distribution rupture under the stimulation of seawater, releasing repair substances to quickly repair the damaged area.

2. The self-healing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner side of the electromagnetic drive sealing ring is provided with a number of redundant sealing channels arranged along the axial direction of the electromagnetic drive sealing ring.

3. The self-healing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, A two-component epoxy resin-graphene composite sealant is filled between the electromagnetic drive sealing ring and the hexagonal honeycomb self-healing chamber to further improve sealing reliability.

4. The self-healing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Electro-hydraulic locking rings are embedded at both ends of the sealing structure to achieve rapid locking between the sealing structure and the pipe section.

5. The self-healing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The microcapsules in the microcapsule matrix distribution rupture when the pH value is below 5.5, releasing repair substances to repair the damaged area.

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