A kind of large-scale submarine pipe expansion bend flange quick butt joint device

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of offshore pipe expansion bend installation, and particularly relates to a quick butt joint device for large offshore pipe expansion bend flanges, which comprises a bolt bearing main body, a positioning component and a traction jack; the bolt bearing main body is sleeved on the outer side wall of the end of the offshore pipe expansion bend; one end of the positioning component is fixed on the bolt bearing main body; the other end of the positioning component penetrates through the offshore pipe expansion bend flange, is connected with a traction cable, and then penetrates through the fixed end flange of the fixed end pipe which is butt jointed with the offshore pipe expansion bend, and is then connected with the traction jack. The present application can greatly improve the underwater operation efficiency and reduce the labor intensity of divers: through the cooperation of the bolt bearing main body and the traction jack, 90% of the large flange fixing bolts can be quickly and integrally penetrated. Compared with the traditional process in which the diver needs to manually penetrate a single bolt with a weight of more than 50 kg, the present application liberates the diver from high-intensity physical labor and reduces the underwater operation time.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of offshore pipeline expansion bend installation, and particularly relates to a device for rapid butt joint of flanges of large offshore pipeline expansion bend. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the process of offshore expansion bend butt joint operation, the conventional operation process is to hoist the offshore pipeline expansion bend by means of a floating crane, and to rely on an underwater positioning system to preliminarily position the flange of the offshore pipeline expansion bend and the fixed-end flange of the offshore pipeline expansion bend butt joint. Then, a diver assumes the command responsibility and uses auxiliary instruments such as a hand-operated hoist to promote the flange butt joint work. In this process, the key is to ensure the accurate coincidence of the shaft centers of the flanges of the offshore pipeline expansion bend and the fixed-end flange, so as to realize the concentricity of the through holes of the flanges, and finally the diver completes the connection and fixing operation by threading the bolts.

[0003] For underwater butt joint operation of small offshore pipeline expansion bends, the current technology is quite mature. The underwater operation intensity is relatively low, and the diver can maintain a high work efficiency. However, when it comes to large offshore pipeline expansion bends, the situation is completely different. The weight of a single bolt used for a large offshore pipeline expansion bend often exceeds 50 kg. This results in a great labor intensity of the diver when performing the bolt threading operation, and due to the large number of bolts, the entire underwater operation efficiency is extremely low. Moreover, under the interference of complex sea conditions such as sea water flow rate, water temperature, water depth and visibility, combined with the ups and downs of the ship, the flange butt joint is further difficult. Moreover, limited by the safety regulation that only one diver can work underwater at a time, the operation promotion is more difficult.

[0004] In order to improve the butt joint efficiency of the offshore pipeline expansion bend and reduce the underwater operation intensity of the diver, effective solutions have been researched in the industry. For example, a patent application No. CN202223036146.0 discloses an oil and gas submarine pipeline expansion bend assembly device, which comprises two assembly components connected to the two ends of the prefabricated expansion bend; the assembly component is composed of a fixed bottom plate, a center support and a tool flange, the center support is vertically fixed on the top surface of the fixed bottom plate, and the tool flange is fixed on the side wall of the center support, and the tool flange is used to connect the riser flange or the flat pipe flange at the end of the prefabricated expansion bend.

[0005] This device can bear a large weight and effectively prevent the pipe end from shaking during the expansion bend prefabrication and installation process, and to some extent, it improves the speed and assembly of the expansion bend prefabrication and installation.

[0006] However, this device mainly focuses on the assembly simulation in the prefabrication stage, and does not provide effective countermeasures for the butt joint operation of the underwater large offshore pipeline expansion bend flange, especially for solving the key problem of the diver threading the heavy bolt.

[0007] In summary, in order to effectively solve the many problems encountered in the connection of expansion bend flanges for large subsea pipelines, it is urgent to design a targeted tooling for connecting expansion bend flanges for large subsea pipelines, so as to improve the efficiency of offshore operations and ensure operational safety. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To address the difficulty divers face in threading the traction bolts during docking operations of large subsea pipeline expansion bend flanges, the present invention provides a rapid docking device for large subsea pipeline expansion bend flanges, comprising a bolt-bearing body, a positioning component, and a traction jack. The bolt-bearing body is fitted onto the outer wall of the end of the subsea pipeline expansion bend. One end of the positioning component is fixed to the bolt-bearing body, and the other end of the positioning component passes through the subsea pipeline expansion bend flange, connects to a traction cable, and continues through the fixed-end flange of the fixed end of the subsea pipeline docking with the expansion bend, before connecting to the traction jack. The bolt-bearing body comprises two symmetrically arranged semi-circular bodies, which are fitted onto the outer wall of the end of the subsea pipeline expansion bend.

[0009] Based on any of the above technical solutions, a further optimization is made as follows: the semi-circular body includes a semi-circular sleeve, which is fitted and clamped onto the outer wall of the end of the subsea pipeline expansion bend. A bolt bearing plate is welded to the outer wall of the front end of the semi-circular sleeve. Bolt bearing holes, equal in number to the flange bolt holes on the fixed end flange, are spaced on the end face of the bolt bearing plate. An arc-shaped structural plate is welded to the outer wall of the rear end of the semi-circular sleeve. Wing plates are symmetrically welded to the outer walls of both sides of the semi-circular sleeve. Several sliding modules are fixed and spaced on the outer wall of the semi-circular body. The two semi-circular sleeves are bolted together and fixed by the butt-jointed wing plates and various matching fixing bolts.

[0010] Based on any of the above technical solutions, a further optimization is made as follows: the semi-circular sleeve serves as the main load-bearing structure, which is made by longitudinally cutting a circular tube with a diameter larger than that of the subsea pipeline along the axis. Several through holes are opened on the outer wall of the semi-circular sleeve, and the sliding module is fixedly assembled in each of the corresponding through holes.

[0011] Based on any of the above technical solutions, a further optimization is made as follows: the sliding module consists of a ball bearing, a constraint sleeve, a threaded cover plate, and a top bolt. The constraint sleeve is fixedly installed on the outer wall of the corresponding through hole of the semi-circular sleeve. The ball bearing is movably installed inside the inner cavity of the constraint sleeve. An annular ring is fixedly assembled at the bottom of the inner cavity of the constraint sleeve, and a cover plate is fixedly assembled at the top of the constraint sleeve. The annular ring and the cover plate fix the ball bearing inside the constraint sleeve. The inner end of the ball bearing extends out of the center of the annular ring and extends to its outside. A threaded hole is opened in the center of the cover plate, and a top bolt is assembled in the threaded hole.

[0012] Based on any of the above technical solutions, a further optimization is made as follows: a hinged double-eared plate with mounting holes is welded to the top center of the bolt bearing plate, and a limit component is assembled inside the hinged double-eared plate at the top of the bolt bearing plate at the front end of the bolt bearing body.

[0013] Based on any of the above technical solutions, a further optimization is made as follows: the limiting component includes a limiting rod, one end of which is welded with a hinge pin and assembled inside a hinged double-ear plate through the hinge pin; the other end of the limiting rod passes through a limiting clip; a positioning ring is fixed on the outer wall of the limiting rod behind the limiting clip and abuts against it; a limiting nut is screwed onto the external threaded section of the outer wall of the limiting rod in front of the limiting clip; the limiting nut cooperates with the positioning ring to achieve axial positioning of the limiting clip; the distance from the positioning ring to the hinge pin matches the length of the smooth section of the flange bolt.

[0014] Based on any of the above technical solutions, a further optimization is made as follows: the limiting clamp includes an arc plate, with front and rear clamping plates fixedly welded to the front and rear ends of the arc plate respectively, and a sleeve fixed between the two front and rear clamping plates. The sleeve is movably sleeved on the outer side wall of the limiting rod. Neodymium magnets are installed in the slots on both sides of the arc plate respectively, and each neodymium magnet is bolted and positioned to the arc plate through the mounting plate on its top. The front and rear clamping plates have through holes with the diameter of the through holes being the same as the diameter of the sleeve holes.

[0015] Based on any of the above technical solutions, a further optimization is made as follows: the positioning component includes two symmetrically spaced positioning pins, which have the same structure but different lengths; the two positioning pins are respectively symmetrically assembled on the left and right sides of the bolt bearing plate of the bolt bearing body and clamped and fixed by two nuts located on the front and rear sides of the bolt bearing plate at their corresponding positions.

[0016] Based on any of the above technical solutions, a further optimization is made as follows: the positioning pin comprises a screw section, a straight rod section, an end puller, and a connecting ring, which are fixedly connected from back to front; the straight rod sections of both positioning pins pass through the expansion bend flange of the subsea pipeline, and an internal threaded hole is provided at the end of the diameter-changing section of the positioning pin. The internal threaded hole is connected to the end puller by a thread, and a connecting ring is welded to the front end of the end puller; the connecting ring is composed of two nested chain links, one of which is welded to the end puller, and the other is welded to the traction steel wire rope at the corresponding position.

[0017] Based on any of the above technical solutions, a further optimization is made as follows: the traction jack is a through-hole jack, a support frame is provided at the bottom of the traction jack, a strong magnet is installed at the bottom of the support frame, and the traction jack and the support frame are fixedly connected by bolts; the traction jack is attracted and fixed to the reverse side of the fixed end flange that connects with the expansion bend of the subsea pipeline by the strong magnet, and the through-hole jack contains the traction wire rope that engages with it, the traction wire rope passes through the bolt hole of the fixed end flange that connects with the expansion bend of the subsea pipeline and is connected to the end puller of the positioning pin.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0019] 1. This invention can significantly improve underwater operation efficiency and reduce the labor intensity of divers: Through the cooperation of the bolt-bearing body and the traction jack, 90% of the number of bolts for fixing large flanges can be quickly threaded at once. Compared with the traditional process where divers need to manually thread bolts weighing over 50kg each, this invention liberates divers from high-intensity physical labor and reduces underwater operation time. For example, in the connection of large subsea pipeline expansion bends, it can avoid the inefficiency caused by the large number and weight of bolts, thus significantly improving operation efficiency.

[0020] 2. This invention improves docking accuracy through a hydraulic traction system: The traction jack uses a through-hole jack combined with a strong magnet to adhere to the reverse side of the fixed-end flange. Connected to a locating pin via a traction wire rope, it allows for precise control of the movement trajectory of the subsea pipeline expansion bend flange. During docking, the hydraulic jack provides stable traction force. Combined with the design of long and short locating pins (the long locating pin enters the hole first for initial positioning, and the short locating pin enters later for precise positioning), it ensures the alignment accuracy between the flange axis and the fixed-end flange axis, avoiding docking deviations caused by ship swaying or ocean currents, and keeping the concentricity error of the flange through holes within a minimal range.

[0021] 3. The positioning pin design of this invention optimizes the docking process: the two symmetrically arranged positioning pins have different lengths. The longer positioning pin is inserted first into the bolt hole of the fixed end flange for initial positioning, and the shorter positioning pin is inserted subsequently to achieve precise docking. This design eliminates the need for divers to repeatedly adjust the flange position, reducing underwater positioning time. For example, in complex sea conditions, a benchmark for flange docking can be quickly established, avoiding operational delays caused by multiple alignments and improving docking efficiency.

[0022] 4. This invention employs a dual-piece structure to achieve device reusability: the bolt-bearing main body consists of two symmetrical semi-circular bodies, fixed together by flanges and fixing bolts, and can be quickly disassembled after installation. The semi-circular bodies are made by cutting open a circular tube larger than the diameter of the subsea pipeline, resulting in high structural strength and reusability. Compared to disposable tooling, this invention's device can be applied multiple times to different subsea pipeline expansion bend connection operations, reducing construction costs; the same device can be reused multiple times, significantly saving on tooling procurement costs.

[0023] 5. The sliding module design of this invention reduces docking friction resistance: The sliding module installed on the outer wall of the semi-circular body consists of balls, constraint sleeves, etc. The inner end of the balls extends out and contacts the expansion bend of the subsea pipeline. During docking, rolling friction replaces traditional sliding friction. This design can significantly reduce the friction force when the expansion bend of the subsea pipeline moves, especially in the high-pressure environment of the deep sea, effectively reducing flange position displacement caused by friction, while reducing the load on the traction jack and extending the service life of the equipment.

[0024] Based on the above reasons, this invention can be widely promoted in fields such as offshore pipeline expansion bend connection technology. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. In all the drawings, similar elements or components are generally identified by similar reference numerals. In the drawings, the elements or components are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention in its assembled state.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the bolt-bearing body of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the sliding module of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the sliding module of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the limiting clip on the bolt bearing body of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention in its installed and docked state.

[0033] In the diagram: 1. Semicircular sleeve; 2. Bolt bearing plate; 201. Bolt bearing hole; 3. Sliding module; 301. Constraint sleeve; 302. Ball bearing; 303. Annular ring; 304. Cover plate; 305. Top bolt; 4. Structural plate; 5. Wing plate; 6. Fixing bolt; 7. Hinge double-ear plate; 8. Limiting component; 801. Hinge pin; 802. Limiting nut; 803. Limiting rod; 9. Limiting clip; 901. Front and rear clamping plates; 902. Sleeve; 903. Arc plate; 904. Neodymium magnet; 905. Assembly plate; 10. Positioning pin; 1001. End traction device; 1002. Connecting ring; 11. Traction wire rope; 12. Through-hole jack; 13. Support frame; 20. Subsea pipeline expansion bend; 21. Subsea pipeline expansion bend flange; 22. Subsea pipeline expansion bend fixing bolt; 23. Fixed end flange; 24. Fixed end subsea pipeline. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The embodiments of the technical solution of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present invention, and are therefore merely examples and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. The specific structure of the present invention is as follows: Figures 1-7 As shown in the image.

[0035] Example 1: A quick docking device for expansion bend flanges of large subsea pipelines includes a bolt bearing body, a positioning component, and a traction jack. The bolt bearing body is fitted onto the outer wall of the end of the subsea pipeline expansion bend 20. One end of the positioning component is fixed to the bolt bearing body, and the other end passes through the subsea pipeline expansion bend flange 21 and is connected to the traction cable, which passes through the fixed end flange 23 of the fixed end subsea pipeline 24 and then connects to the traction jack. The bolt bearing body includes two symmetrically arranged semi-arc bodies, which are fitted onto the outer wall of the end of the subsea pipeline expansion bend 20.

[0036] The bolt-bearing body is fitted onto the end of the subsea pipeline expansion bend 20. A positioning component connects the bolt-bearing body to a traction jack. The traction force of the traction jack moves the subsea pipeline expansion bend flange 21 towards the fixed end flange 23, achieving docking. The semi-circular design facilitates installation and disassembly, and can be snapped onto the outer wall of the subsea pipeline expansion bend 20. The symmetrical arrangement of the semi-circular body facilitates the installation and disassembly of the device on the subsea pipeline expansion bend 20, improving the practicality and operability of the device.

[0037] Based on any of the above technical solutions, a further optimization is made as follows: the semi-circular body includes a semi-circular sleeve 1, which is fitted and clamped onto the outer wall of the end of the subsea pipeline expansion bend 20. A bolt bearing plate 2 is welded to the outer wall of the front end of the semi-circular sleeve 1. Bolt bearing holes 201 are provided at intervals on the end face of the bolt bearing plate 2, with the number of bolt holes equal to the number of flange bolt holes on the fixed end flange 23. An arc-shaped structural plate 4 is welded to the outer wall of the rear end of the semi-circular sleeve 1. Wing plates 5 are symmetrically welded to the outer walls of both sides of the semi-circular sleeve 1. Several sliding modules 3 are fixed and installed at intervals on the outer wall of the semi-circular body. The two semi-circular sleeves 1 are bolted and fixed together by the butt-jointed wing plates 5 and various matching fixing bolts 6.

[0038] The semi-circular sleeve 1 is fitted onto the end of the subsea pipeline expansion bend 20. The bolt bearing plate 2 is used to install the expansion bend fixing bolts 22. The number of bolt bearing holes 201 is consistent with the number of bolt holes on the fixed end flange 23, ensuring the correspondence of bolt installation. The arc-shaped structural plate 4 enhances the structural strength of the rear end of the semi-circular sleeve 1. The wing plate 5 connects the two semi-circular sleeves 1 through fixing bolts 6, so that the bolt bearing body forms a complete cylindrical structure. The sliding module 3 is installed on the outer wall of the semi-arc body and plays a sliding guiding role during the docking process.

[0039] Based on any of the above technical solutions, the following optimization is made: the semi-circular sleeve 1 serves as the main load-bearing structure, which is made by longitudinally cutting a circular tube with a diameter greater than that of the subsea pipeline along the axis. Several through holes are opened on the outer wall of the semi-circular sleeve 1, and the sliding module 3 is fixedly assembled in each of the corresponding through holes.

[0040] The semi-circular sleeve 1 is made by cutting open a circular tube larger than the diameter of the subsea pipeline. As the main load-bearing structure, it bears the main load during the docking process. The through holes on the outer wall are used to install the sliding module 3, so that the sliding module 3 can be fixed on the semi-circular sleeve 1 and play its sliding guiding role.

[0041] Based on any of the above technical solutions, a further optimization is made as follows: the sliding module 3 is composed of a ball bearing 302, a constraint sleeve 301, a threaded cover plate 304, and a top bolt 305. The constraint sleeve 301 is fixedly installed on the outer wall of the corresponding through hole of the semi-circular sleeve 1. The ball bearing 302 is movably installed inside the inner cavity of the constraint sleeve 301. An annular ring 303 is fixedly assembled at the bottom of the inner cavity of the constraint sleeve 301. A cover plate 304 is fixedly assembled at the top of the constraint sleeve 301. The annular ring 303 and the cover plate 304 fix the ball bearing 302 inside the constraint sleeve 301. The inner end of the ball bearing 302 extends out of the center of the annular ring 303 and extends to its outside. A threaded hole is opened in the center of the cover plate 304, and a top bolt 305 is assembled in the threaded hole.

[0042] The constraint sleeve 301 is fixed at the through hole of the semi-circular sleeve 1. A ball bearing 302 is installed inside the constraint sleeve 301. An annular ring 303 and a cover plate 304 fix the ball bearing 302, allowing it to move only within the constraint sleeve 301. The inner end of the ball bearing 302 extends out and contacts the subsea pipeline expansion bend 20 or other components. A top bolt 305 is installed in the central threaded hole of the cover plate 304, which can adjust the extension length of the ball bearing 302 or fix the ball bearing 302 in place. During the docking process, the ball bearing 302 rolls, reducing friction.

[0043] Based on any of the above technical solutions, a further optimization is made by welding a hinged double-eared plate 7 with mounting holes to the top center of the bolt bearing plate 2, and assembling a limiting component 8 inside the hinged double-eared plate 7 at the top of the bolt bearing plate 2 at the front end of the bolt bearing body.

[0044] The hinged double-eared plate 7 is welded to the top center of the bolt bearing plate 2 and is used to install the limiting component 8. The limiting component 8 is connected to the hinged double-eared plate 7 through the hinged pin 801 to limit and fix the position of the subsea pipeline expansion bend flange 21.

[0045] Based on any of the above technical solutions, a further optimization is made as follows: the limiting component 8 includes a limiting rod 803, one end of which is welded with a hinge pin 801 and assembled in the hinged double-ear plate 7 through the hinge pin 801. The other end of the limiting rod 803 passes through a limiting clip 9. A positioning ring is fixed on the outer side wall of the limiting rod 803 behind the limiting clip 9 and abuts against it. A limiting nut 802 is screwed onto the external thread section of the outer side wall of the limiting rod 803 in front of the limiting clip 9. The limiting nut 802 cooperates with the positioning ring to achieve axial positioning of the limiting clip 9. The distance from the positioning ring to the hinge pin 801 matches the length of the smooth section of the flange bolt.

[0046] The limiting rod 803 is installed inside the hinged double-ear plate 7 via the hinge pin 801 and can rotate around the hinge pin 801. The limiting clip 9 passes through the limiting rod 803, the positioning ring is fixed on the limiting rod 803, and the limiting nut 802 is screwed onto the external thread section of the limiting rod 803, cooperating with the positioning ring to achieve axial positioning of the limiting clip 9. By adjusting the positions of the limiting nut 802 and the positioning ring, the distance from the positioning ring to the hinge pin 801 is matched with the length of the smooth section of the flange bolt, thereby restricting the position of the subsea pipeline expansion bend flange 21.

[0047] The structural design of the limiting component 8 can precisely limit the position of the subsea pipeline expansion bend flange 21, ensuring accurate flange positioning during docking and improving docking precision. The limiting nut 802 and positioning ring can be adjusted to adapt to different situations, increasing the versatility and adaptability of the device.

[0048] Based on any of the above technical solutions, a further optimization is made as follows: the limiting clamp 9 includes an arc plate 903, with front and rear clamping plates 901 fixedly welded to the front and rear ends of the arc plate 903 respectively, and a sleeve 902 fixed between the two front and rear clamping plates 901. The sleeve 902 is movably sleeved on the outer side wall of the limiting rod 803. Neodymium magnets 904 are respectively installed in the slots on both sides of the arc plate 903. Each neodymium magnet 904 is bolted and positioned to the arc plate 903 through the mounting plate 905 on its top. The front and rear clamping plates 901 have through holes with the same diameter as the sleeve 902.

[0049] Neodymium magnets 904 on both sides of the arc plate 903 are fixed to the arc plate 903 by the mounting plate 905. The magnetic force of the neodymium magnets 904 is used to attract the limiting clip 9 to the subsea pipeline expansion bend flange 21. The sleeve 902 between the front and rear clips 901 is movably fitted onto the limiting rod 803, allowing the limiting clip 9 to move on the limiting rod 803. The subsea pipeline expansion bend flange 21 is fixed by the attraction of the neodymium magnets 904 and the limiting of the limiting rod 803.

[0050] The neodymium magnet 904 enables the limiting clip 9 to be firmly attached to the expansion bend flange 21 of the subsea pipeline, enhancing the limiting effect and ensuring the stability of the flange position during lifting and transportation.

[0051] The movable connection between the sleeve 902 and the limit rod 803 allows the limit clamp 9 to move flexibly, facilitating operation and adjustment during the docking process.

[0052] Based on any of the above technical solutions, a further optimization is made as follows: the positioning component includes two symmetrically arranged and spaced apart positioning pins 10, the positioning pins 10 having the same structure but different lengths; the two positioning pins 10 are respectively symmetrically assembled on the left and right sides of the bolt bearing plate 2 of the bolt bearing body and are respectively clamped and fixed by two nuts set at the front and rear sides of the bolt bearing plate 2 at their corresponding positions.

[0053] Two symmetrical locating pins 10 of different lengths are assembled on the left and right sides of the bolt bearing plate 2 and clamped and fixed by nuts. During the docking process, the longer locating pin 10 is inserted into the bolt hole of the fixed end flange 23 for initial positioning, and the shorter locating pin 10 is inserted later for precise docking, thereby achieving accurate docking of the subsea pipeline expansion bend flange 21.

[0054] The ingenious design of the locating pins 10 of varying lengths allows for initial positioning by inserting the longer pins first into the hole, while the shorter pins 10 are inserted later for precise positioning. This improves the efficiency and accuracy of the docking process and reduces the difficulty and workload for divers. The symmetrical arrangement of the locating pins 10 also makes the docking process more stable, ensuring the balance of the subsea pipeline expansion flange 21 during docking.

[0055] Based on any of the above technical solutions, a further optimization is made as follows: the positioning pin 10 comprises a screw section, a straight rod section, an end puller 1001, and a connecting ring 1002, which are fixedly connected from back to front; the straight rod sections of both positioning pins 10 pass through the subsea pipeline expansion bend flange 21, and an internal threaded hole is provided at the end of the diameter-changing section of the positioning pin 10, which is threadedly connected to the end puller 1001; the end puller 1001 is welded to the front end of the connecting ring 1002; the connecting ring 1002 is composed of two nested chain links, one of which is welded to the end puller 1001, and the other chain link is welded to the traction steel wire rope 11 at the corresponding position.

[0056] The threaded section of the positioning pin 10 is used to connect and fix it to the bolt bearing plate 2. The straight section passes through the subsea pipeline expansion bend flange 21. The end puller 1001 is connected to the positioning pin 10 through the internal threaded hole. The connecting ring 1002 is used to connect the traction wire rope 11. The traction wire rope 11 is connected to the positioning pin 10 through the connecting ring 1002. When the traction jack is working, the traction force is transmitted to the positioning pin 10 through the traction wire rope 11, which drives the subsea pipeline expansion bend flange 21 to move.

[0057] The positioning pin 10 has a reasonable structural design and clearly defined functions, ensuring the effective transmission of traction force and enabling the subsea pipeline expansion bend flange 21 to move accurately under the action of the traction jack. The nested design of the connecting ring 1002 facilitates the connection and disassembly of the traction wire rope 11, improving operational efficiency.

[0058] Based on any of the above technical solutions, a further optimization is made as follows: the traction jack is a through-hole jack 12, a support frame 13 is provided at the bottom of the traction jack, a strong magnet is installed at the bottom of the support frame 13, and the traction jack and the support frame 13 are fixedly connected by bolts; the traction jack is fixed to the reverse side of the fixed end flange 23 by the strong magnet, and the through-hole jack 12 contains the traction wire rope 11 that engages with it. The traction wire rope 11 passes through the bolt hole of the fixed end flange 23 and is connected to the end puller 1001 of the positioning pin 10.

[0059] The through-hole jack 12 is mounted on the support frame 13. A strong magnet at the bottom of the support frame 13 attracts and fixes the traction jack to the reverse side of the fixed end flange 23. The traction wire rope 11 passes through the bolt holes of the fixed end flange 23 and the through-hole jack 12, and is connected to the end puller 1001 of the positioning pin 10. When the through-hole jack 12 is working, it engages the traction wire rope 11, and the traction force drives the subsea pipeline expansion bend flange 21 to move towards the fixed end flange 23, achieving docking. The strong magnet allows the traction jack to be installed on the fixed end flange 23 easily and quickly, without the need for complex fixing devices, thus improving work efficiency.

[0060] The engagement of the through-hole jack 12 with the traction wire rope 11 provides a stable and reliable traction force, ensuring the smooth movement and accurate docking of the subsea pipeline expansion bend flange 21.

[0061] Example 2: Compared with Example 1, this example also includes the following technical features:

[0062] This invention also provides a construction method for a rapid connection device for expansion bend flanges in large subsea pipelines, the specific steps of which include:

[0063] Step 1: The two bolt-bearing bodies are fixedly connected and assembled into a complete cylindrical shape at the position of the flange 5 using fixing bolts 6. Before assembly, an arc-shaped liner needs to be installed near the subsea pipeline expansion bend flange 21. The length of the arc-shaped liner is twice the length of the bolt-bearing body of the subsea pipeline expansion bend flange 21, the inner diameter of the arc-shaped liner is the outer diameter of the subsea pipeline, and its coverage area is the sliding range of the sliding module 3, which protects the coating of the subsea pipeline expansion bend 20. The arc-shaped liner is not within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0064] Step 2: Install the subsea pipeline expansion bend fixing bolt 22 in the bolt bearing hole 201 of the bolt bearing plate 2. Note the following during installation: one end of the subsea pipeline expansion bend fixing bolt 22 is arranged in the flange bolt hole, slightly protruding from the subsea pipeline expansion bend flange 21. The other end of the subsea pipeline expansion bend fixing bolt 22 is fitted with a nut, and the threaded section of this end is arranged in the bolt bearing hole 201 of the bolt bearing plate 2. The nut is between the bolt bearing plate 2 and the subsea pipeline expansion bend flange 21 and is attached to the front of the bolt bearing plate 2.

[0065] Step 3: The two positioning pins 10 are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the assembled bolt bearing plate 2. The thread segments of the positioning pins 10 are arranged in the same way as the fixed bolts 22 of the subsea pipeline expansion bend. However, it should be noted that the positioning pins 10 need to be fixed to the bolt bearing plate 2 with nuts. The front end of the positioning pin 10 passes through the bolt hole of the subsea pipeline expansion bend flange 21 and extends out half the length of the flange.

[0066] After the positioning pin 10 is assembled and fixed, the connecting end traction device 1001 is installed at its front end. At this time, a connecting ring 1002 is welded on the end traction device 1001. The connecting ring 1002 is composed of two nested rings, wherein the second ring is fixedly connected to the traction wire rope 11.

[0067] The two positioning pins 10 are connected in the same way.

[0068] Step 4: After the bolt bearing body is assembled, the limiting rod 803 is connected to the limiting clip 9, and the position of the limiting clip 9 is adjusted so that the distance from the rear end of the limiting clip 9 to the bolt bearing plate 2 is equal to the length of the unthreaded section of the subsea pipeline expansion bend fixing bolt 22. After the position is adjusted, the limiting clip 9 is locked onto the top of the subsea pipeline expansion bend flange 21, and the neodymium magnet 904 on the limiting clip 9 attracts and fixes the limiting clip 9 to the subsea pipeline expansion bend flange 21. At this time, the relative position of the bolt bearing body and the subsea pipeline expansion bend flange 21 is fixed. Before the subsea pipeline expansion bend 20 is lifted, submerged, and installed, the subsea pipeline expansion bend fixing bolt 22 remains in the state it was in during assembly.

[0069] Step 5: Diving operation. Install the traction jack with the support frame 13 on the fixed end flange 23, and ensure that the axis of the traction jack is consistent with the axis of the positioning pin 10 when installing the subsea pipeline expansion bend 20.

[0070] Step 6: Lift the expansion bend 20 of the subsea pipeline and lower it to the flange docking position according to the underwater positioning beacon. Divers will then operate underwater, threading the traction wire rope 11 through the bolt holes of the fixed-end flange 23 at the location of the traction jack, and then through the hollow of the traction jack. The traction jack will then be activated and engage the traction wire rope 11. The positioning pin 10 on the other side is also connected to the corresponding traction jack via the traction wire rope 11.

[0071] Step 7: Activate the traction jacks and drag the traction wire rope 11 to bring the subsea pipeline expansion bend flange 21 closer to the fixed end flange 23. During this process, it is necessary to control the speed of the two traction jacks to ensure that the subsea pipeline expansion bend flange 21 and the fixed end flange 23 are parallel and approaching each other. Since the two positioning pins 10 are of different lengths, the longer positioning pin 10 enters the bolt hole of the fixed end flange 23 first, and the shorter positioning pin 10 enters the other bolt hole of the fixed end flange 23 later. This operation improves the efficiency of underwater docking.

[0072] Step 8: Using a traction jack, drag the traction wire rope 11 until the subsea pipeline expansion bend flange 21 aligns with the fixed end flange 23. At this point, both positioning pins 10 are fully within the bolt holes, ensuring the subsea pipeline expansion bend 20 will not deviate from its alignment even under water flow conditions. The diver then forcefully lifts the front end of the limiting rod 803 upwards, disengaging the limiting clip 9 from the subsea pipeline expansion bend flange 21. The limiting rod 803, along with the limiting clip 9, is then rotated 180° to the other side of the bolt bearing plate 2.

[0073] Step 9: Continue operating the traction jack to drag the bolt-supported body to move, and push all the subsea pipeline expansion bend fixing bolts 22 through the bolt holes of the subsea pipeline expansion bend flange 21 and the fixed end flange 23. It should be noted that due to manufacturing tolerances and reserved tolerances, some bolts may get stuck, and divers need to make local adjustments.

[0074] Step 10: After all the expansion bend fixing bolts 22 of the subsea pipeline are installed in place, install the flange bolt nuts behind the fixed end flange 23 to fix the expansion bend flange 21 of the subsea pipeline to the fixed end flange 23. After completion, remove the positioning pin 10, traction jack and load-bearing frame 13 and retrieve them. Remove the bolt bearing body fixing bolts 6, retrieve the bolt bearing body and recover it. At this time, the two flange fixing bolts 6 at the position of the positioning pin 10 need to be manually installed by divers.

[0075] Compared to the traditional large-scale subsea pipeline expansion bend flange docking process, this invention, through a large-scale subsea pipeline expansion bend flange rapid docking device, can ensure rapid docking of the subsea pipeline expansion bend 20 and rapid installation of the flange fixing bolts 6, greatly improving the efficiency of construction operations.

[0076] 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 the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, any alternative improvements or transformations made to the implementation of the present invention fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0077] Any aspects of this invention not described in detail are well-known to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A quick-connection device for expansion bend flanges in large subsea pipelines, comprising a bolt-bearing body, a positioning component, and a traction jack; wherein the bolt-bearing body is fitted onto the outer wall of the end of the expansion bend (20) of the subsea pipeline, characterized in that: One end of the positioning component is fixed to the bolt bearing body, and the other end of the positioning component passes through the flange bolt hole of the subsea pipeline expansion bend flange (21) to connect to the traction cable and then continues to pass through the flange bolt hole of the fixed end flange (23) of the fixed end subsea pipeline (24) that is connected to the subsea pipeline expansion bend (20), and then connects to the traction jack; the bolt bearing body includes two symmetrically arranged semi-arc bodies, and the two semi-arc bodies are fitted and sleeved on the outer side wall of the end of the subsea pipeline expansion bend (20); The semi-circular body includes a semi-circular sleeve (1), which is fitted and clamped on the outer wall of the end of the subsea pipeline expansion bend (20). A bolt bearing plate (2) is welded on the outer wall of the front end of the semi-circular sleeve (1). Bolt bearing holes (201) are provided at intervals on the end face of the bolt bearing plate (2) with the same number of flange bolt holes as the subsea pipeline expansion bend flange (21). An arc-shaped structural plate (4) is welded on the outer wall of the rear end of the semi-circular sleeve (1). Wing plates (5) are symmetrically welded on the outer walls of both sides of the semi-circular sleeve (1). Several sliding modules (3) are fixed and installed at intervals on the outer wall of the semi-circular body. The two semi-circular sleeves (1) are bolted and fixed together by the butt-jointed wing plates (5) and various matching fixing bolts (6). The sliding module (3) is used to guide the movement of the semi-circular sleeve (1) on the subsea pipeline expansion bend (20); A hinged double-eared plate (7) with mounting holes is welded to the top center of the bolt bearing plate (2), and a limit component (8) is assembled inside the hinged double-eared plate (7). The limiting component (8) includes a limiting rod (803). One end of the limiting rod (803) is welded with a hinge pin (801) and is assembled in the hinged double-ear plate (7) through the hinge pin (801). The other end of the limiting rod (803) passes through a limiting clip (9). A positioning ring is fixed on the outer side wall of the limiting rod (803) behind the limiting clip (9) and abuts against it. A limiting nut (802) is screwed into the external thread section of the outer side wall of the limiting rod (803) in front of the limiting clip (9). The limiting nut (802) cooperates with the positioning ring to achieve axial positioning of the limiting clip (9). The distance from the positioning ring to the hinge pin (801) matches the length of the smooth section of the pipeline expansion bend fixing bolt (22). The limiting clip (9) is attached to the expansion bend flange (21) of the subsea pipeline; The positioning component includes two symmetrically spaced positioning pins (10); Install the pipeline expansion bend fixing bolt (22) in the bolt bearing hole (201) of the bolt bearing plate (2). One end of the pipeline expansion bend fixing bolt (22) is arranged in the flange bolt hole and slightly extends out of the pipeline expansion bend flange (21). The other end of the pipeline expansion bend fixing bolt (22) is equipped with a nut, and the threaded section of this end is arranged in the bolt bearing hole (201) of the bolt bearing plate (2). The nut is between the bolt bearing plate (2) and the pipeline expansion bend flange (21) and fits against the front of the bolt bearing plate (2).

2. The quick-connect device for expansion bend flanges of large subsea pipelines according to claim 1, characterized in that: The semicircular sleeve (1) serves as the main load-bearing structure. It is made by longitudinally cutting a circular tube with a diameter greater than that of the subsea pipeline along the axis. Several through holes are opened on the outer wall of the semicircular sleeve (1), and the sliding module (3) is fixedly assembled in each of the corresponding through holes.

3. A quick-connect device for expansion bend flanges in large subsea pipelines according to claim 2, characterized in that: The sliding module (3) consists of a ball bearing (302), a constraint sleeve (301), a threaded cover plate (304), and a top bolt (305). The constraint sleeve (301) is fixedly installed on the outer wall of the corresponding through hole of the semi-circular sleeve (1). The ball bearing (302) is movably installed inside the inner cavity of the constraint sleeve (301). An annular ring (303) is fixedly assembled at the bottom of the inner cavity of the constraint sleeve (301). A cover plate (304) is fixedly assembled at the top of the constraint sleeve (301). The annular ring (303) and the cover plate (304) fix the ball bearing (302) inside the constraint sleeve (301). The inner end of the ball bearing (302) extends out of the center of the annular ring (303) and extends to its outside. A threaded hole is opened in the center of the cover plate (304), and a top bolt (305) is assembled in the threaded hole.

4. A quick-connect device for expansion bend flanges in large subsea pipelines according to claim 3, characterized in that: The limiting clamp (9) includes an arc plate (903), with front and rear clamping plates (901) fixedly welded to the front and rear ends of the arc plate (903) respectively. A sleeve (902) is fixed between the two front and rear clamping plates (901). The sleeve (902) is movably sleeved on the outer side wall of the limiting rod (803). Neodymium magnets (904) are installed in the slots on both sides of the arc plate (903). Each neodymium magnet (904) is bolted to the arc plate (903) through the mounting plate (905) on its top. The front and rear clamping plates (901) have through holes with the same diameter as the sleeve (902).

5. A quick-connect device for expansion bend flanges in large subsea pipelines according to claim 4, characterized in that: The positioning pins (10) have the same structure but different lengths; the two positioning pins (10) are respectively symmetrically assembled on the left and right sides of the bolt bearing plate (2) of the bolt bearing body and are respectively clamped and fixed by two nuts on the front and back sides of the bolt bearing plate (2) at their corresponding positions.

6. A quick-connect device for expansion bend flanges in large subsea pipelines according to claim 5, characterized in that: The positioning pin (10) comprises a screw section, a straight rod section, an end puller (1001), and a connecting ring (1002) that are fixedly connected from back to front. The straight rod sections of both positioning pins (10) pass through the expansion bend flange (21) of the subsea pipeline. An internal threaded hole is provided at the end of the diameter-changing section of the positioning pin (10). The internal threaded hole is connected to the end puller (1001). A connecting ring (1002) is welded to the front end of the end puller (1001). The connecting ring (1002) is composed of two nested chain links. One chain link is welded to the end puller (1001), and the other chain link is welded to the traction wire rope (11) at the corresponding position.

7. A quick-connect device for expansion bend flanges in large subsea pipelines according to claim 6, characterized in that: The traction jack is a through-hole jack (12), and a support frame (13) is provided at the bottom of the traction jack. A strong magnet is installed at the bottom of the support frame (13). The traction jack and the support frame (13) are fixedly connected by bolts. The traction jack is fixed to the opposite side of the fixed end flange (23) that is connected to the expansion bend (20) of the subsea pipeline by strong magnet adsorption. The through-hole jack (12) contains the traction wire rope (11). The traction wire rope (11) passes through the bolt hole of the fixed end flange (23) and is connected to the end puller (1001) of the positioning pin (10).

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