Self-adaptive supporting frame for submarine suspended span pipe cable treatment

Abstract

The invention relates to a self-adaptive supporting frame for submarine suspended span pipe cable treatment. The self-adaptive supporting frame comprises a pipeline clamp, a supporting frame body, a one-way sliding assembly, sliding legs and gravity block supporting feet. The one-way sliding assembly is arranged on the supporting frame body and comprises a first sawtooth strip moving upwards in a one-way mode. The pipeline clamp is arranged at the top end of the first sawtooth strip and used for clamping a pipe cable. The at least three sliding legs are used for supporting the support frame main body; the top of each sliding leg is connected with the bottom of the supporting frame body. The gravity block supporting legs are rotationally connected with the sliding legs; when the suspended height between the suspended-span pipe cable and the seabed is continuously increased due to ocean current scouring, the self-adaptive supporting frame can achieve automatic one-way rising of the pipeline clamp or one-way stretching and sliding of the sliding legs under continuous vibration of the suspended-span pipe cable, treatment of the seabed suspended-span pipe cable is optimized, the treatment difficulty is remarkably reduced, the treatment stability and the operation efficiency are improved, and the service life of the suspended-span pipe cable is prolonged. And maintenance cost is saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of marine engineering technology, specifically relating to an adaptive support frame for the management of submarine suspended pipelines and cables. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous growth of global energy demand, the development of marine resources has gradually become an important part of the energy industry. Especially in fields such as oil and gas extraction, power transmission, submarine communications, and wind power generation, the construction and maintenance of submarine cables play a crucial role. To ensure the efficient and safe operation of submarine cables, overcoming various challenges in the marine environment has become a core issue in modern marine engineering. The management of suspended submarine cables is particularly complex and challenging.

[0003] Submarine cables are core infrastructure for marine resource development and maritime transportation. However, due to the complex marine environment and seabed conditions, these cables are susceptible to scouring. Scouring leads to soil loss beneath the cables, causing suspension phenomena and potentially triggering secondary effects such as vortex-induced vibration. If these problems are not properly addressed, they can lead to fatigue failure and fracture of the cables, resulting in significant economic and environmental impacts. Therefore, researching and solving the problem of suspension management of submarine cables has important academic and engineering application value.

[0004] In addressing the issue of suspended submarine pipelines, effective support is crucial for the suspended sections. Existing technologies commonly employ methods such as riprap filling and short pile supports. Riprap filling is difficult to implement, relies on specialized equipment, and is costly and time-consuming. While effective in the short term, its effectiveness diminishes with long-term water erosion. Similar problems exist in the Pinghu and Bohai oilfields in the East China Sea, where riprap filling and grouting bags are commonly used. However, the high construction difficulty and insufficient stability of the grouting bags contribute to the persistent suspension problem. Furthermore, traditional submarine pipeline support structures typically employ fixed support structures. While this design ensures initial support for the pipeline, it often lacks adaptive adjustment capabilities in the face of long-term changes in the seabed environment, leading to the pipeline failing to maintain ideal tension and height, and even deformation or damage.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a support frame that can adapt to environmental changes and automatically adjust the support position and height to optimize the maintenance of submarine suspended cables and save maintenance costs. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address at least one of the problems in the prior art, the present invention aims to provide an adaptive support frame for the management of submarine suspended pipelines. When the suspension height between the suspended pipeline and the seabed increases due to ocean current erosion, the adaptive support frame automatically rises under the continuous vibration of the suspended pipeline, thereby optimizing the management of submarine suspended pipelines, significantly reducing the difficulty of management, improving management stability and operational efficiency, and saving maintenance costs. To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: An adaptive support frame for the management of submarine suspended pipeline cables includes: Support frame main body; A one-way sliding component is disposed on the support frame body, the one-way sliding component includes a first serrated strip that moves upward in one direction; A pipe clamp is set at the top of the first toothed bar and is used to clamp the pipe cable; The support frame body has at least three sliding legs for supporting the main body of the support frame; the top of each sliding leg is connected to the bottom of the main body of the support frame. The gravity block support foot is rotatably connected to the sliding leg.

[0007] Preferably, the main body of the support frame is a frame structure.

[0008] Preferably, the one-way sliding assembly includes a first sleeve, a first serrated strip, a first buckle, and a first spring. The outer wall of the first sleeve is connected to the main body of the support frame. The first sleeve has an insertion hole, and the first serrated strip is slidably inserted into the insertion hole. One end of the first buckle is rotatably mounted on the first sleeve. A first compression spring is provided between the first buckle and the inner wall of the first sleeve. The other end of the first buckle can lock the first serrated strip under the pressure of the first compression spring to prevent it from moving downward.

[0009] Preferably, the top end of the first sleeve is provided with a first anti-mud and sand cap to prevent mud and sand from entering the first sleeve.

[0010] Preferably, the pipe clamp includes a clamp base, two clamp plates, and a clamp connecting shaft. The bottom end of the clamp base is connected to the top end of the first serrated strip. The two clamp plates are connected to the clamp base through the clamp connecting shaft. The two clamp plates are fastened together to clamp the pipe.

[0011] Preferably, the top of both clamping plates is provided with clamp fixing holes.

[0012] Preferably, the sliding leg includes a second sleeve, a sliding column, a second serrated strip, a second buckle, and a second spring. The sliding column is slidably disposed within the second sleeve, with its top end connected to the main body of the support frame, and its bottom end rotatably connected to the gravity block support foot. A groove is formed on the side wall of the sliding column, and a second buckle is rotatably disposed at the bottom of the groove. A second compression spring is disposed between the second buckle and the inner wall of the second sleeve. The second serrated strip is disposed on the inner wall of the second sleeve and located within the groove. The other end of the second buckle can lock the second serrated strip under the pressure of the second compression spring to prevent the second sleeve from moving upward.

[0013] Preferably, a second anti-sand cap is provided at the top of the second sleeve to prevent mud and sand from entering the second sleeve.

[0014] Preferably, four sliding legs are provided, which are distributed on the bottom surface of the support frame body.

[0015] Preferably, the bottom surface of the gravity block support foot is provided with multiple protrusions.

[0016] The present invention has the following advantages due to the adoption of the above technical solutions: 1. The adaptive support frame for the management of submarine suspended pipelines provided by the present invention can automatically raise in one direction under the continuous vibration of the suspended pipeline by the continuous vibration of the suspended pipeline, when the suspension height between the suspended pipeline and the seabed increases due to the scouring of the ocean current. This optimizes the management of submarine suspended pipelines, significantly reduces the management difficulty, improves the management stability and operation efficiency, and saves maintenance costs. 2. The adaptive support frame for the management of submarine suspended pipelines provided by the present invention can automatically extend to adapt to changes in terrain by sliding the sliding leg downward in one direction when the seabed is uneven due to scouring. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the adaptive support frame for the management of submarine suspended pipelines provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the pipe clamp part provided in this embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the unidirectional sliding component provided in this embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the top structure of the first sleeve provided in this embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5This is an enlarged structural schematic diagram of the first snap-fit ​​area provided in this embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the sliding leg provided in this embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second sleeve provided in this embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second snap-fit ​​area provided in this embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the gravity block support foot area provided in this embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 10 This is an installation diagram of the adaptive support frame for the management of submarine suspended pipelines provided in this embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Marked in the attached diagram: 100 is the pipe / cable, 200 is the seabed, 1 is the pipe clamp, 101 is the clamp base, 102 is the clamp plate, 103 is the clamp connecting shaft, 104 is the clamp fixing hole, 2 is the main body of the support frame, 3 is the one-way sliding assembly, 301 is the first serrated bar, 302 is the first sleeve, 303 is the first buckle, 304 is the first compression spring, 4 is the sliding leg, 401 is the second sleeve, 402 is the sliding column, 403 is the second serrated bar, 404 is the second buckle, 405 is the second compression spring, 5 is the gravity block support foot, 6 is the first anti-mud and sand cap, and 7 is the second anti-mud and sand cap. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0029] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the system or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0030] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "assembly," "setup," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] This invention provides an adaptive support frame for the management of submarine suspended pipelines. When the suspension height between the suspended pipeline and the seabed increases due to ocean current erosion, the adaptive support frame automatically rises in one direction using a unidirectional sliding component under the continuous vibration of the suspended pipeline. This optimizes the management of submarine suspended pipelines, significantly reduces the difficulty of management, improves the stability and efficiency of management, and saves maintenance costs. The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Example 1 Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 This embodiment provides an adaptive support frame for the management of submarine suspended pipelines and cables, including a pipe clamp 1, a support frame body 2, a one-way sliding assembly 3, sliding legs 4, and a gravity block support foot 5. The one-way sliding assembly 3 is disposed on the support frame body 2 and includes a first serrated strip 301 that moves upward in one direction. The pipe clamp 1 is disposed at the top of the first serrated strip 301 and is used to clamp the pipeline 100. At least three sliding legs 4 are provided to support the support frame body 2. The top of each sliding leg 4 is connected to the bottom of the support frame body 2. The gravity block support foot 5 is rotatably connected to the sliding leg 4.

[0033] Specifically, the main body 2 of the support frame is a square frame structure welded from multiple corrosion-resistant stainless steel beams. The frame structure has excellent strength, and its openwork design reduces the impact of ocean currents. All components of the support frame are also made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel beams.

[0034] Please refer to Figure 2 In this embodiment, the pipe clamp 1 includes a clamp base 101, two clamp plates 102, and a clamp connecting shaft 103. The bottom end of the clamp base 101 is connected to the top end of the first serrated strip 301. The two clamp plates 102 are connected to the clamp base 101 through the clamp connecting shaft 103. The two clamp plates 102 are fastened together to clamp the pipe cable 100.

[0035] Specifically, the clamp plate 102 is an arc-shaped plate. When two clamp plates 102 are fastened together, they can clamp the cable inside. Each clamp plate 102 has an upward-protruding ridge on its top, and a through clamp fixing hole 104 is opened on the ridge. After the two clamp plates 102 are fastened together, the clamp fixing holes 104 on the two clamp plates 102 are aligned with each other, and the two clamp plates 102 are fixed by connecting bolts and nuts.

[0036] Both ends of the clamp base 101 and the bottom of the clamp plate 102 are provided with shaft holes. The clamp connecting shaft 103 passes through the shaft holes, so that the clamp plate 102 can rotate relative to the clamp base 101. The two clamp plates 102 can open and close with the clamp connecting shaft 103 as the axis to facilitate clamping the cable 100.

[0037] Please refer to Figures 3 to 5 In this embodiment, the one-way sliding component 3 includes a first sleeve 302, a first serrated strip 301, a first buckle 303, and a first spring 304. The outer wall of the first sleeve 302 is connected to the support frame body 2. The first sleeve 302 is provided with an insertion hole, and the first serrated strip 301 is slidably inserted into the insertion hole. One end of the first buckle 303 is rotatably mounted on the first sleeve 302. A first compression spring 304 is provided between the first buckle 303 and the inner wall of the first sleeve 302. The other end of the first buckle 303 can lock the first serrated strip 301 under the pressure of the first compression spring 304 to prevent it from moving downward.

[0038] Specifically, the first sawtooth strip 301 is a rectangular strip with serrations of right-angled triangles on one side, the bevels of which face upwards and the right-angled sides face downwards. The top surface of the first sawtooth strip 301 is welded to the fixture base 101, or the two are manufactured as a single piece.

[0039] The first sleeve 302 has an insertion hole with a serrated groove on one side. When the first serrated strip 301 is inserted into the insertion hole, one side of its serrations is located in the serrated groove. The inner wall of the first sleeve 302 has a first snap-fit ​​mounting groove. The first snap-fit ​​303 is mounted in the first snap-fit ​​mounting groove via a rotating shaft. The end of the first snap-fit ​​303 has a locking tooth with a triangular cross-section. When the top surface of the locking tooth resists the bottom surface of the serrations of the first serrated strip 301, it can prevent the first serrated strip 301 from moving downward. When the first serrated strip 301 moves upward, the inclined surface of the serrations of the first serrated strip 301 can push the first snap-fit ​​303 outward, ensuring the unidirectional upward movement of the first serrated strip 301. Thus, the pipe clamp 1 drives the cable 100 to automatically rise in one direction through the unidirectional sliding component.

[0040] In this embodiment, a first anti-mud and sand cap 6 is provided at the top of the first sleeve 302 to prevent mud and sand from entering the first sleeve 302.

[0041] Specifically, the first anti-mud and sand cap 6 is made of hard plastic material. The first anti-mud and sand cap 6 is fastened and installed on the top of the first sleeve 302 to seal the gap between the top of the first sleeve 302 and the first serrated strip 301, thereby preventing mud and sand from entering the first sleeve 302.

[0042] Please refer to Figures 6 to 8 In this embodiment, the sliding leg 4 includes a second sleeve 401, a sliding column 402, a second serrated strip 403, a second buckle 404, and a second spring 405. The sliding column 402 is slidably disposed inside the second sleeve 401. The top end of the sliding column 402 is connected to the support frame body 2, and the bottom end of the second sleeve 401 is rotatably connected to the gravity block support foot 5. A groove is provided on the side wall of the sliding column 402. The bottom of the groove is rotatably disposed with the second buckle 404. A second compression spring 405 is disposed between the second buckle 404 and the inner wall of the second sleeve 401. The second serrated strip 403 is disposed on the inner wall of the second sleeve and located inside the groove. The other end of the second buckle 404 can lock the second serrated strip 403 under the pressure of the second compression spring 405 to prevent the second sleeve 401 from moving upward.

[0043] Specifically, the sliding column 402 is a cylinder with a groove on one side; the second serrated strip 403 is disposed on the inner wall of the second sleeve 401. The second serrated strip 403 is elongated, with the cross-section of the serrations being a right-angled triangle, the inclined surface of the serrations facing down, and the right-angled side facing up. The second serrated strip 403 is welded to the inner wall of the second sleeve 401.

[0044] When the sliding column 402 is inserted into the second sleeve 401, the slide groove slides along the second serrated strip 403. A second snap-fit ​​mounting groove is opened at the bottom of the slide groove, and the second snap-fit ​​404 is rotatably installed in the second snap-fit ​​mounting groove. The end of the second snap-fit ​​404 is also provided with a snap tooth, the cross-section of which is triangular. When the top surface of the snap tooth resists the top surface of the serration of the second serrated strip 403, it can prevent the second serrated strip 403 from moving upward. When the second serrated strip 403 moves downward, the inclined surface of the serration of the second serrated strip 403 can push the second snap-fit ​​404 outward, ensuring the downward unidirectional movement of the second serrated strip 403. Thus, the gravity block support foot 5 is automatically lowered in one direction through the unidirectional sliding leg 4 to adapt to the eroded seabed surface.

[0045] In this embodiment, a second anti-mud cap 7 is provided at the top of the second sleeve 401 to prevent mud and sand from entering the second sleeve 401.

[0046] Specifically, the second anti-mud and sand cap 7 is also made of hard plastic material. The second anti-mud and sand cap 7 is fastened and installed on the top of the second sleeve 401 to seal the gap between the top of the second sleeve 401 and the sliding column 402, which can prevent mud and sand from entering the second sleeve 401.

[0047] In this embodiment, four sliding legs 4 are provided, which are distributed on the bottom surface of the support frame body 2.

[0048] Specifically, the support frame body 2 is a square frame, and four sliding legs 4 are distributed and installed at the four corners of the bottom surface of the support frame body 2 to stabilize and support the support frame body 2. Each sliding leg 4 extends downward and outward, which can further improve the stability of the support.

[0049] Please refer to Figure 9 In this embodiment, the bottom surface of the gravity block support foot 5 is provided with multiple protrusions.

[0050] Specifically, the gravity block support leg 5 is a square flat plate that provides downward gravity for the sliding leg, increasing the contact area with the seabed to adapt to the terrain and prevent it from sinking into silt. The weight of the gravity block support leg 5 is sufficient to allow the second sleeve 401 to move downwards when its lower part is suspended in the air. The bottom surface of the gravity block support leg 5 has multiple protrusions, which can increase the friction between it and the seabed surface and improve the stability of the support.

[0051] In this embodiment, the gravity block support foot 5 and the sliding leg 4 are rotatably connected by a pivot, so that the sliding leg 4 and the gravity block support foot 5 form a swingable foot mechanism to adapt to the uneven seabed 200.

[0052] Please refer to Figure 10 In this embodiment, when the adaptive support frame for the management of submarine suspended pipelines is in use, the installation position and number of the adaptive support frame are determined according to factors such as the strength of the submarine pipeline 100, the length of the suspension, and the size of the ocean current, so as to manage the suspended pipeline.

[0053] When the suspension height between the suspended cable and the seabed increases due to ocean current scouring, the adaptive support frame, under the continuous vibration of the suspended cable, utilizes the one-way sliding component 3 to move upwards in one direction when the cable 100 swings upwards, preventing the cable 100 from swinging back. This allows the pipe clamp 1 to automatically rise, thereby reducing the damage caused by the vibration of the suspended cable. When the seabed 200 is uneven due to scouring, the sliding leg 4 automatically extends downwards in one direction to adapt to the terrain using the one-way sliding function of the sliding leg. If an external force attempts to move the one-way sliding component 3 and the sliding leg 4 in the opposite direction, due to the serrated structure of the serrated bar, the buckle will lock into a certain groove. The compression force of the spring will further strengthen the engagement between the buckle and the serrated bar, preventing slippage and effectively stopping the reverse movement.

[0054] The adaptive support frame for the management of submarine suspended pipelines and cables in this embodiment can achieve the management of submarine suspended pipelines and cables, significantly reducing the management difficulty, improving management stability and operational efficiency, and increasing economic benefits.

[0055] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; 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 of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An adaptive support frame for the management of submarine suspended pipelines and cables, characterized in that, include: Support frame main body; A one-way sliding component is disposed on the support frame body, the one-way sliding component includes a first serrated strip that moves upward in one direction; A pipe clamp is set at the top of the first toothed bar and is used to clamp the pipe cable; The support frame body has at least three sliding legs for supporting the main body of the support frame; the top of each sliding leg is connected to the bottom of the main body of the support frame. The gravity block support foot is rotatably connected to the sliding leg.

2. The adaptive support frame for the management of submarine suspended pipelines and cables according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body of the support frame is a frame structure.

3. The adaptive support frame for the management of submarine suspended pipelines and cables according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one-way sliding assembly includes a first sleeve, a first serrated strip, a first buckle, and a first spring. The outer wall of the first sleeve is connected to the main body of the support frame. The first sleeve has an insertion hole, and the first serrated strip is slidably inserted into the insertion hole. One end of the first buckle is rotatably mounted on the first sleeve. A first compression spring is provided between the first buckle and the inner wall of the first sleeve. The other end of the first buckle can lock the first serrated strip under the pressure of the first compression spring to prevent it from moving downward.

4. The adaptive support frame for the management of submarine suspended pipelines and cables according to claim 3, characterized in that, The top of the first sleeve is provided with a first anti-mud and sand cap to prevent mud and sand from entering the first sleeve.

5. The adaptive support frame for the management of submarine suspended pipelines and cables according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pipe clamp includes a clamp base, two clamp plates, and a clamp connecting shaft. The bottom end of the clamp base is connected to the top end of the first serrated strip. The two clamp plates are connected to the clamp base through the clamp connecting shaft. The two clamp plates are fastened together to clamp the pipe.

6. The adaptive support frame for the management of submarine suspended pipelines and cables according to claim 5, characterized in that, Both clamping plates have clamp fixing holes on their tops.

7. The adaptive support frame for the management of submarine suspended pipelines and cables according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sliding leg includes a second sleeve, a sliding column, a second serrated strip, a second buckle, and a second spring. The sliding column is slidably disposed within the second sleeve, with its top end connected to the main body of the support frame, and its bottom end rotatably connected to the gravity block support foot. A groove is formed on the side wall of the sliding column, and a second buckle is rotatably disposed at the bottom of the groove. A second compression spring is disposed between the second buckle and the inner wall of the second sleeve. The second serrated strip is disposed on the inner wall of the second sleeve and located within the groove. The other end of the second buckle can lock the second serrated strip under the pressure of the second compression spring to prevent the second sleeve from moving upward.

8. The adaptive support frame for submarine suspended cable management according to claim 7, characterized in that, The top of the second sleeve is provided with a second anti-sand cap to prevent mud and sand from entering the second sleeve.

9. The adaptive support frame for the management of submarine suspended pipelines and cables according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sliding legs are provided in four sections, which are distributed on the bottom surface of the main support frame.

10. The adaptive support frame for the management of submarine suspended pipelines and cables according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the gravity block support foot is provided with multiple protrusions.

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