Tool capable of remotely opening and closing valve and control method

Abstract

The invention discloses a tool capable of remotely opening and closing a valve and a control method, and belongs to the technical field of oil field maintenance tools, the tool comprises a clamping jaw used for screwing a valve hand wheel, a universal adjusting piece, an angle limiting stopper and an extension bar, and the universal adjusting piece comprises a first connecting shaft, a second connecting shaft and a universal joint; the universal joint is fixed between the first connecting shaft and the second connecting shaft, and the angle between the first connecting shaft and the second connecting shaft is adjustable; the first connecting shaft and the second connecting shaft are movably sleeved with the angle limiting stoppers respectively, the angle of the angle limiting stoppers is adjustable, the universal adjusting piece can be limited, the clamping jaw and the lengthening rod are installed on the first connecting shaft and the second connecting shaft respectively, and the clamping jaw can be driven to rotate synchronously through the universal adjusting piece and the angle limiting stoppers by screwing the lengthening rod. The valve opening and closing device solves the technical problem of danger caused by close-range valve opening and closing and front-face valve opening and closing operation, and has the advantage of being high in valve opening and closing operation safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of oilfield valve control technology, specifically relating to a tool and control method for remotely switching valves, applicable to remote valve switching in high-risk environments such as wellhead gate damage, leakage, or uncontrolled well blowouts in oil and gas wells. Background Technology

[0002] When encountering gate damage, leaks, or harsh environments (such as high temperatures or toxic gases) at non-main control wellheads, the risks to operators operating at close range are extremely high. In such cases, it is necessary to close the main control valve assembly at the wellhead, but the harsh conditions threaten operator safety, making manual closure at close range extremely difficult. While the existing F-type wrench is labor-saving, it still requires close-range operation, and its operational flexibility is limited by the handle length.

[0003] Furthermore, patent document CN205078898U discloses a remote valve switching tool, including an extension rod. One end of the extension rod has a handle perpendicular to it, and the other end has a circular fixing plate. Fixing claws are evenly distributed along the circumference of the fixing plate on its outer surface. While this patent solution achieves remote valve switching and improves operational safety, it still has certain limitations in practical applications. Because the extension rod in this solution is only a straight structure, the operator still needs to face the valve directly when operating it. In this situation, the operator's safety cannot be fully guaranteed in high-temperature environments or when exposed to toxic or harmful gases.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to design a valve switching tool that can not only enable remote valve switching operations, but also prevent operators from facing the valve directly, reduce the potential threat to operators from harsh environments such as high temperatures and toxic gases, and improve the safety of valve switching operations. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to solve the aforementioned problems in the prior art and provide a tool and control method for remotely switching valves. This invention, through the combined structure of a chuck, a universal adjusting component, an angle limiter, and an extension rod, effectively solves the technical problems of close-range valve switching and the dangers posed by operating valves face-to-face. It reduces the potential risk of injury to operators from harsh environments such as high temperatures and toxic gases, significantly improving the safety of valve switching operations.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: On one hand, the present invention provides a tool for remotely opening and closing valves, including a pawl for turning a valve handwheel, a universal adjusting component, an angle limiter, and an extension rod. The universal adjusting component includes a first connecting shaft, a second connecting shaft, and a universal joint. The universal joint is fixed between the first connecting shaft and the second connecting shaft, and the angle between the first connecting shaft and the second connecting shaft is adjustable. The angle limiter is movably sleeved on the first connecting shaft and the second connecting shaft, and the angle limiter is adjustable and can limit the universal adjusting component. The pawl and the extension rod are respectively installed on the first connecting shaft and the second connecting shaft. Turning the extension rod can drive the pawl to rotate synchronously through the universal adjusting component and the angle limiter.

[0007] The angle limiter includes a first rotating fork and a second rotating fork, which are respectively movably sleeved on a first connecting shaft and a second connecting shaft. The first rotating fork and the second rotating fork are connected by an adjusting bolt, and the angle between the first rotating fork and the second rotating fork can be adjusted by turning the adjusting bolt.

[0008] Both the first rotating fork and the second rotating fork have U-shaped cross-sections. The open end of the first rotating fork is located inside the open end of the second rotating fork, and the open ends of the first rotating fork and the second rotating fork are connected by adjusting bolts.

[0009] Both the first rotating fork and the second rotating fork have through holes at their closed ends, and bushings extend outward along the through holes. The first rotating fork is fitted onto the first connecting shaft through the through holes and the bushings, and the second rotating fork is fitted onto the second connecting shaft through the through holes and the bushings.

[0010] The first connecting shaft and the second connecting shaft are respectively fixedly connected to the universal joint by pins, and the first connecting shaft is detachably connected to the claw by bolts, and the second connecting shaft is detachably connected to the extension rod by bolts.

[0011] The extension rod has a segmented structure, and the segments are fixed together by bolts and can be detachably connected.

[0012] The length of each extension rod ranges from 50mm to 100mm.

[0013] The end of the extension rod is fixedly connected to a detachable conversion joint. The conversion joint is equipped with a force-applying rod. When the force-applying rod is subjected to force, it can drive the conversion joint to rotate, and in turn drive the extension rod, the second connecting shaft, the universal joint, the first connecting shaft, and the chuck to rotate synchronously.

[0014] The end of the chuck is circumferentially evenly distributed and fixed with chuck teeth adapted to the valve handwheel, and the cross-section of the chuck teeth is T-shaped.

[0015] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a control method for remotely switching valves. This method is based on the remotely switching valve tool of the present invention and includes: determining the safe position of the operator; adjusting the tool to a length and angle that can control the valve by means of a universal adjustment component, an angle limiter, and an extension rod, according to the distance and angle between the valve and the operator; aligning and clamping the chucks with the valve handwheel; and rotating the extension rod remotely to drive the universal adjustment component and the chucks to rotate, thereby realizing the valve switching control.

[0016] The advantages of using this invention are: 1. In this invention, firstly, by fixing the universal joint between the first connecting shaft and the second connecting shaft, and by having an adjustable angle between the first connecting shaft and the second connecting shaft, the stability and flexibility of the universal joint, the first connecting shaft and the second connecting shaft are ensured.

[0017] Secondly, by movably mounting the angle limiters on the first and second connecting shafts respectively, and limiting the universal adjustment component, the extension rod can effectively transmit torque to the universal adjustment component, thus ensuring the working stability and reliability of the valve switching tool of the present invention.

[0018] Furthermore, by mounting the chuck and extension rod on the first and second connecting shafts respectively, the extension rod can be screwed on and the torque transmitted through the universal adjustment component, thereby driving the chuck to rotate synchronously. This allows the valve to be opened and closed from a safer distance, providing a safer working environment for the operator.

[0019] Furthermore, compared to Chinese patent documents represented by CN205078898U, this invention, by adjusting the angle of the angle limiter and cooperating with the universal adjustment component, avoids the operator facing the valve handwheel to operate the valve, reducing the potential risk of injury to the operator from harsh environments such as high temperature and toxic gases, and greatly improving the safety of the operation process.

[0020] In summary, the present invention, through the combined structure of the jaws, universal adjustment component, angle limiter, and extension rod, significantly improves the stability, flexibility, reliability, and safety of valve switching tools, providing operators with a more robust safety guarantee.

[0021] 2. In this invention, the bolted connection between the first rotating fork and the second rotating fork allows for adjustment of the angle between them by turning the adjusting bolt. This meets the safety avoidance angle requirements when opening and closing valves in actual working scenarios, reduces operational risks, and improves the safety and flexibility of the tool during valve opening and closing.

[0022] 3. In this invention, the closed ends of the first rotating fork and the second rotating fork both adopt a structure design of bushing and shaft hole, which allows the first rotating fork and the second rotating fork to limit the first connecting shaft and the second connecting shaft respectively, while ensuring that the first connecting shaft and the second connecting shaft can rotate freely within the range limited by the angle limiter, thereby improving the reliability of torque transmission when the valve switching tool is working.

[0023] 4. In this invention, the first and second connecting shafts are fixedly connected to universal joints via pins, ensuring the overall stability of the valve switching tool. The first and second connecting shafts are detachably connected to the jaws and extension rod via bolts, facilitating the replacement of jaws of different specifications to fit different valve handwheels, and making it simple and quick to replace the extension rod of the appropriate length. Operators can easily perform valve switching operations while maintaining a safe distance from the valve handwheel, thus greatly improving work efficiency and enhancing operational safety.

[0024] 5. In this invention, the extension rod adopts a segmented structure, allowing for the selection of different length combinations according to actual needs, thereby meeting the valve opening and closing operation requirements at different distances and improving the flexibility of valve opening and closing tools. 6. In this invention, the length of each extension rod is controlled within the range of 50mm-100mm, ensuring the convenience of storage and transportation.

[0025] 7. In this invention, by fixing a detachable conversion joint to the end of the extension rod and setting a force-adding rod on the conversion joint, it is ensured that the force-adding rod can drive the conversion joint to rotate under force, and sequentially drive the extension rod, the second connecting shaft, the universal joint, the first connecting shaft and the pawl to rotate synchronously, thereby achieving easy valve opening and closing.

[0026] 8. In this invention, the safety and stability of the valve switching tool are significantly improved by adopting a T-shaped cross-section anti-dislodgement design for the locking teeth.

[0027] 9. The remote valve control method of the present invention has significant advantages in terms of operational safety, operational efficiency and convenience, versatility and adaptability, labor-saving effect, and structural stability and reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a side view of the toothed structure in this invention; Figure 3 This is a side view of the retaining teeth of the valve handwheel applicable to 180° valves in this invention.

[0029] The numbers in the diagram are: 1. Claw, 2. Claw tooth, 3. First connecting shaft, 4. First rotating fork, 5. Adjusting bolt, 6. Universal joint, 7. Second rotating fork, 8. Second connecting shaft, 9. Extension rod, 10. Converter joint, 11. Force extension rod, 12. Bushing. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. For ease of description, the description of the relative positional relationships of each component is based on the layout of the accompanying drawings, such as the positional relationships of front, back, top, bottom, left, right, etc., which are determined according to the layout direction of the accompanying drawings.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, a tool for remotely opening and closing valves includes a pawl 1 for turning the valve handwheel, a universal adjustment component, an angle limiter, and an extension rod 9. The universal adjustment component includes a first connecting shaft 3, a second connecting shaft 8, and a universal joint 6.

[0032] Universal joint 6 is fixed between the first connecting shaft 3 and the second connecting shaft 8. The angle between the first connecting shaft 3 and the second connecting shaft 8 is adjustable, and the universal joint 6 can rotate up, down, left, and right.

[0033] Angle limiters are movably mounted on the first connecting shaft 3 and the second connecting shaft 8 respectively. The angle of the angle limiter is adjustable, which can prevent the operator from facing the valve directly. The angle limiter can also limit the universal adjustment component.

[0034] The chuck 1 and the extension rod 9 are respectively mounted on the first connecting shaft 3 and the second connecting shaft 8. When the extension rod 9 is turned, the extension rod 9 can transmit torque to the chuck 1 through the universal adjustment component, thereby driving the chuck 1 to rotate synchronously over a distance, realizing the opening and closing of the valve.

[0035] It should be noted that the angle limiter limits the movement of the universal joint adjustment component to ensure that the universal joint adjustment component can stably transmit torque to the jaw 1. When the angle limiter is adjusted and fixed at a specific angle, it will remain stationary and will not rotate with the universal joint adjustment component. When the angle limiter is not adjusted and is coaxial with the universal joint adjustment component, it can rotate with the universal joint adjustment component.

[0036] This invention, through the cooperative structure of the chuck 1, angle limiter, universal adjustment component and extension rod 9, enables operators to operate the valve handwheel remotely, while avoiding direct contact with the valve handwheel. This effectively reduces the potential risk of injury to operators from harsh environments such as high temperature and toxic gases, thereby significantly improving the safety of the operation process.

[0037] Continue to combine Figure 1 The angle limiter includes a first rotating fork 4 and a second rotating fork 7. The first rotating fork 4 and the second rotating fork 7 are respectively movably sleeved on the first connecting shaft 3 and the second connecting shaft 8. The first rotating fork 4 and the second rotating fork 7 are connected by an adjusting bolt 5. By turning the adjusting bolt 5, the angle between the first rotating fork 4 and the second rotating fork 7 can be adjusted, ensuring that the operator can avoid directly facing the valve when adjusting the valve handwheel, reducing the operation risk and improving the safety and flexibility of the tool during the valve opening and closing process.

[0038] Specifically, the cross-sections of the first rotating fork 4 and the second rotating fork 7 are both U-shaped structures. The open end of the first rotating fork 4 is located inside the open end of the second rotating fork 7, and the open ends of the first rotating fork 4 and the second rotating fork 7 are connected by adjusting bolts 5 respectively.

[0039] The angle limiters are movably mounted on the first connecting shaft 3 and the second connecting shaft 8 through the following structure: The closed ends of both the first rotating fork 4 and the second rotating fork 7 are provided with through holes, and a bushing 12 extends outward along the through holes. The through holes and bushing 12 have gaps not only with the first connecting shaft 3 but also with the second connecting shaft 8. The first rotating fork 4 is mounted on the first connecting shaft 3 through the through holes and bushing 12, and the second rotating fork 7 is mounted on the second connecting shaft 8 through the through holes and bushing 12.

[0040] The first connecting shaft 3 and the second connecting shaft 8 are respectively fixedly connected to the universal joint 6 by pins. Meanwhile, the first connecting shaft 3 is designed to be detachably connected to the jaw 1 by bolts, facilitating the replacement of jaws 1 of different specifications to meet the needs of different valve handwheels. Furthermore, the second connecting shaft 8 is detachably connected to the extension rod 9 by bolts, facilitating the replacement of the extension rod 9 with one of suitable length. Therefore, operators can easily perform valve opening and closing operations while ensuring a safe distance from the valve handwheel, thus greatly improving work efficiency and enhancing operational safety.

[0041] To accommodate safe operating distances for valve switching in various scenarios, the extension rod 9 features a segmented structure, with each segment secured by bolts and detachably connected. Different combinations of extension rod 9 lengths can be selected for remote valve handwheel operation. For ease of storage and transportation, the length of each extension rod 9 segment ranges from 50mm to 100mm.

[0042] In some embodiments, the extension rod 9 can also be designed as a telescopic structure as in the prior art. Whether to meet specific safe operating distance requirements or for convenient storage and transportation, the extension rod 9 can be extended or retracted through a telescopic structure.

[0043] The end of the extension rod 9 is fixedly connected to a detachable transition joint 10. The transition joint 10 is equipped with a force-applying rod 11, which, when subjected to force, drives the transition joint 10 to rotate. Specifically, during the valve's opening and closing process, the operator transmits torque by rotating the force-applying rod 11. This torque directly acts on the transition joint 10, causing it to rotate, which in turn drives the extension rod 9, the second connecting shaft 8, the universal joint 6, the first connecting shaft 3, and the chuck 1 to rotate synchronously. During rotation, the transmission ratio is 1:1, effectively transmitting torque to the valve handwheel and easily opening and closing the valve.

[0044] In this embodiment, as Figure 1-2 As shown, the end of the chuck 1 is evenly distributed and fixed with chuck teeth 2 that are adapted to the valve handwheel. Preferably, the cross-section of the chuck teeth 2 is T-shaped. When the T-shaped chuck teeth 2 extend into the gap of the valve handwheel and are aligned, the chuck teeth 2 and the valve handwheel can be connected without falling off during the process of turning and rotating the chuck 1, thereby improving the safety and stability of valve operation. It should be noted that the specific structure of the valve handwheel usually has multiple connecting rods connecting the inner and outer contours, and the multiple connecting rods are radially distributed. The space between two adjacent connecting rods is the gap on the valve handwheel mentioned above.

[0045] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, in order to adapt to the 180° valve handwheel in the prior art and to ensure the safety and stability of valve operation, at least two locking teeth 2 are provided. A 180° valve handwheel refers to a valve handwheel that requires a 180-degree rotation to complete the valve opening or closing operation.

[0046] This invention also provides a control method for remotely switching valves. The method is based on the remotely switching valve tool of this invention and includes: determining the safe position of the operator; adjusting the tool to a length and angle that can control the valve based on the distance and angle between the valve and the operator, using a universal adjustment component, an angle limiter, and an extension rod 9; then aligning and clamping the chuck 1 with the valve handwheel; and rotating the extension rod 9 remotely to drive the universal adjustment component and the chuck 1 to rotate, thereby realizing the valve switching control.

[0047] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention. Any feature disclosed in this specification may be replaced by other equivalent or similar features unless otherwise specified. All features or steps in the disclosed methods or processes may be combined in any way, except for mutually exclusive features and / or steps.

Claims

1. A tool for remotely opening and closing valves, characterized in that: It includes a pawl (1) for turning a valve handwheel, a universal adjustment component, an angle limiter and an extension rod (9). The universal adjustment component includes a first connecting shaft (3), a second connecting shaft (8) and a universal joint (6). The universal joint (6) is fixed between the first connecting shaft (3) and the second connecting shaft (8). The angle between the first connecting shaft (3) and the second connecting shaft (8) is adjustable. The angle limiters are respectively movably sleeved on the first connecting shaft (3) and the second connecting shaft (8). The angle limiters are adjustable and can limit the universal adjustment component. The pawl (1) and the extension rod (9) are respectively installed on the first connecting shaft (3) and the second connecting shaft (8). Twisting the extension rod (9) can drive the pawl (1) to rotate synchronously through the universal adjustment component and the angle limiter.

2. The tool for remotely switching valves according to claim 1, characterized in that: The angle limiter includes a first rotating fork (4) and a second rotating fork (7). The first rotating fork (4) and the second rotating fork (7) are respectively movably sleeved on the first connecting shaft (3) and the second connecting shaft (8). The first rotating fork (4) and the second rotating fork (7) are connected by an adjusting bolt (5). Tightening the adjusting bolt (5) can adjust the angle between the first rotating fork (4) and the second rotating fork (7).

3. The tool for remotely switching valves according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first rotating fork (4) and the second rotating fork (7) both have U-shaped cross sections. The open end of the first rotating fork (4) is located inside the open end of the second rotating fork (7), and the open end of the first rotating fork (4) and the open end of the second rotating fork (7) are connected by an adjusting bolt (5).

4. The tool for remotely switching valves according to claim 3, characterized in that: The closed ends of the first rotating fork (4) and the second rotating fork (7) are provided with through holes, and bushings (12) extend outward along the through holes. The first rotating fork (4) is sleeved on the first connecting shaft (3) through the through holes and the bushings (12), and the second rotating fork (7) is sleeved on the second connecting shaft (8) through the through holes and the bushings (12).

5. The tool for remotely switching valves according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first connecting shaft (3) and the second connecting shaft (8) are fixedly connected to the universal joint (6) by pins, and the first connecting shaft (3) is detachably connected to the claw (1) by bolts, and the second connecting shaft (8) is detachably connected to the extension rod (9) by bolts.

6. The tool for remotely switching valves according to claim 5, characterized in that: The extension rod (9) is a segmented structure, and the segments of the extension rod (9) are fixed together by bolts and can be detachably connected.

7. The tool for remotely switching valves according to claim 6, characterized in that: The length of each extension rod (9) ranges from 50mm to 100mm.

8. The tool for remotely switching valves according to claim 7, characterized in that: The end of the extension rod (9) is fixedly connected to a detachable conversion joint (10). The conversion joint (10) is provided with a force-adding rod (11). When the force-adding rod (11) is subjected to force, it can drive the conversion joint (10) to rotate, and in turn drive the extension rod (9), the second connecting shaft (8), the universal joint (6), the first connecting shaft (3), and the pawl (1) to rotate synchronously.

9. The tool for remotely switching valves according to claim 7, characterized in that: The end of the claw (1) is evenly distributed circumferentially and fixed with a tooth (2) that is compatible with the valve handwheel. The cross section of the tooth (2) is a T-shaped structure.

10. A control method for a remotely operable valve, the method being implemented based on the remotely operable valve tool described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that... include: Determine the safe position of the operator. Based on the distance and angle between the valve and the operator, adjust the tool to the length and angle that can control the valve using the universal adjustment component, angle limiter and extension rod (9). Align the chuck (1) with the valve handwheel and rotate the extension rod (9) over a distance to drive the universal adjustment component and chuck (1) to rotate, thereby realizing the valve opening and closing control.

Images