Submarine pipeline dry-type cabin self-adaptive sealing sliding door

Abstract

The invention discloses a submarine pipeline dry-type cabin self-adaptive sealing sliding door which comprises a dry-type cabin body, sealing door mechanisms are arranged at the two ends of the dry-type cabin body correspondingly, each sealing door mechanism comprises a translation device and two oppositely-arranged door bodies, and the door bodies are installed on the translation devices and drive the two door bodies to move relatively through the translation devices; a pipe groove matched with the pipeline is formed in the door body; a rubber sealing strip and an inflation sealing strip are arranged on the side, provided with the pipe groove, of the door body. According to the sealing door mechanism, after the sealing door mechanism is closed, the basic sealing function is achieved through the rubber sealing strip, and secondary sealing is formed through inflation expansion of the inflation sealing strip and tight attachment of the inflation sealing strip to the outer wall of the pipeline. The inflatable sealing strip can actively compensate for gaps caused by machining errors, slight irregularity of the surface of the pipeline or deformation of the cabin body due to the expandable characteristic of the inflatable sealing strip, even if the dry cabin body slightly deforms, the inflatable sealing strip can keep close contact with the outer wall of the pipeline through the expandable characteristic of the inflatable sealing strip, and the sealing effect is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of subsea operation equipment technology, and in particular to an adaptive sealing sliding door for a dry subsea pipeline compartment. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional maintenance methods for subsea pipelines mainly include surface dry maintenance and underwater wet maintenance. Surface dry maintenance requires cutting the pipeline and raising it to the surface, which is a large-scale project and requires production shutdown. Underwater wet maintenance mainly relies on two conventional methods: remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) or divers. These two methods have limited flexibility and precision in complex tasks and are easily affected by ocean currents. At the same time, divers face limitations in water depth, water pressure, and operation time, and are costly. Compared with conventional ROV or diver methods, underwater in-situ dry (air environment) maintenance can avoid the influence of ocean currents and can apply some of the operation plans and construction techniques of land pipeline maintenance to subsea pipelines, achieving in-situ, dry environment, and visualized operation. Dry maintenance can also be carried out without interrupting production, significantly improving operational safety, reliability, and efficiency, greatly shortening the operation cycle, reducing maintenance costs, and helping to transform the emergency maintenance mode of subsea pipelines. For subsea pipelines in shallow waters with suitable conditions, an open-top underwater dry maintenance approach (similar to a cofferdam) is often used. However, this method has a long construction period and poor overall applicability. In recent years, fully submerged dry chambers attached to subsea pipelines have been increasingly adopted. These chambers create a dry working environment by sealing off the pipeline and draining the seawater from their interior. Various types of operating systems are then installed inside the dry chambers to perform different types of inspection and repair work on subsea pipelines.

[0003] Existing dry chambers typically achieve sealing between the dry chamber and the pipeline using two methods: The first method involves using a hydraulic mechanism to drive a rigid door to close towards the pipeline, with the door pressing against a sealing strip embedded in its body to achieve a seal with the pipeline; the second method involves divers installing modular sealing units underwater after the dry chamber is in place on the seabed, and filling the sealing units with underwater curable liquid adhesive.

[0004] However, the two sealing methods mentioned above have the following shortcomings: The first sealing method requires the entire cabin to move. When the hydraulic cylinder pushes the entire cabin and the door to close the pipe, the force transmission path is long and the structural stiffness is unevenly distributed. The cabin frame, hinge points, and door support structure will inevitably produce large elastic deformation, resulting in poor sealing accuracy and the sealing strip being unable to adaptively compensate for gaps after closure. The second sealing method requires divers to perform underwater operations, which is difficult to operate and takes a long time, resulting in low efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of the prior art by providing an adaptive sealing sliding door for a dry compartment in a subsea pipeline.

[0006] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution: an adaptive sealing sliding door for a dry compartment of a subsea pipeline, comprising a dry compartment body, with sealing door mechanisms respectively provided at both ends of the dry compartment body, the sealing door mechanism including a translation device and two oppositely arranged door bodies, the door bodies being mounted on the translation device and driven by the translation device to move relative to each other; the door bodies are provided with pipe grooves that cooperate with the pipeline; a rubber sealing strip and an inflatable sealing strip are provided on the side of the door body where the pipe groove is provided.

[0007] Preferably, a magnetic fluid pressure device is provided on the side of the door body where the pipe groove is provided, and both the rubber sealing strip and the inflatable sealing strip are provided on the magnetic fluid pressure device; when the sealing door mechanism is in the closed state, the magnetic fluid pressure device applies a thrust to the rubber sealing strip and the inflatable sealing strip to increase the contact pressure of the rubber sealing strip and the inflatable sealing strip on the outer wall of the pipe.

[0008] Preferably, the magnetohydrodynamic pressure device includes a flexible outer casing with a partition inside, which divides the interior of the flexible outer casing into an electromagnet mounting cavity and a magnetohydrodynamic cavity, the magnetohydrodynamic cavity being filled with magnetohydrodynamic fluid; the electromagnet mounting cavity is provided with a plurality of electromagnet units; the electromagnet units are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the electromagnet mounting cavity; a rubber sealing strip and an inflatable sealing strip are provided on the magnetohydrodynamic pressure device on the side near the magnetohydrodynamic cavity.

[0009] Preferably, the flexible outer casing is made of rubber.

[0010] Preferably, the inflatable sealing strip and the rubber sealing strip are arranged adjacent to each other, with the inflatable sealing strip located on the side of the rubber sealing strip closer to the interior of the dry chamber body.

[0011] Preferably, two sealing door mechanisms are provided at each end of the dry chamber body.

[0012] Preferably, hydraulic outriggers are provided on both sides of the dry chamber body.

[0013] Preferably, a counterweight is provided at the upper end of the dry chamber body.

[0014] Preferably, the dry compartment is equipped with a guide rail moving device inside, and a ring rail device is installed below the guide rail moving device.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are: 1. In this invention, after the sealing door mechanism is closed, the basic sealing function is achieved through the rubber sealing strip. A secondary seal is formed by the inflation and expansion of the inflatable sealing strip, which then adheres tightly to the outer wall of the pipe. The expandable nature of the inflatable sealing strip actively compensates for gaps caused by processing errors, slight irregularities on the pipe surface, or deformation of the chamber, reducing the dependence on the rigidity of the chamber itself. Even if the dry chamber body undergoes slight deformation, the inflatable sealing strip can maintain close contact with the outer wall of the pipe through its expandable properties, improving the sealing effect.

[0016] 2. This invention adopts a dual sealing structure of rubber sealing strip + air sealing strip. Through the adaptive compensation of air sealing strip, the sealing gap problem caused by deformation of traditional rigid doors is solved, and the sealing stability is greatly improved.

[0017] 3. This invention eliminates the need for divers to install the sealing unit underwater. The opening and closing of the sealing door mechanism can be completed automatically, significantly reducing operation time and simplifying underwater operations.

[0018] 4. By applying additional thrust to the rubber and pneumatic sealing rings through the magnetohydrodynamic pressure device, a better sealing effect is formed between the rubber and pneumatic sealing rings and the outer wall of the pipe, which is especially suitable for sealing requirements in deep-sea high-pressure differential scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a side view of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the door structure.

[0023] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the magnetohydrodynamic pressure application device.

[0024] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing the state of the magnetohydrodynamic pressure device before and after energization.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the sealing door mechanism in the open and closed states.

[0026] In the diagram: 1. Sealing door mechanism, 2. Dry compartment body, 3. Counterweight, 4. Valve box, 5. Ring rail device, 6. Guide rail moving device, 7. Hydraulic outrigger, 8. Electrical cabinet, 9. Outer door, 10. Inner door, 11. Translation device, 12. Door, 13. Magnetohydrodynamic pressure device, 13-1. Flexible outer enclosure, 13-2. Separator, 13-3. Electromagnetic mounting cavity, 13-4. Magnetohydrodynamic cavity, 13-5. Electromagnetic unit, 14. Rubber sealing strip, 15. Inflatable sealing strip, 20. Pipeline. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0028] Those skilled in the art should understand that, in the disclosure of this invention, the terms "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," 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 device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the above terms should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0029] It is understood that the term "a" should be understood as "at least one" or "one or more", that is, in one embodiment, the number of an element can be one, while in another embodiment, the number of the element can be multiple, and the term "a" should not be understood as a limitation on the number.

[0030] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, an adaptive sealing sliding door for a dry compartment of a subsea pipeline includes a dry compartment body 2. Sealing door mechanisms 1 are respectively provided at both ends of the dry compartment body 2. The sealing door mechanism 1 includes a translation device 11 and two oppositely arranged door bodies 12. The door bodies 12 are mounted on the translation device 11 and the translation device 11 drives the two door bodies 12 to move relative to each other. The door body 12 is provided with a pipe groove that cooperates with the pipeline 20. A rubber sealing strip 14 and an inflatable sealing strip 15 are provided on the side of the door body 12 where the pipe groove is provided.

[0031] In this invention, the translation device 11 drives two opposing door bodies 12 to move towards each other, and the pipe grooves on the door body 12 are precisely fitted with the subsea pipeline 20, replacing the rigid closing of the traditional integral hatch and reducing the overall movement of the hatch.

[0032] A rubber sealing strip 14 and an inflatable sealing strip 15 are simultaneously provided on the side of the door 12 that fits against the pipe 20. Both the rubber sealing strip 14 and the inflatable sealing strip 15 are arranged along the side of the door 12. After the sealing door mechanism 1 is closed, the rubber sealing strip 14 achieves a basic sealing function, and the inflatable sealing strip 15 expands and tightly adheres to the outer wall of the pipe 20, forming a secondary seal. The expandable characteristic of the inflatable sealing strip 15 can actively compensate for gaps caused by processing errors, slight irregularities on the surface of the pipe 20, or deformation of the chamber, reducing the dependence on the rigidity of the chamber itself. Even if the dry chamber body 2 undergoes slight deformation, the inflatable sealing strip 15 can still maintain tight contact with the outer wall of the pipe 20 through its own expandable characteristics, thus improving the sealing effect.

[0033] This invention employs a dual sealing structure of a rubber sealing strip 14 and an inflatable sealing strip 15. Through the adaptive compensation of the inflatable sealing strip 15, the sealing gap problem caused by deformation in traditional rigid doors is solved, significantly improving sealing stability. Secondly, this invention eliminates the need for divers to install the sealing unit underwater; the opening and closing actions of the sealing door mechanism 1 can be completed automatically, greatly shortening operation time and reducing the complexity of underwater operations.

[0034] The translation device 11 can adopt a structure of hydraulic cylinder + guide rail. The horizontally arranged guide rail restricts the door 12 to move in the horizontal direction, and the hydraulic cylinder provides power for the opening or closing of the door 12.

[0035] Among them, a magnetic fluid pressure device 13 is provided on one side of the door body 12 where the pipe groove is provided, and the rubber sealing strip 14 and the inflatable sealing strip 15 are both provided on the magnetic fluid pressure device 13; when the sealing door mechanism 1 is in the closed state, the magnetic fluid pressure device 13 applies a thrust to the rubber sealing strip 14 and the inflatable sealing strip 15 to increase the contact pressure of the rubber sealing strip 14 and the inflatable sealing strip 15 on the outer wall of the pipe 20.

[0036] Specifically, the magnetohydrodynamic pressure device 13 includes a flexible outer casing 13-1, and a partition 13-2 is provided inside the flexible outer casing 13-1. The partition 13-2 divides the interior of the flexible outer casing 13-1 into an electromagnet mounting cavity 13-3 and a magnetohydrodynamic cavity 13-4. The magnetohydrodynamic cavity 13-4 is filled with magnetohydrodynamic fluid. A plurality of electromagnet units 13-5 are provided in the electromagnet mounting cavity 13-3. The electromagnet units 13-5 are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the electromagnet mounting cavity 13-3. A rubber sealing strip 14 and an inflatable sealing strip 15 are provided on the magnetohydrodynamic pressure device 13 on the side near the magnetohydrodynamic cavity 13-4.

[0037] The electromagnet is connected to the electrical cabinet 8 located inside the dry compartment, and the electrical cabinet 8 provides voltage and current to the electromagnet.

[0038] like Figure 6As shown, when the electromagnet unit 13-5 is not energized, it does not generate a magnetic field. At this time, the magnetic fluid is not affected by the magnetic field and exhibits characteristics similar to ordinary fluids, distributing evenly within the magnetic fluid cavity 13-4. When the electromagnet unit 13-5 is energized, it generates a magnetic field. This magnetic field penetrates the separator 13-2 and acts on the magnetic fluid in the magnetic fluid cavity 13-4. Due to the strong magnetic response characteristics of the magnetic fluid, it will move directionally and accumulate towards the corresponding electromagnet unit 13-5 under the influence of the magnetic force. Since no magnetic field is generated between adjacent electromagnet units 13-5, the magnetic fluid distribution at this location is relatively small. After the magnetic fluid is attracted to the location of the electromagnet unit 13-5, the accumulation of the magnetic fluid will push the flexible outer casing 13-1 towards the side closer to the pipe 20. The bulges form local protrusions corresponding to the positions of the electromagnet units 13-5; and since the electromagnet units 13-5 are arranged at equal intervals along the extension direction, several uniformly distributed protrusions will eventually be formed on the magnetofluid pressure device 13 along its axial direction; the mechanical thrust generated by the protrusions directly acts on the rubber sealing strip 14 and the inflatable sealing strip 15 on one side of the magnetofluid cavity 13-4; each protrusion corresponds to a section of the sealing strip, realizing multi-point precise pressure application, increasing the contact pressure between the rubber sealing strip 14 and the inflatable sealing strip 15 and the outer wall of the pipe 20, thereby improving the sealing effect.

[0039] By adjusting the current of the electromagnet unit 13-5, the magnetic field strength can be changed, thereby controlling the amount of magnetofluid accumulation and the height of the protrusion, ultimately achieving precise control of the contact pressure of the sealing strip; at the same time, by individually controlling the on / off state of one or a section of the electromagnet unit 13-5, targeted pressure can be applied to a local area.

[0040] In this invention, the magnetohydrodynamic pressure device 13 applies additional thrust to the rubber sealing ring and the inflatable sealing ring, forcing them to form a better seal with the outer wall of the pipe 20. This is particularly suitable for sealing requirements in deep-sea high-pressure differential scenarios. The spaced electromagnet units 13-5 form segmented protrusions, which can precisely control the pressure intensity in corresponding areas to address different conditions such as localized rust, unevenness, and deposits on the outer wall of the pipe 20, significantly improving sealing adaptability.

[0041] When the surface of the rubber sealing strip 14 or the inflatable sealing strip 15 is corroded, aged, or otherwise uneven, the magnetic fluid pressure device 13 provides additional contact pressure to compensate for the impact of the sealing strip material defects on the sealing performance.

[0042] In this embodiment, the flexible outer casing is made of rubber.

[0043] The inflatable sealing strip 15 and the rubber sealing strip 14 are arranged adjacent to each other, with the inflatable sealing strip 15 located on the side of the rubber sealing strip 14 closest to the interior of the dry chamber body 2. The rubber sealing strip 14 is located on the outer side (closer to the seawater side), directly blocking seawater, sea mud, impurities, etc., preventing them from contacting the inner inflatable sealing strip 15, forming the first physical barrier; the inflatable sealing strip 15 is located on the inner side (closer to the interior of the dry chamber), forming a second high-pressure seal through inflation, thereby constructing a double-layer sealing barrier and strengthening the anti-leakage capability; even if the rubber sealing strip 14 has slight leakage, the inner inflatable sealing strip 15 can still prevent seawater from entering the dry chamber, greatly reducing the risk of leakage and adapting to deep-sea high-pressure differential scenarios.

[0044] The outer rubber sealing strip 14 has good wear resistance, corrosion resistance and elastic deformation ability, and can directly withstand seawater erosion, friction of impurities on the outer wall of the pipe 20 and corrosion of the deep sea environment. It avoids the inner air-filled sealing strip 15 from directly contacting the harsh external environment, reduces its risk of wear, scratches or corrosion, extends the service life of the air-filled sealing strip 15 and reduces the frequency of maintenance of the sealing system.

[0045] Two sealing door mechanisms 1 are respectively installed at both ends of the dry compartment body 2. The door body 12 of the outer sealing door mechanism 1 is the outer door body 9, and the door body 12 of the inner sealing door mechanism 1 is the inner door body 10. The outer door body 9 and the inner door body 10 form a double sealing protection mechanism. Even if one of the sealing door mechanisms 1 has problems such as wear of the sealing strip or failure of pressure application, the other sealing door can still prevent seawater leakage. This redundant design greatly improves the reliability of the seal.

[0046] Hydraulic outriggers 7 are installed on both sides of the dry compartment body 2. A valve box 4 is installed inside the dry compartment body 2, containing hydraulic power components that provide hydraulic power to the external hydraulic outriggers 7. The height of the dry compartment body 2 can be adjusted via the hydraulic outriggers 7.

[0047] A counterweight 3 is installed at the upper end of the dry compartment body 2. The function of the counterweight 3 is to increase the overall weight of the dry compartment and improve its buoyancy resistance.

[0048] The dry chamber body 2 is equipped with a guide rail moving device 6, and a ring rail device 5 is located below the guide rail moving device 6. The guide rail moving device 6 is horizontally arranged and is used to drive the ring rail device 5 to move horizontally. The pipeline 20 passes through the ring rail device 5; the ring rail device 5 can carry inspection devices (such as X-ray flaw detectors) or maintenance devices (welding equipment). The ring rail device 5 drives the inspection or maintenance devices to rotate around the periphery of the pipeline 20, thereby achieving 360° circumferential inspection or maintenance of the pipeline 20.

[0049] This invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Anyone can derive other products in various forms under the guidance of this invention. However, regardless of any changes in shape or structure, any technical solution that is the same as or similar to this application falls within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A self-adapting sealable sliding door for a dry chamber of a subsea pipeline, characterized in that, The dry cabin body is provided with two sealing door mechanisms at two ends respectively, each sealing door mechanism comprising a translation device, two oppositely arranged door bodies, the door bodies being installed on the translation device and being driven by the translation device to move oppositely, a pipe groove being arranged on the door body and being matched with the pipeline, a rubber sealing strip and an inflatable sealing strip being arranged on one side of the door body provided with the pipe groove.

2. A self-adapting sealing sliding door for a dry chamber of a subsea pipeline according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side of the door body provided with the pipe groove is provided with a magnetic fluid pressure device, and the rubber sealing strip and the inflatable sealing strip are arranged on the magnetic fluid pressure device; when the sealing door mechanism is in a closed state, the magnetic fluid pressure device applies a pushing force to the rubber sealing strip and the inflatable sealing strip to increase the contact pressure of the rubber sealing strip and the inflatable sealing strip on the outer wall of the pipeline.

3. A self-adapting sealing sliding door for a dry chamber of a subsea pipeline according to claim 2, characterized in that, The magnetic fluid pressure device comprises a flexible outer wrapping body, a partition is arranged in the flexible outer wrapping body, the flexible outer wrapping body is divided into an electromagnet installation cavity and a magnetic fluid cavity by the partition, and the magnetic fluid cavity is filled with magnetic fluid; a plurality of electromagnet units are arranged in the electromagnet installation cavity; the electromagnet units are arranged in an interval along the extension direction of the electromagnet installation cavity; the rubber sealing strip and the inflatable sealing strip are arranged on one side of the magnetic fluid pressure device close to the magnetic fluid cavity.

4. A self-adapting sealing sliding door for a dry chamber of a subsea pipeline according to claim 3, characterized in that, The material of the flexible outer wrapping body is rubber.

5. A self-adapting sealable sliding door for a dry chamber of a subsea pipeline according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inflatable sealing strip and the rubber sealing strip are arranged adjacently, and the inflatable sealing strip is located on one side of the rubber sealing strip close to the inside of the dry cabin body.

6. A self-adapting sealable sliding door for a dry chamber of a subsea pipeline according to claim 1, characterized in that, Two sealing door mechanisms are arranged at two ends of the dry cabin body respectively.

7. A self-adapting sealable sliding door for a dry chamber of a subsea pipeline according to claim 1, characterized in that, Hydraulic legs are arranged on two sides of the dry cabin body respectively.

8. A self-adapting sealable sliding door for a dry chamber of a subsea pipeline according to claim 1, characterized in that, A counterweight is arranged on the upper end of the dry cabin body.

9. A self-adapting sealable sliding door for a dry chamber of a subsea pipeline according to claim 1, characterized in that, A guide rail moving device is arranged in the dry cabin body, and a ring rail device is arranged below the guide rail moving device.

Images