Pressurized plugging safety device for plug-in flow meter and plugging method

Abstract

The invention discloses an under-pressure plug-in safety device for a plug-in flowmeter and a plug-in method, and relates to the technical field of plug-in flowmeters.The under-pressure plug-in safety device comprises an upper valve body, a middle section connecting sleeve and a lower valve body which are sequentially arranged, a pipeline is provided with a mounting base, and the lower valve body is connected to the mounting base; a movable pressing sleeve and a driving part for driving the movable pressing sleeve to slide up and down are arranged in the middle section connecting sleeve, a first sealing system is arranged in the lower valve body, the movable pressing sleeve is hollow and allows a flowmeter probe to pass through, and the first sealing system and the flowmeter probe are sealed or decompressed through movement of the movable pressing sleeve; a second sealing system is arranged in the upper valve body, and the middle section connecting sleeve is further connected to a pressure release valve connector. The pressure of a local space can be safely released or balanced before plugging operation, so that opening and closing of a main seal are performed in a low-stress state, and the effect of really plugging the flowmeter under pressure is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of insertion flow meter technology, and particularly to a pressure-operated insertion and removal safety device and insertion / removal method for insertion flow meters. Background Technology

[0002] Insertion flow meters are widely used in large-diameter pipeline flow measurement in industries such as petroleum, chemical, natural gas, and municipal water supply and drainage due to their advantages of simple structure, convenient installation, and low cost. A typical installation method involves installing a mounting base (or ball valve, gate valve) on the pipeline, through which the flow meter sensor is inserted into the pipeline for measurement.

[0003] However, existing insertion flow meters pose significant safety hazards during insertion, removal, and routine maintenance. Even though the valve on the mounting base is closed when inserting or removing the flow meter sensor from the pipe, the seal between the valve and the sensor rod is not absolutely reliable. This can cause personal injury (such as poisoning, frostbite, or high-pressure shock) to the operator during insertion and removal, and may lead to environmental pollution and fire / explosion accidents. Furthermore, most existing technologies rely on the single-stage seal of the mounting base valve; if this valve fails or the seal wears down, it will directly lead to media leakage, lacking effective redundant safety measures. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a pressurized insertion and removal method and safety device that can fundamentally solve the leakage problem during insertion and removal and provide multiple safety guarantees. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a pressure-operated insertion and removal safety device and method for insertion flow meters, which reduces the risk of leakage caused by the failure of a single component. It can safely release or balance the pressure in the local space before the insertion and removal operation, so that the opening and closing of the main seal are carried out under low stress, thereby realizing the true pressure-operated insertion and removal of the flow meter without the need for pipeline shutdown and pressure relief.

[0005] The above-mentioned technical objective of the present invention is achieved through the following technical solution: A pressurized insertion and removal safety device for an insertion flow meter, installed in a pipeline, includes an upper valve body, a middle connecting sleeve, and a lower valve body arranged in sequence. A mounting seat is provided on the pipeline, and the lower valve body is connected to the mounting seat. The middle connecting sleeve is provided with a first sealing system and a desealing component, and the upper valve body is provided with a second sealing system. The flow meter probe is inserted and sealed through the first sealing system and the second sealing system. The desealing component is used to deseal and release pressure from the first sealing system. The middle connecting sleeve is also connected to a pressure relief valve interface.

[0006] Furthermore, the unsealing component includes a movable clamping sleeve and a drive component that drives the movable clamping sleeve to slide up and down. The movable clamping sleeve is hollow to allow the flow meter probe to pass through, and the first sealing system is located below the movable clamping sleeve. When the movable clamping sleeve moves downward, it presses and deforms the first sealing system downward to seal the flow meter probe. When the movable clamping sleeve moves upward, it allows the first sealing system to reset and relax, thus unsealing and depressurizing the first sealing system.

[0007] Furthermore, the first sealing system includes a main sealing ring and several return springs. The main sealing ring is connected to the lower end of the movable clamping sleeve, and the return springs are connected below the main sealing ring. The movable clamping sleeve drives the main sealing ring to move upward, and the return springs pull the main sealing ring downward to reset and relax.

[0008] Furthermore, the drive component includes a lead screw connected to the movable clamping sleeve.

[0009] Furthermore, the upper end of the transmission screw is connected to a handwheel that drives its rotation.

[0010] Furthermore, the second sealing system includes a dust seal and a main lip seal arranged from top to bottom.

[0011] Furthermore, the intermediate connecting sleeve is also connected to the pressure gauge interface.

[0012] The present invention also discloses a plugging and unplugging method, comprising the following steps: When pulling out, raise the movable clamping sleeve a preset distance, the first sealing system will slowly open, and the pressure medium in the pipeline will slowly enter the intermediate connecting sleeve. After the pressure in the sleeve is balanced and stabilized with the pipeline pressure, slowly open the pressure relief valve to safely release the pressure in the intermediate connecting sleeve to zero. Then continue to raise the movable clamping sleeve to fully open the first sealing system, and then pull out the probe of the flow meter completely.

[0013] Furthermore, during insertion, the pressure relief valve is slowly opened to release the pressure inside the intermediate connecting sleeve to zero, and then the pressure relief valve is closed. The flow meter probe is then inserted into the pipe to a predetermined depth, driving the movable clamping sleeve downwards, and the first sealing system is closed.

[0014] In summary, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: The main seal, pressure relief chamber and balancing channel, upper seal and secondary seal constitute at least three layers of sealing and pressure relief protection, which greatly reduces the risk of leakage caused by the failure of a single component. The design of the pressure relief chamber and balancing channel can safely release or balance the pressure in the local space (pressure relief chamber) before insertion and removal operations, so that the opening and closing of the main seal are carried out under low stress, thereby realizing the true pressurized insertion and removal of the flow meter without the need for pipeline shutdown and pressure relief. Equipped with a pressure gauge, operators can observe the internal pressure status of the device in real time. All operating steps are based on clear pressure indications, avoiding blind operation. Multiple safety functions are integrated into one device with a reasonable structural design, easy-to-replace seals, convenient maintenance, and high overall reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a pressure-operated insertion and removal safety device for an insertion flow meter before insertion, according to the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a pressure-operated insertion and removal safety device for an insertion flow meter after insertion.

[0017] In the diagram, 1. Upper valve body; 2. Middle connecting sleeve; 3. Lower valve body; 4. Movable clamping sleeve; 5. Flow meter probe; 6. Main sealing ring; 7. Return spring; 8. Handwheel; 9. Drive screw; 10. Pressure relief chamber; 11. Pressure relief valve interface; 12. Pressure gauge interface; 13. Balance channel; 14. Combined sealing assembly; 15. Internal thread interface; 16. Plug; 17. Mounting base; 18. Fixing bolt; 19. Pipeline. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments do not constitute a limitation of the present invention. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this application.

[0019] A pressure-operated insertion and removal safety device for insertion flow meters, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the valve body 1, the middle connecting sleeve 2 and the lower valve body 3 are installed on the pipeline 19 in sequence. The pipeline 19 is provided with a mounting seat 17, and the lower valve body 3 is connected to the mounting seat 17 by bolts. The middle connecting sleeve 2 is equipped with a first sealing system and a desealing component, and the upper valve body 1 is equipped with a second sealing system. The flow meter probe 5 is inserted and sealed through the first sealing system and the second sealing system. The desealing component is used to deseal and depressurize the first sealing system. The middle connecting sleeve 2 is also connected to the pressure relief valve interface 11 and the pressure gauge interface 12. Safe insertion and removal are achieved through the first sealing system and the second sealing system.

[0020] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the unsealing assembly includes a movable clamping sleeve 4 and a driving component that drives the movable clamping sleeve 4 to slide up and down. The movable clamping sleeve 4 is hollow, allowing the flow meter probe 5 to pass through. The first sealing system is located below the movable clamping sleeve 4. When the movable clamping sleeve 4 moves downward, it presses and deforms the first sealing system downward, sealing the flow meter probe 5. When the movable clamping sleeve 4 moves upward, it allows the first sealing system to reset and relax, thus unsealing and depressurizing the first sealing system. The driving component includes a transmission screw 9 connected to the outer wall of the movable clamping sleeve 4. The movable clamping sleeve 4 is connected to the vertically installed transmission screw 9 through a screw-nut transmission pair. The upper end of the transmission screw 9 is connected to a handwheel 8 that drives its rotation. In this embodiment, the handwheel 8 is horizontally inserted through and rotatably connected to the middle connecting sleeve 2, and drives the rotation of the transmission screw 9 through a steering transmission component such as a bevel gear, thereby realizing the lifting and lowering of the movable clamping sleeve 4. Rotating the handwheel 8 can drive the movable clamping sleeve 4 to move precisely up and down.

[0021] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the first sealing system includes a main sealing ring 6 (lip-shaped sealing ring) and several return springs 7. The main sealing ring 6 is fixedly installed in the sealing seat connected to the lower end of the movable clamping sleeve 4, with its lip facing the direction of pressure from the pipe 19. The main sealing ring 6 can be a single ring, sealing between the flow meter probe 5 and the intermediate connecting sleeve 2. The transmission screw 9 is connected to the upper end of the movable clamping sleeve 4 without contacting its lower end. In other embodiments, the main sealing ring 6 can also be two rings, one inner and one outer, sealing between the flow meter probe 5 and the movable clamping sleeve 4, and between the movable clamping sleeve 4 and the intermediate connecting sleeve 2, respectively, to avoid the position of the transmission screw 9. The return springs 7 can be distributed in two rings, inner and outer, corresponding to the two main sealing rings 6 respectively, or only one ring can be distributed, corresponding to only one main sealing ring 6, for example, only corresponding to the main sealing ring 6 between the movable clamping sleeve 4 and the intermediate connecting sleeve 2, for releasing pressure. Several fixing bolts 18 are fixed inside the upper end of the lower valve body 3. The positions of the fixing bolts 18 correspond to the main sealing ring 6. The movable clamping sleeve 4 drives the main sealing ring 6 to move downward. It is deformed by the return spring 7, or it can be deformed by the fixing bolts 18 to achieve a seal. The return spring 7 is sleeved outside the fixing bolts 18. The upper end of the return spring 7 is fixedly connected to the lower part of the main sealing ring 6 (it can be fixed to the lower part of the main sealing ring 6 by means of glue, etc., and can be connected near the inner ring to assist the return of the inner ring). The lower end is fixed to the upper end of the lower valve body 3. The movable clamping sleeve 4 drives the main sealing ring 6 to move upward. The return spring 7 pulls the main sealing ring 6 downward to assist its return and relaxation.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, the second sealing system is a combined sealing assembly 14, which includes a dustproof ring and a main lip seal ring distributed from top to bottom, used to seal the flow meter probe 5 passing through it; the top of the upper valve body 1 is also machined with an internal thread interface 15. When there is no flow meter probe 5 in the device, a plug 16 with a sealing ring can be screwed into the internal thread interface 15 to achieve complete sealing of the device. The intermediate connecting sleeve 2 is also equipped with a pressure management and monitoring system. A pressure relief chamber 10 is formed inside the intermediate connecting sleeve 2 and outside the movable clamping sleeve 4. The side wall of the intermediate connecting sleeve 2 is connected to a pressure relief valve interface 11 and a pressure gauge interface 12 that communicate with the pressure relief chamber 10, which are used to install the pressure relief valve and the pressure gauge, respectively. A balance channel 13 is formed inside the movable clamping sleeve 4 or the lower valve body 3. When the movable clamping sleeve 4 is raised to a specific height, the balance channel 13 can connect the pipe 19 and the pressure relief chamber 10.

[0023] This embodiment also discloses a method for plugging and unplugging under pressure using the above-mentioned safety device, including the following steps: (a) Safe insertion method: During insertion, S11, Device preparation and pressure relief: Install the device on the mounting base 17 of the open pipe 19, turn the handwheel 8 to lift the movable clamping sleeve 4 through the transmission screw 9, and ensure that the movable clamping sleeve 4 is in the lifted position and the main sealing ring 6 is loosened under the action of the return spring 7; connect the pressure relief valve through the pressure relief valve interface 11 and install the pressure gauge through the pressure gauge interface 12; observe the pressure gauge, slowly open the pressure relief valve, and close the pressure relief valve after the pressure in the pressure relief chamber 10 is reduced to zero; S12, Insert probe: Pass the flow meter probe 5 through the top combined sealing assembly 14, the hollow movable compression sleeve 4, and the loosened main sealing ring 6 in sequence, and finally insert it into the pipe 19 to a predetermined depth.

[0024] S13, Establish the main seal (main sealing ring 6): Turn the handwheel 8 to drive the movable clamping sleeve 4 downward, clamp the lip seal ring, and make it radially expand to hug the probe rod to form a reliable main seal; at this time, the balance channel 13 is cut off, and the pressure relief chamber 10 becomes an independent space.

[0025] (ii) Safe removal method: When removing, S21, Balancing Pressure: Turn the handwheel 8 to slightly raise the movable clamping sleeve 4 by a preset short distance. At this time, the main sealing ring 6 opens, and the pressure medium in the pipeline 19 slowly enters the pressure relief chamber 10 through the balancing channel 13 to achieve balance; observe the pressure gauge and wait for its reading to balance and stabilize with the pressure in the pipeline 19.

[0026] S22, Final Depressurization and Confirmation: Slowly open the pressure relief valve to safely release the pressure in the pressure relief chamber 10 to zero. This step is the final safety confirmation. If the pressure cannot be reduced to zero, it indicates that the valve in pipe 19 upstream of the main seal (main seal ring 6) has failed, and the operation should be stopped.

[0027] S23, Pull out the probe: After confirming safety, continue to turn the handwheel 8 to fully lift the movable clamping sleeve 4, so that the lip seal ring is completely loosened; then pull the probe out of the device completely.

[0028] S24, Device sealing: If the device needs to be kept empty for a long time, screw the plug 16 into the top internal thread interface 15 to seal the device.

[0029]

[0030] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications or equivalent substitutions to the present invention within the scope of its essence and protection. Such modifications or equivalent substitutions should also be considered to fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pressure insertion plug safety device for use in a plug flow meter, the pressure insertion plug safety device comprising: The installation is provided with a pipeline, including an upper valve body, a middle connecting sleeve and a lower valve body arranged in sequence, an installation seat is arranged on the pipeline, and the lower valve body is connected to the installation seat; the middle connecting sleeve is internally provided with a first sealing system and an unsealing assembly, the upper valve body is internally provided with a second sealing system, a flowmeter probe is inserted and sealed through the first sealing system and the second sealing system, the unsealing assembly is used for unsealing and pressure relief of the first sealing system, and the middle connecting sleeve is further connected to a pressure relief valve interface.

2. A pressure insertion and pull-through safety device for use in a plug-in flow meter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The unsealing assembly comprises a movable compression sleeve and a driving member for driving the movable compression sleeve to slide up and down, the movable compression sleeve is hollowly arranged and used for passing the flowmeter probe, and the first sealing system is arranged below the movable compression sleeve; the movable compression sleeve is moved downward to compress and deform the first sealing system downward, thereby sealing the flowmeter probe, and the movable compression sleeve is moved upward to reset and relax the first sealing system, thereby unsealing and pressure relieving the first sealing system.

3. A pressure insertion and pull-through safety device for use in a plug-in flow meter according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first sealing system comprises a main sealing ring and a plurality of reset springs, the main sealing ring is connected to the lower end of the movable compression sleeve, and the reset springs are connected below the main sealing ring; the movable compression sleeve drives the main sealing ring to move upward, and the reset springs pull the main sealing ring downward to reset and relax.

4. A pressure insertion and pull-through safety device for use in a plug-in flow meter according to claim 2, characterized in that: The driving member comprises a transmission screw rod connected to the movable compression sleeve.

5. A pressure insertion and pull-through safety device for use in a plug-in flow meter according to claim 4, characterized in that: The upper end of the transmission screw rod is connected to a hand wheel for driving the transmission screw rod to rotate.

6. A pressure insertion and pull-through safety device for use in a plug-in flow meter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second sealing system comprises a dustproof ring and a main lip-shaped sealing ring arranged in sequence from top to bottom.

7. A pressure insertion and pull-through safety device for use in a plug-in flow meter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The middle connecting sleeve is further connected to a pressure gauge interface.

8. A method of plugging, based on the pressure plugging safety device for plug-in flow meters according to claim 2, characterized in that: The method comprises the following steps, When being pulled out, the movable compression sleeve is lifted by a preset distance, the first sealing system is slowly opened, the pressure medium in the pipeline slowly enters the middle connecting sleeve, after the pressure in the middle connecting sleeve is balanced with the pressure in the pipeline and is stable, the pressure relief valve is slowly opened, the pressure in the middle connecting sleeve is safely released to zero, then the movable compression sleeve is continuously lifted, the first sealing system is completely opened, and the flowmeter probe is completely pulled out.

9. The plugging method according to claim 8, characterized in that: When being inserted, the pressure relief valve is slowly opened, the pressure in the middle connecting sleeve is released to zero, the pressure relief valve is closed, the flowmeter probe is inserted into the pipeline to a predetermined depth, the movable compression sleeve is driven to move downward, and the first sealing system is closed.

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