Pipe gallery cable arrangement and protection method

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a pipe gallery cable arrangement and protection method, and belongs to the technical field of underground pipe gallery engineering. The method comprises the following steps: classifying and setting colors and electronic tags according to cable attributes; the pipe gallery is divided into a plurality of functional areas, and isolation is arranged; cables are arranged in a three-dimensional layered structure; fixing the cable by using an adjustable device; multiple protection measures are set; installing a sensor for real-time monitoring; and planning a special maintenance channel. According to the comprehensive pipe gallery cable management system, all links of cable management are integrated through the system, the problems that pipe gallery cables are disordered, crossed and wound and are prone to being affected by the environment are effectively solved, the cable management efficiency and safety are improved, the service life is prolonged, the maintenance cost is reduced, and the comprehensive pipe gallery cable management system is suitable for cable management of various comprehensive pipe galleries.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of underground utility tunnel engineering technology, specifically relating to a method for organizing and protecting cables inside utility tunnels, which is particularly suitable for the management of various cables in urban integrated utility tunnels. Background Technology

[0002] With the acceleration of urbanization, urban underground utility tunnels, as an important infrastructure for integrating various underground pipelines in cities, have been widely constructed and applied. These tunnels house multiple pipelines, including those for electricity, communications, broadcasting and television, water supply, and drainage. Among these, various cables are a key component ensuring the normal operation of the city.

[0003] However, the current management of cables inside utility tunnels faces numerous problems: First, the variety and quantity of cables within the tunnels are vast, and the lack of a systematic classification and organization method leads to a chaotic cable layout, prone to crossing and tangling. This not only affects the cleanliness of the tunnel environment but also greatly complicates daily maintenance and troubleshooting. Second, insufficient or inappropriate cable protection measures make cables susceptible to environmental factors such as humidity changes, temperature fluctuations, and corrosive gases within the tunnel. They may also suffer wear and breakage due to vibration and friction. Furthermore, existing cable fixing methods are simplistic and lack flexibility, making it difficult to adapt to the fixing needs of cables of different specifications. Finally, the lack of an effective cable information management and status monitoring system results in low maintenance efficiency and slow fault response.

[0004] These problems not only affect the normal operation and lifespan of cables and increase maintenance costs, but may also lead to safety accidents, seriously impacting the normal operation of the city. Therefore, developing a systematic and efficient method for cable management and protection in utility tunnels is of significant practical importance.

[0005] While existing technologies offer some methods for cable organization and protection, these are mostly improvements on single aspects, lacking a systematic and holistic approach, and failing to fundamentally address the comprehensive challenges of cable management in utility tunnels. For example, some methods focus solely on cable fixing techniques, while others only address cable identification systems, failing to form a complete solution. Therefore, a comprehensive approach is needed that integrates classification, identification, layout, fixing, protection, monitoring, and maintenance to comprehensively improve the level of cable management in utility tunnels. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the above problems, embodiments of the present invention propose a method for organizing and protecting cables in a utility tunnel to overcome or at least partially solve the above problems. This method can systematically solve problems such as cable chaos, crossing, entanglement and susceptibility to environmental influences, improve cable management efficiency and safety, and extend cable service life.

[0007] To address the aforementioned issues, this invention discloses a method for organizing and protecting cables in a utility tunnel, comprising the following steps: classifying and labeling cables according to their properties; dividing the interior of the utility tunnel into multiple functional areas; arranging cables using a three-dimensional layered structure; securing cables using adjustable fixing devices; implementing multiple protective measures for the cables; installing sensors to monitor the cables and the environment; and planning dedicated maintenance channels and inspection interfaces.

[0008] Optionally, the classification and identification based on cable attributes specifically includes: classifying cables according to their function, voltage level, signal type, and system; assigning specific color identifiers to each type of cable; installing electronic tags on the cables, the tags containing cable type, specifications, installation date, and maintenance record information; and establishing a cable information database and linking the electronic tag information to the database.

[0009] Optionally, dividing the interior of the utility tunnel into multiple functional areas specifically includes: dividing the interior space of the utility tunnel into a power cable area, a control cable area, and a communication cable area; setting up physical isolation barriers between each functional area; and planning routing priorities based on the importance and maintenance frequency of the cables.

[0010] Optionally, the three-dimensional layered structure for cable arrangement specifically includes: using at least three layers for cable arrangement; the upper layer for fixed and low-maintenance cables; the middle layer for cables requiring regular inspection; and the lower layer for cables that may require frequent maintenance or replacement; and setting up independent channels in the horizontal direction according to functional zones to avoid crossover of different types of cables.

[0011] Optionally, an adjustable fixing device can be used to fix the cable, specifically including: installing an adjustable-spacing cable fixing bracket; adjusting the fixing spacing according to the cable specifications; adopting a vibration-proof and displacement-proof fixing method; and setting a marking area on the bracket to correspond to the cable label.

[0012] Optionally, the multiple protective measures for the cables include: strengthening the cable's insulation layer; equipping the cables with protective sleeves, preferably corrosion-resistant, fire-resistant, or waterproof sleeves; installing protective baffles or protective grooves in areas susceptible to mechanical damage; and installing an environmental control system in the pipe gallery to control temperature, humidity, and corrosive gas concentrations.

[0013] Optionally, the installation of sensors to monitor cables and the environment specifically includes: installing temperature, humidity, and vibration sensors at key locations within the pipe gallery; focusing on monitoring cable joints; establishing a monitoring data transmission network to transmit monitoring data in real time; and setting an abnormal early warning threshold to issue an early warning when the monitoring data exceeds the threshold.

[0014] Optionally, the planned dedicated maintenance channel and inspection interface specifically include: reserving a maintenance channel with a width of not less than 0.8 meters; setting up quick access points at key nodes to facilitate the connection of testing instruments; and designing segmented isolation devices to ensure that local maintenance does not affect the overall system operation.

[0015] Optionally, the electronic tag is an RFID tag, with one electronic tag installed on the cable every 5-15 meters.

[0016] Optionally, the environmental control system controls the temperature inside the pipe gallery at 15-30℃ and the humidity at 40-60%.

[0017] The embodiments of the present invention have the following advantages:

[0018] This invention provides a complete solution for managing cables in utility tunnels, encompassing classification and identification, spatial planning, cabling methods, fixing devices, protective measures, monitoring systems, and maintenance design. Scientific classification, clear labeling, and orderly layout ensure neat cable arrangement within the tunnel, facilitating identification and management, significantly improving the efficiency of daily maintenance and troubleshooting, and reducing labor costs. A multi-level protection system, from enhanced cable insulation to external environmental control, comprehensively protects cables from damage, effectively reducing corrosion, wear, and breakage, extending cable lifespan, and lowering replacement costs. The intelligent monitoring system monitors cable status and environmental parameters in real time, promptly identifying potential problems and issuing warnings, allowing for proactive measures to prevent accidents and improving the safety and reliability of the utility tunnel operation. Modular fixing devices and flexible cabling methods can adapt to the needs of different specifications and types of cables, while also facilitating future cable expansion and upgrades. Electronic tags and an information database enable digital management of the entire cable lifecycle, providing a foundation for intelligent operation and maintenance of utility tunnels. In summary, the method of the present invention can significantly improve the management of pipeline cables, enhance operational safety and reliability, and reduce maintenance costs, and has significant value for widespread application. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of an embodiment of the pipe gallery cable management and protection method of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0021] In some embodiments of this application, a method for organizing and protecting cables in a utility tunnel is disclosed, including the following steps:

[0022] Step S101, Cable Classification and Identification: Classify and label cables according to their attributes, specifically according to their function, voltage level, signal type, and system. Assign a specific color code to each type of cable. Install electronic tags on the cables, with the tags containing information such as cable type, specifications, installation date, and maintenance records. Establish a cable information database and link the electronic tag information to the database to achieve digital management.

[0023] Step S102, Spatial Zoning Planning: Divide the interior of the utility tunnel into multiple functional areas. Specifically, divide the interior space of the utility tunnel into multiple functional areas, including power cable area, control cable area, communication cable area, etc.; set up physical isolation barriers between each functional area; and plan different routing priorities according to the importance and maintenance frequency of the cables.

[0024] Step S103, Layered cabling: Cables are laid out using a three-dimensional layered structure. Specifically, the cable layout uses a three-dimensional layered structure, including at least three layers: upper, middle, and lower. The upper layer is for fixed and low-maintenance cables; the middle layer is for cables that require regular inspection; and the lower layer is for cables that may require frequent maintenance or replacement. Independent channels are set up horizontally according to functional zones to avoid crossover of different types of cables.

[0025] Step S104, Modular Fixing: Fix the cable using an adjustable fixing device. Specifically, install an adjustable-spacing cable fixing bracket; adjust the fixing spacing according to the cable specifications; adopt a vibration-proof and displacement-proof fixing method to ensure cable stability; set up a marking area on the bracket to correspond to the cable label for easy identification.

[0026] Step S105, Multi-level protection: Implement multiple protection measures for the cables. Specifically, strengthen the insulation layer of the cables themselves; configure appropriate protective sleeves for the cables according to the characteristics of the pipe gallery environment, including anti-corrosion, fireproof, and waterproof types; install protective baffles or protective grooves in areas susceptible to mechanical damage; and install an environmental control system in the pipe gallery to control temperature, humidity, and corrosive gas concentration.

[0027] Step S106, Intelligent Monitoring: Install sensors to monitor cables and the environment. Specifically, install temperature, humidity, and vibration sensors at key locations within the pipe gallery; focus on monitoring vulnerable parts such as cable joints; establish a monitoring data transmission network to transmit monitoring data in real time; and set abnormal early warning thresholds to issue an early warning when the monitoring data exceeds the threshold.

[0028] Step S107, Maintenance Channel Design: Plan dedicated maintenance channels and inspection interfaces. Specifically, reserve a maintenance channel with a width of not less than 0.8 meters; set up quick access points at key nodes to facilitate the connection of testing instruments; design segmented isolation devices to ensure that local maintenance does not affect the operation of the overall system.

[0029] Installing electronic tags on the cables also includes installing an RFID electronic tag on the cables every 5-15 meters; among the multiple protection measures for the cables mentioned above, specifically, an environmental control system is installed in the utility tunnel to control the temperature in the tunnel at 15-30℃ and the humidity at 40-60%, thereby controlling the temperature and humidity.

[0030] As an example, the above-mentioned method for cable organization and protection in urban integrated utility tunnels is applied to the construction of an integrated utility tunnel in a new urban area. The tunnel is 8 kilometers long and includes power, communication, water supply, and heating pipeline systems, with a total cable length of approximately 80 kilometers. The specific implementation steps for cable organization and protection using the method of this invention are as follows:

[0031] Step S101, Cable Classification and Identification: Cables within the utility tunnel are classified into four categories: 10kV and above high-voltage power cables, 0.4kV low-voltage power cables, control cables (including control signal lines for various systems), and communication cables (including fiber optic cables, data cables, etc.). Color coding is specified: red for high-voltage power cables, yellow for low-voltage power cables, blue for control cables, and gray for communication cables. RFID electronic tags are installed on cables in units of 10 meters, storing information such as cable model, specifications, manufacturer, installation date, responsible unit, and test records. A utility tunnel cable management information system is developed to input all cable information into the system. Cable information can be read and updated at any time using a handheld card reader, achieving digital management.

[0032] Step S102, Spatial Zoning Planning: The cross-sectional width of the utility tunnel is 4.5 meters, and it is divided into four functional areas from left to right:

[0033] First area on the left (1.0 meter wide): High-voltage power cable area;

[0034] Second area from the left (0.8 meters wide): Low-voltage power cable area;

[0035] Second area on the right (0.7 meters wide): Control cable area;

[0036] First area on the right (0.6 meters wide): Communication cable area;

[0037] Each zone is separated by a 3mm thick fireproof partition, which is 2.2 meters high. The routing priority from high to low is as follows: high voltage power cables, communication cables, low voltage power cables, and control cables.

[0038] Step S103, Layered cabling: Cables are laid out using a three-layer, three-dimensional structure.

[0039] Upper layer (height 2.5-2.2 meters): Laying 10kV and above high-voltage power cables;

[0040] Middle layer (height 2.2-1.5 meters): Lay 0.4kV low-voltage power cables;

[0041] Lower level (1.5-0.8 meters high): For laying control and communication cables;

[0042] Each floor is equipped with independent passageways according to functional zones. The passageways are 0.5 meters wide and are separated by insulating partitions. The cable routing is kept parallel to the axis of the pipe gallery. If a bend is necessary, the bending radius shall not be less than 10 times the cable diameter.

[0043] Step S104, Modular Fixing: Install a set of adjustable metal brackets every 1.5 meters along the length of the pipe rack. The brackets are hot-dip galvanized with a thickness of not less than 5mm. Sliding fixing clips are installed on the brackets. The spacing between the fixing clips can be adjusted within the range of 50-300mm to meet the fixing needs of different numbers of cables. The fixing clips are lined with 3mm thick silicone rubber pads to enhance friction and reduce the impact of vibration on the cables. Each bracket is equipped with a plastic identification plate indicating the type, voltage level, and route information of the cables in the area.

[0044] Step S105, Multi-level protection: All cables use cross-linked polyethylene insulation with a temperature resistance rating of 90℃; high-voltage power cables use Φ110mm flame-retardant polyvinyl chloride (PVC-C) protective pipes; communication cables use Φ50mm high-density polyethylene (HDPE) waterproof protective pipes; metal protective barriers with a height of 1.2 meters are installed at pipe gallery bends, entrances and exits, and areas with frequent personnel activity; an intelligent environmental control system is installed, including temperature and humidity sensors, axial flow fans, dehumidifiers, and other equipment, to control the temperature inside the pipe gallery at 15-30℃ and the relative humidity at 40-60%.

[0045] Step S106, Intelligent Monitoring: A monitoring node is set up every 500 meters, and each node is equipped with a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a hazardous gas (H2S, CO) sensor; a wireless temperature sensor is installed at the cable joint, with a sampling frequency of 1 time / minute; a monitoring network is constructed using LoRa wireless communication technology to transmit monitoring data to the central monitoring center; an alarm threshold is set: when the ambient temperature is >35℃, humidity is >70%, H2S concentration is >10ppm, CO concentration is >24ppm, and joint temperature is >60℃, an audible and visual alarm is triggered, and the management personnel are notified via SMS.

[0046] Step S107, Maintenance Access Design: A main maintenance access with a width of 1.4 meters is set in the center of the utility tunnel, and the floor of the access is paved with non-slip material; an inspection port is set every 100 meters, equipped with a standard test interface and a power interface; fireproof electric valves are used to divide the utility tunnel into independent areas of 800 meters each, with a valve response time of less than 30 seconds, which can achieve segmented isolation; emergency lighting and communication equipment are set in each fire compartment to ensure the safety of maintenance personnel.

[0047] After implementing the method of this invention, the cable layout of the integrated utility tunnel is neat and orderly, with clear markings, allowing maintenance personnel to quickly identify and locate the cables. Data statistics after one year of operation show that the cable failure rate has decreased by 82% compared to traditional management methods, maintenance efficiency has increased by 70%, and it is expected to extend the average service life of the cables by more than 5 years, achieving significant economic and social benefits.

[0048] It should be noted that in this application, the aforementioned hardware configuration, such as electronic tags, can preferably be ultra-high frequency RFID tags (working frequency 920-925MHz), with a reading and writing distance ≥3 meters; wherein, one fixed reader is set up every 200 meters in the pipe gallery, and maintenance personnel are equipped with handheld readers (with a battery life ≥8 hours); the following data interaction process can be realized: the fixed reader automatically scans the tags within its range every 10 minutes and uploads the cable status data (such as temperature, location) to the edge computing gateway; after the edge computing gateway preprocesses the data, it transmits it to the cloud cable management database through a 5G industrial router; when the handheld reader is close to the tag (distance ≤1 meter) during maintenance, it reads / writes maintenance records in real time, and the data is synchronized to the local cache and automatically uploaded to the cloud after connecting to the network; the database supports SQL queries, and authorized users can access it through the web or mobile terminal (APP), with a data update delay ≤1 minute.

[0049] For cable protection, protective sleeves can be used to adapt to the cables. Specific adaptation methods can be found in Table 1 below.

[0050]

[0051]

[0052] Table 1. Compatibility Rules between Protective Conduit and Cable

[0053] When the above-mentioned protective sleeves are used with cables, hot-melt welding can be used at the sleeve joints, with a welding strength ≥15MPa; and the radius of curvature at the bends should be ≥12 times the outer diameter of the sleeve to avoid wrinkles.

[0054] The aforementioned segmented isolation device can be an electric fire damper, equipped with a manual emergency operation mechanism; it can realize automatic control, manual control, and linkage mechanism. For example, when the temperature in a certain area is ≥40℃ or the concentration of harmful gases exceeds the standard, the central control system issues a corresponding instruction, and the fire dampers on both sides of the zone can close within a set time (e.g., 30s), while cutting off the non-emergency power supply to the zone; as another example, when maintenance personnel are working on-site in the pipe gallery, they can send instructions through the control or mobile terminal APP to achieve manual control.

[0055] For the aforementioned intelligent monitoring, a transmission path can be adopted from sensors to edge gateways, then to the cloud platform, and finally to the terminal. Specifically, this includes: after collecting data through sensors (temperature, humidity, vibration, etc.), the data is sent to the edge gateway via an RS485 bus or LoRa wireless module (transmission distance ≤ 1 km); the edge gateway filters and reduces noise on the data, and if the detected data exceeds the threshold (e.g., temperature > 35℃), it immediately generates an early warning message (including sensor ID, location, and the value exceeding the threshold); the early warning message is transmitted to the cloud monitoring platform via a 5G private network, and the platform triggers an audible and visual alarm (monitoring center), while simultaneously sending notifications to maintenance personnel via SMS and APP (if not confirmed within 10 minutes, the notification is escalated); after confirming the early warning, maintenance personnel can issue commands through the platform to control on-site equipment (e.g., turn on the dehumidifier), and the operation results are fed back to the platform in real time.

[0056] This invention effectively solves problems such as messy, crossed, tangled, and easily affected cables in utility tunnels by systematically integrating various aspects of cable management. It improves cable management efficiency and safety, extends service life, and reduces maintenance costs. It is applicable to cable management in various types of integrated utility tunnels.

[0057] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0058] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of the present invention.

[0059] Finally, it should be noted that in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or terminal device that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or terminal device. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or terminal device that includes said element.

[0060] The above provides a detailed description of a method for organizing and protecting cables in a utility tunnel. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the invention. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of the invention. At the same time, those skilled in the art will recognize that there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of the invention. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of the invention.

Claims

1. A method for organizing and protecting cables in a utility tunnel, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Classify and label cables according to their properties; The interior of the utility tunnel is divided into multiple functional areas; Cables are laid out using a three-dimensional, layered structure; Secure the cable using an adjustable fixing device; Multiple protective measures are implemented for the cables; Install sensors to monitor cables and the environment; Plan dedicated maintenance access and inspection interfaces.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The process of classifying and labeling cables according to their attributes includes: Cables are classified according to their function, voltage level, signal type, and the system they belong to. Assign specific color codes to each type of cable; Install electronic tags on the cables, and the tags contain information such as cable type, specifications, installation date, and maintenance records. Establish a cable information database and link the electronic tag information to the database.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The division of the interior of the utility tunnel into multiple functional areas includes: The interior space of the utility tunnel is divided into a power cable area, a control cable area, and a communication cable area. Physical barriers are set up between each functional area; Prioritize routes based on cable importance and maintenance frequency.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cable arrangement using a three-dimensional layered structure includes: The cable arrangement should employ a three-dimensional, layered structure with at least three layers. The upper layer is used for fixed, low-maintenance cable installation; The middle layer of cabling requires regular inspection; The lower layer contains cables that may require frequent maintenance or replacement; Independent channels are set up in the horizontal direction according to functional zones to avoid crossover of different types of cables.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method of securing the cable using an adjustable fixing device includes: Install adjustable-spacing cable holders; Adjust the fixed spacing according to the cable specifications; It adopts a fixing method that is vibration-proof and displacement-proof; The bracket has a labeling area that corresponds to the cable label.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multiple protection measures for the cables include: The cable's insulation layer is reinforced. The cable is fitted with a protective sleeve, which is selected from corrosion-resistant, fire-resistant or waterproof sleeves; Install protective barriers or protective trenches in areas susceptible to mechanical damage; An environmental control system is installed inside the utility tunnel to control temperature, humidity, and the concentration of corrosive gases.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The installed sensors monitor the cables and the environment, including: Temperature, humidity, and vibration sensors were installed at key locations within the utility tunnel. Conduct focused monitoring on cable joint areas; Establish a monitoring data transmission network to transmit monitoring data in real time; Set an abnormal warning threshold, and issue a warning when the monitored data exceeds the threshold.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The planned dedicated maintenance channel and inspection interface include: A maintenance passage with a width of not less than 0.8 meters should be reserved; Set up quick access points at key nodes to facilitate the connection of testing instruments; The design incorporates segmented isolation devices to ensure that localized maintenance does not affect the overall system operation.

9. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The electronic tag is an RFID tag, and one electronic tag is installed on the cable every 5-15 meters.

10. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The environmental control system maintains the temperature inside the utility tunnel at 15-30℃ and the humidity at 40-60%.

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