Enhanced optical fiber monitoring structure for water pipe flange

Abstract

The invention discloses an enhanced optical fiber monitoring structure for a water pipe flange, which comprises pipelines, connecting flanges are arranged on the sides, close to each other, of the two pipelines, sensing optical fibers are arranged above the connecting flanges, and the enhanced optical fiber monitoring structure for the water pipe flange further comprises an optical fiber guide structure. The invention relates to the technical field of pipeline monitoring, and through cooperation of a pipeline, a connecting flange, a sensing optical fiber, an optical fiber guiding structure and a rigid supporting structure, the sensing optical fiber is guided, packaged and fixed in a spanning arc-shaped guiding laying mode. The bending radius of the sensing optical fiber at the position of the connecting flange is obviously larger than the minimum allowable dynamic bending radius of the optical fiber, optical signal macro-bending loss is reduced, the service life of a system is prolonged, meanwhile, direct mechanical coupling is conducted at the connecting position of the sensing optical fiber and the flange through a rigid supporting structure, and the reliability is high. And the response sensitivity to vibration and strain signals generated by early-stage tiny leakage or structural abnormity of the key area is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of pipeline monitoring technology, specifically to an enhanced fiber optic monitoring structure for water pipe flanges. Background Technology

[0002] Distributed fiber optic sensing technology, with its advantages of long distance, resistance to electromagnetic interference, and high sensitivity, has been widely used in the leakage and safety monitoring of long-distance water pipelines. By laying sensing optical fibers in the pipeline, subtle changes in the surrounding environment can be detected in real time, enabling structural health monitoring and leak early warning of the water pipes.

[0003] The sensing fiber optic cable needs to be laid close to the outer wall of the pipe along the axial direction to locate potential faults by sensing vibrations, strain, or temperature anomalies along the pipe. Water pipes are typically connected using flanges, and the flange connection is precisely the weakest point in the entire piping system, most prone to leakage due to seal failure or stress concentration. When laying the sensing fiber optic cable, a certain amount of slack is usually left in the flange area, loosely bypassing the protruding structure.

[0004] In practical applications, the lack of effective mechanical coupling between the optical fiber and the flange structure, which is a potential vibration source, results in the optical fiber responding extremely slowly to vibration and strain signals caused by early minor leaks or structural anomalies in this critical area. Furthermore, the sensing optical fiber will be subjected to sharp bends of extremely small radius or severe mechanical compression at the flange structure, which will not only cause significant macro-bending loss of optical signals and reduce the signal-to-noise ratio of the entire monitoring system, but also easily lead to fiber breakage and shorten the system life due to long-term high stress. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides an enhanced fiber optic monitoring structure for water pipe flanges. This solves the problem that in practical applications, the lack of effective mechanical coupling between the optical fiber and the flange structure (a potential vibration source) leads to extremely sluggish response of the optical fiber to vibration and strain signals generated by early minor leaks or structural anomalies in this critical area. Furthermore, the sensing fiber may experience sharp bends of extremely small radii or severe mechanical compression at the flange structure, causing significant macro-bending loss of the optical signal, reducing the signal-to-noise ratio of the entire monitoring system, and being under high stress for extended periods, which can easily lead to fiber breakage and shorten system lifespan.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: an enhanced fiber optic monitoring structure for a water pipe flange, comprising a pipe, a connecting flange disposed on one side of two pipes close to each other, a sensing fiber disposed above the connecting flange, the enhanced fiber optic monitoring structure for the water pipe flange further comprising a fiber optic guiding structure disposed outside the sensing fiber; a rigid support structure disposed above the connecting flange; wherein, the arched structure of the fiber optic guiding structure guides and encapsulates and fixes the internal sensing fiber, so that the sensing fiber forms a spanning laying at the connecting flange, and the rigid support structure forms a direct mechanical coupling between the sensing fiber and the flange connection.

[0007] Preferably, the fiber optic guiding structure includes an arched outer shell positioned above the connecting flange; an extension shell positioned at both ends of the arched outer shell and fitted to the outer wall of the pipe; an inner cavity positioned inside the arched outer shell and the extension shell, with the sensing fiber passing through the inner cavity; and a fiber optic limiting structure positioned inside the inner cavity. The extension shell is tightly fitted to the pipe, allowing the arched outer shell to be stably erected above the connecting flange. The fiber optic limiting structure encapsulates and limits the sensing fiber within the inner cavity, ensuring that the bending radius of the sensing fiber at the connecting flange is significantly greater than the minimum allowable dynamic bending radius of the fiber.

[0008] Preferably, the fiber optic limiting structure includes a fiber optic coupling medium filled inside the cavity; a positioning inner tube connected to the inner wall of the arched outer shell; and a clamping sleeve connected to the inner wall of the positioning inner tube and to the outer wall of the sensing fiber. Through the cooperation of the fiber optic coupling medium, the positioning inner tube, and the clamping sleeve, the sensing fiber is stably encapsulated and limited inside the arched outer shell and the extended outer shell.

[0009] Preferably, the rigid support structure includes a U-shaped rigid bracket, which is disposed on the side where the connecting flange and the arched shell are close to each other; arc-shaped grooves are disposed on the bottom sides of the U-shaped rigid bracket, and the inner wall of the grooves is fitted to the outer wall of the pipe; a coupling connection structure is disposed on the top of the U-shaped rigid bracket; and an adjustment structure is disposed on the outer wall of the U-shaped rigid bracket. The U-shaped rigid bracket is tightly fitted to the outer wall of the pipe through the arc-shaped grooves, and the coupling connection structure reliably connects the U-shaped rigid bracket to the arched shell, so that the sensing fiber and the flange connection point form a direct mechanical coupling. The adjustment structure adjusts the relative position of the U-shaped rigid bracket and the connecting flange.

[0010] Preferably, the coupling connection structure includes an upper clamping plate, which is fitted to the top of the outer wall of the arched shell; a lower pad, which is fitted to the bottom of the outer wall of the arched shell and to the top of the outer wall of the U-shaped rigid bracket; two first fixing bolts are provided, distributed on both sides of the arched shell, and respectively penetrate the inner walls of the upper clamping plate, the lower pad, and the U-shaped rigid bracket; a fastening nut is threaded to the outer wall of the first fixing bolt and fitted to the U-shaped rigid bracket; wherein, the upper clamping plate and the lower pad clamp the arched shell and are fixed to the U-shaped rigid bracket by the first fixing bolts and the fastening nut, so that a rigid fixation is formed between the arched shell and the U-shaped rigid bracket.

[0011] Preferably, the coupling connection structure further includes a first limiting groove, which is disposed on the outer wall of the upper clamping plate and the lower pad near the arched shell, and the inner wall is fitted to the arched shell; the support sleeve is sleeved on the outer wall of the first fixing bolt, and both ends are fitted to the upper clamping plate and the lower pad respectively; wherein, the first limiting groove is used to improve the connection stability between the upper clamping plate and the lower pad and the arched shell, and the support sleeve is used to prevent the upper clamping plate and the lower pad from causing excessive compression and damage to the arched shell.

[0012] Preferably, the adjustment structure includes a limiting square tube, which is fitted and connected to the outer wall of the U-shaped rigid bracket; two sets of screw holes are provided, which are opened on both sides of the outer wall of the U-shaped rigid bracket and the limiting square tube; two sets of centering adjustment bolts are provided, which are threaded to the inner wall of the screw holes and whose ends are fitted and connected to the connecting flange; wherein, the limiting square tube is used to improve the stability of the U-shaped rigid bracket and prevent it from deforming under stress. By adjusting the screwing depth of the two sets of centering adjustment bolts, the relative position of the U-shaped rigid bracket and the connecting flange can be precisely adjusted to ensure that the center of the U-shaped rigid bracket and the connecting flange are aligned.

[0013] Preferably, the bottom of the extended housing is provided with an installation and fixing structure, which includes an upper fixing clamp, which is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the extended housing and also fits to the outer wall of the pipe; a lower fixing clamp is correspondingly provided below the upper fixing clamp; an anti-slip pad fits to the inner wall of the lower fixing clamp and also fits to the outer wall of the pipe; a second fixing bolt is provided at both ends of the upper and lower fixing clamps; and a limiting fixing structure is provided at the top of the extended housing; wherein, the upper and lower fixing clamps are fixed by the second fixing bolt, so that the fiber optic guide structure is stably installed with the pipe.

[0014] Preferably, the limiting and fixing structure includes a second limiting groove, which is formed on the top of the extended housing; a protrusion is provided on the top of the upper fixing clamp and is connected to the outer wall of the extended housing and the inner wall of the second limiting groove; two sets of third fixing bolts are provided, which pass through the inner wall of the protrusion and are threaded to both sides of the extended housing; wherein, the connection stability between the upper fixing clamp and the extended housing is enhanced by the cooperation between the second limiting groove and the protrusion and the tightening effect of the third fixing bolts. Beneficial effects

[0015] This invention provides an enhanced fiber optic monitoring structure for water pipe flanges. It offers the following advantages: This enhanced fiber optic monitoring structure for water pipe flanges, through the cooperation of the pipe, connecting flange, sensing fiber, fiber guiding structure, and rigid support structure, adopts a spanning arc-shaped guiding laying method. By guiding and encapsulating the sensing fiber internally, the bending radius of the sensing fiber at the connecting flange is significantly larger than the minimum allowable dynamic bending radius of the fiber, thereby reducing macro-bending loss of the optical signal, improving the signal-to-noise ratio of the entire monitoring system, and avoiding long-term high-stress conditions, thus extending the system's service life. Simultaneously, the rigid support structure enables direct mechanical coupling between the sensing fiber and the flange connection, efficiently transmitting vibration and strain signals through a rigid connection. This improves the response sensitivity to vibration and strain signals caused by early minor leaks or structural anomalies in this critical area, thus enhancing the early warning capability of the pipeline monitoring system for minor leaks at the flange connection.

[0016] Through the cooperation of the pipe, extension shell, upper fixing clamp, lower fixing clamp, anti-slip pad, second fixing bolt, and limiting fixing structure, the fiber optic guide structure is fixed to the pipe using clamp fixation, which improves the ease of installation of the monitoring device. The anti-slip pad increases the friction with the outer wall of the pipe, which can prevent the extension shell from shifting due to external vibrations and other factors during long-term use. This ensures that the fiber optic guide structure is stably installed with the pipe and remains in the correct position during installation and use. In addition, different sizes of upper and lower fixing clamps can be replaced according to the outer diameter of the pipe to adapt to different specifications of water pipes, thereby improving the stability, reliability, and versatility of the entire monitoring system. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the appearance of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the sensing fiber, arched shell, and U-shaped rigid support in this invention. Figure 4This is a schematic diagram showing the external appearance of the U-shaped rigid bracket, arc groove, and screw hole in this invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the external appearance of the upper clamping plate, lower pad, and support sleeve in this invention; Figure 6 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of region A in the middle; Figure 7 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of region B in the middle.

[0018] In the diagram: 1. Pipeline; 2. Connecting flange; 3. Sensing fiber; 4. Fiber optic guide structure; 5. Rigid support structure; 6. Installation and fixing structure; 41. Arched outer shell; 42. Extended outer shell; 43. Inner cavity; 44. Fiber optic limiting structure; 441. Fiber optic coupling medium; 442. Positioning inner tube; 443. Clamping sleeve; 51. U-shaped rigid bracket; 52. Arc groove; 53. Coupling connection structure; 54. Adjustment structure; 531. Upper Clamping plate; 532, lower pad; 533, first fixing bolt; 534, fastening nut; 535, first limiting groove; 536, support sleeve; 541, limiting square tube; 542, screw hole; 543, centering adjusting bolt; 61, upper fixing clamp; 62, lower fixing clamp; 63, anti-slip pad; 64, second fixing bolt; 65, limiting fixing structure; 651, second limiting groove; 652, protrusion; 653, third fixing bolt. Detailed Implementation

[0019] 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. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] In practical applications, the lack of effective mechanical coupling between the optical fiber and the flange structure, which is a potential vibration source, results in the optical fiber responding extremely slowly to vibration and strain signals caused by early minor leaks or structural anomalies in this critical area. Furthermore, the sensing optical fiber will be subjected to sharp bends of extremely small radius or severe mechanical compression at the flange structure, which will not only cause significant macro-bending loss of optical signals and reduce the signal-to-noise ratio of the entire monitoring system, but also easily lead to fiber breakage and shorten the system life due to long-term high stress.

[0021] In view of this, the present invention provides an enhanced fiber optic monitoring structure for water pipe flanges. Through the cooperation of the pipe, connecting flange, sensing fiber, fiber guiding structure, and rigid support structure, an arched structure is formed at the pipe flange connection using a spanning arc-shaped guiding laying method. The sensing fiber is guided and encapsulated within this arched structure, ensuring that the bending radius of the sensing fiber at the connecting flange is significantly greater than the minimum allowable dynamic bending radius of the fiber. This reduces macro-bending loss of the optical signal, improves the signal-to-noise ratio of the entire monitoring system, and effectively protects the sensing fiber, preventing it from being under high stress for extended periods and extending the system's service life. Simultaneously, the rigid support structure enables direct mechanical coupling between the sensing fiber and the flange connection, efficiently transmitting vibration and strain signals through a rigid connection. This improves the response sensitivity to vibration and strain signals generated by early minor leaks or structural anomalies in this critical area, enhancing the early warning capability of the pipeline monitoring system for minor leaks at the flange connection.

[0022] Those skilled in the art can connect the components in this case sequentially. The specific connection and operation sequence should refer to the working principle described below. The detailed connection methods are well-known technologies in the art. The following mainly introduces the working principle and process.

[0023] Depend on Figure 1-7 It is known that an enhanced fiber optic monitoring structure for water pipe flanges includes a pipe 1, a connecting flange 2 is provided on one side of the two pipes 1 that are close to each other, and a sensing fiber 3 is provided above the connecting flange 2. The enhanced fiber optic monitoring structure for water pipe flanges also includes a fiber optic guiding structure 4 and a rigid support structure 5. The fiber optic guiding structure 4 is located outside the sensing fiber 3; the rigid support structure 5 is located above the connecting flange 2. The arched structure of the fiber optic guiding structure 4 guides and encapsulates the internal sensing fiber 3, so that the sensing fiber 3 is laid across the connecting flange 2. The rigid support structure 5 enables the sensing fiber 3 to form a direct mechanical coupling with the flange connection. In the specific implementation process, it is worth noting that pipe 1 is a liquid transportation pipeline, and the connection between pipes 1 is achieved through connecting flange 2. The sensing optical fiber 3 is a key component of the distributed optical fiber sensing system (such as distributed acoustic sensing DAS or distributed temperature sensing DTS), laid axially along the outer wall of the water pipe. By sensing vibration, strain, or temperature changes along the pipeline, it monitors the structural health status and provides early warning of leaks at the flange connection of the water pipe. The two ends of the optical fiber guiding structure 4 are fixed to pipe 1, forming an arched structure at the flange connection of pipe 1. The sensing optical fiber 3 is guided and encapsulated within this structure, ensuring that the bending radius of the sensing optical fiber 3 at the connecting flange 2 is significantly greater than the minimum allowable dynamic bending radius of the optical fiber. This prevents the sensing optical fiber 3 from experiencing sharp bends of extremely small radius or severe mechanical compression at the flange structure, preventing macro-bending loss of the optical signal and improving the signal-to-noise ratio of the monitoring system. The rigid support structure 5 is used to ensure a stable connection between the optical fiber guiding structure 4 and the flange connection, ensuring direct mechanical coupling between the sensing optical fiber 3 and the flange connection. To effectively enhance the response sensitivity of the sensing fiber 3 to vibration and strain signals generated by early minor leaks or structural anomalies in the critical area, the system employs a cross-shaped arc-shaped guide laying method. This method involves coordinating the pipeline 1, connecting flange 2, sensing fiber 3, fiber guide structure 4, and rigid support structure 5 to form an arched structure at the flange connection of the pipeline 1. By guiding and encapsulating the sensing fiber 3 within this arched structure, the bending radius of the sensing fiber 3 at the connecting flange 2 is significantly greater than the minimum allowable dynamic bending radius of the fiber. This reduces macro-bending loss of the optical signal, improves the signal-to-noise ratio of the entire monitoring system, and effectively protects the sensing fiber 3 from prolonged high-stress conditions, extending the system's service life. Simultaneously, the rigid support structure 5 enables direct mechanical coupling between the sensing fiber 3 and the flange connection, efficiently transmitting vibration and strain signals through a rigid connection. This enhances the response sensitivity of the sensing fiber 3 to vibration and strain signals generated by early minor leaks or structural anomalies in the critical area, thereby improving the early warning capability of the pipeline monitoring system for minor leaks at the flange connection. Furthermore, the fiber guiding structure 4 includes an arched outer shell 41, an extended outer shell 42, an inner cavity 43, and a fiber limiting structure 44. The arched outer shell 41 is disposed above the connecting flange 2; the extended outer shell 42 is disposed at both ends of the arched outer shell 41 and is fitted to the outer wall of the pipe 1; the inner cavity 43 is disposed inside the arched outer shell 41 and the extended outer shell 42, and the sensing fiber 3 passes through the inner cavity 43; the fiber limiting structure 44 is disposed inside the inner cavity 43; wherein, the extended outer shell 42 is close to the pipe 1, so that the arched outer shell 41 is stably erected above the connecting flange 2, and the fiber limiting structure 44 encapsulates and limits the sensing fiber 3 in the inner cavity 43, so that the bending radius of the sensing fiber 3 at the connecting flange 2 is significantly greater than the minimum allowable dynamic bending radius of the fiber. In the specific implementation process, it is worth noting that the arched outer shell 41 and the extended outer shell 42 together form an arc-shaped guide structure across the flange. The bottom arc of the extended outer shell 42 is adapted to the outer wall of the pipe 1 and fits tightly. By fixing the extended outer shell 42 to the pipe 1, the arched outer shell 41 is stably erected above the flange connection. The sensing optical fiber 3 passes through the inner cavity 43, providing a stable laying path for the sensing optical fiber 3 and ensuring that the bending radius of the sensing optical fiber 3 at the connecting flange 2 is significantly greater than the minimum allowable dynamic bending radius of the optical fiber. The optical fiber limiting structure 44 is used to encapsulate and limit the sensing optical fiber 3. Furthermore, the fiber optic limiting structure 44 includes a fiber optic coupling medium 441, a positioning inner tube 442, and a clamping sleeve 443. The fiber optic coupling medium 441 fills the interior of the inner cavity 43. The positioning inner tube 442 is fitted to the inner wall of the arched outer shell 41. The clamping sleeve 443 is fitted to the inner wall of the positioning inner tube 442 and is also fitted to the outer wall of the sensing fiber 3. Through the cooperation of the fiber optic coupling medium 441, the positioning inner tube 442, and the clamping sleeve 443, the sensing fiber 3 is stably encapsulated and limited within the arched outer shell 41 and the extended outer shell 42. In the specific implementation process, it is worth noting that the fiber optic coupling medium 441 can be made of epoxy resin or other materials with good coupling performance, the positioning inner tube 442 is made of stainless steel and can be embedded inside the extension shell 42 to provide stable support for the extension shell 42, and the clamping sleeve 443 is made of flexible rubber or similar elastic material. By filling the inner cavity 43 with the fiber optic coupling medium 441, the sensing fiber 3 is encapsulated and fixed, and by placing the positioning inner tube 442 and the clamping sleeve 443 on the outside of the sensing fiber 3, the extension shell 42... Further positioning of the sensing fiber 3 is performed to ensure its stable position inside the arched housing 41 and the extended housing 42, so that the leakage / vibration energy of the flange can be efficiently transferred from the arched housing 41 and the extended housing 42 to the sensing fiber 3, thereby improving the sensitivity of the sensing fiber 3 to leakage and vibration signals. At the same time, the combined use of the positioning inner tube 442 and the clamping sleeve 443 can also play a certain buffering role and provide support for the extended housing 42, preventing the extended housing 42 from being deformed by external force when the device is fixed, thus protecting the internal sensing fiber 3 from damage. Furthermore, the rigid support structure 5 includes a U-shaped rigid bracket 51, an arc-shaped groove 52, a coupling connection structure 53, and an adjustment structure 54. The U-shaped rigid bracket 51 is located on the side where the connecting flange 2 and the arched shell 41 are close to each other; the arc-shaped groove 52 is located at the bottom of both sides of the U-shaped rigid bracket 51, and its inner wall is fitted to the outer wall of the pipe 1; the coupling connection structure 53 is located at the top of the U-shaped rigid bracket 51; and the adjustment structure 54 is located on the outer wall of the U-shaped rigid bracket 51. The U-shaped rigid bracket 51 is tightly fitted to the outer wall of the pipe 1 through the arc-shaped groove 52, and the U-shaped rigid bracket 51 is reliably connected to the arched shell 41 through the coupling connection structure 53, so that the sensing fiber 3 and the flange connection point form a direct mechanical coupling. The adjustment structure 54 adjusts the relative position of the U-shaped rigid bracket 51 and the connecting flange 2. In the specific implementation process, it is worth noting that the U-shaped rigid support 51 is made of high-strength metal material, which has good rigidity and stability. The curvature of the arc groove 52 is perfectly matched with the outer wall of the pipe 1, which can ensure that the bottom of the U-shaped rigid support 51 is tightly attached to the pipe 1, providing a stable foundation for the entire rigid support structure 5. The coupling connection structure 53 is used to firmly connect the U-shaped rigid support 51 to the arched shell 41, so that the vibration and strain signals generated when there is a small leak or structural abnormality at the flange can be efficiently transmitted to the sensing optical fiber 3 in the arched shell 41 through the U-shaped rigid support 51 and the coupling connection structure 53. The adjustment structure 54 is used to adjust the relative position of the U-shaped rigid support 51 and the connecting flange 2. Furthermore, the coupling connection structure 53 includes an upper clamping plate 531, a lower pad 532, a first fixing bolt 533, and a fastening nut 534. The upper clamping plate 531 is fitted to the top of the outer wall of the arched shell 41; the lower pad 532 is fitted to the bottom of the outer wall of the arched shell 41 and to the top of the outer wall of the U-shaped rigid bracket 51; two first fixing bolts 533 are provided, distributed on both sides of the arched shell 41, and respectively penetrate the inner wall of the upper clamping plate 531, the lower pad 532, and the U-shaped rigid bracket 51; the fastening nut 534 is threaded to the outer wall of the first fixing bolt 533 and is fitted to the U-shaped rigid bracket 51; wherein, the upper clamping plate 531 and the lower pad 532 clamp the arched shell 41 and are fixed to the U-shaped rigid bracket 51 by the first fixing bolt 533 and the fastening nut 534, so that a rigid fixation is formed between the arched shell 41 and the U-shaped rigid bracket 51; In the specific implementation process, it is worth noting that, through the cooperation between the upper clamping plate 531, the lower pad 532, the first fixing bolt 533 and the fastening nut 534, the upper clamping plate 531 and the lower pad 532 are clamped from the top and bottom of the arched shell 41 respectively, and fixed to the U-shaped rigid bracket 51 by the first fixing bolt 533 and the fastening nut 534, so as to achieve rigid fixation between the arched shell 41 and the U-shaped rigid bracket 51. This can effectively transmit the vibration and strain signals generated at the flange from the U-shaped rigid bracket 51 to the arched shell 41, and then to the internal sensing optical fiber 3. Furthermore, the coupling connection structure 53 also includes a first limiting groove 535 and a support sleeve 536. The first limiting groove 535 is disposed on the outer wall of the upper clamping plate 531 and the lower pad 532 near the arched outer shell 41, and its inner wall is fitted to the arched outer shell 41. The support sleeve 536 is sleeved on the outer wall of the first fixing bolt 533, and its two ends are respectively fitted to the upper clamping plate 531 and the lower pad 532. The first limiting groove 535 is used to improve the connection stability between the upper clamping plate 531 and the lower pad 532 and the arched outer shell 41, and the support sleeve 536 is used to prevent the upper clamping plate 531 and the lower pad 532 from causing excessive compression and damage to the arched outer shell 41. In the specific implementation process, it is worth noting that the shape of the first limiting groove 535 is adapted to the shape of the arched shell 41, which can tightly wrap a part of the arched shell 41, making the connection between the upper clamping plate 531 and the lower pad 532 and the arched shell 41 more stable, reducing loosening and displacement during vibration transmission. When tightened by the first fixing bolt 533 and the fastening nut 534, the support sleeve 536 can withstand a certain pressure, avoiding the upper clamping plate 531 and the lower pad 532 from directly applying excessive squeezing force to the arched shell 41, thereby protecting the structure of the arched shell 41 from damage and further ensuring the stability of the working environment of the sensing fiber 3. Furthermore, the adjustment structure 54 includes a limiting square tube 541, screw holes 542, and centering adjustment bolts 543. The limiting square tube 541 is connected to the outer wall of the U-shaped rigid bracket 51. Two sets of screw holes 542 are provided, located on both sides of the outer wall of the U-shaped rigid bracket 51 and the limiting square tube 541. Two sets of centering adjustment bolts 543 are provided, threadedly connected to the inner wall of the screw holes 542, and their ends are connected to the connecting flange 2. The limiting square tube 541 is used to improve the stability of the U-shaped rigid bracket 51 and prevent it from deforming under stress. By adjusting the screwing depth of the two sets of centering adjustment bolts 543, the relative position of the U-shaped rigid bracket 51 and the connecting flange 2 can be precisely adjusted to ensure that the center of the U-shaped rigid bracket 51 and the connecting flange 2 are aligned. In the specific implementation process, it is worth noting that the limiting square tube 541 is made of high-strength steel and is fitted on the outside of the U-shaped rigid bracket 51 to prevent the U-shaped rigid bracket 51 from deforming during long-term use. By passing the centering adjustment bolt 543 through the limiting square tube 541 and screwing it into the screw hole 542, its end is pressed against the connecting flange 2. By adjusting the screwing depth of each centering adjustment bolt 543, the position of the U-shaped rigid bracket 51 can be adjusted so that the U-shaped rigid bracket 51 is precisely above the connecting flange 2, ensuring that it is strictly aligned with the center of the connecting flange 2. When a small leak occurs at the flange or a structural abnormality generates vibration and strain signals, the U-shaped rigid bracket 51 can uniformly and efficiently transmit these signals to the sensing optical fiber 3 inside the arched shell 41, avoiding signal transmission distortion or weakening due to positional deviation. Furthermore, the bottom of the extended housing 42 is provided with an installation and fixing structure 6, which includes an upper fixing clamp 61, a lower fixing clamp 62, an anti-slip pad 63, a second fixing bolt 64, and a limiting fixing structure 65. The upper fixing clamp 61 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the extended housing 42 and is also connected to the outer wall of the pipe 1; the lower fixing clamp 62 is correspondingly located below the upper fixing clamp 61; the anti-slip pad 63 is connected to the inner wall of the lower fixing clamp 62 and is also connected to the outer wall of the pipe 1; the second fixing bolt 64 is located at both ends of the upper fixing clamp 61 and the lower fixing clamp 62; the limiting fixing structure 65 is located at the top of the extended housing 42; wherein, the upper fixing clamp 61 and the lower fixing clamp 62 are fixed by the second fixing bolt 64, so that the optical fiber guide structure 4 is stably installed with the pipe 1; In the specific implementation process, it is worth noting that, through the cooperation between the pipe 1, the extension shell 42, the upper fixing clamp 61, the lower fixing clamp 62, the anti-slip pad 63, the second fixing bolt 64, and the limiting fixing structure 65, the fiber optic guide structure 4 is fixed to the pipe 1 by clamp fixation, which improves the installation convenience of the monitoring device. The anti-slip pad 63 increases the friction with the outer wall of the pipe 1, preventing the extension shell 42 from shifting due to external vibration and other factors during long-term use. This achieves a stable installation of the fiber optic guide structure 4 and the pipe 1, ensuring that it remains in the correct position during installation and use. Furthermore, the upper fixing clamp 61 and lower fixing clamp 62 of different sizes can be replaced according to the outer diameter of the pipe 1 to adapt to different specifications of water pipes, thereby improving the stability, reliability, and versatility of the entire monitoring system. Furthermore, the limiting and fixing structure 65 includes a second limiting groove 651, a protrusion 652, and a third fixing bolt 653. The second limiting groove 651 is formed on the top of the extended housing 42; the protrusion 652 is disposed on the top of the upper fixing clamp 61 and is connected to the outer wall of the extended housing 42 and the inner wall of the second limiting groove 651; two sets of the third fixing bolt 653 are provided, which penetrate the inner wall of the protrusion 652 and are threaded to both sides of the extended housing 42; wherein, through the cooperation of the second limiting groove 651 and the protrusion 652, and the fastening effect of the third fixing bolt 653, the connection stability between the upper fixing clamp 61 and the extended housing 42 is enhanced. In the specific implementation process, it is worth noting that the second limiting groove 651 of the extended outer shell 42 and the protrusion 652 of the upper fixing clamp 61 are mutually adapted. By embedding the protrusion 652 into the second limiting groove 651 and fixing it with the third fixing bolt 653, the extended outer shell 42 and the upper fixing clamp 61 are more stable. At the same time, it is also convenient to replace the upper fixing clamp 61 and lower fixing clamp 62 of different sizes according to the outer diameter of the pipe 1 to adapt to different specifications of water pipes. This makes the enhanced fiber optic monitoring structure widely used in various water pipe systems, improving its versatility and practicality. The working principle of this application is illustrated below with a preferred embodiment: After the monitoring system is installed, when vibration / leakage occurs at the flange connection of pipe 1, the fluid fluctuations generated by the leakage and the mechanical waves generated by the vibration propagate at the flange connection. Since the U-shaped rigid support 51 is tightly attached to the outer wall of pipe 1 through the arc groove 52 and is rigidly connected to the arched shell 41 through the coupling connection structure 53, the fluid fluctuations generated by the leakage and the mechanical waves generated by the vibration are transmitted to the arched shell 41 through the U-shaped rigid support 51 and the coupling connection structure 53. The arched outer shell 41 and the extended outer shell 42 form a cross-flange arc-shaped guide structure, which can ensure that the bending radius of the sensing fiber 3 at the connecting flange 2 is greater than the minimum allowable dynamic bending radius of the fiber. At the same time, the fiber limiting structure 44 provides a stable encapsulation and limiting fixation for the sensing fiber 3, so that the leakage / vibration energy transmitted to the arched outer shell 41 can be efficiently transmitted to the sensing fiber 3 inside it. As a signal sensing element, the sensing fiber 3 has high response sensitivity to leakage and vibration signals. When a leakage / vibration signal is received, the sensing fiber 3 will convert these signals into changes in optical signals. Subsequently, by detecting and analyzing these changes in optical signals, it is possible to accurately determine whether there is leakage or abnormal vibration at the flange connection, and monitor the condition of the water pipe flange in a timely and accurate manner.

[0024] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An enhanced fiber optic monitoring structure for a water pipe flange, comprising a pipe (1), characterized in that: A connecting flange (2) is provided on one side of the two pipes (1) that are close to each other, and a sensing optical fiber (3) is provided above the connecting flange (2). The enhanced optical fiber monitoring structure for the water pipe flange also includes: The fiber guiding structure (4) is disposed outside the sensing fiber (3); A rigid support structure (5) is provided above the connecting flange (2); The arched structure of the fiber guiding structure (4) guides and encapsulates the internal sensing fiber (3), so that the sensing fiber (3) is laid across the connecting flange (2), and the rigid support structure (5) makes the sensing fiber (3) directly mechanically coupled to the flange connection.

2. The enhanced fiber optic monitoring structure for water pipe flanges according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fiber guiding structure (4) includes: An arched outer shell (41) is positioned above the connecting flange (2); An extended outer shell (42) is provided at both ends of the arched outer shell (41) and is fitted to the outer wall of the pipe (1); The inner cavity (43) is located inside the arched outer shell (41) and the extended outer shell (42), and the sensing optical fiber (3) passes through the inner cavity (43). The fiber optic limiting structure (44) is disposed inside the inner cavity (43); The extended outer shell (42) is close to the pipe (1), so that the arched outer shell (41) is stably erected above the connecting flange (2). The fiber limiting structure (44) encapsulates and limits the sensing fiber (3) in the inner cavity (43), so that the bending radius of the sensing fiber (3) at the connecting flange (2) is significantly greater than the minimum allowable dynamic bending radius of the fiber.

3. The enhanced fiber optic monitoring structure for water pipe flanges according to claim 2, characterized in that: The fiber optic limiting structure (44) includes: An optical fiber coupling medium (441) is filled inside the cavity (43); Positioning inner tube (442), which is fitted and connected to the inner wall of arched outer shell (41); The clamping sleeve (443) is connected to the inner wall of the positioning inner tube (442) and to the outer wall of the sensing fiber (3); The sensing fiber (3) is securely encapsulated and fixed within the arched outer shell (41) and the extended outer shell (42) through the cooperation of the optical fiber coupling medium (441), the positioning inner tube (442) and the clamping sleeve (443).

4. The enhanced fiber optic monitoring structure for water pipe flanges according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rigid support structure (5) includes: A U-shaped rigid bracket (51) is provided on the side where the connecting flange (2) and the arched shell (41) are close to each other; Arc-shaped grooves (52) are provided on both sides of the bottom of the U-shaped rigid support (51), and their inner walls are connected to the outer wall of the pipe (1). The coupling connection structure (53) is set on the top of the U-shaped rigid bracket (51); An adjustment structure (54) is provided on the outer wall of the U-shaped rigid bracket (51); The U-shaped rigid support (51) is tightly fitted to the outer wall of the pipe (1) through the arc groove (52), and the U-shaped rigid support (51) is reliably connected to the arched shell (41) through the coupling connection structure (53), so that the sensing fiber (3) and the flange connection are directly mechanically coupled. The adjustment structure (54) adjusts the relative position of the U-shaped rigid support (51) and the connecting flange (2).

5. The enhanced fiber optic monitoring structure for water pipe flanges according to claim 1, characterized in that: The coupling connection structure (53) includes: The upper clamping plate (531) is fitted and connected to the top of the outer wall of the arched shell (41); The lower pad (532) is fitted to the bottom of the outer wall of the arched shell (41) and to the top of the outer wall of the U-shaped rigid bracket (51); There are two first fixing bolts (533), which are distributed on both sides of the arched shell (41) and penetrate the inner wall of the upper clamping plate (531), the lower pad plate (532) and the U-shaped rigid bracket (51), respectively. The fastening nut (534) is threaded to the outer wall of the first fixing bolt (533) and is also connected to the U-shaped rigid bracket (51). The upper clamping plate (531) and the lower pad (532) clamp the arched shell (41) and fix it to the U-shaped rigid bracket (51) by the first fixing bolt (533) and the fastening nut (534), so that the arched shell (41) and the U-shaped rigid bracket (51) are rigidly fixed.

6. The enhanced fiber optic monitoring structure for water pipe flanges according to claim 5, characterized in that: The coupling connection structure (53) further includes: The first limiting groove (535) is provided on the outer wall of the upper clamping plate (531) and the lower pad plate (532) near the arched shell (41), and the inner wall is connected to the arched shell (41). The support sleeve (536) is sleeved on the outer wall of the first fixing bolt (533), and its two ends are respectively connected to the upper clamping plate (531) and the lower pad (532). The first limiting groove (535) is used to improve the connection stability between the upper clamping plate (531) and the lower pad (532) and the arched shell (41), and the support sleeve (536) is used to prevent the upper clamping plate (531) and the lower pad (532) from causing excessive compression and damage to the arched shell (41).

7. The enhanced fiber optic monitoring structure for water pipe flanges according to claim 5, characterized in that: The adjustment structure (54) includes: The limiting square tube (541) is connected to the outer wall of the U-shaped rigid bracket (51); Two sets of screw holes (542) are provided, which are opened on both sides of the outer wall of the U-shaped rigid bracket (51) and the limiting square tube (541); The centering adjusting bolt (543) is provided in two sets, which are threaded to the inner wall of the screw hole (542) and the end is fitted to the connecting flange (2). The limiting square tube (541) is used to improve the stability of the U-shaped rigid bracket (51) and prevent it from deforming under stress. By adjusting the screwing depth of the two sets of centering adjusting bolts (543), the relative position of the U-shaped rigid bracket (51) and the connecting flange (2) can be precisely adjusted to ensure that the center of the U-shaped rigid bracket (51) and the connecting flange (2) are aligned.

8. The enhanced fiber optic monitoring structure for water pipe flanges according to claim 5, characterized in that: The bottom of the extended outer shell (42) is provided with a mounting and fixing structure (6), the mounting and fixing structure (6) including: The upper fixing clamp (61) is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the extended shell (42) and is also connected to the outer wall of the pipe (1); The lower fixing clamp (62) is correspondingly positioned below the upper fixing clamp (61); The anti-slip pad (63) is connected to the inner wall of the lower fixing clamp (62) and to the outer wall of the pipe (1); The second fixing bolt (64) is provided at both ends of the upper fixing clamp (61) and the lower fixing clamp (62); A limiting and fixing structure (65) is provided on the top of the extended housing (42); The upper fixing clamp (61) and the lower fixing clamp (62) are fixed by the second fixing bolt (64) so ​​that the fiber optic guide structure (4) and the pipe (1) are stably installed.

9. The enhanced fiber optic monitoring structure for water pipe flanges according to claim 5, characterized in that: The limiting and fixing structure (65) includes: The second limiting groove (651) is provided on the top of the extended housing (42); A protrusion (652) is provided on the top of the upper fixing clamp (61) and is connected to the outer wall of the extended housing (42) and the inner wall of the second limiting groove (651); The third fixing bolt (653) is provided in two sets, which penetrate the inner wall of the protrusion (652) and are threaded to both sides of the extended housing (42); The connection stability between the upper fixing clamp (61) and the extended outer shell (42) is enhanced by the cooperation of the second limiting groove (651) and the protrusion (652) and the fastening effect of the third fixing bolt (653).

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