T-shaped sealing type intelligent flange

Abstract

The present application relates to intelligent pipe fittings, in particular to a T-shaped sealing type intelligent flange, comprising two oppositely arranged sleeve joints and a sealing ring located inside the two sleeve joints, the outer side of the two sleeve joints is provided with a clamping sleeve, the outer wall of both ends of the sealing ring is provided with a first taper surface with an outer diameter gradually increasing from the end to the middle, the inner wall of the end of the two sleeve joints is provided with a second taper surface, the end of the first taper surface is in contact with the second taper surface, and there is an included angle a between the first taper surface and the second taper surface, a monitoring ring is arranged around the outer wall of the sealing ring, a monitoring assembly for monitoring the deformation of the sealing ring is arranged on the monitoring ring, and the monitoring assembly is connected to a data terminal through a gateway module. The problem that the sensor installed on the traditional flange can only detect after leakage occurs and cannot effectively monitor when leakage is about to occur is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to intelligent pipe fittings, specifically to a T-shaped sealing type intelligent flange. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of pipeline connection, especially in fluid transportation systems under high pressure conditions, the sealing performance and structural reliability of pipeline connectors are directly related to the safe and stable operation of the system. At present, traditional pipeline connection methods mostly adopt flange connection structures, which mainly use multiple main bolts to fasten the mating flanges and rely on sealing gaskets such as rubber gaskets and metal gaskets between the flanges to achieve sealing.

[0003] However, traditional flange connections have many inherent drawbacks: On the one hand, to ensure sealing under high pressure, traditional flanges often require a large flange body and numerous high-strength main bolts, resulting in a large overall structure that is heavy and bulky. This not only increases material costs and installation space requirements but also makes installation and disassembly cumbersome and maintenance difficult. On the other hand, traditional flanges are difficult to detect effectively. The common method is to use external sensors to monitor leak points. When a leak occurs, the corresponding sensor detects the leak point and issues an early warning. This method can only issue an alarm after a leak has occurred, notifying staff to take timely remedial action and prevent the accident from escalating. However, with the development of intelligent factories, intelligent manufacturing requires a higher level of safety. Therefore, flange detection needs to be performed before leaks occur, allowing for appropriate measures to be taken to prevent subsequent leaks and improve factory safety. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a T-shaped sealing type intelligent flange, which solves the problem that sensors installed on traditional flanges can only detect leaks after they occur, and cannot effectively monitor leaks when they are about to occur.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A T-shaped sealing type smart flange includes two opposing sleeves and a sealing ring located inside the two sleeves. A ferrule is provided on the outer side of each sleeve. The outer walls of both ends of the sealing ring are configured as first conical surfaces with an outer diameter that gradually increases from the end to the middle. The inner walls of the ends of both sleeves are configured as second conical surfaces. The ends of the first conical surfaces fit against the second conical surfaces, and there is an included angle α between the first and second conical surfaces. A monitoring ring is provided around the outer wall of the sealing ring, and a monitoring component for monitoring the change in sealing ring shape is provided on the monitoring ring. The monitoring component is connected to a data terminal via a gateway module.

[0007] The monitoring ring is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the middle part of the sealing ring. The monitoring component is a microelectronic pulse sensor, which is arranged around the outer wall of the monitoring ring.

[0008] A gap is left between the outer wall of the monitoring ring and the middle part of the sealing ring. Several monitoring rods are set between the two sleeves around the outer wall of the sealing ring. Several monitoring holes are set on the inner wall of the monitoring ring, which are matched one by one with the monitoring rods. The monitoring sensor is installed in the monitoring hole to monitor the displacement of the monitoring rod.

[0009] A further technical solution is that the monitoring component includes a pressure monitoring block and a pressure sensor. The pressure monitoring block is located at the bottom of the monitoring hole, and a pressure groove is recessed on the side of the pressure monitoring block facing the monitoring rod. The pressure groove is filled with gas, and the opening of the pressure groove is sealed by an elastic membrane. The end of the monitoring rod abuts against the elastic membrane through a first top block. The outer wall of the monitoring ring is provided with a first through hole that communicates with the bottom of the monitoring hole. An air tube is provided in the first through hole. One end of the air tube is connected to the pressure groove, and the other end is connected to the pressure sensor.

[0010] A further technical solution is that the monitoring component includes a hydraulic monitoring block and a hydraulic sensor. The hydraulic monitoring block is located at the bottom of the monitoring hole, and a hydraulic groove is recessed on the side of the hydraulic monitoring block facing the monitoring rod. The hydraulic groove is filled with hydraulic oil, and the opening of the hydraulic groove is sealed by a corrugated metal membrane. The end of the monitoring rod abuts against the corrugated metal membrane through a second top block. The outer wall of the monitoring ring is provided with a second through hole that communicates with the bottom of the monitoring hole. A hydraulic oil pipe is provided in the second through hole. One end of the hydraulic oil pipe is connected to the hydraulic groove, and the other end is connected to the hydraulic oil pipe. A pressure-sensitive sensor is provided inside the hydraulic sensor.

[0011] A further technical solution is to have two rows of monitoring rods arranged around the outer wall of the sealing ring.

[0012] A further technical solution is that the monitoring ring includes a left ring, a central ring, and a right ring connected in sequence. The mating sides of the left ring and the central ring, as well as the mating sides of the right ring and the central ring, are recessed to form monitoring holes. The left ring and the right ring are both fixed to the central ring by screws.

[0013] A further technical solution is to have flexible bonding layers on both sides of the monitoring ring, which are bonded to the ends of the sleeve.

[0014] A further technical solution is to have an included angle α greater than zero, and to gradually increase the wall thickness of the sealing ring from both ends to the middle.

[0015] A further technical solution is to have two ferrules arranged opposite each other, with arc-shaped grooves on the inner walls of both ferrules, and the outer walls of both ferrules being fitted into the grooves. The two ferrules are then fixed together by multiple bolts.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: 1. When connecting two pipe fittings using this flange, two sleeves are welded to the ends of the two pipe fittings, and then a sealing ring is used to seal the connection between the two sleeves. Specifically, the sealing effect is achieved through the contact of the first conical surface and the second conical surface. Furthermore, due to the included angle α between the first and second conical surfaces, as the pressure inside the pipe increases, the pressure will push the sealing ring to expand and deform outward, thereby gradually increasing the contact area between the first and second conical surfaces. This allows the flange to improve the sealing effect as the internal pressure increases. 2. By setting a monitoring component, when the pressure inside the pipe fitting increases, the sealing ring will expand and deform. The deformation data detected by the detection component is used to determine whether the sealing ring is working properly and whether the deformation is normal, thereby determining whether the sealing effect meets expectations. When the difference between the detected data and the expected data is too large, it indicates that the sealing ring is malfunctioning, which facilitates timely inspection by the staff and avoids subsequent leakage accidents caused by seal ring damage. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a T-shaped sealing type smart flange.

[0018] Figure 2 A side cross-section diagram of a T-shaped sealing type smart flange. Figure 1 .

[0019] Figure 3 A side cross-section diagram of a T-shaped sealing type smart flange. Figure 2 .

[0020] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of the area marked A in the middle.

[0021] Figure 5 for Figure 4 An example of the embodiment marked B.

[0022] Figure 6 for Figure 4 Another embodiment at point B in the middle.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a wave-shaped metal membrane for a T-shaped sealing type smart flange.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the central ring of a T-shaped sealing type smart flange.

[0025] Icons: 1-Sleeve, 2-Sealing ring, 3-Flange, 4-First conical surface, 5-Second conical surface, 6-Monitoring ring, 7-Monitoring rod, 8-Monitoring hole, 9-Air pressure monitoring block, 10-Air pressure groove, 11-Microelectronic pulse sensor, 12-Elastic film, 13-First top block, 14-First through hole, 15-Hydraulic monitoring block, 16-Hydraulic groove, 17-Wave metal film, 18-Second top block, 19-Second through hole, 20-Left ring, 21-Center ring, 22-Right ring, 23-Flexible bonding layer, 25-Slot, 26-Bolt. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0027] Figures 1 to 8 The image shows an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Example 1

[0029] A T-shaped sealing type smart flange includes two opposing sleeves 1 and a sealing ring 2 located inside the two sleeves 1. A ferrule 3 is provided on the outer side of the two sleeves 1. The outer walls of both ends of the sealing ring 2 are both set as first conical surfaces 4 with the outer diameter gradually increasing from the end to the middle. The inner walls of the ends of the two sleeves 1 are both set as second conical surfaces 5. The end of the first conical surface 4 fits against the second conical surface 5, and there is an included angle α between the first conical surface 4 and the second conical surface 5. A monitoring ring 6 is provided around the outer wall of the sealing ring 2. A monitoring component for monitoring the deformation of the sealing ring 2 is provided on the monitoring ring 6. The monitoring component is connected to a data terminal through a gateway module. When connecting two pipe fittings using this flange, two sleeves 1 are welded to the ends of the two pipe fittings. A sealing ring 2 seals the connection between the two sleeves 1. Specifically, the sealing effect is achieved through the contact of the first conical surface 4 and the second conical surface 5. Due to the included angle α between the first conical surface 4 and the second conical surface 5, as the pressure inside the pipe increases, the pressure pushes the sealing ring 2 outwards, gradually increasing the contact area between the first conical surface 4 and the second conical surface 5. This allows the flange to improve the sealing effect as the internal pressure increases. By setting up a monitoring component, when the pressure inside the pipe increases, the sealing ring 2 expands and deforms. The deformation data detected by the monitoring component is used to determine whether the sealing ring 2 is working properly and whether the deformation is normal, thus determining whether the sealing effect meets expectations. If the difference between the monitored data and the expected data is too large, it indicates that the sealing ring 2 is malfunctioning, allowing for timely inspection by personnel and preventing subsequent leakage accidents caused by seal ring 2 breakage. The sealing ring 2 is made of a metal material with a certain degree of elasticity, allowing it to deform elastically when the internal pressure increases and to return to its original position elastically when the internal pressure decreases. Including but not limited to titanium alloys, nickel-titanium shape memory alloys, superelastic alloys, and spring steel.

[0030] Example 2

[0031] The monitoring ring 6 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the middle part of the sealing ring 2. The monitoring component is a microelectronic pulse sensor, which is arranged around the outer wall of the monitoring ring 6. When the pressure inside the pipeline changes, the sealing ring 2 undergoes slight metal deformation, and the sealing contact surface also changes, thus changing the sealing specific pressure. We then collect the changes in the above three dimensions through a pulse signal. The initial fixed value of the seal has been entered into the data terminal. The changes in the sealing state are calculated based on the data value fed back by the microelectronic pulse sensor, thereby predicting the risk value and issuing an early warning before an accident occurs.

[0032] The core technology for detecting the shape of metal workpieces using electronic pulse signals is pulsed eddy current detection. Its principle involves passing a pulsed current through a detection coil, generating a transient, time-varying magnetic field. When this magnetic field acts on the metal workpiece, eddy currents are induced within the conductor. These eddy currents themselves generate a secondary magnetic field, which carries information about the workpiece's internal conductivity, permeability, and geometry (such as thickness, defects, and contour variations). The receiving coil detects changes in this composite magnetic field—the induced voltage signal—thereby indirectly acquiring the workpiece's characteristic information. Compared to traditional single-frequency eddy currents, pulse excitation contains rich frequency components, can simultaneously reflect information from different depths, and is more sensitive to features such as shape.

[0033] Example 3

[0034] A gap is left between the monitoring ring 6 and the outer wall of the middle part of the sealing ring 2. Several monitoring rods 7 are arranged around the outer wall of the sealing ring 2 between the two sleeves 1. Several monitoring holes 8 are arranged on the inner wall of the monitoring ring 6, which are matched one by one with the monitoring rods 7. The monitoring sensor is installed in the monitoring hole 8 to monitor the displacement of the monitoring rod 7.

[0035] Example 4

[0036] The monitoring assembly includes a pressure monitoring block 9 and a pressure sensor. The pressure monitoring block 9 is disposed at the bottom of the monitoring hole 8, and a pressure groove 10 is recessed on the side of the pressure monitoring block 9 facing the monitoring rod 7. The pressure groove 10 is filled with gas, and the opening of the pressure groove 10 is sealed by an elastic membrane 12. The end of the monitoring rod 7 abuts against the elastic membrane 12 via a first top block 13. The outer wall of the monitoring ring 6 is provided with a first through hole 14 communicating with the bottom of the monitoring hole 8. An air tube is disposed in the first through hole 14, with one end of the air tube connected to the pressure groove 10 and the other end connected to the pressure sensor. In this embodiment, the displacement of the monitoring rod 7 is monitored by the pressure sensor. When the monitoring rod 7 moves toward the pressure monitoring block 9, it presses against the elastic diaphragm 12 and compresses it into the pressure groove 10. This compression changes the air pressure within the pressure groove 10. The displacement of the monitoring rod 7 is calculated by monitoring the pressure change through the pressure sensor, which in turn calculates the deformation of the sealing ring 2 at that position, thus determining whether the deformation meets the expected value. To avoid deformation of the air tube affecting the accuracy of monitoring, the air tube can be a capillary copper tube or other metal tube. This allows for easy bending and routing of the tube while connecting the pressure groove 10 and the pressure sensor, and also prevents deformation during use that could affect the monitoring effect.

[0037] Example 5

[0038] The monitoring component includes a hydraulic monitoring block 15 and a hydraulic sensor. The hydraulic monitoring block 15 is located at the bottom of the monitoring hole 8, and a hydraulic groove 16 is recessed on the side of the hydraulic monitoring block 15 facing the monitoring rod 7. The hydraulic groove 16 is filled with hydraulic oil, and the groove opening of the hydraulic groove 16 is sealed by a corrugated metal membrane 17. The end of the monitoring rod 7 abuts against the corrugated metal membrane 17 through a second top block 18. The outer wall of the monitoring ring 6 is provided with a second through hole 19 that communicates with the bottom of the monitoring hole 8. A hydraulic oil pipe is provided in the second through hole 19. One end of the hydraulic oil pipe is connected to the hydraulic groove 16, and the other end is connected to the hydraulic oil pipe. A pressure-sensitive sensor is provided inside the hydraulic sensor. In this embodiment, the displacement of the monitoring rod 7 is monitored by the pressure change of the hydraulic oil. Specifically, when the monitoring rod 7 is displaced, it will squeeze the wave-shaped metal diaphragm 17 to move into the hydraulic groove 16, causing deformation to change the hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic groove 16. The pressure change is monitored by a pressure-sensitive plate, thereby monitoring the displacement of the monitoring rod 7 and determining whether the deformation of the sealing ring 2 is normal.

[0039] Two rows of monitoring rods 7 are arranged around the outer wall of the sealing ring 2. The two rows of monitoring rods 7 are respectively close to both ends of the sealing ring 2 to monitor both ends of the sealing ring 2. During the monitoring process, if the displacement of the two monitoring rods 7 at the same position is inconsistent, it means that the deformation of the sealing ring 6 at both ends is inconsistent. In this case, the operator needs to further check the condition of the sealing ring 2 to determine whether any action is required.

[0040] The monitoring ring 6 includes a left ring 20, a central ring 21, and a right ring 22 connected in sequence. The mating sides of the left ring 20 and the central ring 21, as well as the mating sides of the right ring 22 and the central ring 21, are recessed to form monitoring holes 8. Both the left ring 20 and the right ring 22 are fixed to the central ring 21 with screws. This structure facilitates the installation of the monitoring rod 7, monitoring components, etc., into the monitoring holes 8.

[0041] Flexible bonding layers 23 are provided on both sides of the monitoring ring 6, and the flexible bonding layers 23 are bonded to the ends of the sleeves 1. By providing the flexible bonding layers 23, the monitoring ring 6 can be fixed after it is installed between the two sleeves 1.

[0042] When the included angle α is greater than zero, the wall thickness of sealing ring 2 gradually increases from both ends to the middle. The material and thickness of sealing ring 2 are selected based on the range of critical internal pressure variations.

[0043] Two retaining sleeves 3 are provided and positioned opposite each other. The inner walls of both retaining sleeves 3 are provided with arc-shaped retaining grooves 25, and the outer walls of both retaining sleeves 3 are engaged within the retaining grooves 25. The two retaining sleeves 3 are fixed by multiple bolts 26. By setting up retaining sleeves 3, the two sleeve sections 1 can be quickly and securely connected. With the help of the retaining grooves 25, the two sleeve sections 1 can be pressed together, while the first conical surface 4 and the second conical surface 5 are pressed and deformed to reach their initial state.

[0044] It also includes a gateway module, a data terminal, and a mobile terminal. The monitoring components communicate with the data terminal via the gateway module, and the data terminal communicates with the mobile terminal. The gateway module can collect data from the air pressure sensor or hydraulic sensor in a timely manner and transmit it to the data terminal via wired or wireless means. After receiving the data, the data terminal calculates the deformation of the sealing ring 2 at the corresponding position using a pre-set calculation method and further determines whether the position is in a normal state. If an abnormality is found, it promptly sends the information to the mobile terminal via wireless communication to notify the operator for timely handling.

[0045] Although the invention has been described herein with reference to several illustrative embodiments, it should be understood that many other modifications and implementations can be devised by those skilled in the art, which will fall within the scope and spirit of the principles disclosed herein. More specifically, various variations and modifications can be made to the components and / or layout of the subject matter arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, drawings, and claims. Besides variations and modifications to the components and / or layout, other uses will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A T-shaped sealing type intelligent flange, characterized in that, The device includes two opposing sleeves (1) and a sealing ring (2) located inside the two sleeves (1). A retainer (3) is provided on the outer side of each of the two sleeves (1). The outer walls of both ends of the sealing ring (2) are configured as first conical surfaces (4) with their outer diameters gradually increasing from the ends to the middle. The inner walls of the ends of both sleeves (1) are configured as second conical surfaces (5). The ends of the first conical surfaces (4) fit against the second conical surfaces (5), and there is an included angle α between the first conical surfaces (4) and the second conical surfaces (5). A retainer (3) is provided around the outer wall of the sealing ring (2). A monitoring ring (6) is provided, and a monitoring component for monitoring the deformation of the sealing ring (2) is provided on the monitoring ring (6). The monitoring component is connected to the data terminal through a gateway module. A gap is left between the monitoring ring (6) and the outer wall of the middle part of the sealing ring (2). Several monitoring rods (7) are provided around the outer wall of the sealing ring (2) between the two sleeves (1). Several monitoring holes (8) are provided on the inner wall of the monitoring ring (6) to match the monitoring rods (7) one by one. The monitoring component is installed in the monitoring holes (8) for monitoring. The displacement of the measuring rod (7); the monitoring rod (7) is provided with two rows around the outer wall of the sealing ring (2); flexible bonding layers (23) are provided on both sides of the monitoring ring (6), and the flexible bonding layers (23) are bonded to the end of the sleeve (1); the included angle α is greater than zero, and the wall thickness of the sealing ring (2) gradually increases from both ends to the middle; the monitoring component includes a pressure monitoring block (9) and a pressure sensor, the pressure monitoring block (9) is located at the bottom of the monitoring hole (8), and the pressure monitoring block (9) faces the monitoring rod. (7) has a recessed air pressure groove (10) on one side, the air pressure groove (10) is filled with gas, the groove opening of the air pressure groove (10) is closed by an elastic membrane (12), the end of the monitoring rod (7) is abutted by the first top block (13) and the elastic membrane (12), the outer wall of the monitoring ring (6) is provided with a first through hole (14) that communicates with the bottom of the monitoring hole (8), the first through hole (14) is provided with an air pipe, one end of the air pipe is connected to the air pressure groove (10), and the other end is connected to the air pressure sensor;Alternatively, the monitoring component may include a hydraulic monitoring block (15) and a hydraulic sensor. The hydraulic monitoring block (15) is disposed at the bottom of the monitoring hole (8), and a hydraulic groove (16) is recessed on the side of the hydraulic monitoring block (15) facing the monitoring rod (7). The hydraulic groove (16) is filled with hydraulic oil, and the groove opening of the hydraulic groove (16) is closed by a corrugated metal membrane (17). The end of the monitoring rod (7) abuts against the corrugated metal membrane (17) through a second top block (18). The outer wall of the monitoring ring (6) is provided with a second through hole (19) communicating with the bottom of the monitoring hole (8). A hydraulic oil pipe is disposed in the second through hole (19). One end of the hydraulic oil pipe is connected to the hydraulic groove (16), and the other end is connected to the hydraulic sensor. A pressure-sensitive sensor is disposed inside the hydraulic sensor.

2. The T-shaped sealing type intelligent flange according to claim 1, characterized in that: The monitoring ring (6) includes a left ring (20), a central ring (21) and a right ring (22) connected in sequence. The left ring (20) and the central ring (21) are fitted together on the side that fits against the right ring (22) and the central ring (21) to form the monitoring hole (8). The left ring (20) and the right ring (22) are both fixed to the central ring (21) by screws.

3. The T-shaped sealing type intelligent flange according to claim 1, characterized in that: The two sleeves (3) are arranged opposite each other. The inner walls of the two sleeves (3) are provided with arc-shaped slots (25). The outer walls of the two sleeves (1) are locked in the slots (25). The two sleeves (3) are fixed by multiple bolts (26).

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