Underground oil and gas steel pipeline circumferential weld defect detection equipment

Abstract

The invention discloses buried oil gas steel pipeline circumferential weld defect detection equipment which comprises a supporting frame, the lower end of the supporting frame is open, the supporting frame is in a two-thirds arc shape, at least three movable fixing pieces are symmetrically installed on the left side and the right side of the supporting frame, and the at least three movable fixing pieces are evenly installed on the supporting frame. The movable fixing part comprises a first telescopic motor, a steering motor and an electric wheel, the first telescopic motor is installed on the supporting frame along the diameter of the supporting frame, the steering motor is arranged at the lower end of the first telescopic motor, the electric wheel is arranged at the lower end of the steering motor, and a moving mechanism is arranged on the inner side of the supporting frame and can move on the inner side of the supporting frame; detection mechanisms are arranged at the two ends of the moving mechanism, and a control panel is arranged on the supporting frame. The movable fixing assembly can drive the supporting frame to move and be fixed on the pipeline, then the moving mechanism is used for driving the detection mechanism to move on the welding seam, the welding seam is detected, the continuity of pipeline detection operation is guaranteed, and the automation level is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of weld inspection technology, and in particular to a defect detection device for circumferential welds of buried oil and gas steel pipelines. Background Technology

[0002] Buried oil and gas steel pipelines are crucial infrastructure for energy transmission, and their operational safety directly impacts national energy security and public safety. During pipeline manufacturing and installation, circumferential welds are critical connections between pipe sections and are also the weakest points in the structure most prone to defects (such as cracks, lack of fusion, porosity, and slag inclusions). Once defects exist in the circumferential welds, they can easily lead to leaks or even pipe bursts during long-term service due to factors such as internal pressure, soil stress, and corrosion. Therefore, efficient and accurate non-destructive testing of buried pipeline circumferential welds is a core element in ensuring pipeline integrity management.

[0003] Currently, defect detection of circumferential welds in buried pipelines mainly relies on ultrasonic testing (UT), radiographic testing (RT), magnetic flux leakage testing (MFL), and the recently developed phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT). The corresponding testing equipment typically consists of a probe array, a signal acquisition and processing unit, a power supply module, and an auxiliary positioning device. However, existing testing equipment still faces significant technical bottlenecks in practical applications, particularly regarding its adaptability to movement on the outer wall of the pipeline.

[0004] Specifically, most existing testing devices use rigid supports or fixed slide rail structures, which are difficult to adapt to different pipe diameters. Moreover, traditional equipment often requires frequent manual adjustments or even reinstallation, which is not only cumbersome and labor-intensive, but also seriously restricts the continuity and automation level of testing operations. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a device for detecting defects in circumferential welds of buried oil and gas steel pipelines. The device uses a movable fixing component to fix an arc-shaped support frame onto the pipeline, which facilitates movement on the pipeline and also allows for easy avoidance of the support base below the pipeline.

[0006] The above-mentioned technical objective of the present invention is achieved through the following technical solution: A defect detection device for circumferential welds of buried oil and gas steel pipelines includes a support frame. The support frame is open at the bottom and has a two-thirds arc shape. At least three movable fixing parts are symmetrically installed on both sides of the support frame, and the at least three movable fixing parts are evenly installed on the support frame. Each movable fixing part includes a first telescopic motor, a steering motor, and an electric wheel. The first telescopic motor is installed on the support frame along the diameter of the support frame. The steering motor is located at the lower end of the first telescopic motor, and the electric wheel is located at the lower end of the steering motor. A moving mechanism is provided on the inner side of the support frame, and the moving mechanism can move inside the support frame. Detection mechanisms are provided at both ends of the moving mechanism. A control panel is provided on the support frame, and the first telescopic motor, steering motor, electric wheel, moving mechanism, and detection mechanisms are all electrically connected to the control panel.

[0007] By adopting the above technical solution, the support frame can move on the pipeline through the movable fixing parts, and the electric wheel can be pressed on the pipeline by the first telescopic motor to fix the support frame on the weld. Then, the moving mechanism drives the detection mechanism to move on the weld to detect the weld, ensuring the continuity of the detection operation and improving the level of automation.

[0008] A further configuration of the present invention is as follows: the support frame includes a left support plate, a right support plate, and a plurality of connecting rods; the left support plate and the right support plate are symmetrically installed; the lower end of the first telescopic motor is inserted into the support plate radially along the support plate; the two ends of the connecting rods are respectively connected to the upper ends of two adjacent first telescopic motors; and the moving mechanism is installed between the left support plate and the right support plate.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, the left and right support plates are symmetrically arranged, which facilitates the installation of the first telescopic motor. The first telescopic motor is located on the outside of the left and right support plates, which reduces the diameter of the left and right support plates, but can accommodate larger direct pipes.

[0010] A further configuration of the present invention is as follows: each of the left and right support plates has an installation groove on an adjacent side, and a rack is provided on the lower inner side of the installation groove. The moving mechanism includes an arc plate, a first rotating motor, and a first gear. The arc plate is located between the left and right support plates, the first rotating motor is located inside the arc plate, the first gear is located inside the installation groove, the first gear meshes with the rack, the output shaft of the first rotating motor is connected to the first gear, and the first rotating motor is electrically connected to the control panel.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, the first rotating motor drives the first gear to rotate, and the first gear drives the arc plate to move between the left support plate and the right support plate.

[0012] A further configuration of the present invention is as follows: the length of the arc-shaped plate is half that of the left support plate; the moving mechanism further includes two inner plates, two second gears, and two second rotating motors; the two inner plates are inserted at both ends of the arc-shaped plate, and the inner plates are in sliding fit with the arc-shaped plate; the inner sides of the inner plates are provided with internal teeth; the second gears and the second rotating motors are both located at both ends of the arc-shaped plate; the second gears mesh with the inner plates; the output shafts of the second rotating motors are connected to the second gears; the inner plates can extend halfway out of the arc-shaped plate; the detection mechanism is installed at the end of the inner plate away from the arc-shaped plate; and the second rotating motors are electrically connected to the control panel.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, a second rotating motor drives a second gear to rotate, thereby moving the inner plate and allowing the inspection mechanism to extend to the lower end of the weld, facilitating a complete inspection of the weld.

[0014] A further configuration of the present invention is as follows: the detection mechanism includes a second telescopic motor, a cover, a light-shielding flexible strip, a first camera, a lighting lamp, a distance sensor, and a detector. The second telescopic motor is located between the left support plate and the right support plate. The lower end of the second telescopic motor is connected to the end of the inner plate away from the arc-shaped plate. The output shaft of the second telescopic motor is connected to the cover. The lower end of the cover is open. The light-shielding flexible strip is located around the lower open end of the cover. The first camera, the lighting lamp, the distance sensor, and the detector are all located inside the cover. The first camera, the lighting lamp, the distance sensor, the detector, and the second telescopic motor are all electrically connected to the control panel.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the inspection agency uses a second telescopic motor to extend and retract the cover, bringing the cover closer to the weld. Then, a light-shielding flexible strip is attached to the pipe, and the first camera and lighting lamp are used to take pictures and record the weld. A detector is used for inspection, and a distance sensor can detect the distance between the cover and the pipe.

[0016] A further feature of the present invention is that the light-blocking flexible strip is composed of light-blocking flexible wool, and the width of the strip composed of the flexible wool is 1-2 cm.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the flexible fibers can fit the pipe well, and the dense flexible fibers can also have a good light-blocking effect.

[0018] A further feature of the present invention is that a second camera is provided on the right side of the right support plate, and the second camera is electrically connected to the control panel.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the second camera facilitates the movement of this device on the pipeline.

[0020] In summary, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: Firstly, the movable fixing component in this invention can move and fix the support frame on the pipeline, and then use the moving mechanism to move the inspection mechanism on the weld to inspect the weld, ensuring the continuity of pipeline inspection operations and improving the level of automation.

[0021] Secondly, the movable fixing component in this invention can be fixed by pressing the electric wheel onto the pipe with the first telescopic motor, and the electric wheel can drive the device to move on the pipe. The rotating motor is mainly used to adjust the device to ensure that the opening of the support frame faces downward when it moves on the pipe, avoiding the support seat of the pipe.

[0022] Thirdly, in this invention, the arc-shaped plate moves between the left support plate and the right support plate, and then the inner plate is extended to use the detection mechanism to detect the part of the lower opening end of the support frame. The two detection mechanisms work together to save detection time.

[0023] Fourth, during the inspection process, the inspection mechanism in this invention can press the cover down with the second telescopic motor to make the light-shielding flexible strip fit against the outside of the pipe, then use the first camera and lighting lamp to take pictures and record, and then use the detector to inspect the weld. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the movable fixing part in this invention; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the front and rear orientation in this invention; Figure 4 This is the present invention. Figure 3 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0025] In the diagram: 1. Support frame; 11. Left support plate; 12. Right support plate; 13. Connecting rod; 14. Mounting slot; 15. Rack; 2. Moving fixing component; 21. First telescopic motor; 22. Steering motor; 23. Electric wheel; 3. Moving mechanism; 31. Arc plate; 32. First rotating motor; 33. First gear; 34. Inner plate; 35. Second gear; 36. Second rotating motor; 37. Internal gear; 4. Detection mechanism; 41. Second telescopic motor; 42. Cover; 43. Light-shielding flexible strip; 44. First camera; 45. Lighting lamp; 46. Distance sensor; 47. Detector; 5. Control panel; 6. Second camera. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "rear", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0028] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal" and "vertical" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal than "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0029] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection, a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; or they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0030] Example: A defect detection device for circumferential welds of buried oil and gas steel pipelines, such as... Figures 1 to 3The device includes a support frame 1, which is open at the bottom and has a two-thirds arc shape to accommodate the pipe. The opening at the bottom avoids the support base that supports the pipe. At least three movable fixing parts 2 are symmetrically installed on both sides of the support frame 1. In this embodiment, there are five movable fixing parts 2, but four or six are also possible without affecting the scope of protection of this invention. A higher number of fixing parts provides better movement and fixation, but also increases the cost; the appropriate number can be selected based on the needs. The five movable fixing parts 2 are evenly installed on the support frame 1. Each movable fixing part 2 includes a first telescopic motor 21, a steering motor 22, and an electric wheel 23. The first telescopic motor 21 is installed on the support frame 1 along its diameter. The steering motor 22 is located at the lower end of the first telescopic motor 21, and the electric wheel 23 is located at the lower end of the steering motor 22. In use, the first telescopic motor 21 drives the steering motor 22 and the electric wheel 23 to move up and down to accommodate pipes of different diameters. Pressure is applied to press the electric wheel 23 onto the pipe, thus fixing the support frame 1 to the pipe. The symmetrical arrangement of the electric wheels 23 ensures stability. When movement is needed, the pressure is reduced, and the electric wheel 23 moves the support frame 1 along the pipe. The steering motor can adjust the direction of the electric wheel 23, facilitating the adjustment of the support frame 1's movement direction and preventing deviation. The moving fixing component 2 requires the use of a pressure sensor; however, this is existing technology and will not be elaborated upon further.

[0031] A moving mechanism 3 is provided on the inner side of the support frame 1. The moving mechanism 3 can move inside the support frame 1. Detection mechanisms 4 are provided at both ends of the moving mechanism 3. The moving mechanism 3 drives the detection mechanisms 4 to move, which facilitates comprehensive inspection of the annular weld. A control panel 5 is provided on the support frame 1. The first telescopic motor 21, steering motor 22, electric wheel 23, moving mechanism 3 and detection mechanism 4 are all electrically connected to the control panel 5. The control panel 5 controls the coordinated operation of each electronic component.

[0032] The support frame 1 includes a left support plate 11, a right support plate 12, and several connecting rods 13. The left and right support plates 11 and 12 are symmetrically installed. The lower end of the first telescopic motor 21 is inserted into the support plate radially. The two ends of the connecting rods 13 are respectively connected to the upper ends of two adjacent first telescopic motors 21. The moving mechanism 3 is installed between the left and right support plates 11 and 12. Five first telescopic motors 21 are installed on each of the left and right support plates 11 and 12 to ensure stability when fixed. The design of the left support plate 11, right support plate 12, first telescopic motors 21, and connecting rods 13 facilitates the movement of the second telescopic motor 41.

[0033] The left support plate 11 and the right support plate 12 each have a mounting groove 14 on their adjacent sides. A rack 15 is located on the lower inner side of the mounting groove 14. The moving mechanism 3 includes an arc-shaped plate 31, a first rotating motor 32, and a first gear 33. The arc-shaped plate 31 is located between the left support plate 11 and the right support plate 12. The first rotating motor 32 is located within the arc-shaped plate 31, and the first gear 33 is located within the mounting groove 14. The first gear 33 meshes with the rack 15. The output shaft of the first rotating motor 32 is connected to the first gear 33, and the first rotating motor 32 is electrically connected to the control panel 5. The first rotating motor 32 drives the first gear 33 to rotate, thereby moving the arc-shaped plate 31 between the left support plate 11 and the right support plate 12.

[0034] The arc-shaped plate 31 is half the length of the left support plate 11. The moving mechanism 3 also includes two inner plates 34, two second gears 35, and two second rotary motors 36. The two inner plates 34 are inserted at both ends of the arc-shaped plate 31, forming a sliding fit with the arc-shaped plate 31. The inner side of the inner plate 34 is provided with internal teeth 37. The second gears 35 and the second rotary motors 36 are both located at both ends of the arc-shaped plate 31. The second gears 35 mesh with the inner plates 34, and the output shaft of the second rotary motors 36 is connected to the second gears 35. The inner plate 34 can extend halfway out of the arc-shaped plate 31. The detection mechanism 4 is installed at the end of the inner plate 34 away from the arc-shaped plate 31. The second rotary motors 36 are electrically connected to the control panel 5. In use, the second rotary motors 36 drive the second gears 35 to rotate, thereby driving the inner plate 34 to slide on the arc-shaped plate 31. The length of the arc plate 31 and the length that the inner plate 34 can extend are determined by the following steps: First, the moving mechanism 3 is moved to the frontmost position. Then, the inner rod is pushed to detect half of the opening end of the support frame 1. Then, the inner rod is retracted, and the moving mechanism 3 moves backward. The two detection mechanisms 4 work simultaneously. When the movement reaches the rearmost position, all the welds covered by the support frame 1 can be detected. Then, the inner plate 34 at the rear end extends out to detect the remaining part.

[0035] like Figure 4As shown, the detection mechanism 4 includes a second telescopic motor 41, a cover 42, a light-shielding flexible strip 43, a first camera 44, a lighting lamp 45, a distance sensor 46, and a detector 47. The second telescopic motor 41 is located between the left support plate 11 and the right support plate 12. The lower end of the second telescopic motor 41 is connected to the end of the inner plate 34 away from the arc plate 31. The output shaft of the second telescopic motor 41 is connected to the cover 42. The lower end of the cover 42 is open. The light-shielding flexible strip 43 is located around the lower opening end of the cover 42. The first camera 44, the lighting lamp 45, the distance sensor 46, and the detector 47 are all located inside the cover 42. The first camera 44, the lighting lamp 45, the distance sensor 46, the detector 47, and the second telescopic motor 41 are all electrically connected to the control panel 5. The inspection mechanism 4 first uses a distance sensor 46 to detect the distance from the cover 42 to the periphery of the pipe. Then, it uses a second telescopic motor 41 to press down, causing the light-shielding flexible strip 43 to adhere to the side wall of the pipe, providing a dark environment. Illumination is then provided by a lighting lamp 45, and the first camera 44 captures and records the images to ensure image quality. The detector 47 can inspect the weld seam. The detector 47 can be a small, portable device such as a phased array ultrasonic detector, a digital X-ray detector, or an ultrasonic flaw detector, which is easy to operate.

[0036] The light-shielding flexible strip 43 is composed of light-shielding flexible fibers, with a strip width of 1-2 cm. In this embodiment, the strip width is 1.5 cm; however, it can also be 1 cm or 1.5 cm, without affecting the scope of protection of this invention. The flexible fibers can fit well against the pipe wall, providing a certain degree of light-shielding capability while moving along the pipe wall.

[0037] A second camera 6 is installed on the right side of the right support plate 12, and the second camera 6 is electrically connected to the control panel 5. The second camera 6 captures images of the pipeline and transmits them to the user through the control panel 5 for convenient remote operation.

[0038] This specific embodiment is merely an explanation of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. After reading this specification, those skilled in the art can make modifications to this embodiment without contributing any inventive step, but such modifications are protected by patent law as long as they are within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A defect detection device for circumferential welds of buried oil and gas steel pipelines, comprising a support frame (1), characterized in that: The support frame (1) is open at the bottom and has a two-thirds arc shape. At least three movable fixing parts (2) are symmetrically installed on both the left and right sides of the support frame (1). The at least three movable fixing parts (2) are evenly installed on the support frame (1). Each movable fixing part (2) includes a first telescopic motor (21), a steering motor (22), and an electric wheel (23). The first telescopic motor (21) is installed on the support frame (1) along the diameter of the support frame (1). The steering motor (22) is located on the first telescopic motor (23). At the lower end of 21), the electric wheel (23) is located at the lower end of the steering motor (22). The inner side of the support frame (1) is provided with a moving mechanism (3). The moving mechanism (3) can move inside the support frame (1). Both ends of the moving mechanism (3) are provided with detection mechanisms (4). The support frame (1) is provided with a control panel (5). The first telescopic motor (21), steering motor (22), electric wheel (23), moving mechanism (3) and detection mechanism (4) are all electrically connected to the control panel (5).

2. The equipment for detecting defects in circumferential welds of buried oil and gas steel pipelines according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support frame (1) includes a left support plate (11), a right support plate (12) and several connecting rods (13). The left support plate (11) and the right support plate (12) are installed symmetrically on the left and right. The lower end of the first telescopic motor (21) is inserted into the support plate along the radial direction of the support plate. The two ends of the connecting rods (13) are respectively connected to the upper ends of the two adjacent first telescopic motors (21) on the left and right. The moving mechanism (3) is installed between the left support plate (11) and the right support plate (12).

3. The equipment for detecting defects in circumferential welds of buried oil and gas steel pipelines according to claim 2, characterized in that: The left support plate (11) and the right support plate (12) are provided with mounting grooves (14) on their adjacent sides. The mounting groove (14) is provided with a rack (15) on its lower inner side. The moving mechanism (3) includes an arc plate (31), a first rotating motor (32) and a first gear (33). The arc plate (31) is located between the left support plate (11) and the right support plate (12). The first rotating motor (32) is located in the arc plate (31). The first gear (33) is located in the mounting groove (14). The first gear (33) meshes with the rack (15). The output shaft of the first rotating motor (32) is connected to the first gear (33). The first rotating motor (32) is electrically connected to the control panel (5).

4. The equipment for detecting defects in circumferential welds of buried oil and gas steel pipelines according to claim 3, characterized in that: The length of the arc plate (31) is half that of the left support plate (11). The moving mechanism (3) also includes two inner plates (34), two second gears (35) and two second rotating motors (36). The two inner plates (34) are inserted at both ends of the arc plate (31). The inner plates (34) and the arc plate (31) form a sliding fit. The inner side of the inner plate (34) is provided with internal teeth (37). The second gears (35) and the second rotating motors (36) are both located at both ends of the arc plate (31). The second gears (35) mesh with the inner plates (34). The output shaft of the second rotating motors (36) is connected to the second gears (35). The inner plates (34) can extend half of the arc plate (31). The detection mechanism (4) is installed at the end of the inner plate (34) away from the arc plate (31). The second rotating motors (36) are electrically connected to the control panel (5).

5. The equipment for detecting defects in circumferential welds of buried oil and gas steel pipelines according to claim 4, characterized in that: The detection mechanism (4) includes a second telescopic motor (41), a cover (42), a light-shielding flexible strip (43), a first camera (44), a lighting lamp (45), a distance sensor (46), and a detector (47). The second telescopic motor (41) is located between the left support plate (11) and the right support plate (12). The lower end of the second telescopic motor (41) is connected to the end of the inner plate (34) away from the arc plate (31). The output shaft of the second telescopic motor (41) is connected to the cover (42). The lower end of the cover (42) is open. The light-shielding flexible strip (43) is located on the periphery of the lower open end of the cover (42). The first camera (44), the lighting lamp (45), the distance sensor (46), and the detector (47) are all located inside the cover (42). The first camera (44), the lighting lamp (45), the distance sensor (46), the detector (47), and the second telescopic motor (41) are all electrically connected to the control panel (5).

6. The equipment for detecting defects in circumferential welds of buried oil and gas steel pipelines according to claim 5, characterized in that: The light-blocking flexible strip (43) is composed of light-blocking flexible hair, and the width of the strip composed of the flexible hair is 1-2cm.

7. The equipment for detecting defects in circumferential welds of buried oil and gas steel pipelines according to claim 6, characterized in that: The right support plate (12) is provided with a second camera (6) on the right side, and the second camera (6) is electrically connected to the control panel (5).

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