A butt joint device for gas pipeline installation
By using magnetically fixed pre-calibration components and laser alignment structures, combined with a liquid floating conductive structure and an arc-shaped clamping frame, the problem of localized damage caused by misalignment of the joint during gas pipeline docking is solved, achieving efficient and safe pipeline docking and welding results.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 新疆盛诚工程建设有限责任公司
- Filing Date
- 2026-04-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-19
AI Technical Summary
In the current process of connecting gas pipelines, the reliance on manual experience and simple mechanical tools leads to large misalignment of the joints, resulting in localized stress concentration, elliptical deformation of the pipeline ends, and poor weld quality, which increases the labor intensity of construction and the risk of leakage.
By employing a magnetically fixed pre-calibration component combined with a laser alignment structure and a liquid floating conductive structure, the pipeline can be quickly pre-aligned and its axis tilt can be characterized. The arc-shaped clamping frame and clamping centering strip provide uniform extrusion force to avoid local damage caused by misalignment.
It significantly reduces initial alignment error, ensures geometric stability of the welding area, reduces weld quality risks, and improves construction efficiency and safety.
Smart Images
Figure CN122007797B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of pipeline connection technology, specifically a connection device for gas pipeline installation. Background Technology
[0002] During the laying and renovation of gas pipelines, the connection and installation between pipelines is a critical process, especially in the on-site welding of medium and large diameter steel gas pipelines. The accuracy of the connection directly affects the weld quality, sealing reliability, and the safety of subsequent pipeline operation.
[0003] In current construction methods, pipe joint alignment mainly relies on manual judgment, mechanical clamping for correction, or simple methods such as levels and string lines for auxiliary alignment. Specifically, the common approach is to first manually or with lifting tools make preliminary adjustments to the positions of the two pipe sections, and then use rigid ring clamps or bolt clamps to forcibly close and fix the two pipe sections. When the misalignment of the joint is large, this method can easily cause localized stress concentration during the forced compression process, leading to elliptical deformation of the pipe ends, surface damage, and even affecting the quality of the weld root formation. These shortcomings are increasingly amplified in the construction of long-distance gas pipelines, not only increasing the labor intensity of construction but also increasing the risk of welding rework and potential leaks. Summary of the Invention
[0004] To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a docking device for gas pipeline installation, comprising a first base and a second base capable of magnetically adhering to the surface of the pipeline; two laser emitters are disposed on the first base, and two laser receivers are disposed on the second base, the laser receivers being used to receive light signals emitted by the laser emitters; a pre-calibration component is fixedly disposed on both the first base and the second base; further comprising a first arc-shaped clamping frame and a second arc-shaped clamping frame, the first arc-shaped clamping frame and the second arc-shaped clamping frame forming a ring, one end of the first arc-shaped clamping frame and the second arc-shaped clamping frame being movably connected, wherein the first arc-shaped clamping frame is connected to the second arc-shaped clamping frame. Three clamping centering bars are fixed to the inner side of the first and second arc-shaped clamping frames, and the clamping centering bars are used to contact the pipe to be clamped; extrusion rods are fixed to the other end of the first and second arc-shaped clamping frames; a locking sleeve is also included, which can be sleeved on the outside of the two extrusion rods. An extrusion head is slidably installed on the inner side of the locking sleeve. The vertical axis of the extrusion head is parallel to the vertical axis of the extrusion rod, and the extrusion head contacts and engages with the extrusion rod. A locking screw is threaded into the locking sleeve in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the extrusion rod. The locking screw is rotatably connected to the extrusion head and is used to push the extrusion head to move in the direction of the extrusion rod.
[0005] Preferably, the pre-calibration component includes an insulating shell, the inner wall of which is provided with a conductive layer, the interior of which is filled with deionized water containing air bubbles, and hollow conductive spheres floating inside the air bubbles.
[0006] Preferably, the hollow conductive ball is electrically connected to one end of the conductive wire, and the other end of the conductive wire extends to the outside of the insulating shell. The conductive wire is insulated from both the deionized water and the conductive layer, and the hollow conductive ball is in contact with the conductive layer for conductive bonding.
[0007] Preferably, a magnetic insulating outer shell ring and an insulating isolation ring are fixedly installed on the outer surface of the insulating outer shell. The magnetic insulating outer shell ring is coaxially sleeved on the outside of the insulating isolation ring. A central conductive post is embedded in the axial position inside the insulating isolation ring. The central conductive post is electrically connected to the conductive wire. An outer conductive ring is fixedly inserted into the gap between the inner wall of the magnetic insulating outer shell ring and the outer surface of the insulating isolation ring. The outer conductive ring is electrically connected to the conductive layer.
[0008] Preferably, the outer conductive ring and the central conductive post are insulated from each other by an insulating isolation ring, and the central conductive post and the conductive layer are also insulated from each other by an insulating isolation ring. The system also includes a control box, which is electrically connected to the two pre-calibration components via cables. Specifically, the control box is equipped with two cables, each with a connection terminal at the end furthest from the control box, capable of making conductive contact with the outer conductive ring and the central conductive post. The structure of these cables is the same as that of the magnetic insulating outer ring, the outer conductive ring, the insulating isolation ring, and the central conductive post, and they are magnetically fixed to the magnetic insulating outer ring of the pre-calibration component.
[0009] Preferably, the electrical signal connection terminals of the pre-calibration components are an outer conductive ring and a central conductive post. The two pre-calibration components are connected in series with the positive and negative terminals of the second DC power supply through wires. Both pre-calibration components are equipped with NPN transistors in parallel, wherein the base of the NPN transistor is electrically connected to the outer conductive ring, and the emitter of the NPN transistor is electrically connected to the central conductive post.
[0010] Preferably, the method further includes connecting an indicator light and two NPN transistors in series with the positive and negative terminals of a first DC power supply; the collectors and emitters of the two NPN transistors are electrically connected end-to-end, with the collector of one NPN transistor electrically connected to the positive terminal of the first DC power supply, the emitter of the other NPN transistor electrically connected to one end of the indicator light, and the other end of the indicator light electrically connected to the negative terminal of the first DC power supply.
[0011] Preferably, the first DC power supply, the second DC power supply, and the indicator light are all mounted on the control box, and the control box is fixed to one of the clamping centering bars in a way that facilitates disassembly.
[0012] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: (1) The present invention sets up pre-calibration components that can be magnetically fixed on the two sections of pipe to be connected, and combines them with an optical alignment structure composed of a laser emitter and a laser receiver to achieve rapid pre-alignment of the pipe before docking. Compared with the traditional method of relying on manual visual inspection or stringing, this structure can intuitively determine whether the two bases are in corresponding positions without complicated installation on the pipe surface, thereby significantly reducing the initial alignment error and providing a reliable prerequisite for subsequent fine calibration and clamping operations; (2) The present invention sets up pre-calibration components with liquid floating conductive structure and uses the resistance change generated by bubbles and hollow conductive balls in the tilted state to achieve indirect electrical signal characterization of the tilted state of the pipe axis; (3) The present invention forms a ring by cooperating the first arc-shaped clamping frame and the second arc-shaped clamping frame, and evenly arranges multiple sets of clamping centering strips on its inner side, so that the pipe is subjected to uniform radial extrusion force during the closing and fixing process. Under the premise that the joint error has been significantly reduced by the pre-calibration device, clamping is performed, which effectively avoids local extrusion damage caused by excessive misalignment, reduces the risk of pipe end deformation, and ensures the geometric stability of the welding area. Attached Figure Description
[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention.
[0014] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the placement of the base of the present invention.
[0015] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the arc-shaped clamping frame of the present invention.
[0016] Figure 4 For the present invention Figure 3 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.
[0017] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the pre-calibration component of the present invention.
[0018] Figure 6 For the present invention Figure 5 Enlarged view of section B in the middle.
[0019] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the mating of the hollow conductive sphere and the conductive layer of the present invention.
[0020] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the pre-calibration component of the present invention.
[0021] In the diagram: 101-First arc-shaped clamping frame; 102-Second arc-shaped clamping frame; 103-Clamping centering bar; 104-Locking sleeve; 105-Locking screw; 106-Extrusion head; 107-Extrusion rod; 2-Pre-calibration assembly; 201-Insulating shell; 202-Conductive layer; 203-Magnetic insulating shell ring; 204-Outer conductive ring; 205-Insulating isolation ring; 206-Central conductive post; 207-Conductive wire; 208-Hollow conductive sphere; 209-Bubble; 210-Deionized water; 301-First base; 302-Second base; 303-Laser receiver; 304-Laser emitter; 4-Control box; 5-Pipeline; 6-First DC power supply; 7-Second DC power supply; 8-Indicator light. Detailed Implementation
[0022] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 1-8 The technical solution of the present invention will be further illustrated through specific embodiments.
[0023] This invention provides a docking device for gas pipeline installation, including a first base 301 and a second base 302 capable of magnetically adhering to the surface of a pipeline 5. Two laser emitters 304 are mounted on the first base 301, and two laser receivers 303 are mounted on the second base 302. The laser receivers 303 receive light signals emitted by the laser emitters 304. A pre-calibration component 2 is fixedly mounted on both the first base 301 and the second base 302. The device also includes a first arc-shaped clamping frame 101 and a second arc-shaped clamping frame 102, which form a ring. One end of each arc-shaped clamping frame 101 and the second arc-shaped clamping frame 102 is movably connected. Three clamping and centering bars 103 are fixed on the inner side of each arc, and the clamping and centering bars 103 are used to contact the pipe 5 to be clamped; the other end of the first arc-shaped clamping frame 101 and the second arc-shaped clamping frame 102 are fixed with extrusion rods 107; it also includes a locking sleeve 104 that can be sleeved on the outside of the two extrusion rods 107, and an extrusion head 106 is slidably installed on the inner side of the locking sleeve 104. The vertical axis of the extrusion head 106 is parallel to the vertical axis of the extrusion rod 107, and the extrusion head 106 contacts and engages with the extrusion rod 107. A locking screw 105 is threaded into the locking sleeve 104 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the extrusion rod 107. The locking screw 105 is rotatably connected to the extrusion head 106 and is used to push the extrusion head 106 toward the extrusion rod 107.
[0024] The pre-calibration component 2 includes an insulating shell 201. A conductive layer 202 is disposed on the inner wall of the insulating shell 201. The conductive layer 202 is filled with deionized water 210, which contains air bubbles 209. A hollow conductive ball 208 floats within each air bubble 209. The hollow conductive ball 208 is electrically connected to one end of a conductive wire 207, the other end of which extends to the outside of the insulating shell 201. The conductive wire 207 is insulated from both the deionized water 210 and the conductive layer 202. The hollow conductive ball 208 makes contact with the conductive layer 202 for conductive bonding. A magnetic insulating outer shell ring 203 and an insulating isolation ring 205 are fixedly installed on the outer surface of the insulating outer shell 201. The magnetic insulating outer shell ring 203 is coaxially sleeved on the outside of the insulating isolation ring 205. A central conductive post 206 is embedded in the axial position inside the insulating isolation ring 205. The central conductive post 206 is conductively connected to the conductive wire 207. An outer conductive ring 204 is fixedly inserted into the gap between the inner wall of the magnetic insulating outer shell ring 203 and the outer surface of the insulating isolation ring 205. The outer conductive ring 204 is conductively connected to the conductive layer 202. The outer conductive ring 204 and the central conductive post 206 are insulated from each other by the insulating isolation ring 205. The central conductive post 206 and the conductive layer 202 are also insulated from each other by the insulating isolation ring 205. It also includes a control box 4, which is electrically connected to the two pre-calibration components 2 via cables. Specifically, the control box 4 is equipped with two cables, and the ends of the two cables away from the control box 4 are equipped with connection terminals that can make conductive contact with the outer conductive ring 204 and the central conductive post 206. Its structure is the same as that of the magnetic insulating outer shell ring 203, the outer conductive ring 204, the insulating isolation ring 205, and the central conductive post 206, and it is magnetically fixed to the magnetic insulating outer shell ring 203 of the pre-calibration component 2.
[0025] The electrical signal connection terminals of the pre-calibration component 2 are the outer conductive ring 204 and the central conductive post 206. Two pre-calibration components 2 are connected in series with the positive and negative terminals of the second DC power supply 7 via wires. Both pre-calibration components 2 are equipped with NPN transistors connected in parallel, with the base of the NPN transistor electrically connected to the outer conductive ring 204 and the emitter of the NPN transistor electrically connected to the central conductive post 206. The system also includes an indicator light 8 and two NPN transistors connected in series with the positive and negative terminals of the first DC power supply 6. The collectors and emitters of the two NPN transistors are connected end-to-end. The collector of one NPN transistor is electrically connected to the positive terminal of the first DC power supply 6, and the emitter of the other NPN transistor is electrically connected to one end of the indicator light 8, while the other end of the indicator light 8 is electrically connected to the negative terminal of the first DC power supply 6. The first DC power supply 6, the second DC power supply 7, and the indicator light 8 are all mounted on the control box 4, which is fixed to one of the clamping centering bars 103 in a way that facilitates disassembly.
[0026] The working principle of the gas pipeline installation docking device disclosed in this invention is as follows: The straight cylindrical body in the middle of the conductive layer 202 is a resistive conductive layer, and the hollow conductive ball 208 slides and conducts conductively with it. The contact pressure between the hollow conductive ball 208 and the conductive layer 202 is provided by the buoyancy of the hollow conductive ball 208 on the hollow conductive ball 208 at the interface of the air bubble 209 by the deionized water 210. When the joint of the two pipes 5 is sunken or convex, the magnetic insulating outer shell rings 203 of the two pre-calibration components 2 need to be symmetrically set on the pipes 5. In other cases, the magnetic insulating outer shell rings 203 of the two pre-calibration components 2 need to face the same direction. Before use, the circumferential surface of the pipe 5 needs to be wiped clean with a cloth (only the part that contacts the first base 301 and the second base 302 needs to be wiped), and then the first base 301 and the second base 302 are placed on the pipe 5 (depending on the material of the pipe, most are steel pipes, which can be magnetically attracted). The two laser emitters 304 on the first base 301 are activated. The two laser emitters 304 emit two parallel beams of light, which are directed onto the laser receiver 303. When both laser receivers 303 receive the light signal, the positions of the first base 301 and the second base 302 are aligned. At this point, the installation of the pre-calibration component 2 is complete.
[0027] After opening the first arc-shaped clamp 101 and the second arc-shaped clamp 102, they are placed on the joint of the two pipes 5. If the misalignment of the joints is small and difficult for the operator to distinguish with the naked eye, they can be placed directly. If the misalignment is large, the operator can use a jack or manually align them. The alignment is determined by the pre-calibration component 2. After alignment, the first arc-shaped clamp 101 and the second arc-shaped clamp 102 are placed on the joint. After installing the first arc-shaped clamping frame 101 and the second arc-shaped clamping frame 102, the locking sleeve 104 is then fastened to the outside of the two extrusion rods 107. Then, an electric wrench is used to rotate the locking screw 105. The rotation of the locking screw 105 will cause thread transmission with the locking sleeve 104. At this time, the locking screw 105 will move axially on the locking sleeve 104. The locking screw 105 drives the extrusion head 106 to extrude the extrusion rods 107. Finally, the two extrusion rods 107 will be squeezed and restricted in the locking sleeve 104 by the extrusion head 106, thereby closing the first arc-shaped clamping frame 101 and the second arc-shaped clamping frame 102. The clamping centering strips 103 set on the first arc-shaped clamping frame 101 and the second arc-shaped clamping frame 102 will squeeze and align the seams of the two pipes 5. Because the misalignment of the joint positions is relatively small, the squeezing force of the centering strip 103 on the surface of the pipe 5 is relatively uniform. There will be no uneven squeezing of the surface of the pipe 5 by the centering strip 103 due to the large misalignment of the joint positions. This reduces the degree of clamping damage to the pipe 5 caused by the centering strip 103 during the fixing of two joints with large misalignment.
[0028] When the two pipes 5 are staggered, the inclination angles of the pipe surfaces are different. Therefore, the inclination angles of the first base 301 and the second base 302 set on the two pipes 5 are different. At this time, the bubble 209 inside the conductive layer 202 will shift. When completely horizontal, the bubble 209 is in the center. The shift of the bubble 209 will cause the hollow conductive ball 208 to move accordingly. This will result in different contact positions of the hollow conductive ball 208 in the straight section of the conductive layer 202. Therefore, the resistance between the outer conductive ring 204 and the central conductive post 206 will also be different (the farther the hollow conductive ball 208 is from the outer conductive ring 204, the greater the resistance). When the two pipes 5 are manually aligned, as their axes gradually become parallel or even overlap, the resistance values of the two pre-calibration components 2 will gradually approach each other (they do not need to be exactly the same, as there will be errors, and it is only necessary to make the seams of the two pipes 5 almost aligned). The power supply voltage of the second DC power supply 7 is adjustable, and the initial state is set to no less than 1.4V (within the voltage that the NPN transistor can withstand, the higher the voltage of the second DC power supply 7, the greater the error). When the resistance values of the two pre-calibration components 2 are the same (i.e., the resistance between the outer conductive ring 204 and the central conductive post 206), the potential difference between the two ends of the outer conductive ring 204 and the central conductive post 206 on the two pre-calibration components 2 is 0.7V. This results in a 0.7V positive bias voltage between the base and emitter of the two NPN transistors, at which point both the collector and emitter of the two NPN transistors are in a conducting state. Since the two NPN transistors and indicator light 8 are connected in series across the positive and negative terminals of the first DC power supply 6, the indicator light 8 illuminates because both the collectors and emitters of the two NPN transistors are conducting. Conversely, when the seams of the two pipes 5 are not nearly aligned (i.e., they are not parallel), the tilt states of the two pre-calibration components 2 are different, meaning their resistances are different. Consequently, the collectors and emitters of the corresponding NPN transistors will not conduct. Once indicator light 8 illuminates, the alignment of the pipes 5 can be stopped. The first arc-shaped clamp 101 and the second arc-shaped clamp 102 can then be placed over the seams of the two pipes 5 to secure them. The seams of the pipes 5 are then welded and sealed.
Claims
1. A docking device for gas pipeline installation, characterized in that: It includes a first base (301) and a second base (302) that can magnetically attach to the surface of the pipe (5). The first base (301) is provided with two laser emitters (304), and the second base (302) is provided with two laser receivers (303). The laser receivers (303) are used to receive the light signals emitted by the laser emitters (304). A pre-calibration component (2) is fixedly provided on both the first base (301) and the second base (302). It also includes a first arc-shaped clamping frame (101) and a second arc-shaped clamping frame (102), which form a ring. One end of the first arc-shaped clamping frame (101) and the second arc-shaped clamping frame (102) are movably connected. Three clamping centering bars (103) are fixed on the inner side of the arc of the first arc-shaped clamping frame (101) and the second arc-shaped clamping frame (102). The clamping centering bars (103) are used to contact the pipe (5) to be clamped. The other end of the first arc-shaped clamping frame (101) and the second arc-shaped clamping frame (102) are fixed with extrusion rods (107). It also includes a locking sleeve (104) that can be sleeved on the outside of the two extrusion rods (107). An extrusion head (106) is slidably installed on the inner side of the locking sleeve (104). The vertical axis of the extrusion head (106) is parallel to the vertical axis of the extrusion rod (107), and the extrusion head (106) is in contact with the extrusion rod (107). A locking screw (105) is threaded into the locking sleeve (104) in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the extrusion rod (107). The locking screw (105) is rotatably connected to the extrusion head (106). The locking screw (105) is used to push the extrusion head (106) to move toward the extrusion rod (107). The pre-calibration component (2) includes an insulating shell (201), the inner wall of which is provided with a conductive layer (202), the interior of which is filled with deionized water (210), and air bubbles (209) are present in the deionized water (210), with hollow conductive balls (208) floating in the air bubbles (209); the hollow conductive balls (208) are electrically connected to one end of a conductive wire (207), the other end of which extends to the outside of the insulating shell (201), wherein the conductive wire (207) is insulated from both the deionized water (210) and the conductive layer (202), and the hollow conductive balls (208) are in contact with the conductive layer (202) for conductive engagement; a magnetic insulating shell ring (203) and an insulating isolation ring (205) are fixedly installed on the outer surface of the insulating shell (201), and the magnetic insulating shell ring (203) is coaxially sleeved on the insulating shell. Outside the insulating isolation ring (205), a central conductive post (206) is embedded in the axial position inside the insulating isolation ring (205). The central conductive post (206) is electrically connected to the conductive line (207). An outer conductive ring (204) is fixedly inserted in the gap between the inner wall of the magnetic insulating outer ring (203) and the outer surface of the insulating isolation ring (205). The outer conductive ring (204) is electrically connected to the conductive layer (202). The electrical signal connection terminals of the pre-calibration component (2) are the outer conductive ring (204) and the central conductive post (206). The two pre-calibration components (2) are connected in series with the positive and negative terminals of the second DC power supply (7) through wires. Both pre-calibration components (2) are equipped with NPN transistors in parallel. The base of the NPN transistor is electrically connected to the outer conductive ring (204), and the emitter of the NPN transistor is electrically connected to the central conductive post (206). It also includes an indicator light (8) and two NPN transistors, which are connected in series with the positive and negative terminals of the first DC power supply (6).
2. The gas pipeline installation docking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer conductive ring (204) and the central conductive post (206) are insulated from each other by an insulating isolation ring (205), and the central conductive post (206) and the conductive layer (202) are insulated from each other by an insulating isolation ring (205).
3. A gas pipeline installation docking device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The collectors and emitters of two NPN transistors are electrically connected end to end. The collector of one NPN transistor is electrically connected to the positive terminal of the first DC power supply (6), and the emitter of the other NPN transistor is electrically connected to one end of the indicator light (8). The other end of the indicator light (8) is electrically connected to the negative terminal of the first DC power supply (6).
4. A gas pipeline installation docking device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first DC power supply (6), the second DC power supply (7), and the indicator light (8) are all located on the control box (4). The control box (4) is fixed on one of the clamping centering bars (103) in a way that is easy to disassemble.