A vortex jet pig for natural gas pipelines

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of natural gas pipeline cleaning technology, specifically disclosing a vortex jet-type pipeline cleaning device for natural gas pipelines. The device includes an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder housed within the outer cylinder and coaxially aligned with it, several sets of jet pipes disposed at one end of the inner cylinder and communicating with it, and an impeller assembly housed on the outside of the inner cylinder. The ends of the jet pipes away from the inner cylinder face the natural gas pipeline. The inner cylinder and outer cylinder are rotatably coupled. This invention controls the rotation of the inner cylinder under the drive of natural gas through the impeller assembly, causing some of the natural gas to pass through the jet pipes and form a vortex jet of gas, which is directly sprayed onto the inner wall of the natural gas pipeline, thereby purging dirt and impurities inside the pipeline. This prevents the accumulation of dirt and impurities from causing blockages in the natural gas pipeline and reducing the efficiency of natural gas pipeline transportation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of natural gas pipeline cleaning technology, and more specifically, to a vortex jet pig for natural gas pipelines. Background Technology

[0002] During long-term operation of natural gas pipelines, external influences on temperature and pressure along the pipeline route cause free water and heavy hydrocarbon components in the natural gas to change from the gaseous phase to the liquid phase, precipitating and remaining in the lower-lying sections of the pipeline, thus increasing the natural gas pressure in those sections. In addition, impurities such as dust, rock particles, silt, welding slag, and rust contained in natural gas gradually accumulate during long-term transportation, leading to pipeline blockages. Corrosive black powder is a major contributing factor to blockages. Accumulated liquid and impurities in the pipeline increase energy consumption and pressure drop, reduce pipeline efficiency, and accelerate corrosion, ultimately preventing the smooth, efficient, and safe transportation of natural gas.

[0003] Pipeline cleaning machines are currently the mainstream tool for cleaning natural gas pipelines. They utilize the pressure difference across the pipeline to propel the machine forward, relying on components such as a piston cup, jet, and flexible brush to remove sludge from the pipeline during operation. However, during operation, most of the sludge gradually accumulates in front of the piston cup, while the remaining sludge accumulates at the bottom, forming a wedge-shaped deposit. This increases the resistance to the machine's movement and can even cause it to become stuck.

[0004] Currently, pipeline cleaning tools such as pigging balls, straight plates, rubber cups, and foam are widely used to clean the inside of natural gas pipelines, but they have the following shortcomings:

[0005] When there is a large amount of dirt and impurities inside the pipeline, the scraping ability of the polyurethane material's straight plate and cup is insufficient, which cannot effectively clean the pipe wall and results in low pipeline cleaning efficiency.

[0006] Dirt and impurities easily accumulate at the front end of pigs, straight plates, rubber cups, and foam pigs, forming wedge-shaped deposits that can cause the pigs to get stuck and reduce pipeline transportation efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a vortex jet pig for natural gas pipelines;

[0008] The solution adopted by this invention to solve the technical problem is:

[0009] A vortex jet pig for natural gas pipelines includes an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder housed within the outer cylinder and coaxially arranged with the outer cylinder, a plurality of jet tubes disposed at one end of the inner cylinder and communicating with the inner cylinder, and an impeller assembly housed on the outside of the inner cylinder; the end of the jet tube away from the inner cylinder faces the natural gas pipeline; the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder are rotatably coupled.

[0010] In some possible implementations, the inner cylinder is provided with a plurality of vent holes communicating with the interior of the inner cylinder; the vent holes are located on the side of the impeller assembly near the jet tube.

[0011] In some possible implementations, a flow guide is fitted on the outside of the inner cylinder; the impeller assembly is located between the flow guide and the inner cylinder.

[0012] In some possible implementations, the shroud includes a connecting section fitted onto the outside of the inner cylinder and fixedly connected to the outer cylinder, and a conical section coaxially connected to the connecting section; the small end of the conical section is connected to the connecting section, and the conical section is located on the side of the impeller assembly away from the vent.

[0013] In some possible implementations, a bearing is fitted on the outer side of the inner cylinder; and a bearing housing for mounting the bearing is provided on the inner side of the outer cylinder.

[0014] In some possible implementations, the bearings are in two sets; the vent is located between the bearing and the impeller near the impeller assembly.

[0015] In some possible implementations, a support and sealing assembly is provided at one end of the outer cylinder near the jet tube; the support and sealing assembly includes a baffle plate disposed at one end of the outer cylinder near the jet tube and fitted on the outside of the inner cylinder, and a retaining ring connected to a bearing seat on the side away from the impeller assembly and located between the bearing seat and the baffle plate; the retaining ring is in sealing engagement with the inner cylinder; the side of the retaining ring near the baffle plate is connected to the baffle plate.

[0016] In some possible implementations, the inner cylinder includes a sleeve-shaped cylinder body and end caps disposed at both ends of the cylinder body;

[0017] A plurality of mounting holes are provided on the end cap on the side away from the impeller assembly, and one end of the jet hole is installed in the mounting hole; the axial direction of the mounting hole is parallel to the axial direction of the cylinder body.

[0018] The distance between the axis of several sets of mounting holes and the axis of the cylinder body is equal, and the distance between two adjacent sets of mounting holes is equal;

[0019] The jet tube includes an installation section installed in the installation hole and coaxially arranged with the installation hole, and an inclined section connected to the end of the installation section away from the cylinder body and inclined.

[0020] In some possible implementations, two sets of cup assemblies are fitted onto the outer cylinder, and the two sets of cup assemblies are arranged symmetrically; the cup assemblies include guide cups, spacer cups, and sealing cups; the two sets of sealing cups are located on the side of the two sets of cup assemblies that are close to each other.

[0021] In some possible implementations, a traction ring is provided on the end cap on the side away from the impeller assembly; a positioning device is provided inside the outer cylinder on the side of the impeller assembly away from the jet tube.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0023] This invention controls the inner cylinder to rotate under the drive of natural gas via an impeller assembly. This causes some of the natural gas to pass through the jet pipe and form a swirling jet of gas, which is then directly sprayed onto the inner wall of the natural gas pipeline. This effectively purges dirt and impurities from the natural gas pipeline, preventing the accumulation of dirt and impurities that could cause blockages and reduce the efficiency of natural gas pipeline transportation.

[0024] This invention uses the swirling jet of gas to disturb dirt and impurities in the natural gas pipeline, preventing dirt and impurities from accumulating in front of the device, increasing the resistance of the pig, or even causing blockage.

[0025] This invention effectively seals the gap between the outer cylinder and the natural gas pipe by setting a cup assembly on the outside of the outer cylinder. During use, it will receive the thrust applied by the natural gas, driving the entire device to move and advance along the natural gas transportation direction; at the same time, the cup assembly will scrape the inside of the natural gas pipe, thereby enhancing the cleaning effect of the pipe. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0029] The components are: 1. Outer cylinder; 2. Inner cylinder; 21. Cylinder body; 211. Vent hole; 22. End cap; 3. Jet pipe; 31. Mounting section; 32. Inclined section; 4. Impeller assembly; 5. Cup assembly; 6. Flow guide; 61. Connecting section; 62. Conical section; 7. Bearing; 8. Bearing housing; 9. Baffle; 10. Buffer ring; 11. O-ring; 12. Traction ring. Detailed Implementation

[0030] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this application do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, "a" or "one," etc., do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the existence of at least one. In the implementation of this application, "and / or" describes the association relationship of related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more. For example, multiple positioning posts refer to two or more positioning posts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0031] The present invention will now be described in detail.

[0032] like Figures 1-3 As shown:

[0033] A vortex jet pig for natural gas pipelines includes an outer cylinder 1, an inner cylinder 2 housed within and coaxially arranged with the outer cylinder 1, several sets of jet pipes 3 disposed at one end of the inner cylinder 2 and communicating with the inner cylinder 2, an impeller assembly 4 housed outside the inner cylinder 2, and two sets of cup assemblies 5 housed outside the outer cylinder 1, the two sets of cup assemblies 5 being symmetrically arranged; the end of each jet pipe 3 away from the inner cylinder 2 faces the natural gas pipeline; the inner cylinder 2 and the outer cylinder 1 are rotatably coupled, and the bypass rate of the jet pipe 3 is 5%.

[0034] When this device is placed inside a natural gas pipeline, the jet pipe 3 will be located on the side closest to the natural gas pipeline outlet. Natural gas will directly act on the impeller assembly 4, causing the impeller assembly 4 to rotate around the axis of the inner cylinder 2, which in turn drives the inner cylinder 2 and the jet pipe 3 installed on the inner cylinder 2 to rotate. After passing through the inner cylinder 2, the natural gas enters the jet pipe 3 and forms a swirling jet of gas, which directly acts on the inner side of the natural gas pipeline, disturbing and purging the dirt and impurities inside the natural gas pipeline. Under the action of natural gas, the entire device will move towards the outlet side. Through the arrangement between the cups, the dirt and impurities on the inner side of the natural gas pipeline will be cleaned again, preventing the accumulation of dirt and impurities from causing blockage of the natural gas pipeline and reducing the transportation efficiency of the natural gas pipeline.

[0035] In some possible implementations, the inner cylinder 2 is provided with a plurality of vent holes 211 communicating with the interior of the inner cylinder 2; the vent holes 211 are provided on the side of the impeller assembly 4 near the jet tube 3;

[0036] Natural gas is applied to the impeller assembly 4, causing the inner cylinder 2 to rotate; after passing through the impeller 4, the natural gas enters the inner cylinder 2 through the vent 211, and then flows to the side of the jet pipe 3, forming a swirling jet of gas on the inner side of the natural gas pipeline under the action of the jet pipe 3.

[0037] Furthermore, the vent 211 is an oblong vent with its long axis parallel to the axis of the inner cylinder 2; the distance between two adjacent sets of vents 211 is equal.

[0038] In some possible implementations, a flow guide shroud 6 is fitted on the outside of the inner cylinder 2; the impeller assembly 4 is located between the flow guide shroud 6 and the inner cylinder 2; the flow guide shroud 6 is disposed between the inner cylinder 2 and the outer cylinder 1, and a gap is formed between the inner cylinder 2 and the outer cylinder 1; the impeller assembly 4 is located inside the flow guide shroud 6 and a gap is formed between the impeller assembly 4 and the flow guide shroud 6; after the natural gas flows through the flow guide shroud 6, it applies a force to the impeller assembly 4, causing the inner cylinder 2 to rotate.

[0039] In some possible implementations, in order to allow more natural gas to exert force on the impeller assembly 4 through the guide shroud 6, the guide shroud 6 includes a connecting section 61 fitted on the outside of the inner cylinder 2 and fixedly connected to the outer cylinder 1, and a conical section 62 coaxially connected to the connecting section 61; the small end of the conical section 62 is connected to the connecting section 61, and the conical section 62 is located on the side of the impeller assembly 4 away from the vent 211.

[0040] Specifically, the outer diameter of the large end of the conical section 62 is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer cylinder 1, the inner diameter of the large end of the conical section 62 is larger than the inner diameter of the inner cylinder 2, and the inner diameter of the small end of the conical section 62 is equal to the inner diameter of the connecting section 61; the connecting section 61 is sleeve-shaped, and its side away from the conical section 62 is fixedly connected to the outer cylinder 1; when the inner cylinder 2 rotates under the drive of the impeller assembly 4, the outer cylinder 1 and the guide shroud 3 will not move accordingly.

[0041] In some possible implementations, in order to effectively achieve the rotational engagement between the inner cylinder 2 and the outer cylinder 1, thereby enabling the jet pipe 3 to rotate under the drive of the inner cylinder 2, so as to achieve a uniform effect on the inner side of the natural gas pipeline; a bearing 7 is fitted on the outer side of the inner cylinder 2; and a bearing seat 8 for installing the bearing 7 is provided on the inner side of the outer cylinder 1.

[0042] The bearing 7 consists of two sets; the vent hole 211 is located between the bearing 7 and the impeller assembly 4 near the impeller assembly 4.

[0043] By setting the bearings 7 into two sets and setting the bearing seats 8 corresponding to the bearings 7, the coaxiality of the inner cylinder 2 and the outer cylinder 1 can be effectively guaranteed, and the rotational fit between the inner cylinder 2 and the outer cylinder 1 can be realized, effectively reducing the rotational resistance.

[0044] In some possible embodiments, a support and sealing assembly is provided at one end of the outer cylinder 1 near the jet pipe 3; the support and sealing assembly includes a baffle 9 disposed at one end of the outer cylinder 1 near the jet pipe 3 and fitted on the outside of the inner cylinder 2, and a retaining ring 10 connected to a bearing seat 8 on the side away from the impeller assembly 4 and located between the bearing seat 8 and the baffle 9; the baffle 9 is in a sealing fit with the inner cylinder 2; the side of the retaining ring 10 near the baffle 9 is connected to the baffle 9;

[0045] The retaining ring 10 is sleeve-shaped and is disposed between the baffle 9 and the bearing seat 8 on the side away from the impeller assembly 4. The retaining ring 10 effectively fixes the bearing seat 8. In order to effectively achieve a sealed connection between the retaining ring 9 and the inner cylinder 2, an annular groove is provided on the baffle 9. The annular groove is fitted on the outside of the inner cylinder 2. An O-ring 11 is provided in the annular groove. The retaining ring 10 and the baffle 9 are connected by bolts.

[0046] In some possible implementations, the inner cylinder 2 includes a sleeve-shaped cylinder body 21 and end caps 22 disposed at both ends of the cylinder body 21;

[0047] A plurality of mounting holes are provided on the end cap 22 on the side away from the impeller assembly 4, and one end of the jet hole is installed in the mounting hole; the axial direction of the mounting hole is parallel to the axial direction of the cylinder body 21.

[0048] The distance between the axis of several sets of mounting holes and the axis of the end cover 22 is equal between two adjacent sets of mounting holes; when the end cover 22 is disc-shaped, the several sets of mounting holes are evenly spaced around the circumference of the end cover 22.

[0049] The jet tube 3 includes an installation section 31 installed in the installation hole and coaxially arranged with the installation hole, and an inclined section 32 connected to the end of the installation section 31 away from the cylinder body 21 and inclinedly arranged. The installation section 31 and the inclined section 32 are smoothly connected.

[0050] In some possible implementations, the cup assembly 5 includes a guide cup, a spacer cup, a sealing cup, and a mounting groove disposed on the outer side of the outer cylinder 1; two sets of sealing cups are disposed on the side of the two sets of cup assemblies 5 that are close to each other; two sets of annular plates are fitted on the outer side of the outer cylinder 1; the two sets of annular plates form a mounting groove between the outer side of the outer cylinder 1 and the outer side of the outer cylinder 1, and the guide cup, spacer cup, and sealing cup are fixed in the mounting groove by bolts;

[0051] Specifically, the guide cup, the spacer cup, and the sealing cup are all made of polyurethane, which can seal the gap between the outer cylinder 1 and the inner side of the natural gas pipeline, and are pushed by the natural gas, so that the pig body moves along the natural gas transportation direction.

[0052] In some possible implementations, a traction ring 12 is provided on the end cap 22 on the side away from the impeller assembly 4; a positioning device is provided inside the outer cylinder 1 and on the side of the impeller assembly 4 away from the jet pipe 3. By providing the positioning device, the position of the device within the natural gas pipeline can be effectively monitored in real time. The annular traction ring 12 can be used to pull the device away from the natural gas pipeline outlet and also serves as an anti-collision measure.

[0053] During use, the impeller is gradually thrust by the natural gas, which drives the inner cylinder 2 to rotate around its axis. Under the combined action of the rotational motion of the rotating shaft and the throttling characteristics of the jet pipe 3, the natural gas flow inside will generate a swirling jet gas in the jet pipe 3 and be output from the outlet of the jet pipe 3. This powerfully blows away dirt and impurities in the natural gas pipeline located in front of the device, preventing the accumulation of dirt and impurities from causing the device to get stuck in the natural gas pipeline and reducing the efficiency of natural gas transportation.

[0054] This invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The invention extends to any new feature or combination disclosed in this specification, as well as any new method or process step or combination disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A vortex jet pig for natural gas pipelines, characterized in that, It includes an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder fitted inside the outer cylinder and coaxially arranged with the outer cylinder, several sets of jet pipes arranged at one end of the inner cylinder and communicating with the inner cylinder, and an impeller assembly fitted on the outside of the inner cylinder; the end of the jet pipe away from the inner cylinder faces the natural gas pipeline; the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder are rotatably coupled.

2. A vortex jet pig for natural gas pipelines according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner cylinder is provided with several sets of vent holes that communicate with the inside of the inner cylinder; the vent holes are located on the side of the impeller assembly near the jet tube.

3. A vortex jet pig for natural gas pipelines according to claim 2, characterized in that, A flow guide is fitted on the outside of the inner cylinder; the impeller assembly is located between the flow guide and the inner cylinder.

4. A vortex jet pig for natural gas pipelines according to claim 3, characterized in that, The flow guide includes a connecting section fitted on the outside of the inner cylinder and fixedly connected to the outer cylinder, and a conical section coaxially connected to the connecting section; the small end of the conical section is connected to the connecting section, and the conical section is located on the side of the impeller assembly away from the vent.

5. A vortex jet pig for natural gas pipelines according to claim 3, characterized in that, A bearing is fitted on the outer side of the inner cylinder; a bearing housing for mounting the bearing is provided on the inner side of the outer cylinder.

6. A vortex jet pig for natural gas pipelines according to claim 5, characterized in that, The bearings are in two sets; the vent is located between the bearing and the impeller near the impeller assembly.

7. A vortex jet pig for natural gas pipelines according to claim 3, characterized in that, A support and sealing assembly is provided at one end of the outer cylinder near the jet pipe; the support and sealing assembly includes a baffle plate disposed at one end of the outer cylinder near the jet pipe and fitted on the outside of the inner cylinder, and a retaining ring connected to a bearing seat on the side away from the impeller assembly and located between the bearing seat and the baffle plate; the retaining ring is in sealing cooperation with the inner cylinder; the side of the retaining ring near the baffle plate is connected to the baffle plate.

8. A vortex jet pig for natural gas pipelines according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inner cylinder includes a sleeve-shaped cylinder body and end caps disposed at both ends of the cylinder body; A plurality of mounting holes are provided on the end cap on the side away from the impeller assembly, and one end of the jet hole is installed in the mounting hole; the axial direction of the mounting hole is parallel to the axial direction of the cylinder body. The distance between the axis of several sets of mounting holes and the axis of the cylinder body is equal, and the distance between two adjacent sets of mounting holes is equal; The jet tube includes an installation section installed in the installation hole and coaxially arranged with the installation hole, and an inclined section connected to the end of the installation section away from the cylinder body and inclined.

9. A vortex jet pig for natural gas pipelines according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, Two sets of leather cup assemblies are fitted onto the outer cylinder, and the two sets of leather cup assemblies are arranged symmetrically; each leather cup assembly includes a guide leather cup, a spacer leather cup, and a sealing leather cup; the two sets of sealing leather cups are located on the side of the two sets of leather cup assemblies that are close to each other.

10. A vortex jet pig for natural gas pipelines according to claim 8, characterized in that, A traction ring is provided on the end cap on the side away from the impeller assembly; a positioning device is provided inside the outer cylinder on the side of the impeller assembly away from the jet tube.

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