Multi-cable synchronous sealing test device and installation method

Abstract

This invention discloses a multi-cable synchronous sealing test device and installation method, comprising: a test chamber provided inside a test tube; an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, and at least two pressure gauges connected to the test tube; a sealing connection assembly connected to at least one end of the test tube, the sealing connection assembly including a welded flange, a sealing flange, a through hole, a sealing element, a sealing pressure plate, and a cable connection hole; and an end fixing assembly including an end limiting element and a seepage channel. Through the above method, this invention provides a multi-cable synchronous sealing test device that combines the ability to conduct hydrostatic tests on both single and multiple cables simultaneously, significantly improving the utilization rate of the test equipment and the overall testing efficiency, significantly reducing tooling procurement and management costs, and adapting to submarine cables of different outer diameters. While ensuring reliable end-face sealing, it significantly reduces installation preparation time and workload, improving the operability and operational efficiency of the test.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of marine engineering equipment technology, and in particular to a multi-cable synchronous sealing test device and its installation method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, to ensure long-term stable operation in harsh marine environments, submarine cables must undergo rigorous hydrostatic pressure sealing tests before leaving the factory, and the pressure holding period is usually required to be more than one year.

[0003] However, existing submarine cable sealing test equipment has two major bottlenecks: Firstly, submarine cables come in a wide variety of specifications and structures (especially composite cables that integrate multiple independent optical and electrical units), while existing tooling designs are only designed for a single standard submarine cable, resulting in sealing tests that can only be conducted sequentially, which is inflexible and inefficient. Secondly, existing tooling makes it difficult to verify the sealing performance of multiple independent units inside composite cables simultaneously and independently. Secondly, existing tooling relies on traditional "armor pressing" or "glue injection" methods to fix the ends of submarine cables. This method requires that the anti-corrosion asphalt on the surface of the armor steel wire must be thoroughly cleaned before fixing. This process is difficult to clean and labor-intensive, becoming a key pain point that restricts the efficiency and operability of the entire test process. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A multi-cable synchronous sealing test device is provided, comprising: The test tube body has a test chamber inside, and the test tube body is connected to an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, and at least two pressure gauges, and the inlet pipe, the outlet pipe, and the pressure gauges are respectively connected to the test chamber. A closed connection assembly is provided, wherein at least one end of the test tube is connected to the closed connection assembly, the closed connection assembly includes a welding flange, a sealing flange, a through hole, a sealing element, a sealing pressure plate, and a cable connection hole. The welding flange is fixedly connected to the test tube, the sealing flange is installed on the welding flange, the sealing flange is provided with at least two through holes, the sealing element is provided in the through holes, the sealing pressure plate is provided with the cable connection hole communicating with the through holes, and the sealing pressure plate is fixedly connected to the outer end face of the sealing flange to press the sealing element and deform it under pressure to block the through hole and / or the cable connection hole; The end fixing assembly includes an end limiting member and a water seepage groove. The end limiting member is fixedly connected to the sealing flange and is pressed against the outer end of the submarine cable to limit the position of the submarine cable, prevent displacement of the submarine cable during the sealing test, and improve the test accuracy. The end limiting member is provided with the water seepage groove corresponding to the outer end face of the submarine cable. The water seepage groove contacts the outer end face of the submarine cable and is aligned with the cable core of the submarine cable to observe whether the cable core of the submarine cable is leaking water.

[0005] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the test tube is fixedly connected to the mounting bracket.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the water outlet pipe is located at the highest point of the test tube, and the water inlet pipe is located below the water outlet pipe.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an inlet valve is connected to the inlet pipe, and an outlet valve is connected to the outlet pipe.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the test tube body is provided with a pressure relief pipe communicating with the test chamber, and a safety valve is fixedly connected to the pressure relief pipe.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a metal spiral wound gasket is provided between the sealing flange and the welding flange.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the end limiting member includes a limiting pressing plate and a fixing bracket. The limiting pressing plate is provided with the seepage groove. At least three fixing brackets are circumferentially fixedly connected to the outer edge of the limiting pressing plate, and the fixing brackets are fixedly connected to the sealing flange.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the limiting clamping plate and the fixed bracket are an integral structure.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the diameter or width of the seepage channel is smaller than the diameter of the corresponding submarine cable.

[0013] An installation and testing method for a multi-cable synchronous sealing test device, which employs the aforementioned multi-cable synchronous sealing test device, includes the following steps: S1. Fix the sealing flange onto the welding flange, select the corresponding sealing element and install it into the through hole. The outer end of the sealing element protrudes from the outer end face of the sealing flange. Then, pass one end of the submarine cable that needs to be tested for sealing through the sealing element and the sealing flange and insert it into the test tube. S2. Based on the specifications of the submarine cable, select a sealing plate with a corresponding number and specification of cable connection holes, ensuring that the number of cable connection holes on the sealing plate is the same as the number of submarine cables to be tested. The remaining parts of the sealing plate should be flat to seal any excess through holes on the sealing flange, preventing damage to the sealing performance of the test tube. Place the sealing plate onto the submarine cable, allowing the cable to pass through the cable connection holes on the sealing plate. Then push the sealing plate until it presses against the outer end face of the sealing flange and the sealing element, locking it in place. This causes the sealing element to deform under the action of the sealing plate, creating tight contact with the submarine cable, thereby sealing the through holes and cable connection holes and preventing leakage of the sealing test fluid. Finally, use the pressure plate bolts to lock the sealing plate onto the sealing flange. S3. Align the end limiting piece with the four bolt holes reserved on the sealing flange, and then use the flange bolts to install and fix the end limiting piece so that the limiting clamping plate presses against the outer end face of the submarine cable, and align the water seepage channel with the cable core position of the submarine cable to observe whether there is water seepage. S4. Close the outlet valve, open the inlet valve and pressure gauge to deliver the sealing test fluid into the test chamber through the inlet pipe, adjust the pressure in the test chamber to the preset value, and then close the inlet valve to perform the sealing test.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this invention are: versatility and high efficiency, reducing costs: This device adopts a modular parallel design, capable of conducting hydrostatic tests on both single and multiple cables simultaneously. One set of equipment can cover diverse testing needs from standard submarine cables to multi-unit composite cables. This not only increases testing efficiency several times over but also avoids repeatedly configuring special tooling for submarine cables of different specifications, significantly improving the utilization rate of testing equipment and overall testing efficiency, and significantly reducing tooling procurement and management costs. Convenient installation, saving time and effort: It adopts innovative closed connection components and end fixing components, which can adapt to submarine cables of different outer diameters. It completely eliminates the complex fixing methods of traditional "glue injection" or "armor pressing," and completely avoids the tedious cleaning steps of armored steel wires in traditional processes. While ensuring reliable end-face sealing, the installation steps are simple and quick, reducing the installation preparation time of a single submarine cable by approximately 70%, thereby significantly reducing installation preparation time and workload, and greatly improving the operability and operational efficiency of the test. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort, wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a preferred embodiment of a multi-cable synchronous sealing test device of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the multi-cable synchronous sealing test device of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of a multi-cable synchronous sealing test device of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0017] Please see Figure 1-3 The embodiments of the present invention include: A multi-cable synchronous sealing test device includes: a test tube body 1, a sealing connection component 2, and an end fixing component 3.

[0018] The test tube 1 has a test chamber 11 that runs through it along the axial direction to store the sealing test fluid. The test tube is connected to an inlet pipe 12, an outlet pipe 13, and at least two pressure gauges 14. The inlet pipe 12, the outlet pipe 13, and the pressure gauges 14 are all connected to the test chamber 11. The sealing test fluid, which mimics the composition of seawater, can be delivered into the test chamber 11 through the inlet pipe 12. The sealing test fluid in the test chamber 11 can be discharged through the outlet pipe 13. The pressure gauges 14 are used to monitor the pressure value in the test chamber in real time in order to maintain the ideal test conditions.

[0019] Furthermore, the test tube 1 can be fixedly connected to the mounting bracket 15 by welding, bolting, or other methods.

[0020] In some embodiments of this application, the test tube 1 and the mounting bracket 15 are made of steel to improve the strength and stability of the test device and extend its service life.

[0021] Furthermore, the water outlet pipe 13 is located at the highest point of the test tube 1, and the water inlet pipe 12 is located below the water outlet pipe 13. This helps to expel air from the test chamber during the water injection process, in order to facilitate the pressure test.

[0022] Furthermore, an inlet valve 16 is welded to the inlet pipe 12, and an outlet valve 17 is connected to the outlet pipe 13. The inlet valve 16 and the outlet valve 17 are used to control the flow of water in and out.

[0023] In some embodiments of this application, the inlet valve 16 / outlet valve 17 can be fixedly connected to the inlet / outlet pipe by means of welding or other methods.

[0024] In some embodiments of this application, two pressure gauges 14 are connected to the test tube 1.

[0025] Furthermore, the test tube 1 is provided with a pressure relief pipe 18 that communicates with the test chamber 11, and a safety valve 19 is fixedly connected to the pressure relief pipe 18. The pressure relief pipe 18 and the safety valve 19 can prevent the pressure of the medium in the device from exceeding the specified value, thereby achieving the purpose of safety protection.

[0026] The two ends of the test tube 1 are connected to a closed connection assembly 2, which includes a welding flange 21, a sealing flange 22, a through hole 23, a seal 24, a sealing pressure plate 25, and a cable connection hole 26.

[0027] The welding flange 21 is fixedly connected to the end of the test tube 1 by butt welding or other methods. The sealing flange 22 is installed on the welding flange 21 by eight flange bolts 221. The sealing flange 22 is provided with at least two through holes 23. A sealing element 24 (sealing gasket / sealing ring, etc.) is movably installed in the through hole 23. The sealing pressure plate 25 is provided with at least two cable connection holes 26. The cable connection holes 26 correspond one-to-one with the through holes 23 and are connected so that one end of the corresponding specification submarine cable 4 can pass through the cable connection hole 26 and the through hole 23 and enter the test chamber 11 for sealing test. The sealing pressure plate is fixedly connected to the outer end face of the sealing flange to press the sealing element, so that the sealing element 24 is deformed under pressure and makes close contact with the submarine cable 4 to block the through hole 23 and / or the cable connection hole 26.

[0028] In some embodiments of this application, a metal spiral wound gasket is provided between the sealing flange 22 and the welding flange 21 for sealing between the flanges.

[0029] In some embodiments of this application, the outer surface of the sealing flange 22 has eight internally threaded blind holes. The pressure plate bolt 251 passes through the sealing pressure plate 25 and connects to the internally threaded blind holes to achieve a fixed connection between the sealing flange 22 and the sealing pressure plate 25.

[0030] In some embodiments of this application, the sealing plate 25 is provided with multiple cable connection holes 26 of the same specification, so that multiple submarine cables 4 of the same specification can be sealed at the same time.

[0031] In some other embodiments of this application, the sealing plate 25 is provided with cable connection holes 26 of different specifications, and there is at least one cable connection hole 26 of each specification, so that multiple submarine cables 4 of different specifications can be sealed at the same time.

[0032] The end fixing assembly 3 includes an end limiting member 31 and a water seepage groove 32. The end limiting member 31 is fixedly connected to the sealing flange 22 and presses against the outer ends of all submarine cables 4 to limit the position of the submarine cables 4, prevent the submarine cables 4 from shifting during the sealing test, and improve the test accuracy. The end limiting member 31 is provided with at least two water seepage grooves 32. The water seepage grooves 32 contact the outer end face of the submarine cable 4 and are aligned with the cable core of the submarine cable 4 to observe whether the cable core of the submarine cable is leaking water.

[0033] Furthermore, the end limiting member 31 includes a limiting clamping plate 311 and a fixed bracket 312. The limiting clamping plate 311 is provided with a water seepage groove 32. At least three fixed brackets 312 are circumferentially fixedly connected to the outer edge of the limiting clamping plate 311, and the fixed brackets 312 are fixedly connected to the sealing flange 22 by flange bolts.

[0034] In some embodiments of this application, the sealing flange 22 is provided with four threaded holes, and the flange bolts pass through the fixing bracket 312 and connect to the threaded holes to achieve a fixed connection between the fixing bracket 312 and the sealing flange 22.

[0035] In some embodiments of this application, the limiting clamping plate 311 and the fixed bracket 312 are an integral structure.

[0036] In some other embodiments of this application, the limiting clamping plate 311 is fixedly connected to the fixed bracket 312 by welding or bolts.

[0037] Furthermore, the diameter (width) of the seepage channel 32 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the corresponding submarine cable 4. This can effectively compress the submarine cable 4 to prevent it from slowly coming off during long-term testing, and also prevent the limiting clamping plate 311 from blocking the submarine cable 4. This ensures that the outer end face of the submarine cable 4 has sufficient exposed area, so that if water seeps into the submarine cable 4, the water can flow along the cable core into the seepage channel 32, making it convenient for testing personnel to observe and check the test status of the submarine cable 4 in a timely manner.

[0038] In some embodiments of this application, the seepage channel 32 is a rectangular channel, an oblong channel, or a channel of other shapes.

[0039] An installation method for a multi-cable synchronous sealing test device includes the following steps: S1. Keep the test tube 1 in an empty state, and fix the sealing flange 22 to the welding flange 21 with flange bolts 221; select a seal 24 of the corresponding size and install it into the through hole 23, with the outer end of the seal 24 protruding from the outer end face of the sealing flange 22; insert one end of the submarine cable 4 that needs to be tested for sealing through the seal 24 and the sealing flange 22 and then into the test tube 1.

[0040] Among them, submarine cables 4 can be inserted according to the test requirements: two sets of submarine cables 4 can be inserted from the sealing flanges 22 at both ends of the test tube 1, or a long submarine cable 4 can be passed through the sealing flanges 22 at both ends of the test tube 1.

[0041] S2. According to the specifications of the submarine cable, select a sealing plate 25 with a corresponding number and specification of cable connection holes 26, so that the number of cable connection holes 26 on the sealing plate 25 is the same as the number of submarine cables 4 to be tested. The other parts of the sealing plate 25 are flat to block the excess through holes 23 on the sealing flange 22 and prevent damage to the sealing performance of the test tube 1. Fit the sealing plate 25 onto the submarine cable 4 so that the submarine cable 4 passes through the cable connection holes 26 on the sealing plate 25. Push the sealing plate 25 until it is pressed tightly against the outer end face of the sealing flange 22 and the sealing element 24, so that the sealing element 24 deforms and makes tight contact with the submarine cable 4, thereby sealing the through holes 23 and the cable connection holes 26 to prevent leakage of the sealing test fluid. Then use the pressure plate bolts to lock the sealing plate 25 onto the sealing flange 22.

[0042] S3. Align the end limiting piece 31 with the four bolt holes reserved on the sealing flange 22, and then use the flange bolts to install and fix the end limiting piece 31, so that the limiting clamping plate 311 presses against the outer end face of the submarine cable 4, and aligns the water seepage channel 32 with the cable core position of the submarine cable 4, so as to observe whether there is water seepage.

[0043] S4. Close the outlet valve 17, open the inlet valve 16 and pressure gauge 14 to deliver the sealing test fluid into the test chamber 11 through the inlet pipe 12, adjust the pressure in the test chamber 11 to the preset value, and then close the inlet valve 16 to perform the sealing test.

[0044] The beneficial effects of the multi-cable synchronous sealing test device and installation method of the present invention are: 1. Versatile and efficient, reducing costs: This device adopts a modular parallel design, which can perform hydrostatic tests on single cables and multiple cables simultaneously. One device can cover the diverse testing needs from standard submarine cables to multi-unit composite cables. This not only increases the testing efficiency several times, but also avoids the need to repeatedly configure special tooling for submarine cables of different specifications, which greatly improves the utilization rate of the testing equipment and the overall testing efficiency, and significantly reduces the cost of tooling procurement and management. 2. Convenient installation, saving time and effort: The innovative closed connection components and end fixing components can adapt to submarine cables of different outer diameters, completely eliminating the complex fixing methods of traditional "glue filling" or "armor pressing". It also completely avoids the tedious cleaning steps of armored steel wires in traditional processes. Under the premise of ensuring reliable end face sealing, the installation steps are simple and quick, reducing the installation preparation time of a single submarine cable by about 70%, thereby greatly reducing the installation preparation time and workload, and greatly improving the operability and work efficiency of the test.

[0045] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of the present invention specification, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-cable synchronous sealing test device, characterized in that, include: The test tube body has a test chamber inside, and the test tube body is connected to an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, and at least two pressure gauges, and the inlet pipe, the outlet pipe, and the pressure gauges are respectively connected to the test chamber. A closed connection assembly is provided, wherein at least one end of the test tube is connected to the closed connection assembly, the closed connection assembly includes a welding flange, a sealing flange, a through hole, a sealing element, a sealing pressure plate, and a cable connection hole. The welding flange is fixedly connected to the test tube, the sealing flange is installed on the welding flange, the sealing flange is provided with at least two through holes, the sealing element is provided in the through holes, the sealing pressure plate is provided with the cable connection hole communicating with the through holes, and the sealing pressure plate is fixedly connected to the outer end face of the sealing flange to press the sealing element and deform it under pressure, thereby blocking the through hole and / or the cable connection hole; An end fixing assembly includes an end limiting member and a seepage channel. The end limiting member is fixedly connected to the sealing flange and is pressed against the outer end of the submarine cable. The end limiting member is provided with the seepage channel connecting the outer end face of the submarine cable.

2. The multi-cable synchronous sealing test device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The test tube is fixedly connected to a fixed bracket.

3. The multi-cable synchronous sealing test device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water outlet pipe is located at the highest point of the test tube, and the water inlet pipe is located below the water outlet pipe.

4. The multi-cable synchronous sealing test device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet pipe is connected to an inlet valve, and the outlet pipe is connected to an outlet valve.

5. The multi-cable synchronous sealing test device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The test tube is provided with a pressure relief pipe that communicates with the test chamber, and a safety valve is fixedly connected to the pressure relief pipe.

6. The multi-cable synchronous sealing test device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A spiral wound gasket is provided between the sealing flange and the welding flange.

7. The multi-cable synchronous sealing test device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end limiting component includes a limiting clamping plate and a fixing bracket. The limiting clamping plate is provided with the seepage groove. At least three fixing brackets are fixedly connected circumferentially to the outer edge of the limiting clamping plate, and the fixing brackets are fixedly connected to the sealing flange.

8. The multi-cable synchronous sealing test device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The limiting clamping plate and the fixed bracket are integrated into one structure.

9. The multi-cable synchronous sealing test device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter or width of the seepage channel is smaller than the diameter of the corresponding submarine cable.

10. An installation and testing method for a multi-cable synchronous sealing test device, characterized in that, The multi-cable synchronous sealing test device according to any one of claims 1-9 is used, and includes the following steps: S1. Fix the sealing flange onto the welding flange, select the corresponding sealing element and install it into the through hole, then pass one end of the submarine cable through the sealing element and the sealing flange and insert it into the test tube. S2. Select the corresponding sealing plate and put the sealing plate on the submarine cable so that the outer end of the submarine cable passes through the cable connection hole on the sealing plate. Then push the sealing plate until it is pressed against the outer end face of the sealing flange and the sealing element and locked. The sealing element is deformed under the action of the sealing plate to seal the through hole and the cable connection hole. Lock the sealing plate on the sealing flange. S3. Install and fix the end limiting piece on the sealing flange so that the limiting clamping plate presses against the outer end face of the submarine cable and aligns the water seepage groove with the core position of the submarine cable. S4. Close the outlet valve, open the inlet valve and pressure gauge to deliver the sealing test fluid into the test chamber through the inlet pipe, adjust the pressure in the test chamber to the preset value, and then close the inlet valve to perform the sealing test.

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