A sea cable bend restrictor for a steel sheathed pipeline of a floating platform

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of for floating platform steel pipe protector of submarine cable bender, comprising: flexible part includes framework, flexible protection part and connecting flange, the front end of framework is fixedly connected with connecting flange, and flexible protection part is covered in the rear of framework and extends backward;Adapter part includes adapter pipe, end face flange, bottom flange and at least three groups of guiding and pressing components, end face flange and bottom flange are fixedly connected at two ends of adapter pipe respectively, end face flange is movably connected with mounting flange, bottom flange is connected with connecting flange by locking bolt, and end face flange is evenly distributed with at least three groups of guiding and pressing components.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of marine engineering equipment technology, and in particular to a cable bend preventer for steel protective pipes of floating platforms. Background Technology

[0002] In the submarine cable landing system of a floating platform, the submarine cable needs to be introduced into the platform through a vertical steel liner. Unlike the structure of a fixed platform where the lower end of the liner is submerged underwater for a long time, the steel liner of a floating platform is completely above the water surface. Therefore, the "J-type plug + VBR (vertical bend limiter)" combination protection scheme used in traditional fixed platforms cannot be used. Considering the characteristics of floating platforms, in engineering practice, an anti-bend device is usually installed at the outlet flange at the lower end of the steel liner to limit the bending radius of the submarine cable at that location and prevent excessive bending.

[0003] However, because the steel protective pipe is located below the platform deck, construction workers must perform high-altitude suspension operations during installation, which significantly increases the workload and construction risks.

[0004] In submarine cable installation operations on floating platforms, traditional bend arresters typically employ a flange connection combined with bolt fixing. This involves installing mating flanges at the upper end of the bend arrester and the lower end of the liner, securing them with bolts. However, because the bend arrester can weigh hundreds of kilograms and must be connected to the steel liner under suspended conditions, this method faces the following significant challenges in actual construction:

[0005] 1. Difficulty in centering the axis: When the anti-bend device is hoisted below the steel protective pipe, there is often a large deviation between its own axis and the axis of the protective pipe. Due to the large weight of the anti-bend device and the difficulty in controlling its attitude in the air, construction personnel need to make manual adjustments in multiple directions at a high altitude, making the centering operation extremely difficult;

[0006] 2. Complex bolt hole alignment: Even after initial alignment of the flange ends, the bolt holes on the two flanges are still difficult to align. Due to the lack of an effective guiding and positioning mechanism, the fine-tuning process is time-consuming and labor-intensive, seriously affecting installation accuracy and progress.

[0007] 3. High safety risks and low efficiency: Adjusting the position and angle of heavy anti-bend devices while suspended not only results in high labor intensity and low work efficiency, but also easily leads to safety risks such as falling objects from heights and personnel collisions. Overall construction controllability is poor, and construction costs and ship expenses are increased. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To address the problems of centering difficulties, high operational risks, and low efficiency in the installation of steel protective pipes and submarine cable anti-bend devices for floating platforms, this paper proposes a submarine cable anti-bend device for steel protective pipes of floating platforms. This device effectively solves the installation bottleneck of traditional flange bolt connection methods under suspended operation conditions by integrating a guide structure and a pressure block locking mechanism.

[0009] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0010] A cable bend preventer is provided for use on a steel liner of a floating platform, which connects to a mounting flange on the liner, and includes:

[0011] The flexible assembly includes a frame, a flexible protective part, and a connecting flange. The front end of the frame is fixedly connected to the connecting flange, and the flexible protective part covers the rear part of the frame and extends rearward to form a protective sleeve that allows submarine cables to pass through.

[0012] The adapter assembly includes an adapter pipe, an end flange, a bottom flange, and at least three sets of guide and clamping components. The end flange and the bottom flange are respectively fixedly connected to both ends of the adapter pipe. The end flange is movably connected to the mounting flange. The bottom flange is connected to the connecting flange by locking bolts. The at least three sets of guide and clamping components are evenly distributed on the end flange.

[0013] The guide clamping assembly includes a base, a threaded rod, a clamping nut, a locking block, and a guide member. The base is fixedly connected to the end face flange, and the threaded rod is fixedly connected to the base. At least one side of the threaded rod is provided with the guide member, such that the guide member is distributed circumferentially along the end face flange, and the upper part of the guide member is bent outward and extended to form a guide structure (surface) with a gradually increasing opening on the outer periphery of the end face flange. The locking block is sleeved on the threaded rod and reciprocates along the end face flange axially on the threaded rod. The inner end of the locking block extends to the top of the end face flange and is movably connected to the mounting flange, so as to clamp or loosen the mounting flange by the locking block, thereby realizing the locking or unlocking of the protective tube and the anti-bend device. The clamping nut is threadedly connected to the threaded rod and contacts the front end face of the locking block to lock the position of the locking block.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the skeleton is partially connected to the flexible protective part, so that the skeleton cannot penetrate the entire flexible protective part along the axial direction; wherein, the skeleton is a metal skeleton.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the material of the protective part is flexible polyurethane.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the front end face of the adapter pipe is welded to the end face flange, and the rear end face of the adapter pipe is welded to the bottom flange.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base is welded or integrally connected to the bottom surface of the end flange.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the threaded rod is welded or integrally connected to the base.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a guide member is provided on each side of the threaded rod, and the guide member is fixedly connected to the end face flange and / or the base.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a gap is provided between the threaded rod and the guide member, the width of the gap being less than the distance from the front end of the locking block to the threaded rod, and the width of the gap being greater than the radius of the locking block nut.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the guide structure is a trumpet-shaped, conical, or wedge-shaped structure, and the opening of the guide structure gradually opens in the direction away from the end face flange.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a locking nut is threadedly connected to the threaded rod on the outer side of the pressure block nut, and the locking nut is in movable contact with the pressure block nut.

[0023] The beneficial effects of this invention are: Guiding alignment and rapid positioning: The guide structure integrated at the end of the anti-bend device automatically guides it to align with the steel protective pipe flange during hoisting, overcoming the alignment difficulties of existing flange connection methods, significantly reducing the difficulty and workload of manual adjustment at height, and improving alignment accuracy, installation efficiency, and operational safety; Locking with pressure blocks, eliminating the need for bolt hole alignment: A screw-driven radial locking pressure block mechanism replaces traditional bolt connections, achieving rapid locking without bolt hole alignment. After the flange is in place, the steel protective pipe is locked by the locking pressure block, completely eliminating the bolt hole alignment step, simplifying the installation process, and eliminating the risks of high-altitude hole alignment operations; Significantly improved overall benefits: While reducing labor intensity and technical difficulty, it significantly shortens offshore operation time, improves construction efficiency and safety, and helps reduce reliance on large construction vessels and complex manpower configurations, thereby effectively controlling overall construction costs and vessel expenses. Attached Figure Description

[0024] 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:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a submarine cable anti-bend device for a steel protective pipe of a floating platform according to the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible component in a submarine cable anti-bend device for steel protective pipes of floating platforms, as described in this invention.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the transition section in a submarine cable anti-bend device for a steel protective pipe of a floating platform, as described in this invention.

[0028] Figure 4 This is an exploded structural diagram of the transition section of a submarine cable anti-bend device for a steel protective pipe of a floating platform, as described in this invention.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of a submarine cable anti-bend device for a steel protective pipe of a floating platform, as described in this invention, and the steel protective pipe before installation.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the installation of a submarine cable anti-bend device for a floating platform steel protective pipe, as described in this invention, and the steel protective pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0031] 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.

[0032] Please see Figure 1-6 The embodiments of the present invention include: A submarine cable bend preventer for a steel protective pipe of a floating platform is connected to a steel protective pipe 4 fixedly installed on the floating platform to protect the submarine cable 5. A mounting flange 41 is fixedly connected to the rear end of the steel protective pipe 4. Its structure includes: a flexible component 1, a transition component 2, and a locking bolt 3.

[0033] The flexible component 1 includes a frame 11, a flexible protective part 12, and a connecting flange 13. The connecting flange 13 is fixedly connected to the front end of the frame 11. The flexible protective part 12 covers the rear part of the frame 11 and extends rearward to form a protective sleeve that allows the submarine cable 5 to pass through.

[0034] The skeleton 11 is only partially connected to the flexible protective part 12. The skeleton 11 cannot penetrate the entire flexible protective part 12 axially, which gives the protective sleeve a certain degree of axial flexibility and displacement adaptability. It can effectively absorb external stress and prevent the submarine cable 5 from bending or being damaged, thus achieving the protection of the submarine cable 5. If the skeleton 11 penetrates the entire flexible protective part 12, it will cause the protective sleeve to be too rigid and lose its flexibility, which will easily damage the submarine cable 5 and fail to play its protective role.

[0035] Furthermore, the frame 11 is a rigid structure and can be made of metal to improve its strength, rigidity, and corrosion resistance, thereby extending its service life. The frame 11 can also be made of other materials, whichever best meets the actual usage requirements.

[0036] Furthermore, the flexible protective section 12 can be made of polyurethane, and the polyurethane can be applied to the outside of the frame 11 through injection molding. Polyurethane has good corrosion resistance and UV resistance, and its elastic modulus is also ideal, meeting practical application requirements and better adapting to the marine environment. Of course, the flexible protective section 12 can also be made of other flexible materials, as long as they meet the actual application requirements.

[0037] The adapter assembly 2 includes an adapter pipe 21, an end flange 22, a bottom flange 23, and at least three sets of guide clamping assemblies 24.

[0038] The transfer pipe 21 is a hollow tubular structure with an end face flange 22 fixedly connected to its front end and a bottom flange 23 fixedly connected to its rear end to form the main support of the transfer assembly 2. The bottom flange 23 and the connecting flange 13 are fixedly connected by locking bolts 3 to realize the assembly of the transfer assembly 2 and the flexible assembly 1.

[0039] Furthermore, the end flange 22 is welded to the transfer pipe 21 as a whole, and the transfer pipe 21 is welded to the bottom flange 23.

[0040] Furthermore, the transfer pipe 21 can adopt a variable diameter structure with a gradually increasing front diameter to form a pipe body with a transition section, which facilitates the installation of the submarine cable 5. Alternatively, the transfer pipe 21 can also adopt a straight pipe structure, depending on the actual usage requirements.

[0041] At least three sets of guide clamping assemblies 24 are evenly distributed on the end flange 22 to facilitate the connection and fixation of the anti-bend device with the steel protective pipe 4.

[0042] The guide clamping assembly 24 includes a base 241, a threaded rod 242, a clamping nut 243, an anti-loosening nut 244, a locking clamping block 245, and a guide member 246.

[0043] The base 241 is fixedly connected to the end flange 22, and a threaded rod 242 is fixedly connected to the base 241. A guide 246 is provided on each side of the threaded rod 242.

[0044] The lower part of the guide member 246 is fixedly connected to the outer edge of the end face flange 22 and / or the base 241, so that all the guide members 246 are distributed circumferentially along the end face flange 22, and the upper part of the guide member 246 is bent outward, inclined and extended, so as to form a conical or wedge-shaped guide structure / face on the outer periphery of the end face flange 22 through multiple guide members 246, and the opening of the guide structure gradually opens in the direction away from the end face flange.

[0045] The tapered guide surface at the front end of the guide structure is adapted to the outer circumferential surface of the mounting flange 41 on the steel protective pipe 4, so as to realize the docking guidance between the anti-bend device and the steel protective pipe 4 during the docking process. It can automatically guide the anti-bend device and the steel protective pipe 4 (mounting flange 41) to achieve initial alignment, significantly reducing the difficulty of high-altitude attitude adjustment.

[0046] The locking blocks 245 are distributed circumferentially along the end face flange 22. The locking blocks 245 are sleeved on the threaded rod 242 and can reciprocate on the threaded rod 242 along the axial direction of the end face flange 22. The inner end of the locking blocks 245 extends radially inward along the end face flange 22 and is movably connected to the mounting flange 41 on the steel protective tube 4, so that the locking blocks 245 press or release the mounting flange 41, thereby realizing the locking or unlocking of the anti-bend device and the steel protective tube 4.

[0047] The pressure block nut 243 is threaded onto the threaded rod 242 and contacts the side of the locking block 245 opposite to the end face flange 22. The pressure block nut 243 locks the position of the locking block 245, preventing axial rotation or vertical movement. The anti-loosening nut is threaded onto the threaded rod outside the pressure block nut 243 and contacts the pressure block nut 243, providing redundant protection and preventing the locking block 245 from shifting due to loosening of the pressure block nut 243.

[0048] Furthermore, a gap is provided between the threaded rod 242 and the guide member 246. The width of this gap is smaller than the distance from the front end of the locking block 245 to the threaded rod 242. This gap provides a limiting effect for the locking block 245 through the guide member 246. That is, when the locking block 245 moves between the two guide members, it cannot rotate around the threaded rod 242 without angular restriction. After a certain angle, the locking block 245 will be blocked by the guide member 246, preventing the locking block 245 from rotating and disengaging from the mounting flange 41 when locked. This further ensures the firmness and stability of the connection between the steel protective pipe 4 and the anti-bend device, preventing the anti-bend device from loosening or even falling off. At the same time, the width of the gap is greater than the radius of the pressure block nut 243 and the anti-loosening nut 244 to facilitate the tightening of the pressure block nut 243 and the anti-loosening nut 244.

[0049] The Benshen anti-bend device abandons the traditional bolt connection method and adopts a radially distributed locking block 245 design to achieve the locking connection function: after the anti-bend device is connected and positioned with the steel protective pipe 4, the rear end face of the mounting flange 41 contacts the front end face of the end flange 22. At this time, the locking block 245 can be driven to approach the mounting flange 41 and directly press against the front end face of the mounting flange 41 or a specific locking groove on the mounting flange 41, achieving a quick connection without bolt hole alignment. This avoids the need for precise bolt hole alignment of the hundreds of kilograms of anti-bend device at high altitudes, transforming the most labor-intensive and dangerous part of the installation process into a simple and controllable mechanized operation, greatly shortening the installation time, effectively improving the accuracy, reliability and efficiency of assembly, significantly reducing labor intensity and construction risks. Construction personnel no longer need to perform a lot of manual adjustment and heavy object handling while suspended at high altitudes, reducing the risk of falling objects and personnel collisions, and improving working safety conditions.

[0050] Furthermore, a (hydraulic or mechanical) drive device is connected to the locking block 245, which drives the locking block 245 to rotate or rise and fall to contact the mounting flange 41.

[0051] Furthermore, the base 241 is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the end flange 22 by welding or integral connection. For example, the threaded rod is vertically mounted on the base, that is, the threaded rod is perpendicular to the base.

[0052] Furthermore, the threaded rod 242 is fixedly connected to the base 241 by welding or integral connection.

[0053] Furthermore, the guide member 246 is fixedly connected to the outer edge of the end face flange 22.

[0054] The working principle of the submarine cable anti-bend device used for steel protective pipes of floating platforms includes: As the anti-bend device is hoisted below the steel protective pipe 4 and begins to approach, a guide structure composed of multiple guide elements 246 provides alignment guidance: the edge of the mounting flange 41 first contacts the guide surface of the guide structure. As hoisting continues, guided by the guide elements 246, the axis of the anti-bend device automatically aligns with the axis of the steel protective pipe 4, thus achieving initial axis alignment. This design cleverly utilizes the natural approach motion during hoisting, using a mechanical structure rather than manual intervention to assist in alignment. This greatly reduces the difficulty for construction workers to manually adjust the alignment while suspended at high altitudes, making the alignment process more efficient, precise, and labor-saving.

[0055] When the end flange 22 moves to the designated position and contacts the mounting flange 41, the locking block 245 is fitted onto the threaded rod 242. Then, the locking block nut 243 is installed and tightened on the threaded rod 242, so that the locking block 245 moves towards the front end face of the end flange 22 through the locking block nut 243, until the locking block 245 is pressed against the front end face of the mounting flange 41. The locking blocks 245 are installed on the remaining threaded rods 242 in sequence, and the locking blocks nut 243 is installed in a segmented manner. During the tightening of the locking blocks nut 243, each locking block nut 243 is installed in sequence with 30%-30%-40% of the rated torque value, instead of tightening one locking block nut 243 and then installing another. Finally, the anti-loosening nut 244 is installed on top of each locking block nut 243.

[0056] The mechanical guidance and locking block 245 ensure the coaxiality and connection reliability of the anti-bend device and the steel protective pipe 4, avoiding installation defects that may be caused by human error. This significantly shortens the time for high-altitude operations at sea, reduces the labor intensity and construction risks of personnel, and improves the installation efficiency and operational safety of the floating platform submarine cable landing section protection device. It has strong engineering practical value.

[0057] The beneficial effects of the submarine cable anti-bend device for steel protective pipes of floating platforms according to the present invention are: 1. Guiding and centering, rapid positioning: The anti-bend device has an integrated guiding structure at the end, which can automatically guide it to be aligned with the steel protective flange during hoisting, greatly reducing the difficulty and workload of manual adjustment at high altitudes, and improving centering accuracy, installation efficiency and operation safety. 2. Locking block, eliminating the need for bolt hole alignment: The screw-driven radial locking block mechanism replaces the traditional bolt connection. After the flange is in place, the steel protective pipe is locked by the locking block, completely eliminating the bolt hole alignment process, simplifying the installation process, and eliminating the risk of high-altitude hole alignment operations. 3. Significantly improved overall benefits: While reducing labor intensity and technical difficulty, it significantly shortens the time spent at sea, improves construction efficiency and safety, and helps reduce reliance on large construction vessels and complex manpower configurations, thereby effectively controlling overall construction costs and vessel expenses.

[0058] 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 using 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 cable bend preventer for a steel protective pipe of a floating platform, connected to a mounting flange on the protective pipe, characterized in that, include: The flexible assembly includes a frame, a flexible protective part, and a connecting flange. The front end of the frame is fixedly connected to the connecting flange, and the flexible protective part covers the rear part of the frame and extends rearward to form a protective sleeve that allows submarine cables to pass through. The adapter assembly includes an adapter pipe, an end flange, a bottom flange, and at least three sets of guide and clamping components. The end flange and the bottom flange are respectively fixedly connected to both ends of the adapter pipe. The end flange is movably connected to the mounting flange. The bottom flange is connected to the connecting flange by locking bolts. The at least three sets of guide and clamping components are evenly distributed on the end flange. The guide clamping assembly includes a base, a threaded rod, a clamping nut, a locking block, and a guide member. The base is fixedly connected to the end face flange, and the threaded rod is fixedly connected to the base. At least one side of the threaded rod is provided with the guide member, such that the guide member is distributed circumferentially along the end face flange, and the upper part of the guide member is bent outward and extended to form a guide structure with a gradually increasing opening on the outer periphery of the end face flange. The locking block is sleeved on the threaded rod and reciprocates along the end face flange axially on the threaded rod. The inner end of the locking block extends to the top of the end face flange and is movably connected to the mounting flange, so as to clamp or loosen the mounting flange by the locking block, thereby realizing the locking or unlocking of the protective tube and the anti-bend device. The clamping nut is threadedly connected to the threaded rod and contacts the front end face of the locking block to lock the position of the locking block.

2. The submarine cable anti-bend device for steel protective pipes of floating platforms according to claim 1, characterized in that, The skeleton is partially connected to the flexible protective part, so that the skeleton cannot penetrate the entire flexible protective part along the axial direction; wherein, the skeleton is a metal skeleton.

3. The submarine cable anti-bend device for steel protective pipes of floating platforms according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material of the protective part is flexible polyurethane.

4. A submarine cable anti-bend device for steel protective pipes of floating platforms according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front end face of the transfer pipe is welded to the end face flange, and the rear end face of the transfer pipe is welded to the bottom flange.

5. A submarine cable anti-bend device for steel protective pipes of floating platforms according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base is welded or integrally connected to the bottom surface of the end flange.

6. A submarine cable anti-bend device for steel protective pipes of floating platforms according to claim 1, characterized in that, The threaded rod is welded or integrally connected to the base.

7. A submarine cable anti-bend device for steel protective pipes of floating platforms according to claim 1, characterized in that, A guide member is provided on each side of the threaded rod, and the guide member is fixedly connected to the end flange and / or the base.

8. A submarine cable anti-bend device for steel protective pipes of floating platforms according to claim 7, characterized in that, A gap is provided between the threaded rod and the guide member. The width of the gap is less than the distance from the front end of the locking block to the threaded rod, and the width of the gap is greater than the radius of the locking block nut.

9. A submarine cable anti-bend device for steel protective pipes of floating platforms according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide structure is a trumpet-shaped, conical, or wedge-shaped structure, and the opening of the guide structure gradually opens in the direction away from the end face flange.

10. A submarine cable anti-bend device for steel protective pipes of floating platforms according to claim 1, characterized in that, An anti-loosening nut is threaded onto the threaded rod on the outside of the pressure block nut, and the anti-loosening nut is in movable contact with the pressure block nut.

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