A hydraulic automatic coupling device and method for explosion-proof and pressure-resistant pipelines in oil fields

Abstract

This invention relates to an automatic hydraulic connection device and method for explosion-proof and pressure-resistant pipelines in oilfields, belonging to the technical field of oilfield production equipment. Technical solution: A clamping hydraulic cylinder applies a thrust towards the center, tightly pressing the planes of two single-sided wedge flanges together through an inverted V-shaped wedge groove. Simultaneously, the stainless steel bellows is stretched, and the inverted V-shaped wedge-shaped annular protrusion is pressed by the wedge groove clamping ring, maintaining a sealed connection between the outflow and inflow welded short joints, allowing unobstructed flow of the medium. The clamping hydraulic cylinder then applies a reverse pulling force, causing the two single-sided wedge flanges to gradually separate under the elastic force of the stainless steel bellows, achieving physical disconnection. This invention quickly and safely achieves pipeline disconnection and closure. Using hydraulic drive, operators can remotely control the automatic connection of pipelines in flammable, explosive, high-temperature, high-pressure, confined, or toxic gas environments, preventing major safety accidents such as explosions, burns, and poisoning from toxic gases in deep pits.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an automatic hydraulic coupling device and method for explosion-proof and pressure-resistant pipelines used in oil fields, belonging to the technical field of oilfield production equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Many process pipelines and equipment in oilfield production are installed in flammable, explosive, high-temperature, high-pressure, or confined spaces, as well as in areas with toxic gases (such as hydrogen sulfide). According to oilfield production process requirements, during equipment maintenance or emergencies, it is necessary to quickly and physically disconnect the process pipelines connected to the equipment to physically isolate the equipment from the pipelines. The purpose is to allow maintenance personnel to safely enter flammable, explosive, high-temperature, high-pressure, or confined spaces, as well as areas with toxic gases (such as hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide). At the same time, it is required that the physically disconnected pipelines can meet the required pressure resistance level after closure, and the entire process also has explosion-proof requirements.

[0003] Existing technologies require operators to enter the site to loosen the bolts on the flanges connecting the equipment and the process piping, leaving the process piping open. This operation poses significant safety hazards: ① In flammable and explosive environments, it is impossible to prevent sparks generated by operators during flange removal, which could lead to an explosion of flammable gases; ② Operators entering flammable and explosive areas may inhale high concentrations of polluting gases (hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, etc.) and suffer poisoning; ③ When loosening the flanges of high-temperature and high-pressure pipelines, operators face significant safety hazards such as contact burns and injuries from high-pressure gas impacts.

[0004] Furthermore, due to technological requirements, many oilfield equipment units are installed underground, as are the process pipelines connected to them. The existing technical practice is to install flanged valves between the equipment and the pipelines, which are closed to shut off the pipelines when equipment needs maintenance or replacement. However, because maintenance and replacement still require manual labor to descend into deep pits to loosen the bolts on the flanges connecting the equipment and disconnect the pipelines, this work involves high-risk deep-pit operations in confined spaces, making construction difficult.

[0005] In summary, the ability to quickly and safely disconnect and close process pipelines connected to equipment via remote operation in flammable, explosive, high-temperature, high-pressure, or confined spaces, or in environments containing toxic gases (such as hydrogen sulfide), is a crucial technical issue that urgently needs to be addressed for safe production in oil fields.

[0006] Summary of the Invention This invention proposes an automatic hydraulic connection device and method for explosion-proof and pressure-resistant pipelines in oil fields. Operators can remotely control the automatic connection device in flammable, explosive, high-temperature, high-pressure, or confined spaces, or in environments with toxic gases (such as hydrogen sulfide), to achieve rapid and safe disconnection and closure of process pipelines connected to equipment, preventing major safety accidents such as explosions, burns, and poisoning from toxic gases in deep pit operations, and solving the aforementioned technical problems existing in the prior art.

[0007] The technical solution of this invention is: An automatic hydraulic coupling device for explosion-proof and pressure-resistant pipelines in oilfields includes clamping hydraulic cylinders, wedge-groove clamping rings, a medium outflow welding short joint, a medium inflow welding short joint, and a stainless steel bellows. Both the medium outflow and inflow welding short joints have single-sided wedge flanges at their ends. Each single-sided wedge flange has a through hole at its center and is a wedge-shaped annular structure with one side flat and the other inclined. The two single-sided wedge flanges at the ends of the medium outflow and inflow welding short joints are arranged in a matching plane, forming an inverted V-shaped wedge annular protrusion. A wedge-groove clamping ring is provided outside the two single-sided wedge flanges, with an inverted V-shaped wedge groove on its inner side. The inverted V-shaped wedge groove matches the inverted V-shaped wedge annular protrusion formed by the two single-sided wedge flanges, and the inverted V-shaped wedge groove and the inverted V-shaped wedge annular protrusion have the same inclination. Mounting brackets are provided on the medium outflow and inflow welding short joints, and at least two clamping hydraulic cylinders are mounted on them. The media outflow and media inflow welding shorts are mounted on the mounting bracket. The output cylinder rod of the clamping hydraulic cylinder is connected to the wedge-shaped groove clamping ring, which is composed of multiple arc segments, each arc segment corresponding to a clamping hydraulic cylinder. At least one of the media outflow and media inflow welding shorts is connected to a stainless steel bellows. In normal condition, the clamping hydraulic cylinder applies a thrust towards the center, and the wedge-shaped groove clamping ring moves towards the center, tightly pressing the two single-sided wedge flanges together through the inverted V-shaped wedge groove. At the same time, the stainless steel bellows is stretched, and the inverted V-shaped wedge annular protrusion is pressed by the wedge-shaped groove clamping ring, maintaining a sealed connection between the media outflow and media inflow welding shorts, allowing the media to flow freely. When physical disconnection is required, the clamping hydraulic cylinder applies a pull in the opposite direction, and the wedge-shaped groove clamping ring moves in the opposite direction towards the center. Under the elastic force of the stainless steel bellows, the two single-sided wedge flanges gradually separate from each other, achieving physical disconnection.

[0008] The mounting bracket is provided with a wedge-shaped groove clamping ring slide rod, and the wedge-shaped groove clamping ring slide rod is provided with a wedge-shaped groove clamping ring slider. The wedge-shaped groove clamping ring is fixed on the wedge-shaped groove clamping ring slider and moves along the wedge-shaped groove clamping ring slide rod.

[0009] The clamping hydraulic cylinders are of two types and are arranged opposite each other; the wedge-shaped groove clamping ring is composed of two arc segments, and each arc segment is connected to a clamping hydraulic cylinder.

[0010] The medium outflow welding short and the medium inflow welding short are each connected to a stainless steel bellows.

[0011] The medium inflow welding short joint is provided with a pressure relief and cleaning port to ensure that the medium inflow welding short joint is clean.

[0012] The single-sided wedge flange has a nitrile rubber gasket on its flat surface; the wedge groove compression ring slider has a blade-shaped piece, which moves along the wedge groove compression ring slider rod with the wedge groove compression ring slider; the blade-shaped piece is used to separate the nitrile rubber gaskets between the two single-sided wedge flanges to prevent them from sticking together.

[0013] One end of the stainless steel corrugated pipe is connected to the medium outlet by a short-connection flange for medium inflow through a stainless steel corrugated pipe medium outflow welding short-connection, and the other end of the stainless steel corrugated pipe is connected to the process pipeline through a stainless steel corrugated pipe flange.

[0014] A hydraulic automatic connection method for explosion-proof and pressure-resistant pipelines used in oil fields utilizes two symmetrically coaxially mounted single-sided wedge flanges with interlocking sealing surfaces at both ends of the pipeline that need to be disconnected and closed. When the pipeline needs to be closed, a clamping hydraulic cylinder pushes the wedge-groove clamping rings mounted on the outside of the two single-sided wedge flanges towards the pipeline axis. Under the lateral force of the wedge-groove clamping rings, the two single-sided wedge flanges press against each other and interlock to seal the pipeline. When the pipeline needs to be disconnected, the cylinder rod of the clamping hydraulic cylinder retracts, causing the wedge-groove clamping rings to move away from the pipeline axis, and the two single-sided wedge flanges disconnect automatically due to the lack of external force.

[0015] As the pipeline pressure rating increases, the thickness of the single-sided wedge flange also increases.

[0016] Stainless steel bellows are installed on the pipes that need to be disconnected and closed; when the pipe is closed, the stainless steel bellows are stretched; when the pipe is cut, the two single-sided wedge flanges gradually separate from each other under the elastic force of the stainless steel bellows, thus achieving physical disconnection.

[0017] The two single-sided wedge flanges have nitrile rubber gaskets for their interlocking sealing surfaces.

[0018] The present invention has the following beneficial effects: This invention enables rapid and safe pipe disconnection and closure through the cooperation of two single-sided wedge flanges. It is hydraulically driven, allowing operators to remotely control the automatic connection of pipes in flammable, explosive, high-temperature, high-pressure, or confined spaces, or in environments with toxic gases (such as hydrogen sulfide). This prevents major safety accidents such as explosions, burns, and poisoning from toxic gases in deep pits, and has great potential for promotion in oilfield and chemical safety production. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1This is a front view of the closed state according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a front view of the disconnected state according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the closed state according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the closed state according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the disconnected state according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the disconnected state according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a top view of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a left view of the combined state of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a left view of the disconnected state according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a right view of the combined state of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 This is a right view of the disconnected state according to an embodiment of the present invention; In the diagram: 1. Clamping hydraulic cylinder; 2. Mounting bracket; 3. Wedge groove clamping ring; 4. Medium outflow welding short joint; 5. Medium inflow welding short joint; 6. Stainless steel bellows; 7. Stainless steel bellows flange; 8. Stainless steel bellows medium inflow short joint mounting flange; 9. Pressure relief and cleaning port; 10. Wedge groove clamping ring slide bar; 11. Single-sided wedge flange; 12. Blade-shaped piece; 13. Wedge groove clamping ring slider. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0021] An automatic hydraulic coupling device for explosion-proof and pressure-resistant pipelines in oil fields includes a clamping hydraulic cylinder 1, a wedge-shaped groove clamping ring 3, a medium outflow welding short joint 4, a medium inflow welding short joint 5, and a stainless steel bellows 6. Both the medium outflow welding short joint 4 and the medium inflow welding short joint 5 are equipped with a single-sided wedge-shaped flange 11 at their ends. The single-sided wedge-shaped flange 11 has a through hole at its center and is an overall wedge-shaped annular structure with one side being flat and the other side being inclined. The two single-sided wedge-shaped flanges at the ends of the medium outflow welding short joint 4 and the medium inflow welding short joint 5... The flanges 11 are arranged in a matching plane, with two single-sided wedge flanges 11 combined to form an inverted V-shaped wedge annular protrusion; a wedge groove clamping ring 3 is provided on the outside of the two single-sided wedge flanges 11, and an inverted V-shaped wedge groove is provided on the inner side of the wedge groove clamping ring 3. The inverted V-shaped wedge groove matches the inverted V-shaped wedge annular protrusion formed by the two single-sided wedge flanges 11, and the inverted V-shaped wedge groove and the inverted V-shaped wedge annular protrusion have the same slope; the medium outflow welding short joint 4 and the medium inflow welding short joint 5 are provided with mounting brackets 2, and at least two clamping hydraulic oil... Cylinder 1, surrounding the medium outflow welding short connector 4 and the medium inflow welding short connector 5, is mounted on the mounting bracket 2. The output cylinder rod of the clamping hydraulic cylinder 1 is connected to the wedge-shaped groove clamping ring 3, which is composed of multiple arc segments, each arc segment corresponding to one clamping hydraulic cylinder 1. At least one of the medium outflow welding short connector 4 and the medium inflow welding short connector 5 is connected to a stainless steel bellows 6. Under normal conditions, the clamping hydraulic cylinder 1 applies a thrust towards the center, and the wedge-shaped groove clamping ring 3 moves towards the center. The two single-sided wedge flanges 11 are pressed together by the inverted V-shaped wedge groove, while the stainless steel bellows 6 is stretched. The inverted V-shaped wedge annular protrusion is pressed by the wedge groove clamping ring 3, maintaining a sealed connection between the medium outflow welding short 4 and the medium inflow welding short 5, allowing the medium to flow freely. When physical cutting is required, the hydraulic cylinder 1 is pulled in the opposite direction, and the wedge groove clamping ring 3 moves in the opposite direction toward the center. Under the elastic force of the stainless steel bellows 6, the two single-sided wedge flanges 11 gradually separate from each other, achieving physical cutting.

[0022] The mounting bracket 2 is provided with a wedge-shaped groove clamping ring slide rod 10, and a wedge-shaped groove clamping ring slider 13 is provided on the wedge-shaped groove clamping ring slide rod 10. The wedge-shaped groove clamping ring 3 is fixed on the wedge-shaped groove clamping ring slider 13 and moves along the wedge-shaped groove clamping ring slide rod 10.

[0023] The number of clamping hydraulic cylinders 1 is two, arranged opposite to each other; the wedge-shaped groove clamping ring 3 is composed of two arc segments, each arc segment is connected to a clamping hydraulic cylinder 1.

[0024] The medium outflow welding short 4 and the medium inflow welding short 5 are each connected to a stainless steel corrugated pipe.

[0025] The medium inflow welding short connector 5 is provided with a pressure relief and cleaning port 9 to ensure that the medium inflow welding short connector 5 is clean.

[0026] The single-sided wedge flange 11 has a nitrile rubber gasket on its flat surface; the wedge groove compression ring slider 13 has a blade 12, which moves along the wedge groove compression ring slider 10 with the wedge groove compression ring slider 13; the blade 12 is used to separate the nitrile rubber gaskets between the two single-sided wedge flanges 11 to prevent them from sticking together.

[0027] One end of the stainless steel bellows 6 is connected to the medium outflow welding short joint 4 via the stainless steel bellows medium inflow short joint flange 8, and the other end of the stainless steel bellows 6 is connected to the process pipeline via the stainless steel bellows flange 7.

[0028] A hydraulic automatic connection method for explosion-proof and pressure-resistant pipelines used in oil fields utilizes two symmetrically coaxially mounted single-sided wedge flanges 11 with interlocking sealing surfaces at both ends of the pipeline that need to be disconnected and closed. When the pipeline needs to be closed, the clamping hydraulic cylinder 1 pushes the wedge groove clamping rings 3 installed outside the two single-sided wedge flanges 11 towards the pipeline axis. Under the action of the lateral component force of the wedge groove clamping rings, the two single-sided wedge flanges 11 press against each other and interlock to seal the pipeline. When the pipeline needs to be disconnected, the cylinder rod of the clamping hydraulic cylinder 1 retracts, driving the wedge groove clamping rings 3 away from the pipeline axis, and the two single-sided wedge flanges 11 disconnect automatically due to the lack of external force.

[0029] As the pipeline pressure rating increases, the thickness of the single-sided wedge flange 11 also increases.

[0030] Stainless steel bellows 6 are installed on the pipes that need to be disconnected and closed; when the pipe is closed, the stainless steel bellows 6 is stretched; when the pipe is cut, the two single-sided wedge flanges 11 gradually separate from each other under the elastic force of the stainless steel bellows 6, thus achieving physical cutting.

[0031] The two single-sided wedge flanges 11 have a nitrile rubber gasket for their interlocking sealing surface.

[0032] In this embodiment, two single-sided wedge flanges 11 are coaxially welded to the pipe to be disconnected, with their sealing surfaces facing each other and the gap between the sealing surfaces controlled within 5mm. The two single-sided wedge flanges 11 fit together to form an A-shaped surface, which is an inverted V-shaped wedge-shaped annular protrusion. The inner side of the wedge groove clamping ring 3 is provided with an inverted V-shaped wedge groove, and the A-shaped surface engages with the inverted V-shaped wedge groove. The wedge groove clamping ring 3 is connected to the wedge groove clamping ring slider 13. The wedge-shaped groove clamping ring 3 is mounted on the wedge-shaped groove clamping ring slide rod 10. The apex of the wedge-shaped groove clamping ring 3 is connected to the clamping hydraulic cylinder 1 via a flange. The mounting flange of the clamping hydraulic cylinder 1 is fixed on the mounting bracket 2. When the cylinder rod of the clamping hydraulic cylinder 1 extends or retracts, the wedge-shaped groove clamping ring 3 will move on the wedge-shaped groove clamping ring slide rod 10 along with the cylinder rod. The wedge-shaped groove clamping ring 3 is composed of two arc segments. When the two segments of the wedge-shaped groove clamping ring 3 move towards the axis and fit with the two single-sided wedge-shaped flanges 11 to form an A-shaped engagement, the wedge-shaped surface of the inverted V-shaped wedge groove forms an axial component force that clamps the single-sided wedge-shaped flanges 11. The sealing surface (designed with nitrile rubber gaskets) ensures the closure of the pipes to be connected. When the two wedge-shaped groove clamping rings 3 move away from the axis, the inverted V-shaped wedge groove of the wedge-shaped groove clamping ring 3 and the two single-sided wedge flanges 11 form an A-shaped surface that disengages. When the axial force of the wedge surface of the inverted V-shaped wedge groove is zero, the blade 12 installed on the wedge-shaped groove clamping ring 3 will press down 5mm in the vertical direction of the movement of the cylinder rod of the clamping hydraulic cylinder 1, preventing the nitrile rubber gaskets on the sealing surfaces of the two single-sided wedge flanges 11 from sticking together, thus ensuring that the two single-sided wedge flanges 11 are actually disconnected.

[0033] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A hydraulic automatic coupling device for explosion-proof and pressure-resistant pipelines in oil fields, characterized in that: It includes a clamping hydraulic cylinder (1), a wedge-shaped groove clamping ring (3), a medium outflow welding short joint (4), a medium inflow welding short joint (5), and a stainless steel bellows (6); the ends of the medium outflow welding short joint (4) and the medium inflow welding short joint (5) are each provided with a single-sided wedge flange (11), the center of the single-sided wedge flange (11) is a through hole, and the whole is a wedge-shaped ring structure with one side being flat and the other side being inclined; the two single-sided wedge flanges (11) at the ends of the medium outflow welding short joint (4) and the medium inflow welding short joint (5) are arranged in a matching plane, and the two... A single-sided wedge flange (11) is combined to form an inverted V-shaped wedge annular protrusion; a wedge groove clamping ring (3) is provided outside the two single-sided wedge flanges (11), and an inverted V-shaped wedge groove is provided inside the wedge groove clamping ring (3). The inverted V-shaped wedge groove matches the inverted V-shaped wedge annular protrusion formed by the two single-sided wedge flanges (11), and the inverted V-shaped wedge groove and the inverted V-shaped wedge annular protrusion have the same slope; the medium outflow welding short joint (4) and the medium inflow welding short joint (5) are provided with mounting brackets (2), and at least two clamping hydraulic cylinders (1) surround the medium outflow welding short joint. The short circuit (4) and the medium inflow welding short circuit (5) are set on the mounting bracket (2). The output cylinder rod of the clamping hydraulic cylinder (1) is connected to the wedge groove clamping ring (3). The wedge groove clamping ring (3) is composed of multiple arc segments, and each arc segment is connected to a clamping hydraulic cylinder (1). At least one of the medium outflow welding short circuit (4) and the medium inflow welding short circuit (5) is connected to a stainless steel bellows (6). In normal state: the clamping hydraulic cylinder (1) applies a thrust in the center direction, and the wedge groove clamping ring (3) moves in the center direction. The inverted V-shaped wedge groove tightly presses the planes of the two single-sided wedge flanges (11) together, while stretching the stainless steel bellows (6). The inverted V-shaped wedge annular protrusion is pressed by the wedge groove clamping ring (3), maintaining a tight connection between the medium outflow welding short joint (4) and the medium inflow welding short joint (5), allowing the medium to flow smoothly. When physical cutting is required, the clamping hydraulic cylinder (1) applies a reverse pulling force, and the wedge groove clamping ring (3) moves in the opposite direction toward the center. Under the elastic force of the stainless steel bellows (6), the two single-sided wedge flanges (11) gradually separate from each other, achieving physical cutting.

2. The hydraulic automatic coupling device for explosion-proof and pressure-resistant pipelines in oilfields according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting bracket (2) is provided with a wedge groove clamping ring slide rod (10), and the wedge groove clamping ring slide rod (10) is provided with a wedge groove clamping ring slider (13). The wedge groove clamping ring (3) is fixed on the wedge groove clamping ring slider (13) and moves along the wedge groove clamping ring slide rod (10).

3. The hydraulic automatic coupling device for explosion-proof and pressure-resistant pipelines in oil fields according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The number of clamping hydraulic cylinders (1) is two, arranged opposite to each other; the wedge-shaped groove clamping ring (3) is composed of two arc segments, each arc segment is connected to a clamping hydraulic cylinder (1).

4. The hydraulic automatic coupling device for explosion-proof and pressure-resistant pipelines in oil fields according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The medium outflow welding short (4) and the medium inflow welding short (5) are respectively connected to a stainless steel bellows.

5. The hydraulic automatic coupling device for explosion-proof and pressure-resistant pipelines in oil fields according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The medium inflow welding short connector (5) is provided with a pressure relief and cleaning port (9) to ensure that the medium inflow welding short connector (5) is clean.

6. The hydraulic automatic coupling device for explosion-proof and pressure-resistant pipelines in oil fields according to claim 2, characterized in that: The single-sided wedge flange (11) has a nitrile rubber gasket on its flat surface.

7. The hydraulic automatic coupling device for explosion-proof and pressure-resistant pipelines in oil fields according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: One end of the stainless steel bellows (6) is connected to the medium outflow welding short joint (4) through the stainless steel bellows medium inflow short joint flange (8), and the other end of the stainless steel bellows (6) is connected to the process pipeline through the stainless steel bellows flange (7).

8. A hydraulic automatic connection method for explosion-proof and pressure-resistant pipelines used in oil fields, characterized in that: Two single-sided wedge flanges (11) with interlocking sealing surfaces are symmetrically and coaxially installed on both ends of the pipeline that needs to be disconnected and closed. When the pipeline needs to be closed, the clamping hydraulic cylinder (1) pushes the wedge groove clamping ring (3) installed outside the two single-sided wedge flanges (11) toward the pipeline axis. Under the action of the lateral component force of the wedge groove clamping ring, the two single-sided wedge flanges (11) press against each other and interlock the sealing surfaces to achieve pipeline sealing. When the pipeline needs to be disconnected, the cylinder rod of the clamping hydraulic cylinder (1) retracts, driving the wedge groove clamping ring (3) away from the pipeline axis. The two single-sided wedge flanges (11) disconnect by themselves due to the lack of external action.

9. The hydraulic automatic connection method for explosion-proof and pressure-resistant pipelines in oil fields according to claim 8, characterized in that: Stainless steel bellows (6) are installed on the pipes that need to be disconnected and closed; when the pipe is closed, the stainless steel bellows (6) is stretched; when the pipe is cut, the two single-sided wedge flanges (11) gradually separate from each other under the elastic force of the stainless steel bellows (6), thus achieving physical disconnection.

10. The hydraulic automatic connection method for explosion-proof and pressure-resistant pipelines in oil fields according to claim 8, characterized in that: The two single-sided wedge flanges (11) have nitrile rubber gaskets for their interlocking sealing surfaces.

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