Pipeline displacement monitoring device

By installing a fixed bracket for a distance measuring sensor and a data processing module next to the pipeline, combined with a display and a solar power generation device, the problem that existing pipeline displacement early warning devices cannot monitor in real time is solved. This enables real-time, automated, and remote monitoring of pipeline displacement, improving monitoring accuracy and reducing maintenance costs.

CN223580971UActive Publication Date: 2025-11-21CHINA PETROLEUM & CHEMICAL CORP +3
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202520238517.8
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-02-14
Publication Date
2025-11-21
Estimated Expiration
2035-02-14

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing pipeline displacement early warning devices cannot provide real-time pipeline displacement data, resulting in inadequate pipeline displacement monitoring.

Method used

The system employs a ranging sensor and data processing module mounted on a fixed bracket, combined with a display, to achieve real-time monitoring of pipeline displacement. It utilizes an ultrasonic ranging sensor to measure pipeline displacement, and the data processing module calculates and displays the displacement. It is equipped with a solar power generation device and a wireless communication board to achieve automated and remote monitoring.

Benefits of technology

It enables real-time monitoring and automated measurement of pipeline displacement, improving the accuracy and reliability of monitoring, reducing the workload of manual inspections, adapting to complex environments, and lowering maintenance costs.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of linear dimension measurement, in particular to a pipeline displacement monitoring device. The device comprises a fixing support used for being arranged beside a pipeline, the fixing support comprises a stand column, a cross beam is arranged on the stand column, displacement monitoring assemblies used for monitoring pipeline displacement are arranged on the stand column and the cross beam, and each displacement monitoring assembly comprises a distance measuring structure and a displayer. The distance measuring structure comprises a distance measuring sensor and a data processing module used for calculating and processing the pipeline displacement measured by the distance measuring sensor in real time, the distance measuring sensor is electrically connected with the data processing module, and the data processing module is electrically connected with the displayer so that the measured pipeline displacement can be displayed in real time. According to the device, automatic measurement and real-time monitoring of pipeline displacement can be achieved through the distance measuring sensor and the data processing module, and therefore the reliability of the device can be improved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of linear dimension measurement technology, specifically to a pipeline displacement monitoring device. Background Technology

[0002] Pipelines are devices made of pipes, pipe fittings, valves, etc., used to transport gases, liquids, or fluids containing solid particles. They are widely used in water supply and drainage, heating, long-distance transportation of oil or natural gas, etc., and are usually laid on the ground or underground by means of overhead, buried or trench.

[0003] During long-term pipeline operation, various factors can lead to pipeline displacement. For example, geological disasters such as earthquakes may cause geological movement or subsidence, resulting in pipeline displacement. Impacts or being run over by heavy vehicles can also exert additional pressure, causing displacement. Even during normal fluid flow, the sudden closure of valves can cause water hammer, leading to pressure changes and displacement. This displacement can affect the pipeline's sealing, increasing the risk of fluid leakage and potentially causing pipeline malfunctions or ruptures. This disrupts the normal operation of the entire pipeline system, resulting in resource waste, environmental pollution, and increased costs for repair and replacement of pipeline components. Therefore, timely monitoring of pipeline displacement is crucial for pipeline safety during operation.

[0004] Chinese utility model patent document CN210244590U, authorized on April 3, 2020, discloses a simple pipeline displacement early warning device. This device includes a fixed support, comprising a crossbeam and a column, both with mounting bases. Each mounting base includes a probe, an elastic element, and an early warning circuit. The probe is guided and mounted on the mounting base along its own forward-backward direction, and has graduations on its sidewall. The probe's front end has a pipeline contact for contacting the pipeline sidewall radially. When the pipeline shifts towards the probe, the probe moves linearly backward under the push of the pipeline sidewall. A compression spring, as an elastic element, applies a pushing force towards the pipeline sidewall to the probe. The alarm circuit includes a power supply, an alarm, a stationary contact, and a moving contact. The moving contact is located at the rear end of the probe, and the stationary contact is fixedly located at the rear side of the probe and is positioned opposite to the moving contact. A battery serves as the power source, with its positive terminal electrically connected to the moving contact via a cable and its negative terminal electrically connected to the stationary contact via a cable. The alarm is connected to the cable connected to the electrode. The moving contact has an alarm position and an initial position in front of the alarm position during its movement along the probe's back-and-forth motion. When the moving contact is in the alarm position, it contacts the stationary contact to activate the warning circuit and trigger the alarm. When the moving contact is in the initial position, the pipe contact is set to contact the pipe sidewall, and there is a set safety distance between the initial position and the alarm position in the back-and-forth direction. This safety distance is less than the maximum allowable displacement of the pipe.

[0005] This displacement early warning device can monitor whether the displacement of the pipeline exceeds the maximum allowable displacement, and can issue an alarm signal to remind the staff when the maximum allowable displacement is reached. However, when the pipeline displacement is less than the maximum allowable displacement, the displacement early warning device cannot provide the specific displacement of the pipeline in real time. This will make it impossible for the staff to intuitively judge whether the pipeline has been displaced during the inspection process, resulting in inadequate monitoring of pipeline displacement. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a pipeline displacement monitoring device to solve the problem that existing pipeline displacement early warning devices cannot provide real-time pipeline displacement data, resulting in inadequate monitoring of pipeline displacement.

[0007] To solve the above problems, the pipeline displacement monitoring device of this utility model adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] A pipeline displacement monitoring device includes a fixed support for installation beside a pipeline. The fixed support includes a column with a crossbeam. Both the column and the crossbeam are equipped with displacement monitoring components for monitoring pipeline displacement. The displacement monitoring components include a ranging structure and a display. The ranging structure includes a ranging sensor and a data processing module for real-time calculation and processing of the pipeline displacement measured by the ranging sensor. The ranging sensor is electrically connected to the data processing module, and the data processing module is electrically connected to the display to achieve real-time display of the measured pipeline displacement.

[0009] Furthermore, the distance sensors on the column and the crossbeam are used to measure the coplanar measurement paths of the pipe displacement.

[0010] Furthermore, the ranging sensor is provided with a flexible protective cover, and the other end of the flexible protective cover is used to connect with the pipe to form a sealed measuring space.

[0011] Furthermore, the flexible protective cover is provided with a baffle for connecting to the pipeline at the end away from the ranging sensor.

[0012] Furthermore, the flexible protective cover is a telescopic bellows-type protective cover.

[0013] Furthermore, the ranging sensor is an ultrasonic ranging sensor.

[0014] Furthermore, the displacement monitoring component can be detachably connected to both the column and the crossbeam.

[0015] Furthermore, the column / beam is provided with an external power supply for providing power to the displacement monitoring component.

[0016] Furthermore, the external power source includes a solar power generation device and a battery for storing electrical energy.

[0017] Furthermore, the column / beam is also equipped with a wireless communication board for transmitting the measured pipe displacement to a remote host, and the wireless communication board is electrically connected to the data processing module.

[0018] Beneficial Effects: This utility model's pipeline displacement monitoring device is an improved invention. The device includes a fixed support for the pipeline, providing a foundation for the entire device. Displacement monitoring components are mounted on the columns and beams of the support to measure the pipeline's horizontal and vertical displacement. The displacement monitoring components include a distance sensor and a data processing module for real-time calculation and processing of the pipeline displacement measured by the distance sensor. This enables automated measurement of pipeline displacement. The distance sensor can measure at set time intervals or whenever pipeline displacement occurs. The calculated and analyzed pipeline displacement is then displayed on a screen. Therefore, the displacement monitoring components allow for real-time monitoring and measurement of pipeline displacement, improving the device's reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the pipeline displacement monitoring device of this utility model.

[0020] In the diagram: 1. Column; 2. Beam; 3. Displacement monitoring component; 4. Distance sensor; 5. Data processing module; 6. Display; 7. Flexible protective cover; 8. Baffle; 9. External power supply; 10. Wireless communication board; 11. Cable; 12. Pipe; 13. Ground. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The features and performance of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.

[0022] The pipeline displacement monitoring device of this invention uses an ultrasonic ranging sensor to measure the distance between itself and the pipeline, then uses a data processing module to analyze and calculate the displacement, and finally displays the pipeline displacement in real time on a display screen.

[0023] Based on the above inventive concept, as a basic solution, such as Figure 1As shown, the pipeline displacement monitoring device of this utility model includes a fixed support for installation beside the pipeline 12. The fixed support includes a column 1, which can be directly buried underground or a base can be set on the ground 13, and then the column 1 is fixed on the base, so that the column 1 is stably connected to the ground 13 to ensure the stability and reliability of the entire displacement monitoring device. A crossbeam 2 is provided on the column 1, which can be connected to the column 1 by welding or other means. Both the column 1 and the crossbeam 2 are provided with displacement monitoring components 3 for monitoring the displacement of the pipeline 12. The displacement monitoring component 3 on the column 1 is used to measure the horizontal displacement of the pipeline 12 relative to the ground 13, and the displacement monitoring component 3 on the crossbeam 2 is used to measure the vertical displacement of the pipeline 12. The displacement monitoring component 3 includes a measuring... The system includes a distance measuring structure and a display 6. The distance measuring structure includes a distance measuring sensor 4 and a data processing module 5 for real-time calculation and processing of the displacement of the pipe 12 measured by the distance measuring sensor 4. Using the distance measuring sensor 4 to measure the displacement of the pipe 12 has many advantages, such as easy integration and automation, real-time monitoring and feedback, and lightweight design. The data processing module 5 is a tool for processing, analyzing, and visualizing large amounts of data. It can process the data transmitted by the sensor in real time to ensure real-time monitoring of the displacement of the pipe 12. The distance measuring sensor 4 is electrically connected to the data processing module 5, and the data processing module 5 is electrically connected to the display 6 to realize the real-time display of the measured displacement of the pipe 12. The display 6 can intuitively display the measured displacement of the pipe 12 so that the staff can observe and proceed with the next step of the work.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the distance sensors 4 on the column 1 and the crossbeam 2 are used to measure the displacement of the pipe 12 along a coplanar measurement path. This positional design ensures that the distance sensors 4 in the horizontal and vertical directions are targeting the same cross-section of the pipe 12 being measured, thereby helping to improve the accuracy and reliability of the pipe 12 displacement measurement. When the pipe 12 undergoes displacement in both the horizontal and vertical directions simultaneously, if the projections of the distance sensors 4 in these two directions are not on the same cross-section of the pipe 12, errors may occur in the overall displacement measurement of the pipe 12. Therefore, the sensor position setting method in this embodiment can accurately reflect the actual displacement of the pipe 12 in three-dimensional space, helping to avoid errors caused by measurement in a single direction.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the ranging sensor 4 is provided with a flexible protective cover 7, and the other end of the flexible protective cover 7 is used to connect with the pipe 12 to form a sealed measuring space. The protective cover is made flexible so that when the pipe 12 is displaced, the flexible protective cover 7 can move with the pipe 12. Since the ranging sensor 4 is directly installed on the column 1 and the crossbeam 2 and is mostly installed outdoors, the design of the flexible protective cover 7 can also provide physical protection for the ranging sensor 4 to avoid damage from external impacts. In addition, the flexible protective cover 7 can also isolate the external environment to prevent dust, rainwater and other impurities from contaminating and interfering with the ranging sensor 4, thereby avoiding a decrease in the accuracy of the ranging sensor 4. To address issues such as shortened service life, the sealed measurement space formed by the flexible protective cover 7 and the pipe 12 can effectively prevent large objects from entering the gap between the ranging sensor 4 and the pipe 12, thereby avoiding interference from these large objects on the measurement of the displacement of the pipe 12 and further improving the accuracy and stability of the measurement. In other embodiments, without the flexible protective cover 7, objects, fallen leaves, and other impurities may obstruct the ranging sensor 4 during the use of the displacement monitoring device, interfering with it. This would require regular inspection of the device to prevent the ranging sensor 4 from being obstructed. Compared to this preferred embodiment, although it would increase the workload of the staff, it would not affect the use of the ranging sensor 4 under normal conditions.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the flexible protective cover 7 is further provided with a baffle 8 at the end away from the ranging sensor 4 for connection with the pipe 12. When the pipe 12 is displaced, the baffle 8 moves with the displacement of the pipe 12 and causes the flexible protective cover 7 to expand. Since the baffle 8 is connected to the pipe 12, there is no relative displacement between the two. At this time, the distance between the baffle 8 and the pipe 12 can be measured by the ranging sensor 4. Compared with the circular pipe 12, the baffle 8 has a larger surface area and higher flatness. Therefore, the distance measurement between the baffle 8 and the ranging sensor 4 is more stable and accurate. In other embodiments, the baffle 8 is not provided, and the ranging sensor 4 can directly measure the distance between the pipe 12, which can also meet the requirement of measuring the displacement of the pipe 12.

[0027] As a preferred embodiment, the flexible protective cover 7 is a telescopic bellows cover. When the pipe 12 moves for various reasons, the telescopic bellows cover can absorb these displacements and ensure that the ranging sensor 4 remains in place and is not affected by the movement of the pipe 12. The telescopic bellows cover has a high degree of matching and can be customized according to the distance and shape between the ranging sensor 4 and the pipe 12, thereby ensuring a perfect match between the cover and the sensor. In addition, the telescopic bellows cover has a simple structure and is easy to install. Furthermore, the telescopic bellows cover is also easy to clean and maintain. When it is necessary to clean the surface of the cover or inspect the equipment protected inside, the cover can be retracted or extended to a suitable position for operation.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the ranging sensor 4 is an ultrasonic ranging sensor. Ultrasonic sensors are a non-contact measurement technology, which helps avoid wear and errors caused by direct contact between the ultrasonic ranging sensor and the pipe 12, thereby improving the accuracy and service life of the displacement monitoring device. An ultrasonic ranging sensor typically includes a transmitter and a receiver. First, the transmitter emits ultrasonic signals. These signals propagate through a medium such as air to the surface of the pipe 12, and a portion is reflected back by the pipe 12 and captured by the receiver. Then, the ultrasonic ranging sensor records the time interval between emitting the ultrasonic signal and receiving the reflected signal in real time, thereby calculating the distance between the pipe 12 and the sensor. Ultrasonic ranging sensors have the advantage of high precision, which can meet the needs of measuring small changes in displacement of pipe 12. At the same time, ultrasonic ranging sensors are highly adaptable and are not affected by the optical properties of the target object, such as color and light transmittance. They can also adapt to various complex environments, such as rain and snow. Especially for pipe 12 laid in remote areas, they can accurately measure displacement without interference. In addition, the structure of ultrasonic sensors is relatively simple, and they do not require complex circuits and components, so they are easier to manufacture and have a relatively low cost. In other embodiments, laser rangefinders can be used, which can also achieve non-contact measurement and accurate measurement.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the displacement monitoring component 3 is detachably connected to both the column 1 and the crossbeam 2. This detachable connection simplifies installation and maintenance. During installation, the column 1 and crossbeam 2 can be installed first, followed by the installation of the displacement monitoring component 3, which helps determine its position. When maintenance or repair is required, the detachable design facilitates disassembly for the displacement monitoring component 3, greatly simplifying the maintenance process and reducing the impact on the entire device and maintenance costs. The detachable connection can be achieved through a quick-connect coupling and interface, offering advantages such as rapid connection and easy disassembly. In other embodiments, other detachable connection methods can be used, such as bolted connections, which achieve connection through thread engagement, also offering advantages such as reliable connection and easy assembly / disassembly.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the column 1 / beam 2 is equipped with an external power supply 9 for providing power to the displacement monitoring component 3. The external power supply 9 provides power to the displacement monitoring component 3 and includes a solar power generation device and a battery for storing electrical energy. The battery can store a large amount of electrical energy. The solar power generation device uses solar panels to absorb light energy and then converts it into electrical energy through the photoelectric effect. This is environmentally friendly and energy-saving, eliminating the need to burn fossil fuels such as oil and coal, effectively reducing emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, and producing no noise pollution. The solar panels are typically made of high-quality silicon material, have a long service life, and are also wind-resistant, rain-resistant, and sun-resistant, enabling them to operate normally in various harsh environments. This enhances the device's adaptability to complex environments. The battery used for energy storage can provide long-term power to electrical equipment, and with proper use and maintenance, its lifespan can reach several years or even longer. Therefore, installing this battery allows the storage of electrical energy generated by the solar panel during the day when there is sunlight, ensuring normal power supply to the displacement monitoring component 3 at night or when sunlight is insufficient. In other embodiments, an external power supply 9 is not provided; instead, a battery is directly installed in the displacement monitoring component 3 to provide power. However, this requires regular battery replacement by staff to prevent the battery from running out of power and causing the displacement monitoring component 3 to stop working. Therefore, using a battery is also a feasible way to provide power to the displacement monitoring component 3.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the column 1 / beam 2 is further provided with a wireless communication board 10 for transmitting the measured displacement of the pipe 12 to a remote host. The wireless communication board 10 is electrically connected to the data processing module 5. The wireless communication board 10 can convert the displacement of the pipe 12 calculated in the data processing module 5 into electromagnetic waves through an antenna and send it to the remote host. It can also receive wireless signals from the remote host. Therefore, it can realize data transmission and control between the pipe displacement monitoring device and the remote host. It is particularly suitable for monitoring the displacement of the pipe 12 in remote areas. This allows staff to remotely monitor the displacement of the pipe 12 at the monitoring station, which helps to reduce the workload of staff inspection and other tasks. In addition, the use of a wireless communication board can reduce the cost of laying lines compared to a wired communication board. In other embodiments, satellite communication equipment can be selected. Although the cost is relatively higher than that of the wireless communication board 10, it can still achieve the purpose of remote signal transmission.

[0032] The working process of the pipeline displacement monitoring device of this utility model is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the displacement monitoring components 3 installed on the column 1 and the crossbeam 2 are used to measure the displacement of the pipe 12 in the horizontal and vertical directions, respectively. The ultrasonic ranging sensor measures the original distance of the pipe 12 in the horizontal and vertical directions as well as the distance after displacement. The measured distance is then transmitted to the data processing module 5. The data processing module 5 calculates the displacement of the pipe 12 compared to its original state. Finally, the specific displacement is displayed on the display 6, which is electrically connected to the data processing module 5. The ultrasonic ranging sensor and the data processing module 5 can be connected by a cable 11 to achieve electrical conductivity and signal transmission. In addition, the maximum allowable displacement of the pipe 12 can be set in the data processing module 5. When the displacement of the pipe 12 exceeds the maximum allowable displacement, an alarm signal is issued through the display 6 to remind the staff.

[0033] The method for calculating the displacement of pipe 12 using the pipe displacement monitoring device of this utility model is as follows: When pipe 12 is in its original position, the initial horizontal distance measured by the displacement monitoring component 3 installed on the column 1 is X0, and the initial vertical distance measured by the displacement monitoring component 3 installed on the crossbeam 2 is Y0. When pipe 12 undergoes horizontal or vertical displacement, the horizontal movement distance measured by the displacement monitoring component 3 installed on the column 1 is X1, and the vertical movement distance measured by the displacement monitoring component 3 installed on the crossbeam 2 is Y1. Therefore, the horizontal displacement of pipe 12 is X = X1 - X0, and the vertical displacement of pipe 12 is Y = Y1 - Y0.

[0034] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. The patent protection scope of the present utility model shall be determined by the claims. Similarly, any equivalent structural changes made based on the description and drawings of the present utility model shall also be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A pipeline displacement monitoring device comprising a fixed support for being disposed alongside a pipeline, the fixed support comprising a column, a cross beam being disposed on the column, and a displacement monitoring assembly for monitoring displacement of the pipeline being disposed on both the column and the cross beam, characterized in that, The displacement monitoring assembly comprises a distance measuring structure and a display, the distance measuring structure comprises a distance measuring sensor and a data processing module for real-time calculation and processing of the displacement of the pipeline measured by the distance measuring sensor, the distance measuring sensor is electrically connected with the data processing module, and the data processing module is electrically connected with the display to realize real-time display of the measured displacement of the pipeline.

2. A pipeline displacement monitoring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The distance measuring sensors on the column and the beam are used to measure the measurement path of the displacement of the pipeline.

3. The pipe displacement monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein, A flexible protective cover is arranged on the distance measuring sensor, and the other end of the flexible protective cover is used to be connected with the pipeline to form a closed measurement space.

4. A pipeline displacement monitoring apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The flexible protective cover is further provided with a baffle at the end away from the distance measuring sensor for being connected with the pipeline.

5. A pipeline displacement monitoring apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The flexible protective cover is a telescopic organ protective cover.

6. A pipeline displacement monitoring apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The distance measuring sensor is an ultrasonic distance measuring sensor.

7. The pipe movement monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The displacement monitoring assembly is detachably connected with the column and the beam.

8. The pipe movement monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein, An external power supply is arranged on the column / beam for providing electric energy for the displacement monitoring assembly.

9. A pipeline displacement monitoring apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The external power supply comprises a solar power generation device and a battery for storing electric energy.

10. The pipe movement monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein, A wireless communication board is further arranged on the column / beam for transmitting the measured displacement of the pipeline to a remote host, and the wireless communication board is electrically connected with the data processing module.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Simple pipeline displacement early warning device

    CN210244590U