Temporary reinforcing device for pipeline with defects

By installing reinforcing sleeves and monitoring units around the pipeline, the problem of wall thinning caused by pipeline corrosion was solved, the risk of pipeline rupture was reduced, the frequency of pipeline replacement and natural gas outages was decreased, and efficient pipeline safety monitoring and economic savings were achieved.

CN223648877UActive Publication Date: 2025-12-09CHINA PETROLEUM & CHEMICAL CORP +3
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202520238518.2
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-02-14
Publication Date
2025-12-09
Estimated Expiration
2035-02-14

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing technologies, pipeline corrosion leads to thinning of the pipe wall, increasing the risk of rupture. Frequent pipeline replacements also result in natural gas supply disruptions and high economic costs, especially in remote areas where construction is inconvenient.

Method used

A temporary reinforcement device for defective pipelines is adopted. A reinforcement sleeve is formed by setting a protective plate of the reinforcement unit around the pipeline. In combination with pressure monitoring and gas detection devices, real-time monitoring is carried out. Power is supplied by solar energy to reduce the frequency of pipeline replacement and natural gas outages.

Benefits of technology

It significantly enhances the local strength of the pipeline, reduces the risk of leakage and rupture, decreases the frequency of pipeline replacement and natural gas outages, saves economic costs, and extends the service life of the pipeline.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of safety management and control of oil and gas pipelines, in particular to a temporary reinforcing device for a defective pipeline. The temporary reinforcing device for the pipeline with the defects comprises a reinforcing unit and a monitoring unit, the reinforcing unit comprises at least two protective plates, the protective plates are used for surrounding the periphery of a pipe wall thinning section of the pipeline to form a reinforcing sleeve, and the reinforcing sleeve is used for being sealed outside the pipe wall thinning section of the pipeline; the monitoring unit is arranged on the reinforcing sleeve, the monitoring unit comprises a pressure monitoring device and / or a gas detection device, and a power supply device is connected to the monitoring unit. According to the temporary reinforcing device for the defective pipeline, the thinning section of the pipe wall of the pipeline is temporarily reinforced, the reinforcing section is monitored in real time, when the temporary reinforcing positions of the pipeline are enough and the original pipeline in the reinforcing section is perforated, the perforated positions are replaced in a unified mode, the pipeline replacement frequency and the natural gas transmission stopping frequency are reduced, and the economic cost is saved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of oil and gas pipeline safety management technology, and in particular to a temporary reinforcement device for pipelines with defects. Background Technology

[0002] Natural gas contains acidic substances such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and carbon dioxide (CO2). During natural gas transportation, these substances react with the interior of the pipeline, causing corrosion of the inner walls. When the concentration of these acidic substances reaches a certain level and is subjected to pressure, the corrosion process is accelerated. Substances such as CO2 and H2S in moisture react with the metal inside the natural gas pipeline, also causing corrosion. Contact between the pipeline's exterior and environmental factors such as soil and moisture can also trigger electrochemical corrosion.

[0003] Corrosion causes pipeline walls to gradually thin, reducing their pressure-bearing capacity and making them more susceptible to external or internal pressure fluctuations. This increases the risk of pipeline rupture under high pressure, leading to leaks. Severe corrosion can cause pipeline perforation, resulting in natural gas leaks, resource waste, and environmental pollution. Leaking natural gas, if exposed to an ignition source, may cause a fire or explosion, threatening nearby people and property. Furthermore, corrosion products on the pipeline's inner wall can adhere to it, reducing the pipeline's inner diameter and decreasing natural gas transmission efficiency.

[0004] In existing technologies, the increased risk of pipe rupture and perforation due to pipe wall thinning caused by corrosion is typically addressed by replacing the pipe or by inserting clamps into the outer wall of the pipe and injecting special materials to seal the corroded section. For the problem of corrosion products adhering to the pipe wall and affecting natural gas transmission efficiency, the usual solution is to replace the corroded section of the pipe. Replacing the pipe requires closing the upstream and downstream valves of the corroded section, cutting off the natural gas supply to that section, suspending transportation operations on that section, and then replacing the corroded section.

[0005] Because pipelines contain multiple corrosion points with varying degrees of corrosion, multiple corroded sections may show thinning of the pipe wall at different times. This necessitates repeated shutdowns of pipeline operations for replacement of the corroded sections. However, pipeline replacement is time-consuming, and cutting off the natural gas supply could cause shortages for downstream users. Furthermore, if the natural gas within the pipeline is not properly handled during the shutdown period, it could pose public safety risks such as leaks and explosions. Additionally, pipeline replacement is inconvenient in remote areas. Therefore, a device is needed to temporarily reinforce and monitor thinned pipe sections, allowing for unified replacement only when multiple corroded sections require replacement. This would reduce the frequency and adverse effects of pipeline shutdowns, saving economic costs. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a temporary reinforcement device for defective pipelines, which can temporarily reinforce and monitor the thinned sections of the pipeline wall to reduce the frequency of pipeline replacement and natural gas outages.

[0007] To solve the above problems, the temporary reinforcement device for defective pipelines of this utility model adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] A temporary reinforcement device for a defective pipeline includes a reinforcement unit and a monitoring unit. The reinforcement unit includes a protective plate, of which there are at least two plates, which are used to form a reinforcement sleeve around the thinned section of the pipeline wall. The reinforcement sleeve is used to seal the outside of the thinned section of the pipeline wall. The monitoring unit is disposed on the reinforcement sleeve and includes a pressure monitoring device and / or a gas detection device. A power supply device is connected to the monitoring unit.

[0009] Furthermore, the reinforcing sleeve has welding mating surfaces at both ends for connecting with the original pipeline by welding.

[0010] Furthermore, the adjacent sides of the protective plate are provided with welding mating surfaces for welding connection, and the weld is a straight weld.

[0011] Furthermore, the guard plate is provided with two semi-circular guard plates.

[0012] Furthermore, both ends of the two guard plates are provided with a reduced diameter section.

[0013] Furthermore, the pressure monitoring device is a pressure sensor.

[0014] Furthermore, the gas detection device is a methane gas probe.

[0015] Furthermore, the pressure sensor is a pressure sensor with remote transmission capability.

[0016] Furthermore, the methane gas probe is a methane gas probe with remote transmission function.

[0017] Furthermore, the power supply device includes solar panels and a distribution box.

[0018] Beneficial Effects: This invention, a temporary reinforcement device for defective pipelines, is a pioneering creation. Through this scheme, a reinforcement unit is set up. This unit temporarily reinforces the thinned section of the pipeline wall by installing a protective plate outside the thinned section, forming a reinforcement sleeve. A monitoring unit monitors the reinforced area in real time using a pressure monitoring device or a gas detection device. The application of the reinforcement unit significantly enhances the local strength of the pipeline, reducing the risk of leakage or rupture caused by thinned pipe walls. The monitoring unit allows operators to promptly detect pipeline leaks or pressure anomalies, enabling pipeline replacement. This invention's temporary reinforcement device for defective pipelines temporarily reinforces thinned sections of the pipeline wall and monitors these sections in real time. When there are enough temporary reinforcement points and the original pipeline within the reinforced section is perforated, the perforated sections are replaced uniformly, reducing the frequency of pipeline replacements and natural gas outages, thus saving economic costs. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of one embodiment of the temporary reinforcement device for a defective pipeline according to the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a side view of a pipe, representing one embodiment of the temporary reinforcement device for a defective pipe according to the present invention.

[0021] In the diagram: 1. Thinned pipe wall section; 2. Reinforcing sleeve; 3. Fillet weld; 4. Straight weld; 5. Pressure sensor; 6. Methane gas probe; 7. Solar panel; 8. Distribution box; 9. Cable. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The features and performance of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.

[0023] This utility model provides a temporary reinforcement device for defective pipelines. By setting up reinforcement units and monitoring units, the device temporarily reinforces the thinned sections of the pipeline wall and monitors the reinforced sections in real time. When there are enough temporary reinforcement points and the original pipeline perforations in the reinforced sections reach a certain number, the perforations are replaced uniformly to reduce the frequency of pipeline replacement and natural gas outages.

[0024] As a basic solution, the temporary reinforcement device for defective pipelines of this utility model is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the temporary reinforcement device for defective pipelines of this utility model mainly includes two parts: a reinforcement unit and a monitoring unit, to achieve temporary reinforcement and real-time monitoring of the defective pipeline. The reinforcement unit is mainly used to enhance the strength of the thinned section 1 of the pipeline wall, which is achieved by setting a protective plate outside the thinned section 1 of the pipeline wall to form a reinforcement sleeve 2, such as... Figure 2As shown, the reinforcing sleeve 2 seals the outside of the thinned section 1 of the pipe wall, effectively increasing the pressure-bearing capacity of the pipe. The protective plates are connected together to form a complete sleeve structure. The reinforcing sleeve 2 with its protective plate structure is suitable for pipes of different diameters and wall thicknesses. By adjusting the size and shape of the protective plates, it can adapt to the needs of different pipe specifications. The double protective plate structure makes the reinforcing sleeve 2 easier to install; the protective plates can be connected together by welding or bolts. The double protective plate structure of the reinforcing sleeve 2 helps reduce the risk of leakage or rupture caused by pipe defects. By providing additional structural support and sealing performance, it can prevent pipe accidents to a certain extent. The monitoring unit is equipped with a pressure monitoring device or a gas detection device to monitor the gas pressure or gas composition inside the reinforcing sleeve 2. When a pipe leak occurs, the pressure monitoring device can accurately monitor the pressure change inside the sleeve, and the gas detection device can detect whether there are any gas components present in the original pipe inside the reinforcing sleeve 2, thus reminding operators to replace that section of pipe. Through the application of the reinforcing sleeve 2, the local strength of the pipe is significantly enhanced, reducing the risk of leakage or rupture caused by pipe wall thinning. The application of reinforcing sleeve 2 can also delay corrosion of the pipeline's outer wall and extend its service life. To ensure the continuous operation of the monitoring unit, a reliable power supply is also provided. This temporary reinforcement device for defective pipelines is an efficient and reliable solution that can significantly improve the safety and stability of the pipeline system.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcing sleeve 2 has welding mating surfaces at both ends for connection with the existing pipeline via welding. Since there is a certain gap between the reinforcing sleeve 2 and the existing pipeline, welding rods are needed to fill the gap before welding can be completed. To simplify the welding process, fillet welding is often used to weld the reinforcing sleeve to the existing pipeline. Fillet welding is a welding method that connects two components by forming a weld at a certain angle. Using fillet welding between the reinforcing sleeve 2 and the existing pipeline creates a strong fillet weld 3, ensuring that the reinforcing sleeve 2 is firmly fixed to the outside of the existing pipeline. Although fillet welding itself does not have a sealing function, the weld formed during the welding process can create a sealing structure, effectively preventing fluid leakage from the reinforcing sleeve 2. After welding, additional sealing measures, such as gaskets or coatings, can be used to further enhance the sealing performance.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the adjacent edges of the protective plate are provided with welding mating surfaces for welding connection. The weld is a straight weld 4. This connection method has high strength, high sealing performance, and good durability, ensuring the stability and reliability of the reinforcing sleeve 2 on the pipeline. During the welding process, the formation of the weld requires strict control of welding parameters and processes to ensure that the quality and strength of the weld meet the requirements. Compared with other types of welds (such as circumferential welds), the straight weld 4 has a simpler structure and a more easily controlled welding process. The welding speed of the straight weld 4 is generally faster, which can improve production efficiency and reduce welding costs. In addition, the inspection and testing of the straight weld 4 is relatively easy, facilitating the timely detection and handling of potential welding defects.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the protective plate consists of two semi-circular plates. When the two semi-circular plates are combined, they fit snugly against the outer wall of the pipe, forming a complete reinforcing sleeve 2. This design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also ensures a tight contact between the reinforcing sleeve 2 and the pipe, thereby improving the reinforcement effect. The semi-circular plate design helps enhance the sealing performance of the reinforcing sleeve 2. During welding, the formation of the weld and the tight fit between the two plates together ensure a good seal between the reinforcing sleeve 2 and the pipe, preventing fluid or gas leakage from the reinforced area.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, both ends of the two protective plates are provided with reduced diameter sections. That is, the diameter of the protective plate gradually decreases near its ends, which helps to enhance the stability and sealing of the connection between the protective plate and the pipeline. The reduced diameter section design allows for a tighter and more reliable connection between the protective plate and the pipeline. The tight fit of the reduced diameter section effectively prevents fluid or gas leakage from the reinforced area. The reduced diameter section can be firmly fixed to the pipeline by welding, ensuring the overall stability of the reinforcing sleeve 2.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the pressure monitoring device is a pressure sensor 5. The pressure sensor 5 is a device used to measure the internal pressure of a pipeline, converting pressure changes within the pipeline into electrical signals. In temporary reinforcement and monitoring devices for defective pipelines, the pressure sensor 5 is used to monitor the pipeline's operating status and promptly detect the risk of leakage or rupture. The pressure sensor 5 is typically installed on the reinforcement sleeve 2 to more accurately reflect the actual operating pressure state of the pipeline.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the gas detection device is a methane gas probe 6. The methane gas probe 6 is an electronic device used to detect the concentration of methane (CH4) in the air. It can sense and convert the presence and concentration changes of methane gas into quantifiable electrical signals in real time and accurately. When a pipeline perforates and the leaking gas is small, the pressure change inside the pipeline may not be obvious, and the pressure sensor 5 may not be able to detect the anomaly in time. However, due to its high sensitivity and specific detection capability for methane gas, the methane gas probe 6 can detect methane leaks caused by pipeline perforation much earlier.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the pressure sensor 5 is a pressure sensor with remote transmission capability. The pressure sensor 5 with remote transmission capability can transmit the measured pressure data to a remote monitoring center or data management system in real time. This is typically achieved through wired or wireless communication methods, such as fiber optic communication or radio communication. With the help of the remote transmission capability, the control center can receive and analyze the data from the pressure sensor 5 in real time. Through data processing and analysis, the monitoring center can promptly detect pressure anomalies in the pipeline, thereby taking appropriate measures to prevent leaks or ruptures.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the methane gas probe 6 is a methane gas probe 6 with remote transmission capability. The methane gas probe 6, equipped with remote transmission capability, can transmit the detected methane concentration data to a remote monitoring center or data management system in real time via a built-in wireless communication module or wired communication interface. This remote transmission function enables the monitoring center to receive and analyze the detection data from the methane gas probe 6 in real time, and promptly detect methane leaks in the pipeline.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the power supply device includes a solar panel 7 and a distribution box 8. The solar panel 7 is one of the core components of the power supply device, capable of converting solar energy into electrical energy to provide a continuous power supply to the monitoring unit. In temporary reinforcement devices for defective pipelines, the solar panel 7 is typically installed in a well-lit location near the monitoring equipment to ensure efficient solar energy reception and conversion into electrical energy. The solar panel 7 has several advantages, such as being environmentally friendly, energy-saving, and renewable; it does not consume fossil fuels and does not produce pollutants, making it a very environmentally friendly energy supply method. The distribution box 8 is another important component of the power supply device, distributing and managing the electrical energy converted from the solar panel 7. In temporary reinforcement devices for defective pipelines, the distribution box 8 is typically installed near the monitoring equipment for connection to both the solar panel 7 and the monitoring equipment. The solar panel 7 and the distribution box 8 are connected by a cable 9. Together, they constitute the power supply device in the temporary reinforcement device for defective pipelines, providing a stable and reliable power supply to the monitoring equipment through coordinated operation. When there is sufficient sunlight, the solar panel 7 converts solar energy into electrical energy, which is then distributed and managed through the distribution box 8. When there is insufficient sunlight or at night, the distribution box 8 can rely on its internal energy storage devices (such as batteries) to provide power to the monitoring system, ensuring the continuous operation of the system.

[0034] The specific implementation process of this embodiment is as follows: The reinforcing sleeve 2 consists of upper and lower parts. An opening is made in the upper sleeve, and then a pressure-injecting pipeline is welded on it, with a pressure sensor 5 installed on top. A support is welded on the other side of the upper sleeve for installing a methane sensor. The installation principles of the sleeve are: the distance between the fillet weld at the end of the sleeve and the original circumferential weld of the pipe should not be less than the nominal diameter of the pipe, and not less than 150mm; the gap between the sleeve and the pipe body should not exceed 2.5mm; if the repair length of the sleeve is greater than four times the outer diameter of the pipe, temporary support measures should be taken for the pipe during repair, and backfilling should be done in layers to avoid impacting the pipe. When welding the sleeve, the longitudinal butt welds on both sides should be welded simultaneously first, followed by the circumferential fillet welds, and the two circumferential fillet welds should not be welded simultaneously. When welding the longitudinal butt weld of the sleeve, a low-carbon steel pad can be installed under the butt weld. Install solar panel 7 to power pressure sensor 5 and methane detector for a period of not less than 10 days. The power supply voltage is 24V. After power supply, connect to distribution box 8. From distribution box 8, connect to pressure sensor 5 and methane detector.

[0035] When inspections reveal thinning of the pipe wall, the temporary reinforcement device for defective pipes of this utility model is installed on the corresponding pipe section to temporarily reinforce the thinned pipe wall and monitor it. When the number of temporary reinforcements reaches a certain amount, the pipes with these reinforcements are replaced uniformly.

[0036] 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 temporary reinforcement device for a defective pipeline, characterized in that, The device includes a reinforcement unit and a monitoring unit. The reinforcement unit includes a protective plate, of which there are at least two plates, which are used to form a reinforcement sleeve around the thinned section of the pipe wall. The reinforcement sleeve is used to seal the outside of the thinned section of the pipe wall. The monitoring unit is disposed on the reinforcement sleeve and includes a pressure monitoring device and / or a gas detection device. A power supply device is connected to the monitoring unit.

2. The temporary reinforcement device for a defective pipeline according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reinforcing sleeve has welding mating surfaces at both ends for connecting with the original pipeline by welding.

3. The temporary reinforcement device for a defective pipeline according to claim 2, characterized in that, The adjacent edges of the adjacent guard plates are provided with welding mating surfaces for welding connection, and the weld is a straight weld.

4. The temporary reinforcement device for a defective pipeline according to claim 3, characterized in that, The guard plate consists of two semi-circular plates.

5. The temporary reinforcement device for a defective pipeline according to claim 4, characterized in that, Both of the aforementioned guard plates have reduced diameter sections at both ends.

6. The temporary reinforcement device for a defective pipeline according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The pressure monitoring device is a pressure sensor.

7. The temporary reinforcement device for a defective pipeline according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The gas detection device is a methane gas probe.

8. The temporary reinforcement device for a defective pipeline according to claim 6, characterized in that, The pressure sensor is a pressure sensor with remote transmission function.

9. The temporary reinforcement device for a defective pipeline according to claim 7, characterized in that, The methane gas probe is a methane gas probe with remote transmission function.

10. The temporary reinforcement device for a defective pipeline according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power supply device includes solar panels and a distribution box.