Composite flexible pipe and underwater production equipment

Abstract

The utility model provides a composite flexible pipe and underwater production equipment, comprising: a support mechanism comprising a skeleton layer, the skeleton layer comprising a plurality of interlocking steel members mutually hooked and connected; the umbilical cable comprises a coating layer, a plurality of steel pipes, a cable and a first filling piece; and the flexible protection layer is arranged around the umbilical cable. According to the composite flexible pipe, the umbilical cable is arranged between the supporting mechanism and the flexible protection layer, so that synchronous transmission of fluid and electric signals is achieved, the supporting mechanism can provide basic use strength of the composite flexible pipe, the flexible protection layer can endow the composite flexible pipe with flexibility, damage can be better prevented and dealt with, and the service life of the composite flexible pipe is prolonged. Therefore, the safety of the pipeline is remarkably improved, the limited space under the sea is saved, and the cost of installation and maintenance under the sea is reduced. Compared with a conventional pipeline technology, the pipeline has the advantages of being flexible to use, wide in application range, flexible, high in strength, capable of saving space, rich in function and the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of transmission pipeline technology, specifically to a composite flexible pipe and underwater production equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Against the backdrop of continuously growing global energy demand, the development of onshore and deep-sea oil and gas resources is progressing at an unprecedented pace. In this process, flexible pipes and umbilical cables play an indispensable role as key components of deep-sea oil and gas extraction infrastructure.

[0003] Flexible pipes, with their excellent flexibility and corrosion resistance, have become an ideal choice for transporting various fluids such as crude oil, natural gas, and water. They can adapt to the complex and varied terrain of the deep sea, can be flexibly bent and twisted, are easy to install, and can be connected to various underwater equipment, effectively ensuring efficient and stable fluid transport. For example, in some deep-sea oil fields, flexible pipes safely transport extracted crude oil from the seabed wellhead to the offshore platform, and their stable transport performance ensures continuous production in the oil field.

[0004] An umbilical cable is a comprehensive cable structure integrating multiple functions such as power transmission, signal transmission, and hydraulic conveying. In deep-sea environments, it provides stable power support for underwater production equipment, ensuring its normal operation; simultaneously, it is responsible for transmitting various critical signals, enabling operators to remotely monitor and precisely control underwater equipment from the offshore platform; its internal hydraulic control lines can also control the actions of underwater valves, actuators, and other equipment, playing a crucial role in the automated control of the entire production process. For example, in the control of underwater wellheads, the hydraulic signals transmitted by the umbilical cable can precisely control the opening and closing of the wellhead valves, achieving precise adjustment of crude oil extraction.

[0005] However, when focusing on deep-sea platforms or underwater production systems, a series of thorny issues emerge. On the one hand, space resources are extremely limited in the deep-sea environment, with a small space available for equipment installation and deployment. Simultaneously, the load-bearing capacity of the entire system faces severe challenges, struggling to support excessively heavy equipment. On the other hand, the drawbacks of the traditional method of separately constructing flexible pipes and umbilical cables are becoming increasingly apparent. This construction method significantly extends offshore operation time and increases workload considerably, requiring more manpower and resources for each construction stage. Moreover, due to the complex and variable offshore construction environment, construction risks rise sharply, with problems such as increased difficulty in harsh sea conditions and a higher probability of equipment failure occurring frequently. More importantly, construction costs increase exponentially, encompassing equipment rental, personnel salaries, material losses, and other aspects. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the problems of single pipeline performance and limited applicable scenarios in the prior art, and to provide a composite flexible pipe and underwater production equipment.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides a composite flexible tube, comprising: a support mechanism including a skeleton layer, wherein the skeleton layer has a fluid transmission channel inside, and the skeleton layer includes multiple interlocking steel members that are hooked and connected to each other; an umbilical cable including a coating layer, multiple steel pipes, a cable, and a first filler, wherein the first filler is arranged around the support mechanism, and the multiple steel pipes and the cable are all inserted into the first filler and are all arranged in the same direction as the fluid transmission channel; and a flexible protective layer surrounding the umbilical cable.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the support mechanism further includes an inner pressure sealing layer and a pressure-resistant armor layer, wherein the inner pressure sealing layer is disposed around the skeleton layer and the pressure-resistant armor layer is disposed around the inner pressure sealing layer.

[0009] In one embodiment of this utility model, the substrate of the inner pressure sealing layer is a thermoplastic polymer material; the pressure-resistant armor layer includes a plurality of pressure-resistant components, which are mutually compressed and supported by each other.

[0010] In one embodiment of this utility model, the two ends of the interlocking steel member are bent in opposite directions, and the ends of two adjacent interlocking steel members are hooked together.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of steel pipes are arranged symmetrically about the axis of the fluid transmission channel within the first filler, and the plurality of steel pipes include at least two cross-sectional dimensions.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first filler is spirally wound around the outer surface of the support mechanism, and the coating layer is spirally wound around the outer surface of the first filler.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cable includes a plurality of conductors and a plurality of insulating layers, wherein the plurality of insulating layers cover the outer surfaces of the plurality of conductors in a corresponding manner.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cable further includes a second filler, a wrapping tape layer, and a protective layer. The wrapping tape layer is wound around the surfaces of the plurality of insulation layers to connect and fix the plurality of cables. The second filler is filled between the wrapping tape layer and the insulation layers. The protective layer covers the surface of the wrapping tape layer.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the flexible protective layer includes an outer sheath layer, a buckling-resistant layer, and at least one tensile armor layer. The tensile armor layer is wound around the outer surface of the umbilical cable, the buckling-resistant layer covers the outer surface of the tensile armor layer, and the outer sheath layer covers the outer surface of the buckling-resistant layer.

[0016] This utility model also provides an underwater production device, which includes the aforementioned composite flexible tube.

[0017] The above-mentioned technical solution of this utility model has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0018] The composite flexible pipe and underwater production equipment described in this utility model incorporate an umbilical cable between the support mechanism and the flexible protective layer, thereby enabling synchronous transmission of fluid and electrical signals. In its structural configuration, the support mechanism can be fitted with a support structure within the inner ring of the umbilical cable to provide basic strength for the composite flexible pipe. The flexible protective layer imparts flexibility to the composite flexible pipe, allowing it to better prevent and respond to damage, thus significantly improving pipeline safety. Simultaneously, it saves limited underwater space and reduces the cost of underwater installation and maintenance. Compared to conventional pipeline technologies, this application combines advantages such as flexibility, wide applicability, flexibility and strength, space saving, and rich functionality, and has broad application prospects in the industry. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To make the content of this utility model easier to understand, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the layer structure of the composite flexible tube in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the interface structure of the composite flexible tube.

[0022] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the layered structure of the umbilical cable in the composite flexible tube shown.

[0023] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the layer structure of the cable in the composite flexible tube.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the accompanying drawings: 100, Flexible protective layer; 110, Outer sheath layer; 120, Buckling-resistant layer; 130, Tensile armor layer; 200, Umbilical cable; 210, Coating layer; 220, Steel pipe; 230, Cable; 231, Protective layer; 232, Wrapping tape layer; 233, Second filler; 234, Insulation layer; 235, Conductor; 240, First filler; 300, Support mechanism; 310, Compression-resistant armor layer; 311, Compression-resistant component; 320, Internal pressure sealing layer; 330, Skeleton layer; 331, Interlocking steel component; 340, Fluid transmission channel. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, so that those skilled in the art can better understand and implement the present invention. However, the embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0026] Example 1:

[0027] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides a composite flexible tube, comprising: a support mechanism 300, which includes a skeleton layer 330, the skeleton layer 330 having a fluid transmission channel 340 inside, and the skeleton layer 330 including a plurality of interlocking steel members 331, the plurality of interlocking steel members 331 being hooked and connected to each other; an umbilical cable 200, which includes a coating layer 210, a plurality of steel pipes 220, a cable 230, and a first filler 240, the first filler 240 being arranged around the support mechanism 300, the plurality of steel pipes 220 and the cable 230 being inserted into the first filler 240, and all being arranged in the same direction as the fluid transmission channel 340; and a flexible protective layer 100, the flexible protective layer 100 being arranged around the umbilical cable 200.

[0028] The composite flexible pipe described in this embodiment has an umbilical cable installed between the support mechanism 300 and the flexible protective layer 100, thereby realizing the synchronous transmission of fluid and electrical signals. In its structural configuration, the support mechanism 300 can be provided with a support structure inside the umbilical cable 200 to provide the basic strength of the composite flexible pipe. The flexible protective layer 100 can give the composite flexible pipe flexibility, enabling it to better prevent and cope with damage, thereby significantly improving the safety of the pipeline, while saving limited underwater space and reducing the cost of underwater installation and maintenance. Compared with conventional pipeline technology, this application has the advantages of flexible use, wide applicability, flexibility and strength, space saving, and rich functionality, and has broad application prospects in the industry.

[0029] See Figure 1As shown, in this embodiment, the skeleton layer 330 is disposed in the innermost layer of the pipeline to provide a supporting structure for the entire pipeline. Specifically, in this embodiment, the two ends of the interlocking steel members 331 are bent in opposite directions, and the ends of two adjacent interlocking steel members 331 are hooked together, preferably with an "S"-shaped connector. These interlocking steel members 331 are hooked together to form an extremely stable spatial structure. In the complex pressure environment of the deep sea, it can effectively resist the huge pressure from the external seawater and the pressure impact of the internal fluid, thereby avoiding deformation or damage due to pressure, ensuring the stability of the overall structure of the flexible pipe and umbilical cable 200, and providing a solid and reliable supporting foundation for the internal fluid transmission channel 340 and other components. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the substrate of the skeleton layer 330 is preferably stainless steel strip or duplex stainless steel strip to extend its service life and strength.

[0030] Furthermore, the support mechanism 300 also includes an internal pressure sealing layer 320 and a pressure-resistant armor layer 310. The internal pressure sealing layer 320 is disposed around the skeleton layer 330, and the pressure-resistant armor layer 310 is disposed around the internal pressure sealing layer 320. The internal pressure sealing layer 320, disposed around the skeleton layer 330, primarily functions to control the pressure of the fluid within the internally blocked fluid transmission channel 340, preventing internal fluid from penetrating into other structural layers. When faced with fluctuations in internal fluid pressure, the internal pressure sealing layer 320 can adaptively adjust through its own elastic deformation, maintaining excellent sealing performance at all times. This ensures that fluid does not leak into the external environment, avoiding pollution of the marine ecosystem, and also guarantees the normal operation of the flexible tube and umbilical cable 200.

[0031] Specifically, the internal pressure sealing layer 320 is made of a chemically resistant thermoplastic polymer material and is attached to the skeleton layer 330 through an extrusion process to form a boundary layer for the transported fluid and prevent the transported medium from corroding the skeleton layer 330. Specifically, in this embodiment, the substrate of the internal pressure sealing layer 320 is preferably high-density polyethylene (HDPE). In different embodiments, it can also be configured as polyamide (PA) 11 / 12, heat-resistant polyethylene (PERT), or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), etc., and this invention does not impose specific limitations on this. Furthermore, the internal pressure sealing layer 320 fits tightly with the skeleton layer 330, not only providing a sealing function but also buffering the direct impact of internal fluid pressure on the skeleton layer 330 to a certain extent, extending the service life of the skeleton layer 330. When the internal fluid pressure increases instantaneously, the internal pressure sealing layer 320 can absorb some of the pressure energy, reducing the pressure load on the skeleton layer 330, acting as a buffer pad and enhancing the overall support mechanism 300's ability to cope with pressure changes.

[0032] Furthermore, the pressure-resistant armor layer 310 in this embodiment includes multiple pressure-resistant components 311, which mutually compress and support each other. The shaped steel pressure-resistant armor layer adopts a Z-shaped wire structure, with interlocking forms of C, Z, and T types, and is wound around the inner pressure sealing layer 320 at a laying angle of nearly 90° to resist the circumferential stress caused by internal and external pressure, ensuring that the pipeline maintains its integrity when subjected to greater pressure. Specifically, in the high-pressure environment of the deep sea, it can withstand enormous external seawater pressure, providing additional pressure protection for the entire support structure 300. The presence of the pressure-resistant armor layer 310 greatly improves the limit of the flexible pipe and umbilical cable 200's resistance to external pressure, enabling it to work safely and stably in deeper sea areas.

[0033] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the first filler 240 is preferably a polypropylene rope and polyurethane foam with good flexibility, water resistance, and insulation. It is arranged around the support mechanism 300, and multiple steel pipes 220 and cables 230 are threaded through it. In the deep-sea environment, when the umbilical cable 200 is subjected to external mechanical impact or shaking due to water flow, the first filler 240 can act as a buffer, reducing the impact force on the internal steel pipes 220, cables 230, and support mechanism 300, protecting these critical structures from damage. In addition, in this embodiment, the first filler 240 can also firmly fix the multiple steel pipes 220 and cables 230 in specific positions, preventing them from shifting and shaking inside the umbilical cable 200, thereby further improving the service life and operational stability of the umbilical cable 200.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first filler 240 is spirally wound around the outer surface of the support mechanism 300. The spiral winding method allows the first filler 240 to fit tightly against the outer surface of the support mechanism 300. As the number of winding turns increases, the filler wraps the support mechanism 300 more evenly and firmly, which can effectively enhance the stability of the entire umbilical cable 200 structure. In the deep-sea environment, when the umbilical cable 200 is subjected to external forces such as water flow impact, bending or stretching, the spirally wound first filler 240 can better distribute the external force to the entire support mechanism 300, avoiding excessive local stress that could lead to structural damage.

[0035] This embodiment includes multiple steel pipes 220, which are arranged symmetrically within the first filler 240 with the fluid transmission channel 340 as the center. This effectively improves the overall functionality and stability of the system. Furthermore, the multiple steel pipes 220 in this embodiment include at least two cross-sectional dimensions, thereby increasing the flexibility of use. Under high pressure, they provide strong structural support for the umbilical cable 200, enhancing its overall pressure resistance. Working in conjunction with the pressure-resistant armor layer 310, they effectively resist the enormous pressure of seawater, preventing the umbilical cable 200 from deforming or buckling due to external pressure. In addition, the steel pipes 220 can transmit high and low hydraulic pressure for control pipelines; they can transmit methanol, corrosion inhibitors, bactericides, scale inhibitors, etc., shortening the response time of the control system; and they can be used as backup pipelines, return pipelines, and annular venting pipelines for the production tree. This facilitates centralized management and control of the entire production system, improving the overall operating efficiency and reliability of the system.

[0036] In this embodiment, the coating layer 210 is located on the outermost layer of the umbilical cable 200. It serves two purposes: maintaining the overall roundness and ensuring the overall structural stability of the umbilical cable. The coating layer 210 possesses excellent insulation properties, effectively isolating external electric and magnetic field interference and ensuring stable and reliable power and signal transmission from the internal cable 230. Furthermore, the coating layer 210, spirally wound around the outer surface of the first filler 240, can uniformly cover the outer surface of the first filler 240, forming a continuous and complete protective layer. In addition, the spirally wound coating layer 210 makes the outer surface of the umbilical cable 200 smoother, reducing resistance during movement in water.

[0037] See Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the cable 230 is used to provide power and signal transmission for the device. It contains multiple conductors 235 and multiple insulating layers 234, with each insulating layer 234 correspondingly covering the outer surface of the conductors 235. Specifically, the cable 230 in this embodiment also includes a second filler 233, a wrapping tape layer 232, and a protective layer 231. The wrapping tape layer 232 is wound around the surfaces of the multiple insulating layers 234 to connect and fix the multiple cables 230. The second filler 233 fills the space between the wrapping tape layer 232 and the insulating layers 234, and the protective layer 231 covers the surface of the wrapping tape layer 232.

[0038] Specifically, in this embodiment, the substrate of the wrapping tape layer 232 is chlorinated polypropylene (CPP), which is wound around the filler layer containing the cable core to protect the cable core. The tensile armor layer 130 is configured as a high-strength stainless steel flat bar with a thickness of not less than 3 mm, and the flat bar is wound in opposite directions at an angle between 20° and 55° to ensure that the pipeline still has high tensile strength in complex dynamic environments. The buckling-resistant layer 120 is configured as an aramid tape or glass fiber material, which is wound around the tensile armor layer 130 at a layup angle of nearly 90° to resist radial buckling or "birdcage" phenomenon of the tensile armor, as well as lateral buckling of the tensile armor line, ensuring that the pipeline maintains its integrity when subjected to large torsional loads and axial compressive loads. Furthermore, the outer sheath layer 110 has a thickness of not less than 8 mm, which is used to protect the pipeline from seawater and external environmental corrosion and mechanical damage, ensuring the protective performance of the overall structure. In different embodiments, it can be configured as an elastic polymer material, such as HDPE, PA 11 / 12 and PVDF, etc., and this utility model does not impose specific limitations on it.

[0039] Example 2:

[0040] This embodiment provides underwater production equipment, which includes the composite flexible tube described in Embodiment 1.

[0041] In summary, the composite flexible pipe and underwater production equipment described in this utility model incorporate an umbilical cable between the support mechanism 300 and the flexible protective layer 100, thereby enabling synchronous transmission of fluid and electrical signals. In its structural configuration, the support mechanism 300 can provide a support structure within the inner ring of the umbilical cable 200 to offer basic strength for the composite flexible pipe. The flexible protective layer 100 imparts flexibility to the composite flexible pipe, enabling it to better prevent and respond to damage, thus significantly improving pipeline safety. Simultaneously, it saves limited underwater space and reduces the cost of underwater installation and maintenance. Compared to conventional pipeline technologies, this application offers advantages such as flexibility, wide applicability, a combination of flexibility and strength, space saving, and rich functionality, making it a promising technology for the industry.

[0042] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A composite flexible pipe comprising: The composite flexible pipe comprises: a support mechanism comprising a skeleton layer, the skeleton layer being internally provided with a fluid transmission channel, and the skeleton layer comprising a plurality of interlocked steel pieces, the plurality of interlocked steel pieces being mutually hook-connected; an umbilical cable comprising a coating layer, a plurality of steel pipes, a cable, and a first filler, the first filler being arranged around the support mechanism, the plurality of steel pipes and the cable being arranged in the first filler and being arranged in the same direction as the fluid transmission channel; a flexible protective layer arranged around the umbilical cable.

2. A composite flexible pipe according to claim 1, characterised in that: The support mechanism further comprises an internal pressure sealing layer arranged around the skeleton layer and a pressure-resistant armor layer arranged around the internal pressure sealing layer.

3. A composite flexible pipe according to claim 2, characterised in that: The internal pressure sealing layer is made of a thermoplastic polymer material; the pressure-resistant armor layer comprises a plurality of pressure-resistant pieces, the plurality of pressure-resistant pieces being mutually extruded and supported.

4. The composite flexible pipe of claim 1, wherein: The two ends of the interlocked steel pieces are bent towards opposite directions, and the ends of adjacent two interlocked steel pieces are hook-connected to each other.

5. The composite flexible pipe of claim 1, wherein: The plurality of steel pipes are arranged in the first filler in a central symmetry around the axis of the fluid transmission channel, and the plurality of steel pipes comprise at least two cross-sectional sizes.

6. The composite flexible pipe of claim 1, wherein: The first filler is spirally wound on the outer surface of the support mechanism, and the coating layer is spirally wound on the outer surface of the first filler.

7. The composite flexible pipe of claim 1, wherein: The cable comprises a plurality of conductors and a plurality of insulation layers, the plurality of insulation layers being correspondingly wrapped on the outer surfaces of the plurality of conductors.

8. A composite flexible pipe according to claim 7, characterised in that: The cable further comprises a second filler, a wrapping tape layer, and a protective layer, the wrapping tape layer being wound on the surfaces of the plurality of insulation layers to connect and fix the plurality of cables, the second filler being filled between the wrapping tape layer and the insulation layers, and the protective layer being wrapped on the surface of the wrapping tape layer.

9. The composite flexible pipe of claim 1, wherein: The flexible protective layer comprises an outer sheath layer, a buckling-resistant layer, and at least one tensile armor layer, the tensile armor layer being wound on the outer surface of the umbilical cable, the buckling-resistant layer being wrapped on the outer surface of the tensile armor layer, and the outer sheath layer being wrapped on the outer surface of the buckling-resistant layer.

10. An underwater production facility, characterized by: The composite flexible pipe comprises any one of claims 1-9.

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