Butt joint auxiliary device for methanol storage and transportation pipes
By designing auxiliary devices such as positioning sleeves and annular rotating frames, and using active gears to drive the welding torch to rotate, the problems of uneven welds and low efficiency in methanol storage and transportation pipeline welding were solved, achieving efficient and accurate pipeline docking.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 舟山亚泰船舶修造工程有限公司
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-17
AI Technical Summary
In the existing methanol storage and transportation pipeline on-site welding process, the weld formation is uneven and inefficient, making it difficult to achieve efficient pipeline connection.
An auxiliary device comprising a positioning sleeve and a ring rotating frame is designed. It is detachably installed on the outside of the methanol storage and transportation pipe. The ring rotating frame is driven by a drive gear to rotate, thereby driving the welding torch to perform ring welding along the pipe connection, achieving precise positioning and efficient welding.
It improved the efficiency and positioning accuracy of welding in methanol storage and transportation pipelines, simplified on-site operation procedures, and enhanced welding quality and efficiency.
Smart Images

Figure CN224129032U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to a docking auxiliary device for methanol storage and transportation pipelines. Background Technology
[0002] Methanol fuel aligns with the major trend of low-carbon and environmentally friendly production and is currently one of the most promising alternative fuels, leading to a gradual increase in the number of ships using methanol fuel. Methanol transportation is achieved through dedicated pipelines, typically consisting of inner and outer pipes. The inner pipe often uses wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant polyurethane flexible hoses, while the outer pipe is usually made of steel. An inert gas is placed between the inner and outer pipes to prevent methanol leakage. Due to the long transportation path, the outer pipe is often constructed by sequentially welding multiple sections of steel pipe in a ring. During on-site assembly, due to space limitations, manual welding is frequently used, resulting in uneven weld formation and low efficiency. Utility Model Content
[0003] To address the shortcomings mentioned above, this utility model provides a docking auxiliary device for methanol storage and transportation pipelines.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a docking auxiliary device for methanol storage and transportation pipes, including a positioning sleeve detachably installed on the outer wall of the methanol storage and transportation pipe, an annular rotating frame rotatably disposed in the middle of the positioning sleeve, and a welding torch installed on one side edge of the annular rotating frame via a bracket.
[0005] The positioning sleeve includes two symmetrically arranged semi-ring parts. The two ends of the semi-ring parts extend radially to form ear plates. A push rod is installed radially threaded on the semi-ring parts. The two semi-ring parts are sleeved on the outside of the methanol storage and transportation pipe and are tightened by the push rod. The ear plates are locked and positioned by bolts. A groove is machined in the middle of the outer wall of the semi-ring parts along the circumferential direction. The annular rotating frame rotates with the groove.
[0006] The annular rotating frame includes a pair of inner and outer half-rings. The outer half-rings are connected by a connecting rod to form an integral structure and are locked and positioned by bolt I.
[0007] As a further improvement of this utility model, the inner wall of the inner half ring is uniformly provided with rolling balls that form a rolling connection with the groove.
[0008] As a further improvement of this utility model, the annular rotating frame is driven to rotate by a drive gear, the drive gear is installed at the end of the motor's main shaft, the motor is installed at one end of the positioning plate, and the other end of the positioning plate is fixed to the end face of the positioning sleeve.
[0009] As a further improvement of this utility model, the outer half-ring is provided with a toothed ring on its outer side surface, which meshes and matches with the driving gear.
[0010] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0011] The device features a detachable positioning sleeve and a rotating ring. The rotating ring is located in the center of the positioning sleeve and is driven to rotate by a drive gear, thereby driving the welding torch to perform ring welding along the connection of two methanol storage and transportation pipes. It is easy to assemble and disassemble, accurately positioned, convenient for on-site operations, and effectively improves work efficiency. Attached Figure Description
[0012] Figure 1 This is a top view of a docking auxiliary device for a methanol storage and transportation pipeline according to the present invention;
[0013] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the positioning of positioning sleeve 3 and methanol storage and transportation pipe 1;
[0014] Figure 3 The main view of the positioning set 3;
[0015] Figure 4 This is a side view of positioning sleeve 3;
[0016] Figure 5 This is a side view of the annular rotating frame 4.
[0017] In the diagram: 1. Methanol storage and transportation pipe; 2. Positioning sleeve; 21. Semi-ring; 22. Groove; 23. Ear plate; 24. Bolt; 3. Top rod; 4. Annular rotating frame; 41. Inner semi-ring; 42. Ball bearing; 43. Connecting rod; 44. Outer semi-ring; 45. Gear ring; 46. Bolt I; 5. Bracket; 6. Welding torch; 7. Drive gear; 8. Motor; 9. Positioning plate. Detailed Implementation
[0018] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides a docking auxiliary device for a methanol storage and transportation pipe, which includes a positioning sleeve 2 detachably installed on the outer wall of the methanol storage and transportation pipe 1, an annular rotating frame 4 rotatably located in the middle of the positioning sleeve 2, and a welding torch 6 installed on one side edge of the annular rotating frame 4 via a bracket 5.
[0019] The positioning sleeve 2 includes two symmetrically arranged semi-ring parts 21. The two ends of the semi-ring parts 21 extend radially to form ear plates 23. A push rod 3 is radially threaded onto the semi-ring parts 21. The two semi-ring parts 21 are sleeved on the outside of the methanol storage and transportation pipe 1 and tightened by the push rod 3 (see...). Figure 2 The ear plates 23 are locked and positioned by bolts 24, and the outer side wall of the semi-ring 21 has a groove 22 machined along the circumferential direction (see...). Figure 3 , Figure 4 The annular rotating frame 4 is rotatably engaged with the groove 22;
[0020] The annular rotating frame 4 includes a pair of inner half-rings 41 and outer half-rings 44. The outer half-rings 44 are connected by a connecting rod 43 to form an integral structure and are locked and positioned by bolt I 46. The inner half-ring 41 has evenly distributed balls 42 on its inner sidewall, which form a rolling connection with the groove 22. The annular rotating frame 4 is driven to rotate by a drive gear 7, which is installed at the end of the main shaft of the motor 8. The motor 8 is installed at one end of the positioning plate 9, and the other end of the positioning plate 9 is fixed to the end face of the positioning sleeve 2. The outer half-ring 44 has a gear ring 45 on its outer side that meshes with the drive gear 7 (see [reference]). Figure 5 ).
[0021] The device features a detachable positioning sleeve and a rotating ring. The rotating ring is located in the center of the positioning sleeve and is driven to rotate by a drive gear, thereby driving the welding torch to perform ring welding along the connection of two methanol storage and transportation pipes. It is easy to assemble and disassemble, accurately positioned, convenient for on-site operations, and effectively improves work efficiency.
[0022] In practical use, for ease of understanding of this utility model, it will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings;
[0023] At the methanol tank work site, the initial connection and positioning of the two methanol storage and transportation pipes is achieved by electric welding. Then, a positioning sleeve is installed on one of the methanol storage and transportation pipes, with two semi-rings fitted onto the outside of the pipe. These semi-rings are then locked together with bolts to form the positioning sleeve. A push rod is used to tighten the positioning sleeve and the methanol storage and transportation pipe, preventing relative rotation. Next, an annular rotating frame is installed in the groove in the center of the positioning sleeve. The inner semi-ring of the rotating frame fits into the groove, and ball bearings on its inner wall create a rolling fit. A positioning plate with a motor is then installed at the end of the positioning sleeve furthest from the welding torch, allowing the drive gear at the motor's main shaft to mesh with the gear ring on the outer side of the rotating frame. The welding torch is then positioned so that its head is aligned with the connection of the two methanol storage and transportation pipes. The motor drives the drive gear to rotate, causing the rotating frame to rotate synchronously with the welding torch. The welding torch performs annular welding on the connection of the two methanol storage and transportation pipes. After welding, the drive gear, rotating frame, and positioning sleeve are removed sequentially.
[0024] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A docking aid for methanol storage and transportation pipes, characterized in that: It includes a positioning sleeve (2) that can be detachably installed on the outer wall of the methanol storage and transportation pipe (1), an annular rotating frame (4) that is rotatably located in the middle of the positioning sleeve (2), and a welding torch (6) that is installed on one side edge of the annular rotating frame (4) through a bracket (5). The positioning sleeve (2) includes two symmetrically arranged semi-ring parts (21). The two ends of the semi-ring parts (21) extend radially to form ear plates (23). A push rod (3) is installed radially on the semi-ring parts (21). The two semi-ring parts (21) are sleeved on the outside of the methanol storage and transportation pipe (1) and tightened by the push rod (3). The ear plates (23) are locked and positioned by bolts (24). A groove (22) is machined in the middle of the outer wall of the semi-ring parts (21) along the circumferential direction. The annular rotating frame (4) rotates with the groove (22). The annular rotating frame (4) includes an inner half ring (41) and an outer half ring (44) arranged in pairs. The outer half ring (44) and the outer half ring (44) are connected by a connecting rod (43) to form an integral structure and are locked and positioned by bolt I (46).
2. The docking aid for a methanol storage and transportation pipe according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner half-ring (41) is uniformly provided with balls (42) on its inner sidewall, which form a rolling connection with the groove (22).
3. The docking aid for a methanol storage and transportation tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: The annular rotating frame (4) is driven to rotate by the drive gear (7), which is installed at the end of the main shaft of the motor (8). The motor (8) is installed at one end of the positioning plate (9), and the other end of the positioning plate (9) is fixed to the end face of the positioning sleeve (2).
4. The docking aid of claim 3, wherein: The outer half-ring (44) has a toothed ring (45) on its outer side that meshes with the drive gear (7).