An underground natural gas pipeline leak detection device

Abstract

This utility model discloses a leak detection device for underground natural gas pipelines, including an inner pipe, an outer pipe, a drill bit mechanism, a transmission mechanism, and a TDLES detector. The outer pipe is slidably connected to the outside of the inner pipe, and the TDLES detector is detachably connected to the upper end of the inner pipe. The TDLES detector emits a laser downward along the inner pipe. The drill bit mechanism includes multiple rotating plates arranged around the lower periphery of the inner pipe, each rotating plate being an isosceles triangle with its base facing upward. The leak detection device has a drilling state and a detection state. In the drilling state, the lower vertices of the multiple rotating plates overlap, forming a multi-faceted pyramid structure to seal the lower end of the inner pipe. In the detection state, the lower vertices of the multiple rotating plates separate, and the outer pipe slides to switch the state of the leak detection device. This utility model proposes a leak detection device that can immediately detect methane concentration after drilling without hole collapse, thereby improving the accuracy of methane concentration detection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of pipeline leak detection technology, and in particular to a leak detection device for underground natural gas pipelines. Background Technology

[0002] When natural gas pipelines are buried underground, they are susceptible to erosion by rainwater, which can lead to leaks. Natural gas companies need to regularly drive leak detection trucks along the pipeline for inspections. When the methane concentration in the air exceeds the standard, it means that there is a leak in the underground pipeline. In order to locate the specific leak point, workers need to get out of the truck, first insert a drill rod into the soil, and then pull it out to drill multiple holes in the ground. Workers use a TDLES detector to check the methane concentration at the entrance of each hole. The hole with the highest methane concentration is the closest to the leak point. By digging downwards, the specific leak point can be found and the pipeline can be repaired.

[0003] Existing leak detection methods require drilling holes with a drill rod. If the hole collapses after the drill rod is pulled out, it will affect the methane concentration detection, which in turn will affect the accurate location of the leak. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing leak detection methods where drilling holes can easily collapse, thus affecting methane concentration detection results, this invention proposes a leak detection device that can immediately detect methane concentration after drilling without hole collapse, thereby improving the accuracy of methane concentration detection.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A leak detection device for underground natural gas pipelines includes an inner pipe, an outer pipe, a drill bit mechanism, a transmission mechanism, and a TDLES detector. The outer pipe is slidably connected to the outside of the inner pipe, and the TDLES detector is detachably connected to the upper end of the inner pipe. The TDLES detector emits a laser downward along the inner pipe. The drill bit mechanism includes multiple rotating plates arranged around the lower periphery of the inner pipe. The rotating plates are isosceles triangles with their bases facing upwards. The bases of the rotating plates are hinged to the outside of the lower end of the inner pipe and are connected to the outer pipe via the transmission mechanism. The leak detection device has a drilling state and a detection state. In the drilling state, the lower vertices of the multiple rotating plates overlap to form a multi-faceted pyramid structure to seal the lower end of the inner pipe. In the detection state, the lower vertices of the multiple rotating plates separate, and the outer pipe slides to switch the state of the leak detection device.

[0007] With the above settings, the drill bit mechanism can be opened and closed. When the leak detection device drills downwards, the drill bit mechanism is closed and in the drilling state to prevent soil from entering the inner tube and facilitate drilling to the required depth. During detection, the drill bit mechanism is opened to expose the bottom of the hole, which facilitates the entry of methane gas into the inner tube, thereby facilitating the detection of methane concentration by the TDLES detector. During detection, the outer tube and inner tube support the hole wall and prevent the hole from collapsing.

[0008] Both the inner and outer tubes of this application are square tubes. The inner wall of the outer tube fits against the outer wall of the inner tube, allowing the outer tube to slide stably up and down on the outside of the inner tube. The drill mechanism is specifically equipped with four rotating plates. One rotating plate is set on each of the front, back, left, and right sides of the lower end of the inner tube. The inner side of the rotating plates is hinged to the inner tube by hinges, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. In the drilling state, the lower ends of the four rotating plates are brought together to form a four-sided pyramid structure, which closes the lower end of the inner tube and facilitates downward insertion into the soil. During the insertion process, the soil will not enter the inner tube. After the drill mechanism reaches the target depth, the outer tube is manually pushed upward. The outer tube moves upward along the inner tube. The outer tube drives the rotating plates through the transmission mechanism. The four rotating plates rotate outward synchronously. The leak detection device is in the detection state, as shown in the figure. The rotating plates are basically vertical, exposing the bottom of the hole. Methane in the soil enters the inner tube from the lower end. The TDLES detector can be purchased from the market and emits a laser into the inner tube to detect the methane concentration in the inner tube.

[0009] Furthermore, an extension plate is integrally formed on the upper end of the rotating plate, and a movement groove is formed between the extension plate and the inner tube. In the drilling state, the lower end of the outer tube is embedded in the movement groove to seal the movement groove. When the outer tube slides upward, the leak detection device switches to the detection state.

[0010] The above settings prevent soil from entering the movement groove during drilling, ensuring that the rotating plate can be opened smoothly later.

[0011] The extension plate and rotating plate of this application are integrally formed and can be processed from a single steel plate, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. When the detection device is in the drilling state, the lower end of the outer tube is embedded in the motion groove. On the one hand, the lower end of the outer tube supports the inner side of the upper end of the extension plate to prevent the extension plate and rotating plate from rotating. On the other hand, the lower end of the outer tube blocks the motion groove to prevent soil from entering the motion groove. After the drill bit mechanism enters the ground, the outer tube moves upward and the lower end of the outer tube leaves the motion groove. There is basically no soil in the motion groove, and the extension plate can rotate outward smoothly, thereby allowing the rotating plate to open smoothly.

[0012] Furthermore, a limiting groove is provided on the outer side of the extension plate, and a limiting hole is provided at the upper end of the limiting groove. The transmission mechanism includes a pull wire and a collar. The upper end of the pull wire is connected to the outer tube, and the lower end of the pull wire passes through the limiting hole and is connected to the collar. The collar is arranged around the extension plate and moves between the upper and lower ends of the limiting groove. In the drilling state, the collar is located at the lower end of the limiting groove, and in the detection state, the collar is located at the upper end of the limiting groove.

[0013] With the above setup, the outer tube drives the rotating plate to rotate via a pull wire and a collar.

[0014] The extension plate of this application is basically rectangular, and the collar is basically square. In the drilling state, the collar is located at the lower end of the limiting groove, and the lower end of the outer tube is embedded in the moving groove. At this time, the pull line is in a slack state, the collar will not move up and down, and the rotating plate will not rotate inward or outward. The collar and the rotating plate are locked. The inner tube and the outer tube are inserted into the soil. After the drill bit mechanism reaches the required depth, it pushes the outer tube upward. After the lower end of the outer tube leaves the inside of the extension plate, it continues to push the outer tube upward. The outer tube pulls the collar upward through the pull line, as shown in the figure. The collar slides upward along the limiting groove and squeezes the extension plate, causing the extension plate to rotate inward, thereby causing the rotating plate to open outward until the collar abuts against the upper end of the limiting groove.

[0015] Furthermore, the drawstring is made of steel wire.

[0016] The above settings improve the tensile strength and wear resistance of the wire.

[0017] Furthermore, the leak detection device also includes a clamping mechanism, which includes a base plate, a clamping plate, a stabilizing rod, a fixing plate, and a spring. The base plate is horizontally fixedly connected to the outer side of the upper end of the inner tube. The fixing plates are fixedly connected to both the left and right ends of the upper side of the base plate. The stabilizing rod passes through the fixing plate and is slidably connected to the fixing plate. The clamping plate is fixedly connected to the end of the stabilizing rod. The spring is installed between the clamping plate and the fixing plate. The clamping plate clamps the TDLES detector under the action of the spring.

[0018] The above settings facilitate the replacement and disassembly of the TDLES detector.

[0019] The clamping plate of this application clamps the TDLES detector under the action of a spring. A rubber sheet can be set on the inner side of the clamping plate to increase the friction between the clamping plate and the TDLES detector, preventing the TDLES detector from falling off the upper end of the inner tube and preventing the clamping plate from crushing the TDLES detector. Pushing the clamping plate outward, the clamping plate approaches the fixed plate and compresses the spring. The stabilizing rod slides relative to the fixed plate to ensure the stability of the clamping plate's movement. The TDLES detector can be removed from the upper end of the inner tube. The TDLES detector is portable and can be used handheld for leak detection of above-ground pipelines.

[0020] Furthermore, the leak detection device also includes a handle that is fixedly connected to the upper side of the outer tube.

[0021] The above settings facilitate manual pushing of the outer tube. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a leak detection device according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A.

[0024] Figure 3for Figure 1 Enlarged view of point B.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the leak detection device in the drilling state, as shown in the embodiment.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the leak detection device in the detection state, as shown in the embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described in detail below through embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0028] like Figures 1 to 5 A leak detection device for underground natural gas pipelines includes an inner pipe 3, an outer pipe 4, a drill bit mechanism, a transmission mechanism, and a TDLES detector 6. The outer pipe 4 is slidably connected to the outside of the inner pipe 3. The TDLES detector 6 is detachably connected to the upper end of the inner pipe 3. The TDLES detector 6 emits a laser downward along the inner pipe 3. The drill bit mechanism includes multiple rotating plates 7 arranged around the lower outer periphery of the inner pipe 3. The rotating plates 7 are isosceles triangles with their bases facing upwards. The bases of the rotating plates 7 are hinged to the outside of the lower end of the inner pipe 3 and are connected to the outer pipe 4 through the transmission mechanism. The leak detection device has a drilling state and a detection state. In the drilling state, the lower vertices of the multiple rotating plates 7 overlap to form a multi-faceted pyramid structure to close the lower end of the inner pipe 3. In the detection state, the lower vertices of the multiple rotating plates 7 separate, and the outer pipe 4 slides to switch the state of the leak detection device.

[0029] With the above settings, the drill bit mechanism can be opened and closed. When the leak detection device drills downwards, the drill bit mechanism is closed and in the drilling state to prevent soil from entering the inner tube 3, making it easy to drill the hole to the required depth. During detection, the drill bit mechanism is opened to expose the bottom of the hole, making it easier for methane gas to enter the inner tube 3, and thus making it easier for the TDLES detector 6 to detect the methane concentration. During detection, the outer tube 4 and the inner tube 3 support the hole wall and will not collapse the hole.

[0030] In this application, both the inner tube 3 and the outer tube 4 are square tubes. The inner wall of the outer tube 4 fits against the outer wall of the inner tube 3, allowing the outer tube 4 to slide stably up and down outside the inner tube 3. The drill bit mechanism specifically includes four rotating plates 7. One rotating plate 7 is located on each of the front, back, left, and right sides of the lower end of the inner tube 3. The inner side of each rotating plate 7 is hinged to the inner tube 3 via a hinge. Figure 3 and Figure 4 During drilling, the lower ends of the four rotating plates 7 are brought together to form a square pyramid structure, sealing the lower end of the inner tube 3 and facilitating downward insertion into the soil. During insertion, soil will not enter the inner tube 3. After the drill bit mechanism reaches the target depth, the outer tube 4 is manually pushed upwards. The outer tube 4 moves upwards along the inner tube 3, and the outer tube 4 drives the rotating plates 7 through a transmission mechanism. The four rotating plates 7 rotate outwards synchronously, and the leak detection device is in detection mode. Figure 5The rotating plate 7 is basically vertical, exposing the bottom of the hole. Methane in the soil enters the inner tube 3 from the bottom. The TDLES detector 6 can be purchased from the market and emits a laser into the inner tube 3 to detect the methane concentration in the inner tube 3.

[0031] As one implementation method, the upper end of the rotating plate 7 is integrally formed with an extension plate 8, and a motion groove is formed between the extension plate 8 and the inner tube 3. In the drilling state, the lower end of the outer tube 4 is embedded in the motion groove to block the motion groove. When the outer tube 4 slides upward, the leak detection device switches to the detection state.

[0032] The above settings prevent soil from entering the movement groove during drilling, allowing the rotating plate 7 to open smoothly in the later stages.

[0033] The extension plate 8 and the rotating plate 7 of this application are integrally formed and can be obtained from a single steel plate, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 When the detection device is in the drilling state, the lower end of the outer tube 4 is embedded in the moving groove. On the one hand, the lower end of the outer tube 4 supports the inner side of the upper end of the extension plate 8 to prevent the extension plate 8 from rotating with the rotating plate 7. On the other hand, the lower end of the outer tube 4 blocks the moving groove to prevent soil from entering the moving groove. After the drill bit mechanism enters the ground, the outer tube 4 moves upward and the lower end of the outer tube 4 leaves the moving groove. There is basically no soil in the moving groove, and the extension plate 8 can rotate outward smoothly, so that the rotating plate 7 can be opened smoothly.

[0034] As one implementation, a limiting groove 9 is provided on the outer side of the extension plate 8, and a limiting hole 10 is provided at the upper end of the limiting groove 9. The transmission mechanism includes a pull wire 11 and a collar 12. The upper end of the pull wire 11 is connected to the outer tube 4, and the lower end of the pull wire 11 is connected to the collar 12 through the limiting hole 10. The collar 12 is arranged around the extension plate 8 and moves between the upper and lower ends of the limiting groove 9. In the drilling state, the collar 12 is located at the lower end of the limiting groove 9, and in the detection state, the collar 12 is located at the upper end of the limiting groove 9.

[0035] With the above setup, the outer tube 4 drives the rotating plate 7 to rotate via the pull wire 11 and the collar 12.

[0036] The extension plate 8 of this application is basically rectangular, and the collar 12 is basically square. In the drilling state, the collar 12 is located at the lower end of the limiting groove 9, and the lower end of the outer tube 4 is embedded in the moving groove. At this time, the pull wire 11 is in a slack state, the collar 12 will not move up and down, and the rotating plate 7 will not rotate inward or outward. The collar 12 and the rotating plate 7 are locked. The inner tube 3 and the outer tube 4 are inserted into the soil. After the drill bit mechanism reaches the required depth, it pushes the outer tube 4 upward. After the lower end of the outer tube 4 leaves the inside of the extension plate 8, it continues to push the outer tube 4 upward. The outer tube 4 pulls the collar 12 upward through the pull wire 11. Figure 5 The collar 12 slides upward along the limiting groove 9 and presses the extension plate 8, causing the extension plate 8 to rotate inward, thereby causing the rotating plate 7 to open outward until the collar 12 abuts against the upper end of the limiting groove 9.

[0037] As one implementation method, the draw wire 11 is made of steel wire.

[0038] The above settings improve the tensile strength and wear resistance of the draw wire 11.

[0039] As one implementation method, the leak detection device also includes a clamping mechanism, which includes a base plate 13, a clamping plate 14, a stabilizing rod 15, a fixing plate 16, and a spring 17. The base plate 13 is horizontally fixedly connected to the outer side of the upper end of the inner tube 3. The fixing plates 16 are fixedly connected to both the left and right ends of the upper side of the base plate 13. The stabilizing rod 15 passes through the fixing plate 16 and is slidably connected to the fixing plate 16. The clamping plate 14 is fixedly connected to the end of the stabilizing rod 15. The spring 17 is installed between the clamping plate 14 and the fixing plate 16. The clamping plate 14 clamps the TDLES detector 6 under the action of the spring 17.

[0040] The above settings facilitate the replacement and disassembly of the TDLES detector 6.

[0041] The clamping plate 14 of this application clamps the TDLES detector 6 under the action of the spring 17. A rubber sheet can be set on the inner side of the clamping plate 14 to increase the friction between the clamping plate 14 and the TDLES detector 6, preventing the TDLES detector 6 from falling off the upper end of the inner tube 3 and preventing the clamping plate 14 from crushing the TDLES detector 6. Pushing the clamping plate 14 outward, the clamping plate 14 approaches the fixing plate 16 and compresses the spring 17. The stabilizing rod 15 slides relative to the fixing plate 16 to ensure the stability of the movement of the clamping plate 14. The TDLES detector 6 can be removed from the upper end of the inner tube 3. The TDLES detector 6 is portable and can be used by hand for leak detection of ground pipelines.

[0042] As one implementation method, the leak detection device also includes a handle 18 fixedly connected to the upper side of the outer tube 4.

[0043] The above settings make it easy to manually push the outer tube 4.

[0044] It should be understood that those skilled in the art can make improvements or modifications based on the above description, and all such improvements and modifications should fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A leak detection device for underground natural gas pipelines, characterized in that, The device includes an inner tube, an outer tube, a drill bit mechanism, a transmission mechanism, and a TDLES detector. The outer tube is slidably connected to the outside of the inner tube. The TDLES detector is detachably connected to the upper end of the inner tube and emits a laser downward along the inner tube. The drill bit mechanism includes multiple rotating plates arranged around the lower periphery of the inner tube. Each rotating plate is an isosceles triangle with its base facing upward. The base of each rotating plate is hinged to the outside of the lower end of the inner tube and is connected to the outer tube via the transmission mechanism. The leak detection device has a drilling state and a detection state. In the drilling state, the lower vertices of the multiple rotating plates overlap to form a multi-faceted pyramid structure to close the lower end of the inner tube. In the detection state, the lower vertices of the multiple rotating plates separate, and the outer tube slides to switch the state of the leak detection device.

2. The underground natural gas pipeline leak detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, An extension plate is integrally formed on the upper end of the rotating plate. A moving groove is formed between the extension plate and the inner tube. In the drilling state, the lower end of the outer tube is embedded in the moving groove to seal the moving groove. When the outer tube slides upward, the leak detection device switches to the detection state.

3. The underground natural gas pipeline leak detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The extension plate is provided with a limiting groove on its outer side and a limiting hole at the upper end of the limiting groove. The transmission mechanism includes a pull wire and a collar. The upper end of the pull wire is connected to the outer tube, and the lower end of the pull wire is connected to the collar through the limiting hole. The collar is arranged around the extension plate and moves between the upper and lower ends of the limiting groove. In the drilling state, the collar is located at the lower end of the limiting groove, and in the detection state, the collar is located at the upper end of the limiting groove.

4. The underground natural gas pipeline leak detection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pull wire is made of steel wire.

5. A leak detection device for underground natural gas pipelines according to claim 3, characterized in that, The leak detection device also includes a clamping mechanism, which includes a base plate, a clamping plate, a stabilizing rod, a fixing plate, and a spring. The base plate is horizontally fixedly connected to the outer side of the upper end of the inner tube. The fixing plates are fixedly connected to both the left and right ends of the upper side of the base plate. The stabilizing rod passes through the fixing plate and is slidably connected to the fixing plate. The clamping plate is fixedly connected to the end of the stabilizing rod. The spring is installed between the clamping plate and the fixing plate. The clamping plate clamps the TDLES detector under the action of the spring.

6. The underground natural gas pipeline leak detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The leak detection device also includes a handle that is fixedly connected to the upper side of the outer tube.

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