A real-time monitoring device for the backfilling depth of submarine pipeline trench silt

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of seabed pipeline trench silt backfill depth real-time monitoring device, including acquisition unit, cable, float, power, data acquisition module, data transmission module and data receiving module;Acquisition unit is equipped with two groups, one acquisition unit is arranged in pipeline trench, another acquisition unit is arranged on the seabed surface outside pipeline trench, each group of acquisition unit includes fixed end and pressure sensor, fixed end is fixed in seabed soil, pressure sensor is arranged on the surface of fixed end, power and data acquisition module are connected with pressure sensor by cable;Power, data acquisition module and data transmission module are sealed in float, data receiving module is arranged on working platform.The utility model can monitor the backfill depth of trench periodically, with the advantages of simple structure, convenient implementation and reliable result.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of submarine pipeline technology, and in particular to a real-time monitoring device for the backfill depth of silt in submarine pipeline trenches. Background Technology

[0002] With the vigorous exploitation of offshore oil and gas resources, transporting oil and gas via subsea pipelines is a common method. Subsea pipeline laying includes two methods: direct laying and trenching. The latter offers better protection for the pipeline. Trenching typically involves a vessel towing a jet dredger. The jet dredger's axial-flow pumps spray water onto both sides of the subsea pipeline, flushing away seabed silt and creating a U-shaped trench several meters deep. The pipeline then settles to the bottom of the trench under its own weight.

[0003] Over time, the silt in the trench gradually accumulates and backfills, burying the pipeline in the trench. This stabilizes the subsea pipeline on the seabed, preventing it from shifting or becoming suspended, and also preventing it from being hooked by other ships, thus effectively protecting the pipeline.

[0004] Currently, the depth of silt backfill in trenches is mostly determined by divers descending to the seabed to observe and take photos. This method is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and carries certain risks. Using equipment to measure the depth of silt backfill is a relatively better method, but so far no device for monitoring backfill depth has been found. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a real-time monitoring device for the backfill depth of silt in submarine pipeline trenches, which can periodically monitor the backfill depth of the trenches and has the advantages of simple structure, convenient implementation and reliable results.

[0006] This utility model is implemented as follows: This utility model provides a real-time monitoring device for the backfill depth of silt in submarine pipeline trenches, including a data acquisition unit, cable, float, power supply, data acquisition module, data transmission module and data receiving module; The acquisition unit is provided in two sets, one of which is located inside the pipeline trench and the other is located on the seabed surface outside the pipeline trench. Each set of acquisition units includes a fixed end and a pressure sensor. The fixed end is fixed in the seabed soil and the pressure sensor is located on the surface of the fixed end. The power supply and data acquisition module are connected to the pressure sensor through a cable. The power supply, data acquisition module, and data transmission module are sealed inside the float, while the data receiving module is located on the working platform.

[0007] Furthermore, the fixing end is made of steel, and the fixing end includes a flattened cylinder with a sharp boot end at the lower end of the cylinder. Both the cylinder and the boot end are covered with an anti-rust paint layer. The pressure sensor is located at the top of the cylinder.

[0008] Furthermore, the diameter of the cylinder is 30-50cm, the thickness is 2-5cm, and the length of the boot end is 30-50cm.

[0009] Furthermore, the float is spherical and made of PVC.

[0010] Furthermore, the data transmission module is a GPRS module in a 900MHz or 1800MHz network environment, and the data transmission module is equipped with a GSM transmitting antenna.

[0011] Furthermore, the length of the cable is greater than the sum of the maximum water depth and the maximum wave height at the location of the data acquisition unit.

[0012] The advantages of this utility model are: 1. This utility model can reflect the thickness of silt backfill by detecting the difference between two pressure sensors, avoiding the monitoring method of relying on divers to dive and take pictures in the prior art. It avoids the safety risks caused by the complex seabed environment (such as undercurrents, high pressure, and low visibility) faced by diving operations. At the same time, it saves the cumbersome process of divers going back and forth and on-site observation and recording, greatly reducing labor and time costs, and realizing efficient monitoring of silt backfill depth.

[0013] 2. The monitoring device of this utility model has a simple structure, is easy to implement, and provides reliable results. It can also adapt to the monitoring needs of different seabed environments without requiring complex structural adjustments for specific sea areas. It has a wide range of applications and can be promoted and applied in various submarine pipeline projects that use trenching and burying methods. It has significant practical and economic value. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a real-time monitoring device for the backfill depth of silt in a submarine pipeline trench according to the present invention.

[0016] Explanation of the labels in the diagram: 1. Fixed end; 2. Pressure sensor; 3. Cable; 4. Float; 5. Power supply; 6. Data acquisition module; 7. Data transmission module; 8. Data receiving module; 9. Pipeline. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Please see Figure 1 This utility model provides a real-time monitoring device for the backfill depth of silt in submarine pipeline trenches, including a data acquisition unit, a cable 3, a float 4, a power supply 5, a data acquisition module 6, a data transmission module 7, and a data receiving module 8. The acquisition unit is provided in two sets. One acquisition unit is located in the trench of pipe 9, and the other acquisition unit is located on the seabed surface outside the trench of pipe 9. Each set of acquisition units includes a fixed end 1 and a pressure sensor 2. The fixed end 1 is fixed in the seabed soil. The pressure sensor 2 is located on the surface of the fixed end 1 to measure the magnitude of the upper pressure. A sensor with high sensitivity is preferred. There are two pressure sensors 2 in this invention, one located in the trench and the other located on the seabed surface near the trench.

[0018] The power supply 5 and the data acquisition module 6 are connected to the pressure sensor 2 via a cable 3; the cable 3 connects the pressure sensor 2, the power supply 5, the data acquisition module 6, and the data transmission module 7. The cable 3 connecting the pressure sensor 2 and the data acquisition module 6 has sufficient strength to withstand pulling and installation during construction, as well as external forces during use, preventing problems such as cable breakage.

[0019] The power supply 5, data acquisition module 6, and data transmission module 7 are sealed inside the float 4, and the data receiving module 8 is located on the working platform. The working platform is an oil platform, an oil production vessel, or a land-based work station.

[0020] Specifically, the fixed end 1 is made of steel and includes a flattened cylinder with a sharp boot end at the lower end. The surfaces of the cylinder and the boot end are coated with an anti-rust paint layer to prevent corrosion caused by seawater. The boot end is used to penetrate into the soil so that the two fixed ends 1 are securely installed on the trench and the seabed surface near the trench.

[0021] The pressure sensor 2 is located at the top of the cylinder.

[0022] Specifically, the cylinder has a diameter of 30-50cm, a thickness of 2-5cm, and a boot end length of 30-50cm.

[0023] Specifically, the float 4 is spherical and made of high-strength PVC.

[0024] Specifically, the data transmission module 7 is a GPRS module in a 900MHz or 1800MHz network environment, and the data transmission module 7 is equipped with a GSM transmitting antenna.

[0025] Specifically, the length of the cable 3 is greater than the sum of the maximum water depth and the maximum wave height at the location of the data acquisition unit.

[0026] One specific application of this utility model is: First, on land, fix pressure sensor 2 on fixed end 1 and connect cable 3 to pressure sensor 2, ensuring the interface is sealed to prevent seawater from entering. Connect power supply 5, data acquisition module 6, and data transmission module 7 to each other, and set the acquisition frequency and transmission frequency of data acquisition module 6 and data transmission module 7 respectively, such as acquiring one signal and transmitting one signal per day. In a short period of time, the electrical signals of the two pressure sensors 2 are acquired and transmitted sequentially. Cable 3 of data acquisition module 6 extends a certain length from the float 4 and is connected to cable 3 of pressure sensor 2.

[0027] After the subsea pipeline 9 is placed into the trench, the diver dives and places the two fixed ends 1 with pressure sensors 2 in the trench on one side of the pipeline 9 and on the seabed surface near the trench, respectively, and presses down on the fixed ends 1 so that the boot ends are completely cut into the soil and fixed.

[0028] The other end of cable 3 is then brought to the boat and connected to the cable 3 extending from the buoy 4, connecting cable 3 to the power supply 5 and the data acquisition module 6. The interface is sealed to prevent seawater from entering. The length of cable 3 is greater than the sum of the maximum water depth and the maximum wave height. The buoy 4 is placed on the sea surface, and the data receiving module 8 is mounted on the working platform.

[0029] After the above-mentioned device is connected and set up, the data receiving module receives the electrical signals from the two pressure sensors and converts the electrical signals into pressure values. The initial reading of the pressure sensor in the trench is expressed as follows: The initial readings of the pressure sensor on the seabed surface are expressed as follows: Theoretically ,in, For seawater density, take as , The difference in elevation between the two pressure sensors is calculated. If the values ​​on the left and right sides are relatively close, it indicates that the pressure sensors and other circuits are working well. If the difference is large, it indicates that there is a problem and the problem should be checked, corrected, and reconnected.

[0030] As time passed, the silt accumulated deeper and deeper in the trench, causing the pressure difference between the two pressure sensors to decrease. As silt gradually accumulates in the trench, the pressure difference between the two pressure sensors at a certain time... ; This indicates the reading of the pressure sensor inside the ditch after silt accumulation. The readings of the pressure sensors on the seabed surface after siltation indicate the depth of the backfill. Represented as, ; In the formula, To determine the effective density of the backfill silt, take .

[0031] The advantages of this invention are as follows: By detecting the difference between two pressure sensors, this invention can reflect the thickness of silt backfill, avoiding the monitoring methods of existing technologies that rely on divers diving to observe and take photos. This avoids the safety risks brought about by the complex seabed environment (such as undercurrents, high pressure, and low visibility) faced by diving operations. At the same time, it eliminates the cumbersome process of divers traveling back and forth and conducting on-site observation and recording, significantly reducing labor and time costs, and achieving efficient monitoring of silt backfill depth. The monitoring device of this invention has a simple structure, is easy to implement, and provides reliable results. It can also adapt to the monitoring needs of different seabed environments without requiring complex structural adjustments for specific sea areas. It has a wide range of applications and can be widely used in various submarine pipeline projects laid using the trenching and burying method, demonstrating significant practical and economic value.

[0032] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that the specific embodiments described are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Equivalent modifications and variations made by those skilled in the art in accordance with the spirit of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A real-time monitoring device for the backfill depth of silt in submarine pipeline trenches, characterized in that: It includes a data acquisition unit, cable, float, power supply, data acquisition module, data transmission module and data receiving module; The acquisition unit is provided in two sets, one of which is located inside the pipeline trench and the other is located on the seabed surface outside the pipeline trench. Each set of acquisition units includes a fixed end and a pressure sensor. The fixed end is fixed in the seabed soil and the pressure sensor is located on the surface of the fixed end. The power supply and data acquisition module are connected to the pressure sensor through a cable. The power supply, data acquisition module, and data transmission module are sealed inside the float, while the data receiving module is located on the working platform.

2. The real-time monitoring device for the backfill depth of silt in a submarine pipeline trench as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The fixing end is made of steel and includes a flattened cylinder with a sharp boot end at the lower end. Both the cylinder and the boot end are coated with an anti-rust paint layer. The pressure sensor is located at the top of the cylinder.

3. The real-time monitoring device for the backfill depth of silt in a submarine pipeline trench as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The cylinder has a diameter of 30-50cm and a thickness of 2-5cm, and the boot end has a length of 30-50cm.

4. The real-time monitoring device for the backfill depth of silt in a submarine pipeline trench as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The float is spherical and made of PVC.

5. The real-time monitoring device for the backfill depth of silt in a submarine pipeline trench as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The data transmission module is a GPRS module in a 900MHz or 1800MHz network environment, and the data transmission module is equipped with a GSM transmitting antenna.

6. The real-time monitoring device for the backfill depth of silt in a submarine pipeline trench as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The length of the cable is greater than the sum of the maximum water depth and the maximum wave height at the location of the data acquisition unit.

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