A device for testing natural gas pipelines using air

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of pipeline testing technology, specifically to a device for pressure testing natural gas pipelines using air. It includes a limiting mechanism and a sealing mechanism. The sealing mechanism is fixedly installed at one end of the limiting mechanism. The limiting mechanism includes a fixed plate with a limiting groove in its center. A rotating plate is rotatably mounted in the center of the limiting groove. A gear ring is fixedly mounted at one end of the rotating plate, and a planar spiral ring is fixedly mounted at the other end. This utility model uses a motor to drive the gear, gear ring, rotating plate, and planar spiral ring in a coordinated manner, causing the guide rod to slide centripetally along the guide groove. This allows the clamping plate to synchronously adjust its clamping range according to the pipeline diameter, achieving adaptive clamping and positioning for pipelines of different diameters. Simultaneously, the flexible hose at the end of the clamping plate is compressed and deformed, preventing the clamping plate from scratching the pipeline surface and increasing friction with the pipeline, further improving clamping stability and eliminating the need for frequent replacement of clamping components for different pipe diameters.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of pipeline testing technology, specifically to a device for testing the pressure of natural gas pipelines using air. Background Technology

[0002] When transporting natural gas through pipelines, excessive pressure can easily cause pipeline rupture, leading to safety hazards and economic losses. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct pressure testing on natural gas pipelines before they are put into use. Appropriate natural gas pipeline pressure testing equipment is used, which is a special device used to test the pressure resistance and sealing performance of natural gas pipelines. Its core function is to simulate the actual operating pressure of the pipeline and investigate potential safety hazards such as leaks and structural defects. It is a key testing device before the pipeline is put into operation.

[0003] Traditional pipeline pressure testing equipment is usually only suitable for pipelines of a specific diameter. When dealing with large-diameter or variable-diameter pipelines, it is necessary to disassemble old components, replace them with special parts such as plugs and clamps of corresponding specifications, or even replace the entire set of equipment, resulting in poor versatility. This not only leads to cumbersome adaptation operations and prolongs the pressure testing cycle, but also, if multiple specifications of pipelines are tested continuously, replacing components will not only consume a lot of time, but also require stocking a large number of components of different specifications, increasing procurement and storage costs, which has certain shortcomings. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a device for testing natural gas pipelines using air, so as to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0006] A device for pressure testing natural gas pipelines using air includes a limiting mechanism and a sealing mechanism. The sealing mechanism is fixedly installed at one end of the limiting mechanism. The limiting mechanism includes a fixed plate with a limiting groove in the middle. A rotating plate is rotatably installed in the middle of the limiting groove. A toothed ring is fixedly installed at one end of the rotating plate, and a flat spiral ring is fixedly installed at the other end. Guide grooves are provided around one side of the middle of the fixed plate. Guide rods are slidably engaged in the middle of multiple guide grooves. A clamping plate is fixedly installed at one end of multiple guide rods. Multiple meshing grooves are evenly provided on one side of multiple guide rods. A notch is provided on one side of the fixed plate, and a gear is rotatably installed in the middle of the notch.

[0007] In some embodiments, the sealing mechanism includes a sleeve, one end of which is fixedly connected to one end of a fixing plate. Positioning plates are fixedly installed around the outer surface of the sleeve, and an air inlet pipe is fixedly installed in the middle of the plurality of positioning plates. One end of the air inlet pipe is connected to a limiting mechanism.

[0008] In some embodiments, an annular airbag is fixedly installed on the outer side of the middle part of the sleeve. The upper end of the annular airbag passes through the sleeve and is connected to an air inflator tube via a positioning plate. After the annular airbag is inflated, it abuts against the air inlet tube.

[0009] In some embodiments, a groove is provided in the middle of one end of the sleeve, and a sealing plate is slidably engaged with the outer side of the middle of the air intake pipe. One end of the sealing plate is threadedly connected to the groove of the sleeve, and a sealing ring is provided at the connection between the sealing plate and the air intake pipe.

[0010] In some embodiments, an mounting plate is fixedly installed at the end of the air intake pipe, and a slot is formed in the middle of the mounting plate. The middle of the air intake pipe is connected to the slot, and an insert plate is slidably engaged in the middle of the slot. The insert plate can seal the connection between the mounting plate and the air intake pipe.

[0011] In some embodiments, a pressure sensor is provided in the middle of the intake pipe, and the detection end of the pressure sensor is located in the middle of the intake pipe.

[0012] In some embodiments, multiple meshing grooves are formed in the multiple guide rods and engage with the planar spiral rings, and multiple hoses are uniformly fixedly installed at one end of the multiple clamps.

[0013] In some embodiments, the gear and the gear ring mesh, a bracket is fixedly installed on the other side of the fixing plate, a motor is fixedly installed in the middle of the bracket, and the output end of the motor passes through the fixing plate and is fixedly connected to one end of the gear.

[0014] This utility model has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0015] 1. In use, this utility model can achieve multi-diameter clamping, with stable clamping and protection of the pipeline from damage. Through the linkage of a motor-driven gear, gear ring, rotating plate, and planar spiral ring, the guide rod slides centripetally along the guide groove, allowing the clamping plate to synchronously adjust the clamping range according to the pipe diameter, achieving adaptive clamping and positioning for pipes of different diameters. Simultaneously, the flexible hose at the end of the clamping plate is compressed and deformed, which not only prevents the clamping plate from scratching the pipe surface but also increases the friction with the pipe, further improving clamping stability and eliminating the need for frequent replacement of clamping components for different pipe diameters.

[0016] 2. This utility model achieves multiple seals during use, ensuring safe and reliable pressure testing results. The sealing mechanism utilizes an inflatable annular airbag to form the first line of defense, adapting to the inner walls of pipes of different diameters and fitting snugly against the air inlet pipe. This, combined with a sealing plate and sealing ring, forms the second line of defense. This dual protection effectively prevents leakage of the test medium. For pressure control, a pressure sensor monitors the pipe pressure in real time, avoiding errors from manual readings, ensuring a stable pressure rise to the preset value, and monitoring pressure stability during the pressure holding phase. This allows for accurate assessment of pipe sealing, comprehensively guaranteeing test safety and accurate results. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the first appearance structure of the present utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the second appearance structure of the present utility model;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the fixing plate of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional disassembly diagram of the fixing plate of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the sealing mechanism of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the sleeve of this utility model.

[0023] In the diagram: 1. Limiting mechanism; 11. Fixing plate; 12. Guide groove; 13. Guide rod; 14. Engaging groove; 15. Clamping plate; 16. Hose; 17. Limiting rotating groove; 18. Rotating plate; 19. Flat spiral ring; 20. Gear ring; 21. Notch; 22. Gear; 23. Bracket; 24. Motor; 3. Sealing mechanism; 31. Sleeve; 32. Annular airbag; 33. Air inflator pipe; 34. Positioning plate; 35. Groove; 36. Air inlet pipe; 37. Sealing plate; 38. Mounting plate; 39. Hollow groove; 40. Insert plate; 41. Pressure sensor; 42. Sealing ring. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0025] Example 1: Please refer to Figure 1 - Figure 6This utility model provides a technical solution: a device for pressure testing natural gas pipelines using air, including a limiting mechanism 1 and a sealing mechanism 3. The sealing mechanism 3 is fixedly installed at one end of the limiting mechanism 1. The limiting mechanism 1 includes a fixed plate 11, a limiting groove 17 is formed in the middle of the fixed plate 11, a rotating plate 18 is rotatably installed in the middle of the limiting groove 17, a toothed ring 20 is fixedly installed at one end of the rotating plate 18, and a flat spiral ring 19 is fixedly installed at the other end of the rotating plate 18. Guide grooves 12 are formed around one side of the middle of the fixed plate 11, and guide rods 13 are slidably engaged in the middle of the multiple guide grooves 12. Each guide rod 13 has a clamping plate 15 fixedly installed at one end. Multiple meshing grooves 14 are evenly opened on one side of the multiple guide rods 13. A notch 21 is opened on one side of the fixing plate 11. A gear 22 is rotatably installed in the middle of the notch 21. The multiple meshing grooves 14 of the multiple guide rods 13 mesh with the planar spiral ring 19. Multiple hoses 16 are evenly fixedly installed at one end of the multiple clamping plates 15. The gear 22 meshes with the gear ring 20. A bracket 23 is fixedly installed on the other side of the fixing plate 11. A motor 24 is fixedly installed in the middle of the bracket 23. The output end of the motor 24 passes through the fixing plate 11 and is fixedly connected to one end of the gear 22.

[0026] In this embodiment, it can quickly adapt to multiple pipe diameters and has strong versatility. During use, the motor 24 drives the gear 22 to rotate, which in turn drives the rotating plate 18 to rotate. During the rotation of the rotating plate 18, the planar spiral ring 19 on the side also rotates. The planar spiral ring 19 converts rotational motion into radial force through its helical geometry. Through the meshing with the guide rod 13 and the directional constraint of the guide groove 12, multiple guide rods 13 achieve synchronous and symmetrical displacement, allowing the clamping plate 15 at the end of the guide rod 13 to quickly adjust its clamping range. It can adapt to pipes of various diameters without frequent component replacements; among which, multiple hoses 1... 6. When in contact with the pipeline to be tested, it can not only protect the surface of the pipeline from scratches through its own deformation, but also increase the friction to make the clamping more stable. After the limiting mechanism 1 completes the clamping of the pipeline, the sealing mechanism 3 can achieve a tight fit with the pipeline with the help of the stable clamping base, ensuring no leakage of the medium during the pressure test and ensuring the accuracy of the pressure test results. The adjustment action of the limiting mechanism 1 is linked with the sealing requirements of the sealing mechanism 3: when the clamping plate 15 is adjusted to the position according to the pipe diameter, the sealing mechanism 3 can directly achieve precise sealing based on the current clamping position, avoiding sealing misalignment caused by unstable pipeline fixing and improving the overall coordination stability of the device.

[0027] Example 2: Figure 1 - Figure 6As shown, the sealing mechanism 3 includes a sleeve 31, one end of which is fixedly connected to one end of a fixed plate 11. Positioning plates 34 are fixedly installed around the outer surface of the sleeve 31. An air inlet pipe 36 is fixedly installed in the middle of the multiple positioning plates 34. One end of the air inlet pipe 36 is connected to the limiting mechanism 1. An annular airbag 32 is fixedly installed on the outer side of the middle part of the sleeve 31. The upper end of the annular airbag 32 passes through the sleeve 31 and one of the positioning plates 34 and is connected to an air inflator pipe 33. After the annular airbag 32 is inflated, it abuts against the air inlet pipe 36. A groove 35 is provided in the middle of one end of the sleeve 31. A sealing plate 37 is slidably engaged on the outer side of the middle part of the air inlet pipe 36. One end of the sealing plate 37 is threadedly connected to the groove 35 of the sleeve 31. A sealing ring 42 is provided at the connection between the sealing plate 37 and the air inlet pipe 36.

[0028] In this embodiment, when the limiting mechanism 1 fixes the entire device at the end of the pipe to be tested, the air inlet pipe 36 in the middle of the sealing mechanism 3 connected to the limiting mechanism 1 will be located at one end of the pipe to be tested. Then, an external device is used to pump air into the annular airbag 32 through the air pump pipe 33. After the annular airbag 32 is inflated, it will automatically adjust its fit according to the inner diameter of the pipe to be tested. It can not only tightly fill the gap between the inner wall of the pipe to be tested and the surface of the air inlet pipe 36 with different pipe diameters, but also adapt to the slight unevenness or slight deformation of the pipe port, greatly improving the compatibility of the sealing mechanism 3 with diverse pipes. Then, the sealing plate 37 can be moved to the groove 35 of the air inlet pipe 36 and rotated. Since one end of the sealing plate 37 is threaded to the groove 35, the sealing ring 42 at the connection between the sealing plate 37 and the air inlet pipe 36 can further block the possibility of gas leakage from the gap between the air inlet pipe 36 and the sleeve 31. The double protection ensures that there is no leakage of high-pressure air during the pressure test and ensures the accuracy of the pressure test data.

[0029] Example 3: As Figure 1 - Figure 6 As shown, an mounting plate 38 is fixedly installed at the end of the intake pipe 36. A slot 39 is provided in the middle of the mounting plate 38. The middle of the intake pipe 36 is connected to the slot 39. An insert plate 40 is slidably engaged in the middle of the slot 39. The insert plate 40 can seal the connection between the mounting plate 38 and the intake pipe 36. A pressure sensor 41 is provided in the middle of the intake pipe 36. The detection end of the pressure sensor 41 is located in the middle of the intake pipe 36.

[0030] In this embodiment, an external pipeline, such as a test air supply source, pressurizes the pipeline to be tested. The insert plate 40 slides within the slot 39, quickly cutting off or connecting the inlet pipe 36 to the external test air supply source. Before the test, the inlet pipe 36 can be closed via the insert plate 40, facilitating a preliminary check of the sealing condition of the annular airbag 32. After the test, the medium supply can be quickly cut off, and a pressure relief valve can be used to achieve step-by-step pressure relief, preventing sudden pressure drops from impacting the pipeline or device. Together with the annular airbag 32 and the sealing ring 42, a three-level sealing protection is formed, further reducing leakage wind. The pressure sensor 41 directly monitors the medium pressure in the intake pipe 36 and can provide real-time feedback on the actual pressure value of the pipeline test, such as pressure changes during the pressurization stage and pressure stability during the pressure holding stage. This provides operators with accurate data references and avoids the risk of overpressure or misjudgment of test results caused by the reading error of traditional pressure gauges. The pressure sensor 41 can be linked with the control system, such as the pressure relief device. When the pressure exceeds the preset safety threshold, it will automatically trigger an alarm or stop pressurization and start pressure relief to prevent the pipeline from rupturing due to overpressure. The pressure relief device is existing technology and will not be described in detail.

[0031] Working principle:

[0032] like Figure 1 - Figure 6 As shown, during use, align the end of the natural gas pipeline to be pressure tested with the device, and align the sleeve 31 port of the sealing mechanism 3 with the pipeline port to ensure that the inlet pipe 36 is connected to the inside of the pipeline. In the initial state, the insert plate 40 is in the closed position, that is, it slides in the slot 39 of the mounting plate 38 to block the inlet pipe 36, to prevent premature leakage of the medium during the subsequent inflation stage; at the same time, the annular airbag 32 is in the uninflated contracted state, which does not affect the connection between the pipeline and the sleeve 31. Then, start the motor 24 on the bracket 23 on the other side of the fixed plate 11. The output end of the motor 24 will drive the gear 22 installed at the notch 21 to rotate; since the gear 22 meshes with the toothed ring 20 on the rotating plate 18, it will drive it to rotate. When the toothed ring 20 rotates, it will drive the rotating plate 18 to rotate. During the rotation of the rotating plate 18, it will drive the spiral ring on the other end to rotate. When the planar spiral ring 19 rotates, its helical geometry converts rotational motion into radial thrust. This thrust precisely engages with the meshing grooves 14 on one side of multiple guide rods 13, pushing the guide rods 13 to slide centripetally along the guide grooves 12 around the fixed plate 11, pointing towards the center of the pipe. The clamping plate 15 at the end of the guide rod 13 moves centripetally synchronously with the guide rod 13 until it makes tight contact with the outer surface of the pipe to be tested. At this time, the multiple flexible hoses 16 at the end of the clamping plate 15 deform due to pipe compression. This prevents the clamping plate 15 from directly contacting and scratching the pipe surface, and enhances clamping stability through the friction between the flexible hoses 16 and the pipe, ultimately achieving adaptive clamping and positioning for pipes of different diameters.

[0033] After the entire device is fixed in place by the limiting mechanism 1, an external inflation device can be used to inflate the annular airbag 32 on the outside of the sleeve 31 through the air inflator 33. After inflation, the annular airbag 32 expands, on the one hand, it fits tightly against the inner wall of the pipe to be tested, and it can automatically adjust its expansion shape according to the inner diameter of the pipe to adapt to the gap between the inner walls of pipes of different diameters. On the other hand, it can abut against the outer surface of the air inlet pipe 36, forming the first sealing line of defense of the combination of the inner wall of the pipe, the annular airbag 32, and the air inlet pipe 36. Then, the sealing plate 37 in the middle of the air inlet pipe 36 is slid along the axial direction of the pipe, so that one end of it is embedded in the groove 35 at one end of the sleeve 31, and the sealing plate 37 is tightened by threaded rotation. A sealing ring 42 is provided at the connection between the sealing plate 37 and the air inlet pipe 36, which can prevent the medium from leaking from the gap between the air inlet pipe 36 and the sleeve 31, forming the second sealing line of defense. The user can slide the insert plate 40 in the slot 39 of the mounting plate 38 from the closed position to the open position, opening the passage between the air inlet pipe 36 and the external test medium supply source, such as a high-pressure air compressor, allowing air to enter the pipeline to be tested through the air inlet pipe 36. The pressure sensor 41 in the middle of the air inlet pipe 36 monitors the medium pressure in the pipe in real time and feeds the pressure data back to the control system. The operator can control the medium supply rate according to the test requirements. The pressure sensor 41 displays the pressure changes in real time, avoiding errors from manual readings and ensuring that the pressure rises steadily to the preset test pressure. After the pressure reaches the test pressure, slide the insert plate 40 in the slot 39 of the mounting plate 38 from the open position to the closed position, shutting off the medium supply source. The pressure sensor 41 continuously monitors the pressure stability. If the pressure remains stable without a significant drop, it indicates that the pipeline is sealed properly; if the pressure drops abnormally, it indicates that there is a leak in the pipeline, and the pressure test needs to be suspended for investigation. If the pressure inside the pipe exceeds the preset safety threshold due to operational errors or valve malfunctions, the pressure sensor 41 will immediately send a signal to the control system to automatically release the pressure, preventing the pipeline from rupturing due to overpressure and ensuring the safety of the pressure test. The linkage trigger pressure relief device is existing technology.

[0034] After the pressure test is completed, the pressure of the medium in the pipeline to be tested is slowly released through the pressure relief device to avoid the impact of a sudden pressure drop on the pipeline or device. After the pressure in the pipeline drops to normal pressure, the gas in the annular air bladder 32 is discharged through the air inflator 33, causing the air bladder to contract and detach from the inner wall of the pipeline. The sealing plate 37 is then rotated to loosen the second sealing barrier. Finally, the motor 24 is reversed, driving the gear 22 to rotate in the opposite direction, which in turn causes the planar spiral ring 19 to reverse its transmission, pushing the guide rod 13 to slide centrifugally along the guide groove 12, causing the clamping plate 15 to detach from the outer surface of the pipeline, and finally separating the device from the pipeline, completing one pressure test process.

[0035] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0036] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for pressure testing natural gas pipelines using air, comprising a limiting mechanism (1) and a sealing mechanism (3), wherein the sealing mechanism (3) is fixedly installed at one end of the limiting mechanism (1), characterized in that: The limiting mechanism (1) includes a fixed plate (11), a limiting groove (17) is provided in the middle of the fixed plate (11), a rotating plate (18) is rotatably installed in the middle of the limiting groove (17), a toothed ring (20) is fixedly installed at one end of the rotating plate (18), a flat spiral ring (19) is fixedly installed at the other end of the rotating plate (18), guide grooves (12) are provided around one side of the middle of the fixed plate (11), guide rods (13) are slidably engaged in the middle of the multiple guide grooves (12), a clamping plate (15) is fixedly installed at one end of the multiple guide rods (13), multiple meshing grooves (14) are evenly provided on one side of the multiple guide rods (13), a notch (21) is provided on one side of the fixed plate (11), and a gear (22) is rotatably installed in the middle of the notch (21).

2. The device for pressure testing natural gas pipelines using air according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing mechanism (3) includes a sleeve (31), one end of which is fixedly connected to one end of a fixing plate (11). Positioning plates (34) are fixedly installed around the outer surface of the sleeve (31). An air inlet pipe (36) is fixedly installed in the middle of the plurality of positioning plates (34). One end of the air inlet pipe (36) is connected to the limiting mechanism (1).

3. The device for pressure testing natural gas pipelines using air according to claim 2, characterized in that: An annular airbag (32) is fixedly installed on the outer side of the middle part of the sleeve (31). The upper end of the annular airbag (32) passes through the sleeve (31) and one of the positioning plates (34) and is connected to an air inflator (33). After the annular airbag (32) is inflated, it abuts against the air inlet pipe (36).

4. The device for pressure testing natural gas pipelines using air according to claim 2, characterized in that: A groove (35) is provided in the middle of one end of the sleeve (31), and a sealing plate (37) is slidably engaged on the outer side of the middle of the air inlet pipe (36). One end of the sealing plate (37) is threadedly connected to the groove (35) of the sleeve (31), and a sealing ring (42) is provided at the connection between the sealing plate (37) and the air inlet pipe (36).

5. The device for pressure testing natural gas pipelines using air according to claim 4, characterized in that: An mounting plate (38) is fixedly installed at the end of the air intake pipe (36). A slot (39) is provided in the middle of the mounting plate (38). The middle of the air intake pipe (36) is connected to the slot (39). A plug plate (40) is slidably engaged in the middle of the slot (39). The plug plate (40) can seal the connection between the mounting plate (38) and the air intake pipe (36).

6. The device for pressure testing natural gas pipelines using air according to claim 5, characterized in that: A pressure sensor (41) is provided in the middle of the air intake pipe (36), and the detection end of the pressure sensor (41) is located in the middle of the air intake pipe (36).

7. The device for pressure testing natural gas pipelines using air according to claim 1, characterized in that: Multiple meshing grooves (14) are opened on the multiple guide rods (13) and mesh with the planar spiral ring (19), and multiple flexible hoses (16) are uniformly fixedly installed on one end of the multiple clamps (15).

8. The device for pressure testing natural gas pipelines using air according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gear (22) and the gear ring (20) mesh. A bracket (23) is fixedly installed on the other side of the fixing plate (11). A motor (24) is fixedly installed in the middle of the bracket (23). The output end of the motor (24) passes through the fixing plate (11) and is fixedly connected to one end of the gear (22).

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