A corrugated expansion device and piping system with displacement measurement
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522542752.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-29
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-11-28
AI Technical Summary
[0005]本申请实施例的目的是提供一种带位移量测量的波纹膨胀装置,以解决如何在兼顾轴向与径向补偿功能的同时,实现在复杂工况下对波纹膨胀节多向位移的精准、稳定、可靠监测的问题
[0017]相较于现有技术,本申请提供的带位移量测量的波纹膨胀装置,通过轴向测量标尺被导向支架上的导向槽进行约束,有效抑制了因其长宽比较大而在户外强风、温度变化或振动等复杂工况下易发生的弯曲变形和抖动问题,避免了传统自由悬臂式标尺常见的结构失稳、噪音及读数偏差。以及径向测量标尺与轴向测量标尺通过在第二法兰上设置的移动空间实现合理间隔布置,二者在运行过程中互不干涉,消除了传统结构中标尺相互碰撞所导致的机械损伤和位移误读风险。通过设置第一测量感应装置和第二测量感应装置,可实时感知波纹管段是否接近或达到预设的安全补偿极限。一旦发生超限,即可触发报警信号,及时防止波纹管段因过度伸缩或弯折而失效。克服了传统膨胀节依赖人工目视判断位移状态的局限性,实现了位移状态的自动监测与超限预警,显著提升了设备运行的安全性与可靠性,有效降低了因紧固螺母松动或位移失控引发的安全隐患。
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Figure CN224814611U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of pipeline technology, and in particular to a corrugated expansion device and pipeline system with displacement measurement. Background Technology
[0002] Prior art (CN202927351U) discloses a bellows expansion joint, the structure of which includes a bellows, an intermediate pipe, a support plate, connecting flanges, and a tie rod. Specifically, the left flange, left bellows, intermediate pipe, right bellows, and right flange are connected sequentially; a support plate is fixed on the intermediate pipe; both the left and right connecting flanges and the support plate are provided with through holes for the tie rod to pass through. The tie rod with a fastening nut passes through these through holes sequentially, and the tie rod is firmly fixed to the flange by tightening the fastening nuts on both sides of each connecting flange.
[0003] In use, the connecting flange is installed by mating it with the corresponding flange on the pipeline. When axial displacement needs to be adjusted, the fastening nut is usually loosened first. Because the side of the fastening nut facing the connecting flange is curved, the connecting flange can move relative to the fastening nut, thus achieving a certain degree of automatic radial compensation. For bellows expansion joints with both axial and radial compensation functions, an integrated scale assembly is usually required to indicate both axial and radial displacement.
[0004] However, this automatic radial compensation feature makes it difficult for on-site maintenance personnel to detect in a timely manner whether the expansion joint has shifted to its lateral limit, which can easily lead to excessive bending of the bellows, affecting its service life and even causing failure. Furthermore, if the fastening nuts are not fully tightened, the bellows expansion joint may experience unexpected axial displacement during operation. Similarly, it is difficult to detect on-site when the axial displacement has reached its limit, leading to excessive expansion and contraction of the bellows and creating safety hazards. Moreover, the bellows expansion joint itself has a relatively long axial length, requiring a correspondingly longer axial scale, resulting in a high aspect ratio and low rigidity. Under complex outdoor conditions, the scale is prone to bending deformation or significant swaying, and in severe cases, the axial and radial scales may even collide, generating noise and structural damage, seriously affecting the accuracy of displacement readings, interfering with maintenance judgments, and reducing the overall reliability of the equipment. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide a corrugated expansion joint device with displacement measurement to solve the problem of how to achieve accurate, stable and reliable monitoring of multi-directional displacement of the corrugated expansion joint under complex working conditions while taking into account both axial and radial compensation functions.
[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides the following technical solutions:
[0007] This application provides a corrugated expansion device with displacement measurement, comprising: a first flange and a second flange disposed opposite to each other, and a bellows section respectively connected to the first flange and the second flange; an axial measuring scale, the first end of which is connected to the first flange, and the second end of which extends toward the second flange; a radial measuring scale, which is disposed on the second flange and perpendicular to the axial measuring scale, and a moving space is formed between the radial measuring scale and the second flange, wherein the second end of the axial measuring scale can extend into or through the moving space; and a guide bracket disposed in the bellows section. On the pipe, the guide bracket has a guide groove inside, and the second end of the axial measuring scale extends through the guide groove toward the second flange side; a pair of first measuring sensors are disposed on the axial measuring scale, and the pair of first measuring sensors are disposed opposite to each other on both sides of the guide bracket, the first measuring sensors being used to sense the axial limit displacement compensation amount of the corrugated pipe section; a pair of second measuring sensors are disposed in the guide groove of the guide bracket, and the pair of second measuring sensors are disposed opposite to each other on both sides of the axial measuring scale, the second measuring sensors being used to sense the radial limit displacement compensation amount of the corrugated pipe section.
[0008] In some embodiments of this application, the width of the guide groove is adapted to the thickness of the axial measuring scale, and the length of the guide groove is greater than the width of the axial measuring scale.
[0009] In some embodiments of this application, the axial measuring scale includes a detachably connected first part and a second part, the first part having a second end and having a scale.
[0010] In some embodiments of this application, the second portion passes through the guide groove, and the connection point between the first portion and the second portion is located between the guide bracket and the second flange.
[0011] In some embodiments of this application, the first part is provided with an elongated hole, the second part is provided with a through hole, and at least one connector passes through the elongated hole and the through hole in sequence, so that the first part and the second part are detachably connected.
[0012] In some embodiments of this application, the first measuring sensing device includes a first contact and a first alarm mechanism. The first contact is disposed toward the guide bracket, and the first alarm mechanism emits an alarm signal when the guide bracket is in contact with the first contact. The second measuring sensing device includes a second contact and a second alarm mechanism. The second contact is located in the guide groove and disposed toward the axial measuring scale. The second alarm mechanism emits an alarm signal when the axial measuring scale is in contact with the second contact.
[0013] In some embodiments of this application, the distance between the first contact and the guide bracket in the initial state is L1; the distance between the second contact and the side of the axial measuring scale in the initial state is L2.
[0014] In some embodiments of this application, the corrugated expansion device with displacement measurement further includes: a flexible layer disposed on the radial measuring scale and the side surface of the second flange facing the moving space.
[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the flexible layer is a fluororubber pad.
[0016] This application also provides a piping system including the aforementioned corrugated expansion device with displacement measurement.
[0017] Compared to existing technologies, the corrugated expansion joint with displacement measurement provided in this application effectively suppresses bending deformation and vibration problems that are prone to occur under complex working conditions such as strong winds, temperature changes, or vibrations due to its large length-to-width ratio. This avoids the structural instability, noise, and reading deviations common in traditional free cantilever scales. Furthermore, the radial and axial measuring scales are reasonably spaced through a movable space set on the second flange, ensuring they do not interfere with each other during operation and eliminating the mechanical damage and displacement misreading risks caused by scale collisions in traditional structures. By setting up a first and second measuring sensor, it is possible to sense in real time whether the corrugated pipe section is approaching or has reached the preset safety compensation limit. Once the limit is exceeded, an alarm signal is triggered to prevent the corrugated pipe section from failing due to excessive expansion, contraction, or bending. This overcomes the limitations of traditional expansion joints that rely on manual visual judgment of displacement status, achieving automatic monitoring and over-limit warning of displacement status, significantly improving the safety and reliability of equipment operation, and effectively reducing safety hazards caused by loose fastening nuts or uncontrolled displacement. Attached Figure Description
[0018] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of exemplary embodiments of this application will become readily understood by reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, several embodiments of this application are illustrated by way of example and not limitation, with the same or corresponding reference numerals denoteing the same or corresponding parts, wherein:
[0019] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the corrugated expansion device with displacement measurement according to an embodiment of this application is shown.
[0020] Figure 2 The diagram schematically illustrates the enlarged structural diagram of the axial measuring scale and the radial measuring scale in the corrugated expansion device with displacement measurement according to an embodiment of this application;
[0021] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of AA section;
[0022] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the BB cross section;
[0023] Figure 5 schematically shown Figure 2 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the guide bracket;
[0024] Figure 6 The schematic diagram illustrates the structure of the flexible layer in the corrugated expansion device with displacement measurement according to an embodiment of this application.
[0025] Explanation of icon numbers:
[0026] 1. First flange; 2. Second flange; 3. Bellows section; 301. Rigid pipe; 4. Axial measuring scale; 401. First part; 402. Second part; 403. Elongated hole; 404. Connector; 5. Radial measuring scale; 6. Moving space; 7. Guide bracket; 701. Guide groove; 8. First measuring sensing device; 801. First contact; 9. Second measuring sensing device; 901. Second contact; 10. Flexible layer. Detailed Implementation
[0027] Exemplary embodiments of this application will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While exemplary embodiments of this application are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that this application may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to enable a more thorough understanding of this application and to fully convey the scope of this application to those skilled in the art.
[0028] It should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, the technical or scientific terms used in this application shall have the ordinary meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains.
[0029] Example 1
[0030] Embodiment 1 of this application provides a corrugated expansion device with displacement measurement, such as... Figures 1 to 6 As shown, it includes: a first flange 1 and a second flange 2 arranged opposite to each other, and a bellows section 3 connected to the first flange 1 and the second flange 2 respectively; an axial measuring scale 4, the first end of which is connected to the first flange 1, and the second end which extends toward the second flange 2; a radial measuring scale 5, which is disposed on the second flange 2 and perpendicular to the axial measuring scale 4, forming a moving space 6 between the radial measuring scale 5 and the second flange 2, and the second end of the axial measuring scale 4 can extend into or through the moving space 6; and a guide bracket 7, which is disposed on the rigid pipe 301 in the bellows section 3. An internal guide groove 701 is provided, and the second end of the axial measuring scale 4 extends through the guide groove 701 toward the second flange 2. A pair of first measuring sensing devices 8 are provided on the axial measuring scale 4, and the pair of first measuring sensing devices 8 are arranged opposite to each other on both sides of the guide bracket 7. The first measuring sensing devices 8 are used to sense the axial limit displacement compensation amount of the bellows section 3. A pair of second measuring sensing devices 9 are provided in the guide groove 701 of the guide bracket 7, and the pair of second measuring sensing devices 9 are arranged opposite to each other on both sides of the axial measuring scale 4. The second measuring sensing devices 9 are used to sense the radial limit displacement compensation amount of the bellows section 3.
[0031] The corrugated expansion device includes a first flange 1 and a second flange 2, which are arranged opposite to each other and connected to both ends of the pipeline, serving as the fixed ends of the corrugated expansion device. A corrugated pipe section 3 is connected between the two flanges and has flexible compensation capabilities for axial expansion and contraction and radial displacement.
[0032] The axial measuring scale 4 is located outside the bellows section 3, with its first end fixed to the first flange 1 and its second end extending axially along the bellows expansion device and protruding toward the second flange 2. It is used to visually indicate the real-time displacement of the bellows section 3 in the axial direction.
[0033] The corrugated pipe section 3 includes a corrugated pipe section 3 and a rigid pipe section 301. The guide bracket 7 is fixed to the rigid pipe section 301. The guide bracket 7 has a guide groove 701 inside, through which the second end of the axial measuring scale 4 passes and extends towards the second flange 2. The guide bracket 7 provides intermediate support for the slender axial measuring scale 4, which can limit and stabilize the axial measuring scale 4, preventing it from swinging or bending significantly under external forces such as wind load and vibration.
[0034] A radial measuring scale 5 is mounted on the second flange 2, perpendicular to the axial measuring scale 4. A movement space 6 is provided between the radial measuring scale 5 and the second flange 2, allowing the second end of the radial measuring scale 5 to freely insert or reciprocate along its length. When the pipeline experiences foundation settlement or lateral displacement, the first flange 1 or the second flange 2 will cause the entire bellows section 3 and its radial measuring scale 5 to move radially together. At this time, the second end of the axial measuring scale 4 acts as a pointer, moving laterally within the movement space 6 below the radial measuring scale 5, thus reflecting the radial offset of the bellows section 3.
[0035] A pair of first measuring sensors 8 are mounted on the axial measuring scale 4 and located on both sides of the guide bracket 7 to detect whether the axial displacement has reached the preset axial limit position (such as the maximum tensile or maximum compressive position). A pair of second measuring sensors 9 are located in the guide groove 701 of the guide bracket 7 and are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the axial measuring scale 4. When the bellows section 3 experiences radial displacement, the axial measuring scale 4 moves laterally within the guide groove 701, triggering the second measuring sensors 9 to detect the radial limit displacement. The first measuring sensors 8 and the second measuring sensors 9 can be in the form of magnetic switches, photoelectric sensors, Hall elements, or mechanical contacts, and the signals can be connected to a monitoring system to achieve remote alarm or status visualization.
[0036] The axial measuring scale 4 is constrained by the guide groove 701 on the guide bracket 7, effectively suppressing the bending deformation and shaking problems that are prone to occur under complex working conditions such as strong winds, temperature changes, or vibrations due to its large length-to-width ratio. This avoids the structural instability, noise, and reading deviations common in traditional free cantilever scales. Furthermore, the radial measuring scale 5 and the axial measuring scale 4 are reasonably spaced through the moving space 6 provided on the second flange 2. They do not interfere with each other during operation, eliminating the risk of mechanical damage and displacement misreading caused by scale collisions in traditional structures.
[0037] Simultaneously, by setting up the first measuring sensor 8 and the second measuring sensor 9, it is possible to sense in real time whether the bellows section 3 is approaching or has reached the preset safety compensation limit. Once the limit is exceeded, an alarm signal can be triggered to prevent the bellows section 3 from failing due to excessive expansion, contraction, or bending. This overcomes the limitations of traditional expansion joints that rely on manual visual judgment of displacement status, realizing automatic monitoring of displacement status and over-limit early warning, significantly improving the safety and reliability of equipment operation, and effectively reducing safety hazards caused by loose fastening nuts or uncontrolled displacement.
[0038] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 and Figure 5As shown, the width of the guide groove 701 is adapted to the thickness of the axial measuring scale 4, and the length of the guide groove 701 is greater than the width of the axial measuring scale 4.
[0039] The width of the guide groove 701 (i.e., the distance between the two inner sidewalls) is slightly larger than the thickness of the axial measuring scale 4 (i.e., the size of the scale in the direction perpendicular to its extension plane). While ensuring that the axial measuring scale 4 can slide freely along the axial direction, it effectively limits its thickness and prevents it from warping, twisting or fluttering during operation.
[0040] The guide groove 701 has an opening of sufficient size in the length direction (i.e., the transverse direction in which the axial measuring scale 4 may deviate radially). This length dimension is greater than the width dimension of the axial measuring scale 4, thereby providing sufficient transverse movement space 6 for the scale when it undergoes radial displacement in the bellows section 3, avoiding jamming and ensuring the normal realization of the radial compensation function.
[0041] In the specific operation, one end of the axial measuring scale 4 is fixed to the first flange 1, and the other end passes through the guide groove 701 of the guide bracket 7 and extends towards the second flange 2. When the bellows section 3 undergoes axial expansion and contraction due to temperature changes or foundation settlement, the axial measuring scale 4 slides smoothly with the first flange 1 (or, when the first flange 1 is fixed, it moves relative to the second flange 2 and the bellows section 3). The constraint of the guide groove 701 on its thickness direction ensures that it always moves in a straight line, improving the stability and accuracy of axial displacement measurement. When the bellows section 3 undergoes radial displacement, the first flange 1 causes the axial measuring scale 4 to shift as a whole, or the second flange 2 causes the guide bracket 7 to move relative to it. At this time, the axial measuring scale 4 can slide laterally in the width direction within the guide groove 701. Since the guide groove 701 has a sufficient clearance in this direction, it will not hinder the normal radial compensation of the bellows section 3.
[0042] By adapting the guide groove 701 to the thickness direction of the axial measuring scale 4, lateral swaying of the scale under external interference such as wind load and vibration can be effectively suppressed, avoiding noise and reading deviation. By reserving a reasonable gap in the width direction of the axial measuring scale 4, the required degrees of freedom for radial compensation can be ensured, avoiding motion interference.
[0043] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the axial measuring scale 4 includes a first part 401 and a second part 402 that are detachably connected. The first part 401 has a second end and is provided with a scale.
[0044] The axial measuring scale 4 can adopt a split structure, including a first part 401 and a second part 402. The first part 401 serves as the measuring section, with one end extending into the pre-reserved moving space 6 between the radial measuring scale 5 and the second flange 2, and the other end detachably connected to the second part 402. Its surface has clear axial displacement graduations for easy and intuitive reading of compensation values on-site. The second part 402 can serve as a connecting or supporting section, with one end fixed to the first flange 1 and the other end connected to the first part 401 via a detachable structure, providing structural support and force transmission.
[0045] The detachable connection between the two parts can take various forms. For example, a plug can be provided at the tail of the first part 401, and a corresponding slot can be provided at the front of the second part 402. After insertion, it can be locked by screws, pins, or clips. Alternatively, in non-high vibration conditions, a strong magnet can be used in conjunction with a positioning pin to achieve quick installation and disassembly.
[0046] The axial measuring scale 4 is rationally divided along its overall length, effectively avoiding deformation or damage to long scales caused by bending or bumps during packaging and transportation. It also solves the problem of difficulty in installation within confined spaces. During operation and maintenance, if the measuring section (first part 401) becomes worn, soiled, or damaged, only that part needs to be disassembled and replaced, without disassembling the expansion joint or interrupting the piping system, significantly reducing operation and maintenance costs and downtime.
[0047] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the second part 402 passes through the guide groove 701, and the connection position of the first part 401 and the second part 402 is located between the guide bracket 7 and the second flange 2.
[0048] The second part 402 serves as a support section, with one end fixed to the first flange 1 and the other end penetrating the guide groove 701 of the entire guide bracket 7 and extending towards the second flange 2, providing structural support and force transmission. The first part 401 serves as a graduated measuring section, with one end extending into the pre-reserved moving space 6 between the radial measuring scale 5 and the second flange 2, and the other end detachably connected to the second part 402 in the area between the guide bracket 7 and the second flange 2. Therefore, the connection interface between the two parts is located on the side of the guide bracket 7 closer to the second flange 2.
[0049] With the first part 401 (scale section) positioned in an easily accessible location, maintenance personnel can replace or inspect the scale without disassembling the guide bracket 7 or pulling the scale entirely out of the guide groove 701. Replacing the scale only requires disconnecting a portion of the connection structure, allowing for a quick and easy operation without affecting the fixed connection between the second part 402 and the first flange 1, or disrupting the fit between the scale and the guide bracket 7. The entire process is simple, safe, and efficient, significantly reducing maintenance time.
[0050] In some embodiments, the first part 401 is provided with an elongated hole 403, the second part 402 is provided with a through hole, and at least one connector 404 passes through the elongated hole 403 and the through hole in sequence, so that the first part 401 and the second part 402 are detachably connected.
[0051] The first part 401 serves as a graduated measuring section, with an axially extending elongated hole 403 near the connecting end (i.e., the length direction of the elongated hole 403 is consistent with the length direction of the scale). The second part 402 serves as a support section, and may have a circular through hole, square through hole, or other matching hole at a corresponding position for alignment with the first part 401. The connector 404 may be a combination of bolts and nuts, a spring pin, a quick-release pin, or a fastening screw with a washer, etc. The connector 404 can pass through the elongated hole 403 and the through hole in sequence to lock the two parts together.
[0052] During assembly, the second part 402 can be pre-fixed to the first flange 1 and passed through the guide groove 701 of the guide bracket 7. Then, align the elongated hole 403 of the first part 401 with the through hole of the second part 402, insert the connector 404, and finely adjust the axial position of the first part 401 along the direction of the elongated hole 403 according to the actual installation position. After adjustment, tighten the nut or lock the connector 404 to complete the connection.
[0053] By providing an elongated hole 403, the length of which allows for a certain range of axial sliding between the first part 401 and the second part 402, the system can accommodate the pre-compression or pre-tension state of the bellows section 3 during cold installation, or dimensional deviations in assembly between different batches. Utilizing the adjustment function of the elongated hole 403, the zero point can be flexibly set on-site or initial installation offset can be compensated, avoiding the problem of full-range reading deviation caused by installation errors in traditional fixed scales, thus improving the accuracy of the measurement reference.
[0054] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the first measuring sensing device 8 includes a first contact 801 and a first alarm mechanism. The first contact 801 is disposed toward the guide bracket 7. When the guide bracket 7 is in contact with the first contact 801, the first alarm mechanism emits an alarm signal. The second measuring sensing device 9 includes a second contact 901 and a second alarm mechanism. The second contact 901 is located in the guide groove 701 and is disposed toward the axial measuring scale 4. When the axial measuring scale 4 is in contact with the second contact 901, the second alarm mechanism emits an alarm signal.
[0055] The first measuring sensing device 8 and the second measuring sensing device 9 can adopt a mechanical contact structure, which includes a contact and an alarm mechanism respectively. The alarm signal is triggered by physical contact and is used to monitor in real time whether the corrugated expansion device has reached the preset limit compensation displacement in the axial and radial directions.
[0056] The first contact 801 of the first measuring sensing device 8 is mounted on the axial measuring scale 4 and faces the guide bracket 7. Its corresponding first alarm mechanism can be a mechanical microswitch, a limit switch, or an electrical contact module connected to a remote monitoring system, linked with the first contact 801. When the bellows section 3 undergoes excessive axial elongation or compression due to thermal expansion and contraction or settlement, the axial measuring scale 4 or the guide bracket 7 moves accordingly. Once the displacement reaches the preset axial limit position, the first contact 801 makes physical contact with the fixed end face of the guide bracket 7. The contact force triggers the first alarm mechanism (e.g., pressing down the microswitch), thereby issuing an axial over-limit alarm signal. This signal can be detected by a local audible and visual alarm or transmitted remotely to the monitoring backend.
[0057] The second contact 901 of the second measuring sensing device 9 is installed on the inner wall of the guide groove 701, facing the center of the groove (i.e., the side of the axial measuring scale 4). Its second alarm mechanism can also be a microswitch, reed switch, or electromechanical integrated alarm module, integrated with the second contact 901. When the device experiences lateral offset (i.e., radial displacement), it may be due to the second flange 2 causing the guide bracket 7 to move laterally, or it may be due to the first flange 1 causing the axial measuring scale 4 to offset laterally. When the radial offset exceeds the safety threshold, the side of the axial measuring scale 4 will contact one of the second contacts 901, triggering the second alarm mechanism and issuing a radial over-limit alarm signal.
[0058] The sensing device can flexibly select mature measuring elements available on the market, and its specific form is not limited. For example, a mechanical microswitch can be used, which triggers the internal contacts to close or open when the scale moves to its limit position and touches the switch lever; a magnetic proximity switch can also be used, with a permanent magnet installed on the scale, which triggers a signal when it approaches a fixedly installed reed switch or Hall element; a photoelectric switch can also be used, with a light-blocking plate on the scale, which triggers an alarm when the scale moves to its limit position and blocks the light path. Regardless of the form used, the core objective is to achieve reliable sensing and timely response to limit displacements.
[0059] By employing a contact-based alarm structure based on physical contact, it eliminates the need for external power supplies or complex electronic sensors, ensuring reliable operation even under extreme conditions such as power outages and strong electromagnetic interference. The sensing device features a simple structure, low cost, and easy maintenance. Based on mature mechanical switching components, it offers rapid and delay-free response, making it suitable for critical engineering scenarios with high safety requirements.
[0060] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the distance between the first contact 801 and the guide bracket 7 in the initial state is L1; the distance between the second contact 901 and the side of the axial measuring scale 4 in the initial state is L2.
[0061] The initial state refers to the reference position of the corrugated expansion device after it has been installed in a cold state and has not been subjected to thermal expansion and contraction, settlement, or external forces. In this state, the axial measuring scale 4 is in the middle stroke area.
[0062] L1 represents the reserved axial distance between the first contact 801 on the axial measuring scale 4 and the limiting surface of the guide bracket 7 in the cold installation reference position. The unit of distance can be centimeters or millimeters. This value corresponds to the maximum allowable compensation amount of the bellows section 3 in the axial direction. When factors such as thermal expansion and contraction, foundation settlement, etc. cause the axial displacement to approach L1, the first contact 801 contacts the limiting surface and triggers an alarm to prevent the bellows section 3 from becoming unstable, fatigue cracking, or even failing due to excessive elongation or compression.
[0063] L2 represents the initial lateral distance between the second contact 901 and the side of the axial measuring scale 4, representing the safety margin for radial offset. The distance unit can be centimeters or millimeters. Once the pipeline system experiences a large lateral displacement due to uneven settlement, wind load, or installation deviation, the side of the scale will contact the second contact 901, triggering a radial over-limit alarm to prevent damage to the corrugated pipe section 3 due to excessive bending.
[0064] L1 and L2 can be flexibly adjusted based on actual working conditions such as the structural parameters of the corrugated pipe section 3 (e.g., wave number, material, stiffness), system voltage level, pipe span, geological settlement risk, and environmental load. By setting L1 and L2, the abstract limit displacement can be transformed into a quantifiable and perceptible mechanical trigger point. L1 and L2 can serve as explicit physical benchmarks, providing a zero-point calibration basis for on-site installation.
[0065] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, the corrugated expansion device with displacement measurement also includes: a flexible layer 10, disposed on the radial measuring scale 5 and the side surface of the second flange 2 facing the moving space 6.
[0066] Flexible layers 10 are respectively applied to the surface of the second flange 2 facing the moving space 6 and the corresponding surface of the radial measuring scale 5 facing the moving space 6. Together, they form a buffer interface surrounding the area through which the axial measuring scale 4 travels. The material of the flexible layer 10 can be selected according to the requirements of the ultra-high voltage outdoor environment, such as silicone rubber or polyurethane, which have excellent resilience, weather resistance, and anti-aging properties. The flexible layer 10 can be a continuous covering structure or a partial patch, and is reliably fixed by means of adhesive, snap-fit, or countersunk screws to ensure that it does not fall off during long-term operation. Its thickness can be flexibly set according to the expected collision clearance and installation space allowance.
[0067] Under complex operating conditions such as strong winds, earthquakes, or pipeline vibrations, the axial measuring scale 4 may experience slight swaying or displacement. In such cases, the flexible layer 10 acts as a soft contact barrier, effectively absorbing impact energy and significantly reducing noise generated by collisions between the scale and the metal structure, thus meeting the environmental protection and maintenance requirements of substations for low-noise operation. Simultaneously, the flexible layer 10 also protects the scale surface and sensing area of the axial measuring scale 4 from scratches, wear, or mechanical damage, thereby ensuring the clarity of on-site readings and the long-term reliability of the measuring sensing device.
[0068] In some embodiments, the flexible layer 10 is a fluororubber pad.
[0069] Fluororubber can operate stably for extended periods within a temperature range of -20℃ to +200℃, covering the extreme temperature differences of ultra-high voltage substations. Furthermore, it exhibits strong resistance to ultraviolet radiation, ozone, and weathering, resulting in a long service life far superior to ordinary nitrile rubber or natural rubber.
[0070] Example 2
[0071] This application also provides a pipeline system, including the corrugated expansion device with displacement measurement provided in Embodiment 1.
[0072] This application also provides a piping system, which may include a main pipe section composed of multiple rigid metal pipes (such as carbon steel, stainless steel, or aluminum alloy pipes) connected together, and a corrugated expansion device with displacement measurement integrated with the aforementioned embodiment 1. The corrugated expansion device can be installed at critical locations on the pipeline, such as equipment interfaces, the middle of long straight pipe sections, or areas sensitive to foundation settlement, to effectively absorb structural deformation caused by factors such as thermal expansion and contraction, foundation settlement, and seismic displacement.
[0073] By integrating the corrugated expansion joint with displacement measurement as described in Example 1, the pipeline system not only retains the thermal compensation and flexible connection functions of traditional expansion joints, but also further achieves reduced noise and component damage, as well as highly reliable measurement, real-time monitoring, and limit over-limit alarms for both axial and radial displacements. This makes the operating status visible, predictable, and maintainable, significantly improving the safety and intelligence level of the pipeline system. It is suitable for critical infrastructure scenarios with extremely high requirements for operational safety, reliability, and intelligent monitoring capabilities, such as ultra-high voltage power transmission and transformation projects, long-distance oil and gas pipelines, and nuclear power plant cooling circuits.
[0074] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A corrugated expansion device with displacement measurement, characterized in that, include: A first flange and a second flange arranged opposite to each other, and bellows sections respectively connected to the first flange and the second flange; An axial measuring scale, wherein the first end of the axial measuring scale is connected to the first flange, and the second end extends toward the second flange; A radial measuring scale is disposed on the second flange and perpendicular to the axial measuring scale. A moving space is formed between the radial measuring scale and the second flange. The second end of the axial measuring scale can extend into or through the moving space. A guide bracket is installed on the rigid pipe in the corrugated pipe section. The guide bracket has a guide groove inside, and the second end of the axial measuring scale extends through the guide groove toward the second flange side. A pair of first measuring sensors are disposed on the axial measuring scale, and the pair of first measuring sensors are disposed opposite to each other on both sides of the guide bracket. The first measuring sensors are used to sense the axial limit displacement compensation amount of the bellows section. A pair of second measuring sensors are disposed in the guide groove of the guide bracket, and the pair of second measuring sensors are disposed opposite to each other on both sides of the axial measuring scale. The second measuring sensors are used to sense the radial limit displacement compensation of the corrugated pipe section.
2. The corrugated expansion device with displacement measurement according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the guide groove is adapted to the thickness of the axial measuring scale, and the length of the guide groove is greater than the width of the axial measuring scale.
3. The corrugated expansion device with displacement measurement according to claim 1, characterized in that, The axial measuring scale includes a detachably connected first part and a second part, the first part having a second end and being provided with a scale.
4. The corrugated expansion device with displacement measurement according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second part passes through the guide groove, and the connection point between the first part and the second part is located between the guide bracket and the second flange.
5. The corrugated expansion device with displacement measurement according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first part has an elongated hole, and the second part has a through hole. At least one connector passes through the elongated hole and the through hole in sequence, so that the first part and the second part can be detachably connected.
6. The corrugated expansion device with displacement measurement according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first measuring sensing device includes a first contact and a first alarm mechanism. The first contact is disposed toward the guide bracket. When the guide bracket is in contact with the first contact, the first alarm mechanism emits an alarm signal. The second measuring sensing device includes a second contact and a second alarm mechanism. The second contact is located in the guide groove and is positioned toward the axial measuring scale. When the axial measuring scale is in contact with the second contact, the second alarm mechanism emits an alarm signal.
7. The corrugated expansion device with displacement measurement according to claim 6, characterized in that, The distance between the first contact and the guide bracket in the initial state is L1; The second contact is initially positioned at a distance L2 from the side of the axial measuring scale.
8. The corrugated expansion device with displacement measurement according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A flexible layer is disposed on the radial measuring scale and the side surface of the second flange facing the moving space.
9. The corrugated expansion device with displacement measurement according to claim 8, characterized in that, The flexible layer is a fluororubber pad.
10. A piping system, characterized in that, The corrugated expansion device with displacement measurement according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Transverse expansion joint for gas insulated switchgear
CN202927351U