Nitrogen energy-saving replacement and plugging device for long-distance pipelines

Abstract

This application proposes a nitrogen-based energy-saving replacement and plugging device for long-distance pipelines, comprising: a baffle plate, the baffle plate being disc-shaped; an exhaust valve, the exhaust valve being axially inserted through the baffle plate at its center; and an inflation component, the inflation component being arranged around the periphery of the baffle plate, the inflation component being equipped with an inflation nozzle. The baffle plate is placed into the inlet of the oil pipeline, and air is injected into the inflation component through the inflation nozzle, causing the inflation component to expand and press against the inner wall of the oil pipeline. The baffle plate and the inflation component complete the plugging of the oil pipeline, and then the exhaust valve completes the replacement of residual gas in the plugged section of the oil pipeline. This achieves efficient plugging and gas replacement of the oil pipeline section, thereby significantly improving operational safety and economy. The device utilizes the expansion of the inflation component after inflation to form a tight seal against the inner wall of the oil pipeline, isolating the pipeline section to be removed from other parts. This allows operators to replace only the residual gas in the plugged section, rather than continuously filling the entire long-distance pipeline with nitrogen.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of oil pipeline technology, specifically to a nitrogen energy-saving replacement and plugging device for long-distance pipelines. Background Technology

[0002] Long-distance pipelines are the energy arteries connecting oil fields, refineries, storage and transportation depots, and end-consumer markets. These pipelines are typically buried underground or traverse complex geographical environments, responsible for the continuous and efficient transport of liquid hydrocarbons such as crude oil and refined petroleum products. When such pipelines need to be permanently decommissioned due to the end of their service life, route changes, or process upgrades, they must be safely dismantled. However, dismantling operations, especially hot work, face significant safety risks. This is because, even after pipeline operation ceases, large amounts of flammable and explosive hydrocarbon gases, as well as potentially toxic gases, remain inside. These residues, when mixed with air, can easily ignite or cause explosions or fires if exposed to open flames from welding or cutting.

[0003] To ensure the safety of hot work operations, current standard operating procedures require the replacement of hazardous gases in pipelines before dismantling. The most common method is to inject inert gas into the pipeline to expel flammable gases. However, for long-distance pipelines that are tens or even hundreds of kilometers long, the traditional continuous nitrogen replacement method consumes an enormous amount of nitrogen, resulting in high operating costs, and is uneconomical and environmentally unfriendly from a resource utilization perspective. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application aims to address at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this application proposes a nitrogen energy-saving replacement and plugging device for long-distance pipelines, which can effectively save the amount of inert gas used, improve operational efficiency, and ensure safety.

[0005] According to an embodiment of this application, a nitrogen energy-saving replacement and plugging device for long-distance pipelines includes: a partition plate, the partition plate being disc-shaped; an exhaust valve, the exhaust valve being axially inserted through the partition plate at its center; and an inflation component, the inflation component being arranged around the periphery of the partition plate, the inflation component being provided with an inflation nozzle. The partition plate is placed into the inlet of the oil pipeline and air is injected into the inflation component through the inflation nozzle, causing the inflation component to expand and abut against the inner wall of the oil pipeline. The partition plate and the inflation component complete the plugging of the oil pipeline, and then the exhaust valve completes the replacement of residual gas in the plugged section of the oil pipeline.

[0006] The nitrogen-powered energy-saving replacement and plugging device for long-distance pipelines according to embodiments of this application has at least the following beneficial effects: it achieves efficient plugging and gas replacement of oil pipeline sections, thereby significantly improving operational safety and economy. The device utilizes an inflation component that expands after inflation to tightly adhere to the inner wall of the oil pipeline, forming a reliable sealing barrier that isolates the section to be removed from other parts. This allows operators to replace only the residual gas within the plugged section, rather than continuously filling the entire long-distance pipeline with nitrogen, significantly reducing nitrogen consumption, lowering operating costs, and meeting energy conservation and environmental protection requirements. Simultaneously, gas replacement via an exhaust valve is simple and quick to operate, rapidly expelling flammable and explosive oil and gas within the plugged section and replacing it with inert nitrogen, effectively eliminating the risk of explosion or fire that may occur during hot work and ensuring the safety of operators. Furthermore, the device has a simple structure, is easy to deploy and recover, and can be installed and dismantled simply by inflation or deflation, improving operational efficiency. It is applicable to oil pipelines of various diameters, has wide applicability and practicality, and solves the problems of resource waste and insufficient safety in traditional replacement methods.

[0007] According to some embodiments of this application, an annular support is provided around the partition, and the inflatable component is fixed on the annular support.

[0008] According to some embodiments of this application, the annular bracket has a concave arc groove facing the axis of the partition, the inflatable component is fixed in the arc groove, and the inner side of the inflatable component after expansion fits with the arc groove.

[0009] According to some embodiments of this application, the annular support includes a first component and a second component, the first component and the second component being in the shape of a trumpet facing away from each other, and the first component and the second component together forming an arc groove.

[0010] According to some embodiments of this application, a first connecting plate is provided on a first component, and a second connecting plate is provided on a second component. Both the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate are parallel to each other with the partition. Multiple bolts are axially inserted on the partition, and the multiple bolts fasten the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate to the partition.

[0011] According to some embodiments of this application, the annular bracket is provided with a clearance hole, and the inflation nozzle passes through the clearance hole.

[0012] According to some embodiments of this application, the inflatable component is a rubber airbag.

[0013] According to some embodiments of this application, a pressure gauge is also included, which is mounted on the partition.

[0014] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The present application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the nitrogen energy-saving replacement and plugging device for long-distance pipelines according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure after the inflatable components are concealed; Figure 3 for Figure 2 The left view; Figure 4 for Figure 2 Exploded view of the central partition, the first component, and the second component.

[0016] Figure label: Partition 100; Annular bracket 110; Clearance hole 111; Arc groove 112; First component 120; First connecting plate 121; Second component 130; Second connecting plate 131; Bolt 140; Exhaust valve 200; Inflatable part 300; Inflatable nozzle 310; Pressure gauge 400. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0018] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0019] In the description of this application, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. The use of "first" and "second" in the description is merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0020] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly defined, terms such as "setup," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this application in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0021] In the description of this application, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0022] The embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings: refer to Figures 1 to 4 According to an embodiment of this application, a nitrogen energy-saving replacement and plugging device for long-distance pipelines includes: a partition 100, which is disc-shaped; an exhaust valve 200, which is axially inserted through the partition 100 at its center; and an inflation component 300, which is arranged around the periphery of the partition 100 and has an inflation nozzle 310. The partition 100 is placed into the inlet of the oil pipeline and inflated through the inflation nozzle 310, causing the inflation component 300 to expand and abut against the inner wall of the oil pipeline. The partition 100 and the inflation component 300 complete the plugging of the oil pipeline, and then the exhaust valve 200 replaces the residual gas in the plugged section of the oil pipeline.

[0023] like Figure 1As shown, a circular inflator 300 is provided around the disc-shaped baffle 100, and an exhaust valve 200 is provided through the front of the baffle 100. After the baffle 100 is placed into the oil pipeline inlet, air is injected into the inflator 300 through the inflator nozzle 310, causing the inflator 300 to expand outward, increasing the overall diameter of the nitrogen energy-saving replacement and sealing device for this long-distance pipeline, until the inflator 300 is tightly pressed against the pipe wall of the oil pipeline. The expanded inflator 300 secures the baffle 100 inside the oil pipeline and seals the section of the oil pipeline that needs to be removed. Nitrogen is then injected into the sealed section, and the original residual gas in the pipeline is discharged through the exhaust valve 200. The residual gas in the sealed section is replaced with nitrogen, thereby achieving segmented nitrogen replacement and effectively saving nitrogen consumption. Furthermore, the installation and use of this long-distance pipeline nitrogen energy-saving replacement and plugging device is simple and quick. Installation and fixation are achieved by inflating the inflation component 300, and the device is recovered by deflating the inflation component 300, thus enabling rapid deployment and recovery. The exhaust valve 200 can also serve as a real-time gas detection port, detecting the gas in the plugged section of the pipeline. When the detection indicators meet the pipeline removal standards, the unplugged section of the pipeline can be removed.

[0024] Therefore, the nitrogen-based energy-saving replacement and plugging device for long-distance pipelines achieves efficient plugging and gas replacement of oil pipeline sections through the synergistic action of the baffle 100, exhaust valve 200, and inflation component 300, thereby significantly improving operational safety and economy. The device utilizes the inflation component 300, which expands after inflation and tightly adheres to the inner wall of the oil pipeline, forming a reliable sealing barrier. This isolates the pipeline section to be removed from other parts, allowing operators to replace only the residual gas in the plugged section, rather than continuously filling the entire long-distance pipeline with nitrogen. This significantly reduces nitrogen consumption, lowers operating costs, and meets energy-saving and environmental protection requirements. Simultaneously, gas replacement via the exhaust valve 200 is simple and quick to operate, rapidly expelling flammable and explosive oil and gas in the plugged section and replacing it with inert nitrogen. This effectively eliminates the risk of explosion or fire that may occur during hot work, ensuring the safety of operators. In addition, the device has a simple structure, is easy to deploy and recover, and can be installed and disassembled simply by inflating or deflating, which improves operational efficiency. It is suitable for oil pipelines of various diameters and has wide applicability and practicality, solving the problems of resource waste and insufficient safety of traditional replacement methods.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, an annular support 110 is provided around the partition 100, and the inflation component 300 is fixed on the annular support 110. The annular support 110 can fix the inflation component 300, keeping it between the partition 100 and the inner wall of the oil pipeline, and preventing the inflation component 300 from shifting during the inflation process, which would cause the nitrogen energy-saving replacement and sealing device for the long-distance pipeline to fail to seal the pipeline.

[0026] The annular support 110 further enhances the stability and sealing reliability of the device. Fixed around the perimeter of the partition 100, the annular support 110 provides a solid support base for the inflation component 300, preventing displacement or twisting during inflation. This ensures uniform expansion and full contact with the inner wall of the pipeline, resulting in a more effective seal and reducing the risk of sealing failure due to unstable positioning of the inflation component 300. This design also improves the consistency and success rate of sealing, especially under conditions of pressure fluctuations or irregular inner walls within long-distance pipelines. The annular support 110 maintains the stable shape of the inflation component 300, preventing it from detaching or loosening during gas replacement or pipeline pressure changes, thus ensuring operational continuity and safety. Furthermore, the annular support 110 has a simple structure, is easy to manufacture and install, and does not increase the complexity of the device. Instead, by optimizing the fixing method of the inflation component 300, it improves the overall durability and reusability of the device, reduces maintenance costs, and makes the device more suitable for frequent or harsh operating environments.

[0027] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the annular support 110 has a recessed arc groove 112 facing the axis of the partition 100. The inflation component 300 is fixed within the arc groove 112, and the inner side of the inflated inflation component 300 fits against the arc groove 112. Since the inflated inflation component 300 has a circular cross-section, the arc groove 112 increases the contact area between the annular support 110 and the inflation component 300. This improves the stability of the annular support 110 in supporting and fixing the inflation component 300, and also enhances the overall sealing performance of this long-distance pipeline nitrogen energy-saving replacement and sealing device. The arc groove 112 optimizes the fit between the inflation component 300 and the support, improving the sealing performance and structural stability of the device. The design of the arc groove 112 allows for a better fit of the inflatable component 300 during fixation. When the inflatable component 300 expands, its inner side comes into close contact with the arc groove 112, increasing the contact area between them. This improves the uniformity of support and sealing effect, effectively dispersing the stress generated during the expansion of the inflatable component 300, reducing the risk of excessive local pressure, and extending the service life of the inflatable component 300. Simultaneously, the arc groove 112 guides the inflatable component 300 to expand in a predetermined direction, ensuring more uniform and tight contact between the inflatable component 300 and the inner wall of the oil pipeline. This avoids inadequate sealing or leakage caused by deformation or irregular expansion of the inflatable component 300, enhancing the reliability of the sealing. This design also simplifies the installation process, making the inflatable component 300 easier to position and fix, improving operational efficiency. It is particularly suitable for long-distance pipelines where there may be slight variations in pipe diameter or uneven internal environments, ensuring the applicability and safety of the device under various conditions.

[0028] like Figures 2 to 4As shown, the annular support 110 includes a first component 120 and a second component 130. The first component 120 and the second component 130 are arranged in a trumpet shape facing away from each other, and together they form an arc groove 112. A first connecting plate 121 is provided on the first component 120, and a second connecting plate 131 is provided on the second component 130. Both the first connecting plate 121 and the second connecting plate 131 are parallel to the partition 100. Multiple bolts 140 are axially inserted on the partition 100, and the multiple bolts fasten the first connecting plate 121 and the second connecting plate 131 to the partition 100. The trumpet shape of the first component 120 and the second component 130 can better accommodate the inflator 300 and provide bidirectional support when the inflator 300 expands, ensuring that the inflator 300 expands evenly to both the inner and outer sides, thereby forming a more solid seal with the inner wall of the oil pipeline, improving the reliability and adaptability of the sealing. This modular design facilitates manufacturing and maintenance. If a component fails, it can be replaced individually, reducing maintenance costs and downtime. It also allows for flexible adjustment of the ring bracket 110 during installation, accommodating minor variations in pipe diameter and enhancing the device's versatility. Furthermore, the flared structure helps guide the inflation component 300 to remain stable during expansion, reducing the risk of twisting or shifting, further improving operational efficiency and safety. This makes the device easier to deploy and manage in the complex environments of long-distance pipelines, solving the problems of insufficient rigidity or difficulty in adjustment associated with traditional fixing methods. The ring bracket 110 is fixed to the partition 100 using bolts 140, providing a robust and adjustable installation solution, enhancing the device's structural stability and maintainability. The first connecting plate 121 and the second connecting plate 131 are parallel to the partition 100 and secured with multiple bolts 140, ensuring a secure and reliable connection between the ring bracket 110 and the partition 100. This connection can withstand the forces generated by the expansion of the inflation component 300 and the internal pressure of the pipeline, preventing loosening or failure due to vibration or pressure changes during operation. This bolt 140 connection method allows operators to easily adjust the position of the annular bracket 110 during installation, ensuring accurate alignment of the inflation component 300, thereby optimizing the sealing effect and adapting to different diaphragm 100 thicknesses or pipe diameters, improving the flexibility and applicability of the device. Furthermore, the bolt 140 connection facilitates disassembly and reassembly, enabling a modular design of the device. It allows for quick operation when cleaning, inspection, or component replacement is required, reducing downtime and lowering maintenance costs. The even distribution of multiple bolts 140 also disperses stress at the connection points, preventing localized overload, extending the device's service life, and improving overall safety and reliability.

[0029] like Figure 2As shown, the annular bracket 110 is provided with a clearance hole 111, through which the inflation nozzle 310 passes. The clearance hole 111 provides a dedicated channel for the inflation nozzle 310, preventing it from being squeezed or damaged by the annular bracket 110 during installation or inflation, ensuring smooth and safe inflation, and reducing the risk of work interruption or leakage due to inflation nozzle 310 malfunction. Simultaneously, the clearance hole 111 allows the inflation nozzle 310 to be directly exposed to the outside, facilitating quick connection of inflation equipment by operators, simplifying operation steps, and improving work efficiency. This design avoids the need for additional adjustments, especially in narrow or complex pipeline environments. Furthermore, the clearance hole 111 helps maintain the stability of the inflation nozzle 310, preventing it from shaking or rubbing against the inner wall of the oil pipeline during inflation, reducing wear and potential leakage points, and extending the service life of the inflation component 300. Overall, this feature makes the device more rationally structured, easier to use, and enhances the reliability and safety of the sealing process, making it suitable for various operating conditions.

[0030] In some specific embodiments of this utility model, the inflation component 300 is a rubber airbag. Rubber material possesses high elasticity and flexibility, enabling it to adapt to the inner walls of oil pipelines of different shapes and sizes. After inflation, it rapidly expands and forms a tight seal, effectively preventing gas leakage and ensuring the reliability of the sealing. Simultaneously, the rubber airbag exhibits excellent wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and oil resistance, allowing for long-term use in the harsh environment within oil pipelines, reducing replacement frequency and maintenance costs, and improving the economic efficiency of the device. Furthermore, the rubber airbag is lightweight, facilitating transportation and installation, reducing operational intensity. Its inflation and deflation operations are simple and quick, allowing for rapid deployment and recovery of the device, improving operational efficiency. Rubber material is also easy to manufacture and customize, allowing for the production of airbags of different specifications according to specific pipe diameter requirements, enhancing the applicability and flexibility of the device. Overall, the use of rubber airbags optimizes the performance of the device and solves the problems of poor adaptability or short lifespan of traditional sealing materials.

[0031] like Figure 1As shown, the device also includes a pressure gauge 400, which is mounted on the partition 100. The pressure gauge 400 allows operators to monitor gas pressure changes within the sealing section at any time, ensuring the replacement process is conducted within a safe pressure range. This avoids the risks of sealing failure, equipment damage, or pipeline rupture due to excessive pressure, or incomplete replacement and residual gas accumulation due to insufficient pressure. By monitoring pressure data, operators can optimize the nitrogen injection and gas venting rates, improving replacement efficiency and ensuring that inert gas fully covers residual flammable gas, reducing the possibility of explosion or fire. Furthermore, the pressure gauge 400 helps assess the sealing performance of the seal; if abnormal pressure is detected, timely adjustments can be made, ensuring the continuity and reliability of the operation. The design of the pressure gauge 400 facilitates integration into existing workflows, providing critical information without complex operations, enhancing the functionality and practicality of the device, and providing additional assurance for the safe dismantling of long-distance pipelines.

[0032] The embodiments of this application have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of this application. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other.

Claims

1. A nitrogen energy-saving replacement and plugging device for long-distance pipelines, characterized in that, include: A partition (100) is disc-shaped; An exhaust valve (200) is axially disposed at the center of the partition (100); An inflation component (300) is arranged around the periphery of the partition (100). An inflation nozzle (310) is provided on the inflation component (300). The partition (100) is placed into the oil pipeline inlet and the inflation component (300) is inflated through the inflation nozzle (310), causing the inflation component (300) to expand and abut against the inner wall of the oil pipeline. The partition (100) and the inflation component (300) complete the sealing of the oil pipeline. Then, the residual gas in the sealed section of the oil pipeline is replaced by the exhaust valve (200).

2. The nitrogen energy-saving replacement and plugging device for long-distance pipelines according to claim 1, characterized in that, A ring-shaped bracket (110) is provided around the partition (100), and the inflatable component (300) is fixed on the ring-shaped bracket (110).

3. The nitrogen energy-saving replacement and plugging device for long-distance pipelines according to claim 2, characterized in that, The annular bracket (110) has a recessed arc groove (112) facing the axis of the partition (100). The inflatable component (300) is fixed in the arc groove (112), and the inner side of the inflatable component (300) after expansion fits into the arc groove (112).

4. The nitrogen energy-saving replacement and plugging device for long-distance pipelines according to claim 3, characterized in that, The annular support (110) includes a first component (120) and a second component (130). The first component (120) and the second component (130) are arranged in a trumpet shape facing away from each other. The first component (120) and the second component (130) together form the arc groove (112).

5. The nitrogen energy-saving replacement and plugging device for long-distance pipelines according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first component (120) is provided with a first connecting plate (121), and the second component (130) is provided with a second connecting plate (131). The first connecting plate (121) and the second connecting plate (131) are both parallel to the partition (100). Multiple bolts (140) are axially inserted on the partition (100), and the multiple bolts (140) fasten the first connecting plate (121) and the second connecting plate (131) to the partition (100).

6. The nitrogen energy-saving replacement and plugging device for long-distance pipelines according to claim 2, characterized in that, The annular bracket (110) is provided with a clearance hole (111), and the inflation nozzle (310) passes through the clearance hole (111).

7. The nitrogen energy-saving replacement and plugging device for long-distance pipelines according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inflatable component (300) is a rubber airbag.

8. The nitrogen energy-saving replacement and plugging device for long-distance pipelines according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a pressure gauge (400) which is mounted on the partition (100).

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