Umbilical cable

Abstract

The present invention provides an umbilical cable. The umbilical cable comprises: a central body structure, comprising an optical unit, an electrical unit, a conveying unit, a first hollow buffer structure, and a second hollow buffer structure; and a protective structure, comprising a first sheath, the first sheath covering the periphery of the central body structure. The conveying unit and the electrical unit enclose a first accommodating space, and the conveying unit and the first sheath enclose a second accommodating space, the first accommodating space and the second accommodating space being disposed at an interval along a circumferential direction of the umbilical cable; the first hollow buffer structure is disposed in the first accommodating space, the second hollow buffer structure and the optical unit are both disposed in the second accommodating space, and the second hollow buffer structure is configured to be capable of covering at least a part of the optical unit. The umbilical cable of the technical solution of the present invention can resolve the problems in existing umbilical cables of poor impact resistance and flattening resistance, and easily being damaged, resulting in high maintenance costs.

Description

Umbilical cable

[0001] The present application claims priority to the Chinese patent application No. 202410905146.4 filed on July 5, 2024, and entitled "Umbilical cable", the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of ocean engineering, in particular, to an umbilical cable. BACKGROUND

[0003] Ocean oil and gas development is an important part of global energy acquisition, and the efficiency and safety of the underwater production system as a key link directly affect the success or failure of the entire development process. In this system, the umbilical cable plays a crucial role. It not only connects the control unit on land or a floating platform with the underwater production system, transmitting hydraulic power, electricity, control signals and chemical agents, but also feeds back the real-time running status of the production system to the control unit, ensuring the stable operation of the entire system. As oil and gas field development gradually expands to deep sea areas, the performance requirements of the umbilical cable are also increasing. In deep sea environment, the umbilical cable needs to withstand huge water pressure and complex marine environmental influences, and needs to have excellent mechanical properties and durability.

[0004] With the increase of operating water depth, the weight control of the umbilical cable also becomes a technical problem. Excessive weight of the umbilical cable will increase the difficulty and cost of installation and maintenance, while too light weight may affect its mechanical strength and protection performance. When designing a deep water umbilical cable, it is necessary to optimize the weight while maintaining mechanical properties and protection capabilities. Although the traditional unarmored structure has reduced weight, the unarmored umbilical cable has poor impact resistance and flat resistance due to the lack of armored protection. Once the second sheath is damaged, the internal structure is easily damaged further, which will greatly increase the long-term maintenance cost. SUMMARY

[0005] The main purpose of the present application is to provide an umbilical cable, which can solve the problem of poor impact resistance and flat resistance of the existing umbilical cable, which is easily damaged, resulting in high maintenance cost.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the present application provides an umbilical cable, comprising: a central main structure, comprising an optical unit, an electrical unit, a conveying unit, a first hollow buffer structure and a second hollow buffer structure; a protective structure, comprising a first sheath, the first sheath being wrapped around the outer periphery of the central main structure; wherein the conveying unit and the electrical unit enclose a first containing space, the conveying unit and the first sheath enclose a second containing space, the first containing space and the second containing space are arranged in a circumferential direction of the umbilical cable, the first hollow buffer structure is arranged in the first containing space, the second hollow buffer structure and the optical unit are arranged in the second containing space, and the second hollow buffer structure is configured to wrap at least part of the optical unit.

[0007] Further, the first hollow buffer structure extends in a length direction of the umbilical cable, the first hollow buffer structure comprises a first hollow region and a first solid region, the first solid region surrounds the first hollow region, in a cross section of the first hollow buffer structure, an area of the first solid region is S1, an area of the first hollow region is S2, and a ratio of S1 / S2 is in a range of 1.8-2.2.

[0008] Further, the conveying unit comprises a first conveying pipe and a second conveying pipe, the first conveying pipe, the second conveying pipe and the electrical unit enclose the first containing space, and an outer peripheral surface of the first hollow buffer structure is tangent to the first conveying pipe, the second conveying pipe and the electrical unit.

[0009] Further, two first conveying pipes, two electrical units and one second conveying pipe are arranged on an outer periphery of the first hollow buffer structure, the two first conveying pipes are arranged adjacently, the two electrical units are located on the same side of the two first conveying pipes, and the second conveying pipe is located between the two electrical units, the first hollow buffer structure comprises a first arc surface, a second arc surface, a third arc surface and a fourth arc surface arranged in a circumferential direction of the first hollow buffer structure in sequence, the first arc surface and the third arc surface are arranged oppositely, the second arc surface and the fourth arc surface are arranged oppositely, the first arc surface is tangent to the two first conveying pipes, the second arc surface is tangent to the second conveying pipe, the first conveying pipe located on a side of the second arc surface and the second conveying pipe, the fourth arc surface is tangent to the second conveying pipe, the first conveying pipe located on a side of the fourth arc surface and the second conveying pipe, and the third arc surface is tangent to the second conveying pipe.

[0010] Further, an outer contour of the first hollow buffer structure is formed by three circular shapes, the first arc surface and the third arc surface belong to one of the three circular shapes, the second arc surface belongs to one of the other two circular shapes, and the fourth arc surface belongs to the other one of the other two circular shapes.

[0011] Further, the second hollow buffering structure extends along the length direction of the umbilical cable, and the second hollow buffering structure comprises a second hollow region and a second solid region, and in a cross section of the second hollow buffering structure, an area of the second solid region is S3, an area of the second hollow region is S4, and a ratio of S3 / S4 ranges from 1.3 to 1.7.

[0012] Further, the conveying unit comprises a first conveying pipe and a third conveying pipe, the first conveying pipe, the third conveying pipe and the first sheath enclose a second containing space, and an outer circumferential surface of the second hollow buffering structure can be matched with an inner wall surface of the second containing space.

[0013] Further, the second hollow buffering structure comprises a first hollow sub-body and a second hollow sub-body, and the first hollow sub-body and the second hollow sub-body are both fifth arc surfaces on a side facing each other, the first hollow sub-body and the second hollow sub-body are connected, the two fifth arc surfaces form a clamping space with an open end, the light unit is placed in the clamping space, and the light unit and the second hollow buffering structure form a buffering gap on a side close to the first sheath.

[0014] Further, an outer circumferential side of the second hollow buffering structure is provided with two third conveying pipes and a first conveying pipe, the two third conveying pipes and the first conveying pipe and the first sheath jointly enclose the second containing space, a side of the first hollow sub-body and the second hollow sub-body facing away from each other is a sixth arc surface, and the sixth arc surface can be matched with the third conveying pipe on the side.

[0015] Further, the first hollow buffering structure and the second hollow buffering structure are both made of polyethylene material, and the conveying unit is made of metal material; and / or, the umbilical cable further comprises an armored structure, the armored structure is wrapped around an outer circumference of the protection structure, the armored structure comprises a first armored layer and a second armored layer with opposite twisting directions, the first armored layer and the second armored layer both comprise a plurality of steel wire units and a plurality of PE strips, the plurality of steel wire units are arranged at intervals along a circumferential direction of the protection structure, at least one PE strip is arranged between adjacent two steel wire units, and the steel wire unit comprises at least two steel wires.

[0016] By applying the technical scheme of the present application, the first hollow buffering structure is arranged in the first containing space enclosed by the conveying unit and the electric unit, and the second hollow buffering structure is arranged in the second containing space enclosed by the conveying unit and the first sheath, since the first hollow buffering structure and the second hollow buffering structure are both hollow structures, the buffering effect can be achieved when the light unit, the electric unit and the conveying unit are pressed against each other, meanwhile, the external impact force can be resisted, and thus the impact resistance and the flat resistance of the umbilical cable are improved, the umbilical cable is not easily damaged during construction installation and use, and thus the maintenance cost of the umbilical cable is reduced.

[0017] In addition to the technical problems solved by the present application, the technical features of the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought by the technical features, the other technical problems solved by the umbilical cable, the other technical features included in the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought by the technical features will be further described in detail in the specific embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the prior art, the drawings needed to be used in the embodiments or the prior art description will be briefly introduced as follows. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are some embodiments of the present application, and other drawings can also be obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor.

[0019] Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the umbilical cable of an embodiment of the present application;

[0020] Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a first hollow buffer structure of an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Fig. 3 shows a schematic diagram of the forming principle of the first hollow buffer structure of an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a second hollow buffer structure of an embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the umbilical cable of an embodiment of the present application.

[0024] Legend of reference signs: 10-optical unit; 20-electrical unit; 31-first conveying pipe; 32-second conveying pipe; 33-third conveying pipe; 40-first hollow buffer structure; 41-first hollow area; 42-first solid area; 43-first camber; 44-second camber; 45-third camber; 46-fourth camber; 50-second hollow buffer structure; 51-second hollow area; 52-second solid area; 53-first hollow sub-body; 54-second hollow sub-body; 55-clamping space; 61-first sheath; 611-first through hole; 62-second sheath; 70-armoring structure; 71-first armoring layer; 72-second armoring layer; 73-steel wire; 74-PE strip; 80-circular filling strip; 91-first wrapping tape; 92-second wrapping tape; 93-third wrapping tape; 100-black color strip. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] In order to make the objects, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative work fall within the scope of the present application.

[0026] It should be noted that the embodiments in the present application and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other without conflict. The present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in combination with the embodiments.

[0027] With reference to FIGS. 1-5, the present application provides an umbilical cable, which comprises a central body structure including an optical unit 10, an electrical unit 20, a conveying unit, a first hollow buffer structure 40 and a second hollow buffer structure 50; and a protective structure including a first sheath 61, which is wrapped around the outer periphery of the central body structure; wherein the conveying unit and the electrical unit 20 form a first containing space, the conveying unit and the first sheath 61 form a second containing space, the first containing space and the second containing space are arranged in a circumferential direction of the umbilical cable, the first hollow buffer structure 40 is arranged in the first containing space, the second hollow buffer structure 50 and the optical unit 10 are both arranged in the second containing space, and the second hollow buffer structure 50 is configured to wrap at least part of the optical unit 10.

[0028] In the present embodiment, the central body structure is formed by twisting the optical unit 10, the electrical unit 20, the conveying unit, the first hollow buffer structure 40 and the second hollow buffer structure 50, and the first sheath 61 is wrapped around the outer periphery of the central body structure to protect the central body structure. The first hollow buffer structure 40 is arranged in the first containing space formed by the conveying unit and the electrical unit 20, and the second hollow buffer structure 50 is arranged in the second containing space formed by the conveying unit and the first sheath 61. The arrangement of the first hollow buffer structure 40 and the second hollow buffer structure 50 can guarantee the roundness during the production and use of the umbilical cable. The second hollow buffer structure 50 can wrap at least part of the optical unit 10 to effectively protect the optical unit 10. In addition, since the first hollow buffer structure 40 and the second hollow buffer structure 50 are both hollow structures, they can play a buffering role when the optical unit 10, the electrical unit 20 and the conveying unit are pressed against each other, and can also resist external impact forces, thereby improving the impact resistance and flat resistance of the umbilical cable, preventing the umbilical cable from being easily damaged during installation and use, ensuring construction safety, prolonging the service life of the umbilical cable, and meeting the use scenarios in deep water, thereby reducing the maintenance cost of the umbilical cable.

[0029] It should be noted that the umbilical cable of the present application can be completed by one-time cabling, without the need for secondary cabling, thereby reducing the production difficulty, improving the production efficiency of the umbilical cable, and reducing the risk in the production process. Moreover, the umbilical cable of the present application can meet the relative balance among the weight, mechanical properties and cost of the deepwater umbilical cable.

[0030] With reference to FIGS. 1-5, in one embodiment of the present application, the first hollow buffer structure 40 extends along the length direction of the umbilical cable, and the first hollow buffer structure 40 comprises a first hollow region 41 and a first solid region 42, the first solid region 42 surrounds the first hollow region 41, and on the cross section of the first hollow buffer structure 40, the area of the first solid region 42 is S1, the area of the first hollow region 41 is S2, and the ratio of S1 / S2 is in the range of 1.8-2.2.

[0031] In the present embodiment, the first hollow buffer structure 40 is a hollow pipe structure, and the length of the first hollow buffer structure 40 is less than or equal to the length of the umbilical cable. The ratio of the area of the first solid region 42 to the area of the first hollow region 41 is in the range of 1.8-2.2, which can ensure the structural strength of the first hollow buffer structure 40 and also ensure the buffering effect of the first hollow buffer structure 40.

[0032] With reference to FIGS. 1-5, in one embodiment of the present application, the conveying unit comprises a first conveying pipe 31 and a second conveying pipe 32, the first conveying pipe 31, the second conveying pipe 32 and the electrical unit 20 form a first containing space, and the outer peripheral surface of the first hollow buffer structure 40 can be tangent to the first conveying pipe 31, the second conveying pipe 32 and the electrical unit 20.

[0033] In the present embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the first hollow buffer structure 40 is tangent to the first conveying pipe 31, the second conveying pipe 32 and the electrical unit 20, which can make the structure of the central main body structure more compact, optimize the spatial layout, and on the other hand, the first hollow buffer structure 40 can also form a support between the first conveying pipe 31, the second conveying pipe 32 and the electrical unit 20, so that the first conveying pipe 31, the second conveying pipe 32 and the electrical unit 20 can remain relatively stable and avoid large movement, thereby enhancing the structural stability of the umbilical cable.

[0034] With reference to FIGS. 1-5, in one embodiment of the present application, the first hollow buffer structure 40 is provided with two first conveying pipes 31, two electric units 20 and a second conveying pipe 32 on the outer periphery side, and the two first conveying pipes 31, the two electric units 20 and the second conveying pipe 32 jointly enclose a first containing space, wherein the two first conveying pipes 31 are arranged adjacently, the two electric units 20 are located on the same side of the two first conveying pipes 31, and the second conveying pipe 32 is located between the two electric units 20. The first hollow buffer structure 40 comprises a first arc surface 43, a second arc surface 44, a third arc surface 45 and a fourth arc surface 46 arranged in sequence along the circumference thereof, the first arc surface 43 and the third arc surface 45 are oppositely arranged, the second arc surface 44 and the fourth arc surface 46 are oppositely arranged, the first arc surface 43 is tangent to the two first conveying pipes 31, the second arc surface 44 is tangent to the second conveying pipe 32, the first conveying pipe 31 located on the side of the second arc surface 44 and the second conveying pipe 32, and the fourth arc surface 46 is tangent to the second conveying pipe 32, the first conveying pipe 31 located on the side of the fourth arc surface 46 and the second conveying pipe 32, and the third arc surface 45 is tangent to the second conveying pipe 32.

[0035] In the present embodiment, for the purpose of clear description, the two first conveying pipes 31 are respectively named as first conveying pipe A and first conveying pipe B, and the two electric units 20 are respectively named as electric unit A and electric unit B. With reference to FIG. 1, in the clockwise direction, the two first conveying pipes 31, the two electric units 20 and the second conveying pipe 32 are arranged on the outer periphery side of the first hollow buffer structure 40 in the order of the second conveying pipe 32, the electric unit A, the first conveying pipe A, the first conveying pipe B and the electric unit B, and jointly enclose the first containing space. The first arc surface 43 faces the two first conveying pipes 31 and is tangent to the first conveying pipe A and the first conveying pipe B at the same time; the middle part of the second arc surface 44 faces the electric unit B, and the second arc surface 44 can be tangent to the second conveying pipe 32, the electric unit B and the first conveying pipe B; the middle part of the fourth arc surface 46 faces the electric unit A, and the fourth arc surface 46 can be tangent to the second conveying pipe 32, the electric unit A and the first conveying pipe A; and the third arc surface 45 is tangent to the second conveying pipe 32.

[0036] Through the above arrangement, on the one hand, the structure of the central main body structure can be more compact, and the space layout can be optimized, and on the other hand, the first hollow buffer structure 40 can also form support between the second conveying pipe 32, the electric unit A, the first conveying pipe A, the first conveying pipe B and the electric unit B, so that the second conveying pipe 32, the electric unit A, the first conveying pipe A, the first conveying pipe B and the electric unit B can remain relatively stable and avoid large movement, thereby enhancing the structural stability of the umbilical cable.

[0037] With reference to FIGS. 1-5, in one embodiment of the present application, the outer contour of the first hollow buffer structure 40 is formed by three circular segments, the first arc surface 43 and the third arc surface 45 belong to one of the three circular segments, the second arc surface 44 belongs to one of the other two circular segments, and the fourth arc surface 46 belongs to the other of the other two circular segments.

[0038] In this embodiment, the outer contour of the three circular segments after overlapping forms the outer contour of the first hollow buffer structure 40. Through the above arrangement, the first accommodating space can be maximized, and the first delivery tube 31, the second delivery tube 32, and the electrical unit 20 can all be closely fitted, avoiding the first delivery tube 31, the second delivery tube 32, and the electrical unit 20 from moving after the umbilical cable is subjected to external force, thereby ensuring the roundness of the umbilical cable.

[0039] With reference to FIGS. 1-5, in one embodiment of the present application, the second hollow buffer structure 50 extends along the length direction of the umbilical cable, and the second hollow buffer structure 50 includes a second hollow region 51 and a second solid region 52. On the cross section of the second hollow buffer structure 50, the area of the second solid region 52 is S3, the area of the second hollow region 51 is S4, and the ratio of S3 / S4 is in the range of 1.3-1.7.

[0040] In this embodiment, the second hollow buffer structure 50 is a hollow tube structure, and the length of the second hollow buffer structure 50 is less than or equal to the length of the umbilical cable. The ratio of the area of the second solid region 52 to the area of the second hollow region 51 is in the range of 1.3-1.7, which can ensure the structural strength of the second hollow buffer structure 50 and also ensure the buffering effect of the second hollow buffer structure 50.

[0041] With reference to FIGS. 1-5, in one embodiment of the present application, the delivery unit includes the first delivery tube 31 and the third delivery tube 33, and the first delivery tube 31, the third delivery tube 33, and the first sheath 61 enclose a second accommodating space, and the outer peripheral surface of the second hollow buffer structure 50 can be adapted to the inner wall surface of the second accommodating space.

[0042] Through the above arrangement, on the one hand, the structure of the central main body structure can be more compact, and the spatial layout can be optimized, and on the other hand, the second hollow buffer structure 50 can also form a support between the first delivery tube 31, the third delivery tube 33, and the first sheath 61, so that the first delivery tube 31 and the third delivery tube 33 can be kept relatively stable, thereby enhancing the structural stability of the umbilical cable.

[0043] With reference to FIGS. 1-5, in one embodiment of the present application, the second hollow buffer structure 50 includes a first hollow part 53 and a second hollow part 54, and the side of the first hollow part 53 and the second hollow part 54 facing each other is a fifth arc surface. The first hollow part 53 and the second hollow part 54 are connected, and the two fifth arc surfaces form an open-ended clamping space 55. The light unit 10 is placed in the clamping space 55, and the light unit 10 and the second hollow buffer structure 50 form a buffer gap on the side close to the first sheath 61.

[0044] In this embodiment, the first hollow part 53 and the second hollow part 54 are hollow structures, and the side of the first hollow part 53 and the second hollow part 54 facing each other is a fifth arc surface. The first hollow part 53 and the second hollow part 54 are connected, and the two fifth arc surfaces together form a clamping space 55. The light unit 10 can be clamped into the clamping space 55. At this time, the second hollow buffer structure 50 covers the outer periphery of the light unit 10, which can protect the light unit 10. After the light unit 10 is loaded into the clamping space 55, the light unit 10 and the second hollow buffer structure 50 form a buffer gap on the side close to the first sheath 61. The buffer gap can absorb and disperse external impact or vibration, thereby protecting the light unit 10 from damage.

[0045] In one embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the clamping space 55 is S5, and the cross-sectional area of the light unit 10 is S6. The ratio of S5 / S6 is in the range of 1.1-1.2. This arrangement can provide better protection for the light unit 10.

[0046] With reference to FIGS. 1-5, in one embodiment of the present application, the outer periphery of the second hollow buffer structure 50 is provided with two third conveying pipes 33 and a first conveying pipe 31. The two third conveying pipes 33 and the first conveying pipe 31, together with the first sheath 61, form a second containing space. The side of the first hollow part 53 and the second hollow part 54 facing away from each other is a sixth arc surface, which can be adapted to the third conveying pipe 33 located on the side.

[0047] In this embodiment, the first conveying pipe 31 is located between the two third conveying pipes 33, and the first conveying pipe 31, the two third conveying pipes 33, and the first sheath 61 together form a second containing space. The side of the first hollow part 53 and the second hollow part 54 close to the first conveying pipe 31 is a seventh arc surface, which is adapted to the outer wall surface of the first conveying pipe 31. The side of the first hollow part 53 and the second hollow part 54 close to the first sheath 61 is an eighth arc surface, which is adapted to the side of the first sheath 61 facing the first hollow part 53. Through the above arrangement, the structure of the central body structure can be more compact, thereby ensuring the roundness and tightness of the umbilical cable.

[0048] In one embodiment, the first conveying pipe 31, the second conveying pipe 32 and the third conveying pipe 33 are all steel pipes, which are provided with a layer of polyethylene protective sleeve, the thickness of the polyethylene protective sleeve can be set according to actual needs, and the polyethylene protective sleeve can provide mechanical protection for the steel pipe, reduce the frictional contact between the steel pipes, and prolong the service life of the umbilical cable.

[0049] In one embodiment, the inner diameter of the first conveying pipe 31 is 31.75 mm, the wall thickness is 1.5 mm, the inner diameter of the second conveying pipe 32 is 19.05 mm, the wall thickness is 1.1 mm, and the inner diameter of the third conveying pipe 33 is 12.7 mm, and the wall thickness is 1.0 mm.

[0050] In one embodiment, the electric unit 20 comprises 4 power line cores, which are sequentially provided with a conductor, an insulating layer, a metal shielding layer and a polyethylene sheath from inside to outside. The specific structure of the optical unit 10 is prior art, which will not be described here.

[0051] In one embodiment of the present application, the first hollow buffer structure 40 and the second hollow buffer structure 50 are both made of polyethylene material, and the conveying unit is made of metal material.

[0052] In one embodiment, the first hollow buffer structure 40 and the second hollow buffer structure 50 are both made of high-density polyethylene material.

[0053] The prior art umbilical cable mainly has double-layer steel wire armor and unarmored structure. For the umbilical cable with double-layer steel wire armor, generally two layers of armor are provided, and the twisting directions are opposite. This structure design can withstand larger tension and maintain the torque balance of the armor layer, and can also provide better mechanical protection performance and submarine stability performance. However, for the umbilical cable with double-layer steel wire armor, the weight of the umbilical cable is very heavy, and the installation tension, construction difficulty and cost required in deep water are greatly increased. For the umbilical cable with unarmored structure, although the overall weight of the umbilical cable is lighter, since the internal cabling of this structure has only one direction, there is a problem of torque imbalance. Under large water depth and large tension, the umbilical cable is prone to twisting damage. In addition, since the armor structure is not provided, the mechanical protection performance is greatly reduced, and the impact resistance and compression resistance are poor. Once the outer protective sleeve is damaged, the internal structure will be exposed and damaged, and since the weight of the unarmored structure is greatly reduced, the stability of the umbilical cable is poor, and additional measures are required to keep it stable, which also increases the construction cost.

[0054] To solve the above problems, in combination with the figures 1 to 5, in an embodiment of the present application, the umbilical cable further comprises an armored structure 70, the armored structure 70 is wrapped around the outer periphery of the protective structure, the armored structure 70 comprises a first armored layer 71 and a second armored layer 72 with opposite twisting directions, the first armored layer 71 and the second armored layer 72 each comprise a plurality of steel wire units and a plurality of PE strips 74, the plurality of steel wire units are arranged in a circumferential direction of the protective structure, at least one PE strip 74 is arranged between adjacent two steel wire units, and the steel wire unit comprises at least two steel wires 73.

[0055] In the embodiment, the PE strip is a cylindrical structure made of polyethylene material, the cross section of the PE strip is circular, the diameter of the steel wire 73 is the same as that of the PE strip 74, and the ratio of the number of the steel wires 73 to the number of the PE strips 74 in the first armored layer 71 and the second armored layer 72 is 2:1. The arrangement of the PE strip 74 can not only reduce the weight of the umbilical cable and reduce the production and installation cost, but also provide stronger mechanical protection performance and prolong the service life of the umbilical cable.

[0056] In an embodiment, the twisting direction of the first armored layer 71 is clockwise, the twisting direction of the second armored layer is counterclockwise, the twisting direction of the umbilical cable is counterclockwise, the overall torque of the cable after twisting is T1, the torque of the first armored layer is T2, and the torque of the second armored layer is T3. By adjusting the pitch of the twisting and the armored structure 70, the overall torque of the internal structure unit (referring to the central main body structure and the first sheath 61) and the armored structure 70 is equal, so that the design satisfies T1+T2+T3=0, thereby realizing torque balance. In this way, during the installation construction process in deep water, the umbilical cable will not be twisted under the action of tension, and the umbilical cable will not be damaged by twisting, thereby ensuring the smooth progress of the installation construction process. At the same time, the first armored layer 71 and the second armored layer 72 jointly bear the tension during the installation construction, jointly protect the central main body structure, and make the umbilical cable have better mechanical properties.

[0057] In an embodiment, the outer surface of the steel wire 73 is subjected to zinc plating treatment, so that the steel wire 73 has good corrosion resistance, can effectively prevent seawater from corroding the steel wire 73, and prolongs the service life of the steel wire 73.

[0058] In combination with the figures 1 to 5, in an embodiment of the present application, the umbilical cable further comprises a first wrapping tape 91, a second wrapping tape 92 and a third wrapping tape 93, the first wrapping tape 91 is used for tightening the central main body structure, the second wrapping tape 92 is used for tightening the first armored layer 71, and the third wrapping tape 93 is used for tightening the second armored layer 72. The first sheath 61 and the second sheath 62 are each made of high-density polyethylene material, the first sheath 61 is directly extruded and wrapped around the outer periphery of the first wrapping tape 91, and the second sheath 62 is directly extruded and wrapped around the outer periphery of the third wrapping tape 93.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 1-5, the protective structure further comprises a second sheath 62, a plurality of first through holes 611 are arranged on the first sheath 61 in the length direction of the umbilical cable, and a plurality of second through holes (not shown in the figure) are arranged on the second sheath 62.

[0060] In the embodiment, the first sheath 61 is provided with a plurality of first through holes 611, and the second sheath 62 is provided with a plurality of second through holes. During the installation and laying process in deep water, seawater can enter the inside of the umbilical cable through the first through holes 611 and the second through holes, fill the gap inside the umbilical cable, and timely discharge the air inside the umbilical cable, so that the umbilical cable realizes internal and external pressure balance in a deep water environment, and further meets the use requirement in deep water. In addition, through the above arrangement, it can not only avoid the accumulation of air inside the umbilical cable to form a huge air pressure, which causes the umbilical cable to swell and damage the first sheath 61, but also avoid the deformation of the structure of the umbilical cable due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the umbilical cable under high water pressure.

[0061] In one embodiment, the second sheath 62 is made of polyethylene material, and yellow color masterbatch is added to the polyethylene material, so that the second sheath 62 as a whole presents yellow color, which is bright yellow and is helpful to find the position of the umbilical cable in deep water. The second sheath 62 is provided with a black color strip 100, and the twisting degree of the umbilical cable can be monitored through the black color strip 100 during the installation and laying process of the umbilical cable.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 1-5, in one embodiment of the present application, the central body structure further comprises a plurality of circular filling strips 80, which are arranged in the circumferential direction of the umbilical cable. The arrangement of the circular filling strips 80 can ensure the roundness of the umbilical cable.

[0063] From the above description, it can be seen that the above-mentioned embodiments of the present application achieve the following technical effects: the first hollow buffer structure is arranged in the first containing space surrounded by the conveying unit and the electrical unit, and the second hollow buffer structure is arranged in the second containing space surrounded by the conveying unit and the first sheath. Since the first hollow buffer structure and the second hollow buffer structure are both hollow structures, they can play a buffering role when the optical unit, the electrical unit and the conveying unit are pressed against each other, and at the same time, they can also resist external impact force, thereby improving the impact resistance and flatness resistance of the umbilical cable, so that the umbilical cable is not easily damaged during construction, installation and use, thereby reducing the maintenance cost of the umbilical cable.

[0064] Obviously, the above-described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor should belong to the scope of protection of the present application.

[0065] It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, devices, components and / or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, devices, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0066] The preferred embodiments of the present application are described above in detail. The present application, however, is not limited to the precise embodiments described, and obviously many modifications and changes are possible. It is intended that the scope of the application be defined by the claims depending on the patent claims as appropriately interpreted under the patent statutes.

Claims

1. A umbilical cable characterized in that, The application relates to a center body structure of an umbilical cable, comprising: a center body structure, comprising an optical unit (10), an electrical unit (20), a conveying unit, a first hollow buffer structure (40) and a second hollow buffer structure (50); a protective structure, comprising a first sheath (61) covering the outer periphery of the center body structure; wherein the conveying unit and the electrical unit (20) form a first containing space, the conveying unit and the first sheath (61) form a second containing space, the first containing space and the second containing space are arranged in a circumferential direction of the umbilical cable, the first hollow buffer structure (40) is arranged in the first containing space, the second hollow buffer structure (50) and the optical unit (10) are arranged in the second containing space, and the second hollow buffer structure (50) is configured to cover at least part of the optical unit (10).

2. The umbilical cable according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first hollow buffer structure (40) extends along the length direction of the umbilical cable, the first hollow buffer structure (40) comprises a first hollow region (41) and a first solid region (42), the first solid region (42) surrounds the first hollow region (41), in a cross section of the first hollow buffer structure (40), the area of the first solid region (42) is S1, the area of the first hollow region (41) is S2, and the ratio of S1 / S2 ranges from 1.8 to 2.

2.

3. The umbilical of claim 1, wherein, The conveying unit comprises a first conveying pipe (31) and a second conveying pipe (32), the first conveying pipe (31), the second conveying pipe (32) and the electrical unit (20) form the first containing space, and the outer periphery of the first hollow buffer structure (40) can be tangent to the first conveying pipe (31), the second conveying pipe (32) and the electrical unit (20).

4. The umbilical of claim 3, wherein, The outer periphery of the first hollow buffer structure (40) is formed by three circular splices, the first arc surface (43) and the third arc surface (45) belong to one of the three circles, the second arc surface (44) belongs to one of the other two circles, and the fourth arc surface (46) belongs to the other of the other two circles.

5. The umbilical of claim 4, wherein, The outer contour of the first hollow buffer structure (40) is formed by three circular splices, the first arc surface (43) and the third arc surface (45) belong to one of the three circles, the second arc surface (44) belongs to one of the other two circles, and the fourth arc surface (46) belongs to the other of the other two circles.

6. The umbilical of any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The second hollow buffer structure (50) extends along the length direction of the umbilical cable, and includes a second hollow region (51) and a second solid region (52). In a cross section of the second hollow buffer structure (50), the area of the second solid region (52) is S3, the area of the second hollow region (51) is S4, and the ratio of S3 / S4 is in a range of 1.3-1.

7.

7. The umbilical cable according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The conveying unit includes a first conveying pipe (31) and a third conveying pipe (33), the first conveying pipe (31), the third conveying pipe (33), and the first sheath (61) form the second containing space, and the outer peripheral surface of the second hollow buffer structure (50) can be adapted to the inner wall surface of the second containing space.

8. The umbilical of claim 7, wherein, The second hollow buffering structure (50) comprises a first hollow part (53) and a second hollow part (54), one side of the first hollow part (53) and the second hollow part (54) facing each other is a fifth arc surface, the first hollow part (53) and the second hollow part (54) are connected, and the two fifth arc surfaces form an open-end clamping space (55), the light unit (10) is placed in the clamping space (55), and the light unit (10) and the second hollow buffering structure (50) form a buffering gap on a side close to the first sheath (61).

9. The umbilical of claim 8, wherein, The outer circumferential side of the second hollow buffering structure (50) is provided with two third conveying pipes (33) and a first conveying pipe (31), the two third conveying pipes (33), the first conveying pipe (31) and the first sheath (61) jointly form the second containing space, one side of the first hollow part (53) and the second hollow part (54) facing away from each other is a sixth arc surface, and the sixth arc surface can be matched with the third conveying pipe (33) located on the side.

10. The umbilical of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The first hollow buffering structure (40) and the second hollow buffering structure (50) are made of polyethylene material, and the conveying unit is made of metal material; and / or, the umbilical cable further comprises an armored structure (70), the armored structure (70) is wrapped on the outer periphery of the protection structure, the armored structure (70) comprises a first armored layer (71) and a second armored layer (72) with opposite twisting directions, the first armored layer (71) and the second armored layer (72) each comprise a plurality of steel wire units and a plurality of PE strips (74), a plurality of steel wire units are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the protection structure, at least one PE strip (74) is arranged between adjacent two steel wire units, and the steel wire unit comprises at least two steel wires (73).

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