Pipeline sealing detection device

Abstract

The present invention discloses a pipeline sealing detection device, comprising a support cylinder arranged along an axial direction of a pipeline; two pairs of support rings vertically fixed at two ends of support cylinder, forming a first annular cavity between each pair of support rings, and forming a second annular cavity between two pairs of support rings; two annular airbags provided with a first air inlet valve and a first air outlet valve communicated with support cylinder being arranged in first annular cavity; a pressure sensor arranged in second annular cavity communicated with support cylinder through a second air inlet valve and a second air outlet valve; annular airbag being arranged to be in sealing contact with an inner wall of pipeline when a preset amount of gas is filled into annular airbag. The invention has short inflation time and high detection efficiency.

Description

Pipeline sealing detection device Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of pipeline sealing inspection. More specifically, this invention relates to a pipeline sealing inspection device. Background Technology

[0002] Pipeline systems are widely used in industrial production and infrastructure construction, including in the oil, natural gas, chemical, and water supply and drainage sectors. The sealing performance of pipeline welds directly affects the safe and stable operation of the entire pipeline system. Leaks in the welds can lead to serious consequences such as explosions caused by flammable or explosive gas leaks, environmental pollution from leaks of toxic or hazardous substances, and water wastage. Therefore, accurate and efficient testing of pipeline weld sealing performance is crucial.

[0003] Currently, among the various methods for inspecting the sealing performance of pipeline welds, the pneumatic testing method is widely used due to its relatively simple operation and ability to intuitively reflect the weld sealing status. However, most existing pneumatic testing methods use sealing plates directly on both sides of the weld to create a closed space for pressure testing. This traditional sealing method has many drawbacks, the most prominent being the long inflation time, requiring a significant amount of time to reach the required pressure within the closed space. Furthermore, the long inflation time significantly extends the testing cycle, leading to low testing efficiency. When facing large-scale pipeline laying projects or pipeline systems requiring frequent inspections, this inefficient testing method not only increases manpower and material costs but also seriously affects project progress and the normal maintenance frequency of the pipeline system. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One object of the present invention is to provide a pipe sealing detection device to at least solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] To achieve the objectives and other advantages of this invention, a pipeline sealing detection device is provided, comprising: a support cylinder arranged along the axial direction of the pipeline; two pairs of support rings respectively vertically fixed at both ends of the support cylinder, forming a first annular cavity between each pair of support rings and a second annular cavity between the two pairs of support rings; two annular airbags respectively disposed within the first annular cavity, each annular airbag having a first inlet valve and a first outlet valve communicating with the interior of the support cylinder; and a pressure sensor disposed within the second annular cavity, the second annular cavity communicating with the interior of the support cylinder through a second inlet valve and a second outlet valve; wherein, the annular airbags are configured to make sealing contact with the inner wall of the pipeline when a preset amount of gas is filled into them.

[0006] Preferably, the second annular cavity is provided with an installation collar, which is coaxial with the support cylinder and hollowed out. The outer wall of the installation collar is provided with a plurality of ultrasonic transducers along its circumference. The plurality of ultrasonic transducers emit ultrasonic waves to the inner wall of the pipe to detect the sealing performance of the pipe weld.

[0007] Preferably, each ultrasonic transducer is hinged to the outer wall of the mounting collar via a mounting base, the mounting base being driven by a drive assembly to swing along the length of the pipe.

[0008] Preferably, the drive assembly includes a plurality of drive rods, each corresponding to one of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers, and fixedly mounted on the end of the corresponding mounting base near the support cylinder; a drive ring, which is disposed within the mounting sleeve and coaxially arranged therewith, the drive ring being hinged to the plurality of drive rods one by one via a plurality of connecting rods; and at least two linear actuators, which are fixedly disposed at intervals within the mounting sleeve and fixedly connected to the drive ring.

[0009] Preferably, a support shaft is fixed inside the support cylinder, with both ends of the support shaft extending out of the support cylinder and connected to the support leg assembly. The support leg assembly includes a support base connected to the end of the support shaft, a vertical support leg connected to the bottom surface of the support base, and a horizontal support leg inserted into the side of the support base. The lower end of the vertical support leg and both ends of the horizontal support leg are in sliding contact with the inner wall of the pipe.

[0010] Preferably, each end face of the horizontal support leg is provided with a first guide hole, the first guide hole is arranged along the length direction of the horizontal support leg, a connecting post is inserted into the first guide hole, the connecting post is slidably connected to the first guide hole, and one end of the connecting post extending into the first guide hole is elastically connected to the closed end of the first guide hole, and the other end of the connecting post is in slidable contact with the inner wall of the pipe.

[0011] Preferably, the vertical support leg includes a fixed column, a movable column, and a first threaded sleeve disposed between the two. The bottom surface of the fixed column is provided with a second guide hole, which is arranged along the length direction of the fixed column. The top surface of the movable column is provided with a guide post, which is slidably connected to the second guide hole. The outer wall of the movable column is provided with a first external thread. The first threaded sleeve is sleeved on the fixed column and the movable column. The inner wall of the first threaded sleeve is provided with a first internal thread, and the outer wall is fixed with a first drive gear. The upper end of the first threaded sleeve is rotatably connected to the outer wall of the fixed column, and the lower end is threadedly connected to the outer wall of the movable column. The first drive gear is driven to rotate by a first motor fixed on the fixed column.

[0012] Preferably, the support base has a top-opening mounting cavity, and a second threaded sleeve is provided in the mounting cavity. The second threaded sleeve is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the mounting cavity. Mounting holes are provided on both sides of the mounting cavity opposite to the end of the second threaded sleeve. A limiting sleeve is fixed to the outside of the mounting hole. A second external thread is provided in the middle of the horizontal support leg. The second threaded sleeve, the mounting hole, and the limiting sleeve are coaxially arranged. The middle part of the horizontal support leg is inserted into the second threaded sleeve, the mounting hole, and the limiting sleeve, and is threadedly connected to the second threaded sleeve. It is slidably engaged with the limiting sleeve along its length direction. A second drive gear is provided on the outer wall of the second threaded sleeve. The second drive gear is driven to rotate by a second motor fixed on the support base.

[0013] Preferably, the bottom of the movable column is provided with a traveling wheel, and the traveling wheel is provided with a hub motor.

[0014] Preferably, one of the support bases is provided with a support plate, and the support plate is provided with a set of binocular miniature high-definition cameras and a signal transmission module. The signal transmission module is connected to the binocular miniature high-definition cameras, a linear driver, a first motor, a second motor, a hub motor and a controller located outside the pipe.

[0015] The present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0016] This invention provides a solution by installing a support cylinder inside the pipe, with two pairs of support rings on the support cylinder, and an annular airbag inside each pair of support rings. Firstly, the support rings support and protect the annular airbags, improving the sealing effect on the pipe's inner wall after inflation. This creates a closed space in the second annular cavity between the two pairs of support rings. Secondly, it significantly reduces the volume of the closed space opposite the weld seam, i.e., the second annular cavity, effectively shortening the time required for the air pressure inside the second annular cavity to reach the required testing standard, thus improving testing efficiency.

[0017] Other advantages, objectives and features of the present invention will become apparent in part from the following description, and in part from those skilled in the art through study and practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a pipeline sealing detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 is a side view of the support leg assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of part A in Figure 1;

[0021] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of part B in Figure 2. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can implement it based on the description.

[0023] It should be understood that terms such as “having,” “comprising,” and “including” as used herein do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other elements or combinations thereof.

[0024] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the experimental methods described in the following embodiments are all conventional methods, and the reagents and materials described are all commercially available unless otherwise specified. In the description of this invention, the terms "lateral", "longitudinal", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" 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 invention 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 invention.

[0025] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, one embodiment of the present invention provides a pipeline sealing detection device, comprising: a support cylinder 1, which is arranged along the axial direction of a pipeline 2; two pairs of support rings 3, which are respectively vertically fixed at both ends of the support cylinder 1, forming a first annular cavity 4 between each pair of support rings 3 and a second annular cavity 5 between the two pairs of support rings 3; two annular airbags 6, which are respectively disposed in the first annular cavity 4, and the annular airbags 6 are provided with a first air inlet valve 7 and a first air outlet valve 8 communicating with the interior of the support cylinder 1; a pressure sensor, which is disposed in the second annular cavity 5, and the second annular cavity 5 is connected to the interior of the support cylinder 1 through a second air inlet valve 9 and a second air outlet valve 10; wherein, the annular airbags 6 are configured to make sealing contact with the inner wall of the pipeline 2 when a preset amount of gas is filled into them.

[0026] In the above embodiment, the pipeline sealing detection device includes a support cylinder 1, two pairs of support rings 3, two annular air bladders 6, and a pressure sensor. The support cylinder 1 is a crucial support structure of the entire device, positioned along the axial direction of the pipeline 2. The length and diameter of the support cylinder 1 are rationally designed and customized according to different specifications of the pipeline 2 to ensure perfect adaptation to the corresponding detection requirements. Preferably, the diameter of the support cylinder 1 is 1 / 2 to 2 / 3 of the diameter of the pipeline 2, so as to minimize the volume of the second annular cavity 5 while facilitating the installation of subsequent components. The support cylinder 1 is generally made of high-strength metal materials, such as stainless steel, and must also possess good corrosion resistance to ensure the stability and durability of the device in various environments. Its surface undergoes fine processing to ensure smoothness and avoid unnecessary wear on other components during installation and use. The two pairs of support rings 3 play a crucial supporting and positioning role in the entire device. These two pairs of support rings 3 are vertically fixed at both ends of the support cylinder 1. To ensure the strength and stability of the connection, they are firmly fixed to the support cylinder 1 using high-strength welding technology. Between each pair of support rings 3, a unique first annular cavity 4 is formed. The size of this first annular cavity 4 is precisely calculated and designed, ensuring that the annular airbag 6 can be placed smoothly within it while also having sufficient space for free expansion and contraction. A second annular cavity 5 is also formed between the two pairs of support rings 3. This second annular cavity 5 plays an important role in the seal testing, and its shape and size are also carefully designed to meet the requirements of subsequent testing operations. Two annular airbags 6 are cleverly positioned within the first annular cavity 4. The annular airbags 6 are made of a rubber material with good elasticity and sealing properties. This material can not only withstand a certain amount of pressure but also maintain good elasticity during repeated inflation and deflation, ensuring its service life. The annular airbag 6 is equipped with a first inlet valve 7 and a first outlet valve 8 that communicate with the interior of the support cylinder 1. The first inlet valve 7 and the first outlet valve 8 can precisely control the inflow and outflow of gas and ensure good sealing and reliability even after long-term use. The design of the first inlet valve 7 allows gas to enter the annular airbag 6 evenly, while the first outlet valve 8 ensures that gas can be smoothly discharged from the annular airbag 6 when needed. During the manufacturing process of the annular airbag 6, its thickness and strength are optimized according to the specific operating pressure and environmental conditions to prevent rupture or leakage during inflation. A pressure sensor is located within the second annular cavity 5. This pressure sensor is a high-precision instrument capable of accurately measuring pressure changes within the second annular cavity 5. It features high sensitivity and high accuracy, responding accurately to minute pressure changes. The second annular cavity 5 is connected to the interior of the support cylinder 1 via the second inlet valve 9 and the second outlet valve 10.The annular airbag 6 is designed to achieve a sealed contact with the inner wall of the pipe 2 when a preset amount of gas is filled into it. This preset amount of gas is calculated based on multiple factors, including the inner diameter of the pipe 2, the initial size of the annular airbag 6, the elastic modulus of the annular airbag 6, and specific detection pressure requirements. In actual operation, the annular airbag 6 is inflated by an air pump connected to the first air inlet valve 7. As the gas gradually fills the annular airbag 6, it expands towards the inner wall of the pipe 2 under the constraint of the support ring 3, ultimately achieving a tight seal with the inner wall of the pipe 2.

[0027] In use, firstly, vertically weld the two pairs of support rings 3 to both ends of the support cylinder 1. During the connection process, carefully check the quality of the connection points to prevent problems such as loose connections or gaps. Ensure that a uniform first annular cavity 4 is formed between each pair of support rings 3, and a regular second annular cavity 5 is formed between the two pairs of support rings 3. Place an annular airbag 6 in the first annular cavity 4. When placing the annular airbag 6, check its surface for damage or other defects that may affect the sealing performance, ensuring that the annular airbag 6 can freely expand within the first annular cavity 4 without uneven inflation due to folding or compression. At the same time, check whether the first air inlet valve 7 and the first air outlet valve 8 on the annular airbag 6 are normal, ensuring that they can smoothly allow gas to enter and exit. Then, install the pressure sensor in the second annular cavity 5. Ensure that the pressure sensor is installed in a suitable position to accurately measure the pressure changes within the second annular cavity 5, and calibrate the pressure sensor to accurately display the pressure value. In addition, check whether the second inlet valve 9 and the second outlet valve 10 are in good communication with the inside of the support cylinder 1 to ensure that gas can normally enter and exit the second annular cavity 5 through these two valves. Next, place the support cylinder 1 along the axial direction of the pipe 2, ensuring that the length and diameter of the support cylinder 1 match the pipe 2 being tested, to guarantee the smooth progress of subsequent testing. After completing the installation and preparation of the device, begin the inflation operation of the annular airbag 6. Inflate the annular airbag 6 through the first inlet valve 7. During inflation, use a pressure gauge to monitor the gas pressure in real time to control the inflation volume. According to the design requirements, when a preset amount of gas is inflated into the annular airbag 6, the annular airbag 6 will gradually expand and eventually seal against the inner wall of the pipe 2. To achieve this preset amount, calculations and experiments are needed based on factors such as the inner diameter of the pipe 2, the initial size of the annular airbag 6, and the elasticity of the material. In the initial stage of inflation, slowly open the first inlet valve 7 to allow the gas to enter the annular airbag 6 at a uniform speed. As gas is continuously injected, the annular airbag 6 will gradually expand and press against the inner wall of pipe 2. At this time, it is necessary to closely observe the expansion of the annular airbag 6 to ensure uniform expansion and avoid localized over-expansion while other parts remain under-expanded. If uneven expansion is observed, the air intake speed can be adjusted appropriately or the position of the annular airbag 6 can be slightly adjusted. When the annular airbag 6 is close to contacting the inner wall of pipe 2, the air intake speed must be controlled more precisely to prevent damage to the annular airbag 6 or impairment of the sealing effect due to excessive inflation. During inflation, the influence of ambient temperature on gas pressure and the volume of the annular airbag 6 must also be considered. If the ambient temperature is high, gas expansion will be more pronounced, which may lead to changes in the required inflation volume. Therefore, adjustments need to be made according to the actual ambient temperature to ensure that the annular airbag 6 ultimately achieves stable sealing contact with the inner wall of pipe 2.After the annular airbag 6 achieves a sealed contact with the inner wall of the pipe 2, the first inlet valve 7 is closed to prevent gas leakage. Then, a certain amount of gas is introduced into the second annular cavity 5 through the second inlet valve 9. During this process, the pressure change in the second annular cavity 5 is monitored in real time using a pressure sensor. If the pipe 2 has good sealing performance, i.e., there is no gas leakage, the pressure sensor reading should remain basically unchanged. However, if there is a leak in the pipe 2, gas will escape from the leak point, causing a change in the gas volume in the second annular cavity 5, which in turn causes a pressure drop. By continuously monitoring the pressure sensor reading, it can be determined whether there is a leak in the pipe 2. During the monitoring process, in order to improve the accuracy of the detection, the pressure sensor reading can be measured multiple times and averaged. After the pipe sealing test is completed, the second outlet valve 10 is opened first to slowly discharge the gas in the second annular cavity 5. When the gas pressure in the second annular cavity 5 drops to close to atmospheric pressure, the first outlet valve 8 is opened again to discharge the gas in the annular airbag 6. During the gas venting process, carefully observe the contraction of the annular airbag 6 to ensure it returns to its initial state without deformation or damage due to residual gas. After the gas in the annular airbag 6 has been completely vented, move the device to the next weld location and await the next inspection.

[0028] In this embodiment, a support cylinder 1 is installed inside the pipe 2, and two pairs of support rings 3 are installed on the support cylinder 1. An annular airbag 6 is installed inside each pair of support rings 3. Firstly, the support rings 3 can support and protect the annular airbag 6, improving the sealing effect of the annular airbag 6 on the inner wall of the pipe 2 after inflation, so that the second annular cavity 5 located between the two pairs of support rings 3 forms a closed space. Secondly, the volume of the closed space opposite to the weld, i.e., the second annular cavity 5, is greatly reduced, effectively shortening the time for the air pressure in the second annular cavity 5 to reach the required standard for detection, thus improving the detection efficiency.

[0029] In another embodiment, the second annular cavity 5 is provided with an installation collar 11, which is coaxial with the support cylinder 1 and hollowed out. The outer wall of the installation collar 11 is provided with a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 12 along its circumference. The plurality of ultrasonic transducers 12 emit ultrasonic waves to the inner wall of the pipe 2 to detect the sealing performance of the pipe weld.

[0030] In the above embodiment, a mounting ring 11 is provided inside the second annular cavity 5. The mounting ring 11 is coaxial with the support cylinder 1 and is hollowed out. This hollowed-out design is based on several considerations. On the one hand, it can reduce the weight of the entire device while ensuring its own structural strength, making the device lighter. On the other hand, the hollow structure facilitates gas flow. Multiple ultrasonic transducers 12 are provided circumferentially on the outer wall of the mounting ring 11. These transducers are evenly distributed on the outer wall of the mounting ring 11, arranged circumferentially, and maintained at precise intervals. The ultrasonic transducers 12 can emit ultrasonic waves into the inner wall of the pipe 2. Their working principle is based on the propagation characteristics of ultrasonic waves in different media. When ultrasonic waves encounter the inner wall of the pipe 2, reflection, refraction, and scattering occur. For the pipe weld, if there is poor sealing performance at the weld, such as tiny gaps or voids, the propagation characteristics of ultrasonic waves at these locations will change significantly. By analyzing the reflected and scattered ultrasonic waves, the sealing performance of the pipe weld can be detected. Specifically, under normal circumstances, when ultrasonic waves encounter a uniform and continuous inner wall of a pipe during propagation, the intensity and time delay of the reflected waves will be within a certain expected range. However, when there are defects in the weld, ultrasonic waves will generate abnormal reflections and scattering from the defect points, causing changes in the intensity of the received reflected waves, or delays or advances in the arrival time of the reflected waves. By accurately measuring and analyzing these abnormal signals, it is possible to determine whether there is a sealing problem in the pipe weld. That is, by analyzing the reflected waves of each ultrasonic transducer 12 and combining this with the installation position of the ultrasonic transducer 12, accurate detection of weld leak points can be achieved.

[0031] In another embodiment, each ultrasonic transducer 12 is hinged to the outer wall of the mounting collar 11 via a mounting base 13, the mounting base 13 being driven by a drive assembly to swing along the length of the pipe 2.

[0032] In the above embodiment, each ultrasonic transducer 12 is hinged to the outer wall of the mounting collar 11 via a mounting base 13. The mounting base 13 may consist of multiple components, including but not limited to a connecting arm, a rotating shaft, and a support structure. The connecting arm is responsible for firmly fixing the ultrasonic transducer 12 to the mounting base 13, ensuring that it will not shift or loosen during operation, while the rotating shaft provides the basis for the swing of the ultrasonic transducer 12, and the support structure ensures the stable installation of the mounting base 13 on the outer wall of the mounting collar 11. The mounting base 13 is driven by a drive assembly to swing along the length of the pipe 2. The drive assembly may consist of a motor, a transmission mechanism, and a controller. The motor, as a power source, can provide sufficient power to drive the movement of the mounting base 13, and its power is carefully designed according to factors such as the weight of the ultrasonic transducer 12 and the torque required for swing. The transmission mechanism usually adopts precision gear transmission, belt transmission, or linkage transmission to convert the rotational motion of the motor into the linear swinging motion of the mounting base 13, while ensuring the accuracy and stability of the transmission and avoiding jamming or shaking during movement. The controller receives external commands and precisely controls the motor's speed and direction of rotation according to a preset program, thereby precisely controlling the swing amplitude and speed of the mounting base 13. The mounting base 13 drives the ultrasonic transducer 12 to swing, adjusting the ultrasonic wave emission angle of the transducer 12 to adapt to changes in the weld angle and improve detection efficiency. In actual testing, since the welds of pipe 2 may have different angles, the ultrasonic wave emission angle needs to be precisely adjusted to ensure that the ultrasonic transducer 12 can effectively detect the weld's sealing performance. When the drive assembly drives the mounting base 13 to swing, the ultrasonic transducer 12 changes its emission angle accordingly, enabling it to more accurately align the ultrasonic beam with the weld. For example, when the weld is at a certain angle, the drive assembly receives a corresponding signal. Based on this signal, the controller precisely controls the rotation of the motor, which in turn drives the mounting base 13 to swing along the length of the pipe 2. This causes the ultrasonic transducer 12 to change its ultrasonic emission angle accordingly, so that the ultrasonic beam irradiates the weld at the optimal angle. This allows for clearer detection of potential sealing defects in the weld, improving the accuracy and reliability of the detection and reducing detection errors caused by angle mismatch.

[0033] In another embodiment, the drive assembly includes a plurality of drive rods 14, each corresponding to one of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 12, and fixedly mounted on the end of the corresponding mounting base 13 near the support cylinder 1; a drive ring 15, which is disposed within and coaxially arranged with the mounting collar 11, and the drive ring 15 is hinged to the plurality of drive rods 14 in a corresponding manner through a plurality of connecting rods 16; and at least two linear actuators 17, which are fixedly disposed at intervals within the mounting collar 11 and fixedly connected to the drive ring 15.

[0034] In the above embodiment, the drive assembly includes multiple drive rods 14, which serve to transmit and connect power within the drive assembly. Their number corresponds one-to-one with the number of the multiple ultrasonic transducers 12, and each drive rod 14 is fixed to the end of its corresponding mounting base 13 near the support cylinder 1. To ensure sufficient strength and stability, the drive rods 14 can be made of high-strength metal materials, such as aluminum alloy or alloy steel. Their shape can be designed as slender rods, and their surfaces undergo special treatments, such as polishing and anti-corrosion treatment, to reduce friction and prevent corrosion, ensuring that they will not deform or be damaged during long-term use. The drive assembly also includes a drive ring 15, which is cleverly positioned within and coaxially with the mounting collar 11. The drive ring 15 is an important transmission component; it has a good circular structure, and its diameter and thickness are rationally designed according to the overall size of the device and the power to be transmitted. It is generally made of high-strength metal materials to ensure that it can withstand the driving force from the linear actuator 17 and stably transmit it to the connecting rod 16. The drive ring 15 is hinged to the plurality of drive rods 14 one-to-one via multiple connecting rods 16. Preferably, the connecting rods 16 and drive rods 14 are pivotally connected via pivot shafts to achieve the swinging motion of the drive rods 14. The drive assembly also includes at least two linear actuators 17, which are fixedly spaced within the mounting collar 11 and fixedly connected to the drive ring 15. The linear actuators 17 can convert electrical energy into linear mechanical energy, including but not limited to electric stacking. To ensure the reliability and stability of the entire drive assembly, the linear actuators 17 are precisely positioned and securely fixed within the mounting collar 11 during installation, and the spacing between them is rationally arranged according to the size of the drive ring 15 and the required driving force distribution. The linear actuators 17 drive the drive ring 15. When the linear actuators 17 are activated, they generate a linear force, which acts on the drive ring 15 fixedly connected to it, causing the drive ring 15 to move along its axial direction. The movement of the drive ring 15 causes the drive rods 14, which are hinged to it one-to-one via the connecting rods 16, to swing. Due to the hinged connection between the connecting rod 16 and the drive rod 14, the movement of the drive ring 15 is converted into the swinging motion of the drive rod 14, which in turn drives the ultrasonic transducer 12 on the mounting base 13 to adjust its angle. This structure and driving method allow the ultrasonic transducer 12 to flexibly adjust its angle according to actual needs. During pipeline sealing inspection, regardless of the angle or position of the weld, the angle of the ultrasonic transducer 12 can be precisely adjusted in this way, so that the emitted ultrasonic beam can cover the weld at the optimal angle, improving the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the inspection and better detecting the sealing performance of the pipeline weld.

[0035] In another embodiment, a support shaft 18 is fixed inside the support cylinder 1. Both ends of the support shaft 18 extend out of the support cylinder 1 and are respectively connected to the support leg assembly. The support leg assembly includes a support seat 19 connected to the end of the support shaft 18, a vertical support leg 20 connected to the bottom surface of the support seat 19, and a horizontal support leg 21 inserted into the side of the support seat 13. The lower end of the vertical support leg 20 and the two ends of the horizontal support leg 21 are in sliding contact with the inner wall of the pipe 2.

[0036] In the above embodiment, a support shaft 18 is fixed inside the support cylinder 1 to provide stable support and positioning for the support cylinder 1. The support shaft 18 is typically made of high-strength metal material to ensure sufficient strength and rigidity to withstand the weight of the entire device and various forces that may be generated during use. Both ends of the support shaft 18 extend out of the support cylinder 1 and are connected to the support leg assembly. The support leg assembly includes a support seat 19 connected to the end of the support shaft 18. The support seat 19, as the core part of the support leg assembly, plays a crucial role in connection and load-bearing. The bottom surface of the support seat 19 is connected to the vertical support leg 20, while its side surface is inserted into the horizontal support leg 21. The vertical support leg 20 is the main load-bearing component, and its length is rationally designed according to the actual support requirements and the size of the pipe 2. The vertical support leg 20 is also made of high-strength metal material, and its cross-sectional shape can be circular, square, or other shapes to ensure its stability under pressure. The horizontal support leg 21 is designed to enhance the stability and adaptability of the entire support leg assembly. It can be flexibly plugged in or disassembled according to different usage scenarios and the shape of pipe 2. The horizontal support leg 21 is also made of sturdy metal material, and its structure may be telescopic to facilitate use in pipes 2 with different diameters. The lower end of the vertical support leg 20 and both ends of the horizontal support leg 21 are designed with special sliding contact parts. These parts may be made of materials with a low coefficient of friction, such as polytetrafluoroethylene or nylon, to ensure smooth sliding when in contact with the inner wall of pipe 2. Through this sliding contact, the entire support leg assembly can move flexibly on the inner wall of pipe 2 as needed. The support cylinder is supported by the support shaft and the support leg assembly, and the ends of the support legs slide in contact with the inner wall of pipe 2, which facilitates the overall movement of the support cylinder. In actual use, the support shaft 18 provides stable internal support for the support cylinder 1, while the support leg assembly combines the vertical support leg 20 and the horizontal support leg 21 together through the support seat 19 to provide external support and positioning for the support cylinder 1. The ends of the vertical support leg 20 and the horizontal support leg 21 slide in contact with the inner wall of the pipe 2, allowing the entire device to move easily within the pipe 2. Whether adjusting the position during installation or moving the device to another location for the next inspection after testing, this sliding contact method allows for convenient and quick overall translation of the support cylinder 1, greatly improving the ease of use and operational efficiency of the device. It also ensures the stability and support effect of the device in different positions, enabling the pipe sealing inspection work to proceed more smoothly.

[0037] In another embodiment, a first guide hole is provided on both end faces of the horizontal support leg 21. The first guide hole is arranged along the length direction of the horizontal support leg 21. A connecting post is inserted into the first guide hole. The connecting post is slidably connected to the first guide hole, and one end of the connecting post extending into the first guide hole is elastically connected to the closed end of the first guide hole. The other end of the connecting post is in slidable contact with the inner wall of the pipe.

[0038] In the above embodiment, first guide holes are provided on both end faces of the horizontal support leg 21. These guide holes are arranged along the length of the horizontal support leg 21 to provide a flexible adjustment mechanism. Connecting posts are inserted inside the first guide holes, and the connecting posts are slidably connected to the guide holes, ensuring connection stability and smooth adjustment. One end of the connecting post extending into the first guide hole is connected to the closed end of the guide hole using an elastic connection method. This design not only enhances the connection's robustness but also gives the connecting post a certain degree of buffering and self-adaptive capability. In practical applications, when the entire device is placed inside a pipe, the connecting posts at both ends of the horizontal support leg 21 form a sliding contact with the inner wall of the pipe. Thanks to the sliding connection design of the first guide holes and connecting posts, and the elastic connection between the connecting posts and the closed end of the guide holes, the two ends of the horizontal support leg 21 can be fine-tuned according to the actual shape and minor changes of the inner wall of the pipe. This fine-tuning mechanism ensures that the device maintains stable support and positioning in pipes of different diameters and shapes, effectively avoiding device shaking or instability caused by the irregularity of the inner wall of the pipe. Furthermore, the sliding contact between the connecting column and the inner wall of the pipe further enhances the adaptability and flexibility of the entire device. Whether adjusting the position during installation or moving the device to another location for the next inspection after completion, fine-tuning of the positions at both ends of the horizontal support leg 21 can be easily achieved by simply sliding the connecting column. This design not only greatly improves the ease of use and operational efficiency of the device but also ensures its stability and support effect in different positions, providing a strong guarantee for the smooth progress of pipeline sealing inspection.

[0039] In another embodiment, the vertical support leg 20 includes a fixed column 22, a movable column 23, and a first threaded sleeve 24 disposed between the two. The bottom surface of the fixed column 22 is provided with a second guide hole 25, which is arranged along the length direction of the fixed column 22. The top surface of the movable column 23 is provided with a guide column 26, which is slidably connected to the second guide hole 25. The outer wall of the movable column 23 is provided with a first external thread. The first threaded sleeve 24 is sleeved on the fixed column 22 and the movable column 23. The inner wall of the first threaded sleeve 24 is provided with a first internal thread, and the outer wall is fixedly provided with a first drive gear 27. The upper end of the first threaded sleeve 24 is rotatably connected to the outer wall of the fixed column 22, and the lower end is threadedly connected to the outer wall of the movable column 23. The first drive gear 27 is driven to rotate by a first motor 28 fixed on the fixed column 22.

[0040] In the above embodiment, the vertical support leg 20 mainly consists of a fixed column 22, a movable column 23, and a first threaded sleeve 24 placed between them. The fixed column 22 serves as the supporting base, and its bottom surface has a second guide hole 25 extending along its length, providing precise guidance for the vertical movement of the movable column 23. A guide post 26 is disposed on the top surface of the movable column 23, forming a tight sliding connection with the second guide hole 25 on the bottom surface of the fixed column 22. This ensures smooth vertical movement of the movable column 23 and effectively prevents it from tilting or swaying during movement. The outer wall of the movable column 23 is provided with a first external thread. The first threaded sleeve 24 is the core component for connection and adjustment, fitted onto the fixed column 22 and the movable column 23. The inner wall of the first threaded sleeve 24 is provided with a first internal thread that matches the first external thread of the movable column 23. This threaded engagement mechanism allows the first threaded sleeve 24 to move precisely vertically along the outer wall of the movable column 23 when it rotates, thereby achieving adjustment of the height of the movable column 23. A first drive gear 27 is fixedly mounted on the outer wall of the first threaded sleeve 24, realizing the conversion between motor power and sleeve rotation. The first drive gear 27 is driven by a first motor 28 fixedly mounted on a fixed column 22. As the power source for the entire adjustment system, the first motor 28's precise speed control and stable power output ensure the smooth and accurate rotation of the first drive gear 27. When the first motor 28 starts, its power is transmitted to the first drive gear 27 through a transmission mechanism, thereby driving the rotation of the first threaded sleeve 24. Since the first threaded sleeve 24 and the movable column 23 are tightly connected by threads, when the first threaded sleeve 24 rotates, the movable column 23 moves up and down under the guidance of the threads, thus achieving precise adjustment of the height of the vertical support leg 20. This design not only greatly improves the flexibility and accuracy of the vertical support leg 20 height adjustment, but also makes the adjustment process more convenient and efficient through the automated control of the motor. Whether during installation, commissioning, or use, precise adjustment of the vertical support leg 20 height can be easily achieved as needed, providing strong support for the stable operation of the entire equipment in different working environments.

[0041] In another embodiment, the support base 19 has a top-opening mounting cavity 29, and a second threaded sleeve 30 is provided in the mounting cavity 29. The second threaded sleeve 30 is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the mounting cavity 29. Mounting holes are provided on both sides of the mounting cavity 29 opposite to the end of the second threaded sleeve 30. A limiting sleeve 31 is fixed to the outside of the mounting hole. A second external thread is provided in the middle of the horizontal support leg 21. The second threaded sleeve 30, the mounting hole and the limiting sleeve 31 are coaxially arranged. The middle of the horizontal support leg 21 is inserted into the second threaded sleeve 30, the mounting hole and the limiting sleeve 31, and is threadedly connected to the second threaded sleeve 30 and slidably engaged with the limiting sleeve 31 along its length direction. A second drive gear 32 is provided on the outer wall of the second threaded sleeve 30. The second drive gear 32 is driven to rotate by a second motor 33 fixed on the support base 13.

[0042] In the above embodiment, the support base 19 has an open-top mounting cavity 29. This mounting cavity 29 not only provides mounting space for subsequent components but also ensures the compactness and stability of the entire structure. Inside the mounting cavity 29, a second threaded sleeve 30 is configured, which is flexibly rotated to connect with the inner wall of the mounting cavity 29. This design allows the second threaded sleeve 30 to rotate freely within the mounting cavity 29 without causing the entire support base 19 to rotate together. To further improve the stability and adjustment precision of the structure, mounting holes are formed on both sides of the mounting cavity 29 opposite to the end of the second threaded sleeve 30. These two mounting holes not only provide a channel for the insertion of the horizontal support leg 21 but also ensure the stability and accuracy of the horizontal support leg 21 during movement. On the outside of the mounting holes, a limiting sleeve 31 is fixed. This design not only enhances the stability of the structure but also provides precise limiting for the movement of the horizontal support leg 21, preventing it from tilting or wobbling during movement. The horizontal support leg 21 has a second external thread in the middle. When the middle part of the horizontal support leg 21 is inserted into the second threaded sleeve 30, the mounting hole, and the limiting sleeve 31, the second external thread forms a tight threaded connection with the inner wall of the second threaded sleeve 30. This threaded engagement mechanism allows the horizontal support leg 21 to move precisely horizontally when the second threaded sleeve 30 rotates, thereby adjusting the extension length at both ends of the horizontal support leg 21. The second drive gear 32 is fixedly mounted on the outer wall of the second threaded sleeve 30, realizing the conversion between motor power and the rotation of the second threaded sleeve 30. The second drive gear 32 is driven to rotate by the second motor 33 fixedly mounted on the support base 19. As the power source of the entire adjustment system, the precise speed control and stable power output of the second motor 33 ensure the smooth and accurate rotation of the second drive gear 32. When the second motor 33 starts, its power is transmitted to the second drive gear 32 through the transmission mechanism, thereby driving the rotation of the second threaded sleeve 30. Because the limiting sleeve 31 provides precise control over the movement of the horizontal support leg 21, when the second threaded sleeve 30 rotates, the horizontal support leg 21 will move horizontally under the guidance of the thread without skewing or wobbling. This design not only greatly improves the flexibility and precision of adjusting the extension length of the horizontal support leg 21, but also makes the adjustment process more convenient and efficient through the automated control of the motor. Whether during installation, commissioning, or use, the extension length of the horizontal support leg 21 can be easily and precisely adjusted as needed, providing strong support for the stable operation of the entire equipment in different working environments.

[0043] In another embodiment, the bottom of the movable column 23 is provided with a traveling wheel, and the traveling wheel is provided with a hub motor.

[0044] In the above embodiment, the bottom of the movable column 23 is equipped with a traveling wheel, and the traveling wheel is equipped with a hub motor. The hub motor serves as the direct driving force source for the rotation of the traveling wheel. It is ingeniously designed, small in size, and lightweight, and can provide strong torque and stable power output. The movement of the movable column 23 no longer depends on an external power source or a complex transmission mechanism, but can be achieved through the direct drive of the hub motor. This gives the movable column 23 greater flexibility in movement, enhances the adaptability and portability of the vertical support leg 20, and provides strong support for the entire device in different working environments.

[0045] In another embodiment, a support plate 34 is provided on one of the support bases 19. The support plate 34 is provided with a set of binocular miniature high-definition cameras 35 and a signal transmission module. The signal transmission module is connected to the binocular miniature high-definition cameras 35, the linear driver 17, the first motor 28, the second motor 33, the hub motor, and the controller located outside the pipe.

[0046] In the above embodiment, a sturdy and stable support plate 34 is installed on the top of one of the support bases 19, ensuring the smooth operation of the equipment installed on it. A binocular miniature high-definition camera 35 is installed on the surface of the support plate 34. The binocular miniature high-definition camera 35 can simulate human stereoscopic vision, thereby achieving high-definition, stereoscopic capture of the internal environment of the pipe. This set of cameras not only has high resolution, capable of clearly capturing various details inside the pipe, including key information such as welds and cracks, but its binocular design also allows the system to utilize the parallax principle and, through a built-in 3D reconstruction algorithm, accurately calculate the 3D coordinate information of the weld area inside the pipe. Specifically, when the binocular miniature high-definition camera 35 starts working, it synchronously captures images inside the pipe and, through a built-in image processing algorithm, quickly resolves the 3D position information of the weld center relative to the camera reference point. For example, the weld center may be located 15 centimeters directly in front of the binocular high-definition camera reference point, offset 5 millimeters to the left relative to the central axis of the support cylinder, and has a clockwise tilt angle of 15°. Based on this three-dimensional coordinate information and the known distance *d* centimeters between the reference point of the binocular high-definition camera and the center of the ultrasonic transducer array composed of multiple ultrasonic transducers, the controller can accurately calculate the necessary adjustments to the ultrasonic transducer array through complex geometric calculations and spatial transformation algorithms. For example, to ensure that the ultrasonic beam is perfectly aligned with the weld, the ultrasonic transducer array may need to be previously translated by 15+d centimeters, translated 5 millimeters to the left, and rotated 15° clockwise. Once the required adjustments are calculated, the controller immediately sends these instructions to the actuators, such as the linear drive 17, the first motor 28, the second motor 33, and the hub motor, via the signal transmission module for precise adjustment. Upon receiving the controller's instructions, these actuators immediately start and adjust the position of the ultrasonic transducer array with extremely high precision and speed, ensuring that it is perfectly aligned with the weld area. Through this design, not only is high-precision three-dimensional positioning of the weld area inside the pipeline achieved, but the position of the ultrasonic transducer array can also be quickly adjusted according to the positioning results, enabling it to detect the weld at the optimal angle and position. This not only greatly improves the accuracy and efficiency of the inspection, but also provides reliable data support for subsequent weld evaluation and repair work.

[0047] The number of devices and processing capacity described herein are for the purpose of simplifying the description of the invention. Applications, modifications, and variations of the pipeline sealing detection device of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0048] Although embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed above, they are not limited to the applications listed in the specification and embodiments. They can be applied to various fields suitable for the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other modifications can be easily made. Therefore, without departing from the general concept defined by the claims and their equivalents, the present invention is not limited to the specific details and illustrations shown and described herein.

Claims

1. A pipeline sealing detection device, characterized in that, include: A support cylinder, which is installed along the axial direction of the pipe; Two pairs of support rings are respectively vertically fixed at both ends of the support cylinder, forming a first annular cavity between each pair of support rings and a second annular cavity between the two pairs of support rings; Two annular airbags are respectively disposed in the first annular cavity. The annular airbags are provided with a first air inlet valve and a first air outlet valve that communicate with the interior of the support cylinder. A pressure sensor is disposed within the second annular cavity, which is connected to the interior of the support cylinder via a second inlet valve and a second outlet valve; wherein... The annular airbag is configured to make a sealed contact with the inner wall of the pipe when a preset amount of gas is filled into it.

2. The pipeline sealing detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second annular cavity is provided with an installation collar, which is coaxial with the support cylinder and hollowed out. The outer wall of the installation collar is provided with multiple ultrasonic transducers along its circumference. The multiple ultrasonic transducers emit ultrasonic waves to the inner wall of the pipe to detect the sealing performance of the pipe weld.

3. The pipeline sealing detection device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Each ultrasonic transducer is hinged to the outer wall of the mounting collar via a mounting base, which is driven by a drive assembly to swing along the length of the pipe.

4. The pipeline sealing detection device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The drive assembly includes multiple drive rods, each corresponding to one of the multiple ultrasonic transducers, and fixedly mounted on the end of the corresponding mounting base near the support cylinder; a drive ring, which is disposed within the mounting sleeve and coaxially arranged therewith, and the drive ring is hinged to the multiple drive rods one by one via multiple connecting rods; and at least two linear actuators, which are fixedly disposed at intervals within the mounting sleeve and fixedly connected to the drive ring.

5. The pipeline sealing detection device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, A support shaft is fixed inside the support cylinder. Both ends of the support shaft extend out of the support cylinder and are connected to the support leg assembly. The support leg assembly includes a support base connected to the end of the support shaft, a vertical support leg connected to the bottom surface of the support base, and a horizontal support leg inserted into the side of the support base. The lower end of the vertical support leg and both ends of the horizontal support leg are in sliding contact with the inner wall of the pipe.

6. The pipeline sealing detection device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Each of the two end faces of the horizontal support leg is provided with a first guide hole. The first guide hole is arranged along the length direction of the horizontal support leg. A connecting post is inserted into the first guide hole. The connecting post is slidably connected to the first guide hole. One end of the connecting post extending into the first guide hole is elastically connected to the closed end of the first guide hole. The other end of the connecting post is in slidable contact with the inner wall of the pipe.

7. The pipeline sealing detection device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The vertical support leg includes a fixed column, a movable column, and a first threaded sleeve disposed between the two. The bottom surface of the fixed column is provided with a second guide hole, which is arranged along the length direction of the fixed column. The top surface of the movable column is provided with a guide post, which is slidably connected to the second guide hole. The outer wall of the movable column is provided with a first external thread. The first threaded sleeve is sleeved on the fixed column and the movable column. The inner wall of the first threaded sleeve is provided with a first internal thread, and the outer wall is fixed with a first drive gear. The upper end of the first threaded sleeve is rotatably connected to the outer wall of the fixed column, and the lower end is threadedly connected to the outer wall of the movable column. The first drive gear is driven to rotate by a first motor fixed on the fixed column.

8. The pipeline sealing detection device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The support base has a top-opening mounting cavity, and a second threaded sleeve is provided in the mounting cavity. The second threaded sleeve is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the mounting cavity. Mounting holes are provided on both sides of the mounting cavity opposite to the end of the second threaded sleeve. A limiting sleeve is fixed to the outside of the mounting hole. A second external thread is provided in the middle of the horizontal support leg. The second threaded sleeve, the mounting hole, and the limiting sleeve are coaxially arranged. The middle part of the horizontal support leg is inserted into the second threaded sleeve, the mounting hole, and the limiting sleeve, and is threadedly connected to the second threaded sleeve. It is slidably engaged with the limiting sleeve along its length. A second drive gear is provided on the outer wall of the second threaded sleeve. The second drive gear is driven to rotate by a second motor fixed on the support base.

9. The pipeline sealing detection device as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The bottom of the movable column is equipped with a traveling wheel, and the traveling wheel contains a hub motor.

10. The pipeline sealing detection device as described in claim 9, characterized in that, One of the support bases is equipped with a support plate, on which a set of binocular miniature high-definition cameras and a signal transmission module are mounted. The signal transmission module is connected to the binocular miniature high-definition cameras, a linear driver, a first motor, a second motor, a hub motor, and a controller located outside the pipeline.