CN100585248C - Improvements relating to hose - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a hose (10) comprising a tubular body (12) of flexible material arranged between an inner and an outer helically wound wire (22, 24). The hose (10) further comprises an axial strengthening means (20) adapted to reduce deformation of the tubular body (12) when the tubular body (12) is subjected to axial tension, the axial strengthening means (20) being adapted to exert a radially inward force on at least part of the tubular body (12) when axial strengthening means (20) is subjected to axial tension.

Description

The improvement of relevant flexible pipe

The application be that June 12 calendar year 2001, application number are 01812737.1 the applying date, denomination of invention divides an application for the patent application of " improvement of relevant flexible pipe ".

Technical field

The present invention relates to flexible pipe, particularly relate to the flexible pipe of axial strength with enhancing.The present invention is especially relevant with the flexible pipe that can use under cryogenic conditions.The present invention also relates to the end device of flexible pipe and the method for making flexible pipe simultaneously.

Background technique

The typical case of relevant flexible pipe uses and is included under the certain pressure from a hydraulic tank pump and gets liquid.For example provide civilian deep fat or the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) of adding to a boiler; The oilfield fluid of exploitation and/or casing-head gas production platform fixing by or that float be transported to the cargo tank of steamer or be transported to the storage device on ground by the cargo tank of steamer; Especially when being refueled, 1 grade of equation motorcycle race provides fuel to racing car; And the conveying corrosive liquids, as sulfuric acid.

The fluid that utilizes flexible pipe to transport such as liquid gas one class under low temperature condition is known.This flexible pipe is generally used for the liquid gas of transportation such as a LNG Liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) (LPG) class.

In order to make flexible pipe have enough flexibilities, the flexible pipe of any given length must be made by flexible material to small part, for example nonrigid material.

The structure of this flexible pipe generally includes a tubular body of being made by flexible material, this tubular body in the inboard and outside spiral be fastened between the line.Two-layer static line generally twines with identical pitch, but interlaces the half pitch width each other.Tubular body generally includes internal layer and the skin with an intermediate seal layer.Internal layer and the outer flexible pipe that makes have certain intensity to carry fluid wherein.Usually, the internal layer of tubular body and the outer layer of fibers that forms by polyester that comprises such as polyesteramide one class.The intermediate seal layer is used to prevent that fluid from being oozed out by flexible pipe, normally a polymeric layer.

Static line generally by stretching be wound in the internal surface of tubular body and outer surface around.Static line is mainly used in the geometrical shape of keeping tubular body.In addition, the external stability line can prevent flexible pipe excessive deformation under high pressure.Inside and external stability line are used to also prevent that flexible pipe is extruded.

Publication number is the flexible pipe that the European patent of 0076540A1 has disclosed this general type.Flexible pipe described in specification comprises the polypropylene mesosphere of a twin shaft to orientation, and this mesosphere it is said can improve the fatigue that flexible pipe causes owing to repeated flex.

B. P. GB-2223817A has described another flexible pipe.Wherein described flexible pipe is a composite soft tube, this composite soft tube comprises that an internal helicoid is metal-cored, be wound in multilayer plastic material fiber and film on metal-cored, placed adjacent one another and be wound in the glass cloth of one deck at least and one deck aluminium foil at least on the plastic materials and an external helicoid metallic thin film.This class flexible pipe is applicable to transportation explosive fuel and oil.

B. P. GB-1034956A has described another flexible pipe.Wherein described flexible pipe is an electric flexible pipe or conduit, and promptly described flexible pipe is used to carry electric wire rather than is used for conveyance fluid.Therefore, included scheme was different from the scheme of European patent EP 0076540A1 and the described flexible pipe of B. P. GB-2223817A fully during this flexible pipe designed.The described flexible pipe of B. P. GB-1034956A comprises:

(1) one is arranged in inner spiral wrap wire;

(2) one neoprene flexible pipes around the mold pressing of internal helicoid wrap wire;

(3) one net metal covers around the neoprene flexible pipe;

(4) one spirals are wound in the nylon thread on the metallic sheath;

(5) one are wound in the canvas on nylon thread and the metallic sheath;

(6) one external helicoid wrap wires around the canvas coating.

In the manufacture process of flexible pipe, make the net metal cover conform to curling up of inner wire by on metallic sheath, twining a layer line temporarily again.

The application of many relevant flexible pipes needs flexible pipe to be supported on its length direction.This be particularly useful for above-mentioned be used to carry the liquid exploited and/gas.If there is not additional support, traditional flexible pipe can not support the weight of himself usually, perhaps the weight of fluid in the flexible pipe.

We have found a kind of method of improving the flexible pipe bearing capacity at present, especially at the flexible pipe of the described type of European patent EP 0076540A1, this method need not any supporting at all, perhaps only needs less supporting (demand to supporting reduces in a large number) can carry fluid.This flexible pipe is applicable to low temperature and non-low temperature field.

We have also found a kind of method of improving the sealing layer of the above-mentioned type flexible pipe.

In the described flexible pipe of European patent EP 0076540A1, it is important that wrap wire keeps correct position.Usually, inside and external helicoid wrap wire axially stagger each other and are substantially equal to the distance of half pitch length.This layout can provide best structural integrity.But a problem of this type flexible pipe is that repeated flex can cause winding around to depart from correct direction.

Summary of the invention

The present invention relates to improvement, promptly to the improvement of the flexible pipe of tubular body outside part to the above-mentioned type flexible pipe outside.

The described type flexible pipe of European patent EP 0076540A1 forms usually in the following manner: inner wire is wound on the tubulose mandrel and forms an Inside coil; One inner reinforced layer is wound on tubulose mandrel and the Inside coil; One sealing layer is wound in inner reinforced layer; One external reinforcing layer is wound in sealing layer; One outer lines is wound in the external reinforcing layer and forms an external coil; The end of flexible pipe is fixed by crimping; Flexible pipe is by removing on the mandrel simultaneously.

The invention still further relates to improvement to the hose end ending.

That summarizes says that we provide a kind of axial stiffening device for flexible pipe, so flexible pipe can more before bear bigger axial tension, and can not weaken other performance of flexible pipe.

One aspect of the present invention provides a kind of flexible pipe, described flexible pipe comprises that one is arranged in tubular body between inside and the external fixator, that made by flexible material, wherein said flexible pipe also further comprises an axial stiffening device, when tubular body bears axial tension, described axial stiffening device can reduce the distortion of tubular body, and when axial stiffening device bore axial tension, it can produce a radially inside power further at least a portion of described tubular body.

By this layout, described axial stiffening device has improved the ability that flexible pipe overcomes axial stress, can guarantee the structural integrity of flexible pipe by at least a portion of pressing tubular body in the axial tension process simultaneously.In addition, the material of tubular body and axial stiffening device is preferably compatible, thereby when operation, they are worked in a similar manner, and so, the neither one parts can bear excessive stress and strain.The material that this means tubular body and axial stiffening device responds strain in a similar manner.Flexible pipe of the present invention needs at least 3% flexural strain (for cylindrical parts) usually.Simultaneously, the skew of internal layer and to by the distortion of the stretching formation of the parts of a spiral positioning part acts on the resultant strain of 1% magnitude on the structure member of hose wall in addition.This typical yield strain with metal 0.2% is different.

Described axial stiffening device is preferably made by nonmetallic material, plastic material particularly, and suitable material will be discussed below.This is because metallic material can not have desired emergent property.

Tubular body and axial stiffening device preferably are made of the polyethylene (UHMWPE) of the ultra-high molecule weight that especially preferably below will be described in detail identical materials.

Tubular body preferably includes at least one reinforced layer and at least one sealing layer.Preferable is to have at least two reinforced layers, accompanies sealing layer in the middle of them.

Be preferably in external fixator and axially have the another one reinforced layer between the stiffening device.

For the flexible pipe of one 200 mm dia, the maximum strength of reinforced layer is preferably between 100,000 wild marjorams 700,000 Ns (KN).Flexural strain when reinforced layer damages is preferably in the scope of 2%-15%.Expect that simultaneously above-mentioned other reinforced layer and axial stiffening device adopt identical materials, the preferably polyethylene of ultra-high molecule weight (UHMWPE).

Axially stiffening device preferably includes the cover of a general tube shape that is formed by sheet material, and when being subjected to axial tension, described pipe box can keep the integrity of its shape.Described flexible pipe can have two or more pipe boxes further to improve the performance of flexible pipe when being subjected to axial tension.

In a most preferred embodiment, axially stiffening device is the braiding structure of a tubulose.At this, term " braiding structure " is meant by two or more fibers or yarn and reels mutually and the slim-lined construction that forms.A feature of braiding structure is can extend when being subjected to axial tension.The another one feature is that its diameter will reduce when forming tubular shape and being subjected to axial tension.Thereby at the pipe-type woven structural ring around tubular body or when being arranged in tubular body and being subjected to axial tension, what this braiding structure will be at tubular body produces a radially inside power to small part.

Whole pipe box is braiding structure preferably.Yet just a part or a plurality of part of pipe box length are that braiding structure also is possible.

Described braiding structure preferably extends along the circumferencial direction of pipe box always.Yet just the part of pipe box circumferencial direction employing braiding structure also is possible.

Described braiding structure can be twin shaft (being that braid is only formed by two kinds of fiber or yarns of reeling mutually), or three (being that braid comprises that also the fiber of longitudinal extension or yarn are with the enhancing axial strength).

Although axially stiffening device preferably adopts basketwork structure, also can adopt other form that meets above mentioned functional demand.So, axially stiffening device is wound in rope on the tubular body or rope with one that suitably arrange, spiral and is provided.

The flexible pipe Material Selection should make flexible pipe to work in the environment of its expection.Therefore, need the flexible pipe can the discharge pressure fluid, and fluid can not leak out from hose wall.Also need flexible pipe to bear repeated flex, and the axial stress that causes jointly by flexible pipe and fluid weight.Simultaneously, if flexible pipe need be used for delivering cryogenic fluid, the material of flexible pipe should make that flexible pipe can be in quite low temperature work, and can not cause any remarkable influence to its performance.

The main effect of each reinforced layer is to bear the circumferential stress that flexible pipe is subjected to during conveyance fluid.Therefore, arbitrary reinforced layer should have the pliability of required degree, and can bear necessary stress.Simultaneously, if flexible pipe is used for delivering cryogenic fluid, then each reinforced layer must can bear low temperature.

Each reinforced layer preferably adopts sheet material, and described sheet material is wound into a tubular shape by spiral way.This means that reinforced layer does not have too big drag for axial tension when axial force intention is drawn back the coiling portion of reinforced layer.Above-mentioned or each reinforced layer can comprise the sheet material continuous horizon of an one, perhaps can comprise the sheet material continuous horizon of two or more one.But above-mentioned or each sheet material reinforced layer (length that depends on flexible pipe) is comparatively normally formed by a plurality of independently sheet materials that are provided with along the hose length direction.

In most preferred embodiment, each reinforced layer is made of a kind of fabric, preferably a kind of weaving (braiding) fiber.Each reinforced layer can be a kind of natural or synthetic material.A kind of synthetic polymer of the suitable employing of described each reinforced layer is as polyester, polyamide or polyolefin.Described synthetic polymer can adopt the fiber or the yarn that can form cellulon.

When each reinforced layer was made of a kind of polyester, it preferably adopted the polyethylene parabenzoic acid ester so.

When each reinforced layer was made of a kind of polyamide, it can adopt aliphatic polyimide so, as nylon; Perhaps can adopt aromatic copolyamide, as aromatic polyamide composition.For example, each reinforced layer can be that a kind of phenylene such as KEVLAR (TM trade mark) is to diphenyl compounds (p-phenyleneterephthalamide).

When each reinforced layer is made of a kind of polyolefin, can adopt polyethylene, polypropylene or polybutylene homopolymer, or its copolymer, trimer, and single shaft or biaxially oriented preferably.Preferable is that polyolefin is a kind of polyethylene, and preferably a kind of macromolecule weight polyethylene, particularly UHMWPE.

The used UHMWPE of the present invention generally has the average molecular wt more than 400,000, standard be more than 800,000, normally 1,000, more than 000.Average molecular wt generally can not exceed 15,000,000.The molecular wt of UHMWPE is preferably in 1,000, and 000-6 is between 000,000.The most suitable in the present invention UHMWPE is by high orientation, and has been stretched at least 2-5 doubly in a direction usually, and is stretched at least 10-15 doubly in other direction.

The most practical in the present invention UHMWPE has usually greater than 80% in the same way, more generally has greater than 90% in the same way, preferably has greater than 95% in the same way.Degree of crystallinity is generally greater than 50%, more generally greater than 70%.Degree of crystallinity rises to 85%-90% and also is fine.

UHMWPE all is described in following patent documentation, as U.S. Pat A4344908, US-A-4411845, US-A-4422993, US-A-4430383, US-A-4436689, and European patent EP-A-183285, EP-A-0438831 and EP-A-0215507.

It is useful especially that each reinforced layer is made of the UHMWPE of a high orientation, for example can obtain from DSM High Performance Fibres BV (a tame dutch company), its trade mark is called DYNEEMA, perhaps obtain from Alliedsignal Inc. (a tame u s company), its trade mark is called SPECTRA.

Other of relevant DYNEEMA is described in detail in one and is entitled as in the trade mark handbook of " DYNEEMA, the highest fibre property, characteristic and application thereof " openly, and by DSM High PerformanceFibres BV distribution, publish in February, 1998.Other of relevant SPECTRA is described in detail in one and is entitled as in the trade mark handbook of " SPECTRA performance materials " openly, and by Alliedsignal Inc. distribution, publish in May, 1996.These materials can obtain from the eighties.

In most preferred embodiment, each reinforced layer is made of the fibroplastic cellulon along warp-wise and broadwise arrangement.If each reinforced layer is arranged to its warp fiber and the axial angulation of flexible pipe will be useful especially less than 20 °; We advise that also this angle is greater than 5 °.In most preferred embodiment, each reinforced layer is arranged to its warp fiber and the axial angulation of flexible pipe is 10 °-20 °, preferably approximately is 15 °.

The effect of sealing layer is mainly used in the seepage that prevents tubular body institute conveyance fluid.Therefore, sealing layer should have pliability to a certain degree, and should have desired sealing characteristics.Simultaneously, if flexible pipe is used for delivering cryogenic fluid, then each reinforced layer must can bear low temperature.

Sealing layer can adopt the raw material identical with each reinforced layer to make.As an alternative, sealing layer can adopt fluoropolymer, as teflon (PFTE); FEP fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer, as the copolymer of HFC-236fa and tetrafluoropropane, this copolymer can obtain from the fluorine product (DuPont Fluoroproducts) of Du Pont, and trade mark is called Teflon FEP; Perhaps fluorinated hydrocarbons-alkoxyl group perfluorochemical (perfluoralkoxy), it can obtain from DuPontFluoroproducts, and trade mark is called Teflon PFA.These films can be shaped by extruding or blowing.

We advise that sealing layer made by sheet material, and described sheet material is wound into a tubular shape by spiral way.As reinforced layer, this means that sealing layer does not have too big drag for axial tension when axial force intention is drawn back the coiling portion of sealing layer.Described sealing layer can comprise an independent sheet material continuous horizon, perhaps can comprise two or more independent sheet material continuous horizons.But each sealing layer (length that depends on flexible pipe) is comparatively normally formed by a plurality of independently sheet materials that are provided with along the hose length direction.If desired, sealing layer can comprise one or more thermal shrinkage stuffing box glands that are positioned at the reinforced layer inboard (promptly profile) in a tubular form.

We advise that sealing layer comprises the film that multilayer is stacked.Preferably having at least 2 layers, is at least 5 layers better, is exactly at least 10 layers well again.In practice, sealing layer can comprise 20,30,40,50 or more multi-layered film.The upper limit of thin layer quantity depends on the overall dimensions of flexible pipe, but thin layer surpasses 100 layers of also unlikely needs.Usually the highest 50 layers just enough.The thickness of each thin layer is usually between the 50-100 millimeter.

Certainly, the quantity of sealing layer also is desirable above one.

To a most preferred embodiment of sealing layer be described below.

Axially stiffening device can adopt with the reinforced layer identical materials and form.Therefore, axially stiffening device, reinforced layer and sealing layer all can be made by same basic compound obviously.But for required function is provided, promptly axially stiffening device provides one axially to add powerful, and reinforced layer provides the reinforing function of opposing circumferential stress, and sealing layer provides a sealing function, and the structure of compound must be different.We have found that what the UHMWPE material was best suited for, especially DYNEEMA and SPECTRA product.These materials have good working performance under low temperature condition.The optimal parameter of the UHMWPE relevant with reinforced layer discussed above also is fit to axial stiffening device.But it is identical with the parameter of the used UHMWPE of reinforced layer to it should be noted that about this point the parameter of the used UHMWPE of axial stiffening device need not.

The interlayer that axial stiffening device is arranged in tubular body also is possible.But we think that axial stiffening device is better between tubular body and external fixator.In the another one most preferred embodiment, axially stiffening device is arranged in the interlayer of tubular body, and another axial stiffening device is between tubular body and external fixator simultaneously.

When flexible pipe was used under low temperature condition, expecting provided a heat insulation layer for tubular body.Heat insulation layer is between outer lines and pipe box and/or the outside of outer lines.Heat insulation layer can adopt provides adiabatic material usually in Cryo Equipment.Axially stiffening device is preferably around the heat insulation layer setting, so that compress heat insulation layer and keep the integrity of structure.Except axial stiffening device, the axial stiffening device that centers on heat insulation layer is preferably between external fixator and tubular body.A specific suitable structure of heat insulation layer will be described in detail below.

The present invention provides a kind of flexible pipe on the other hand, described flexible pipe comprises that one is arranged in tubular body between the inside and outside fixed block, that made by flexible material, wherein tubular body comprises that at least one arranges the cellulon reinforced layer that forms by fiber along warp-wise and broadwise, it is characterized in that, each reinforced layer be arranged to the warp-wise of fiber and flexible pipe axially between angle less than 20 °, be less than 15 ° preferably, be preferably less than 10 °.Can carry out combination in any with supplementary features according to this flexible pipe on the one hand of the present invention according to the described flexible pipe of first aspect present invention.

The present invention provides a kind of method of making flexible pipe on the other hand, and this method may further comprise the steps:

(a) on a tubulose mandrel, wind the line to form an Inside coil;

(b) on tubulose mandrel and Inside coil, twine a sheet material, to form a tubular body;

(c) tubular shafts is enclosed within the free end of mandrel to strengthening sleeve, thereby makes mandrel, spur axial strengthening sleeve along mandrel then, so that its part covers tubular body axially extending in the strengthening sleeve;

(d) axially winding the line to form an external coil on the strengthening sleeve;

(e) end of the fixing flexible pipe of producing via step (d); And

(f) from mandrel, flexible pipe is removed.

Coil and sheet material be stretched working preferably, thereby provide good structural integrity for flexible pipe.

As mentioned above, the sheet material of step (b) preferably includes two reinforced layers that accompany a sealing layer.In most preferred embodiment, the inside reinforced layer spiral of structure is wound on Inside coil and the mandrel in the form of sheets; The sealing layer spiral of sheet structure is wound on the inner reinforced layer subsequently; The external reinforcing layer of structure is wound on the sealing layer in the form of sheets then.Generally speaking, a plurality of sealing layers also can adopt.

Tubular shafts can be identical with above-mentioned axial strengthening sleeve to reinforced layer, and preferably adopt braiding structure.

Inside and external coil preferably adopt the helix structure with identical pitch, simultaneously the position deviation Inside coil half pitch length of external coil.

The present invention provides a kind of flexible pipe on the other hand, and described flexible pipe comprises that one is arranged in tubular body between inside and the external fixator, that made by flexible material; Tubular body is used for conveyance fluid, and prevents that fluid from from the tubular body seepage, is characterized in that: described flexible pipe also comprises a braiding structure that is generally tubulose along the tubular body setting.

The present invention provides a kind of flexible pipe on the other hand, and described flexible pipe comprises that one is arranged in tubular body between inside and the external fixator, that made by flexible material; Described tubular body comprises a sealing layer that is clipped between inside and the external reinforcing layer, it is characterized in that, described sealing layer comprises two-layer at least polymeric thin film, and a thin layer is made by first polymer, and another thin layer is made by second polymer that is different from first polymer.

In an illustrated embodiments, a polymeric thin film is bigger than the rigidity of another polymeric thin film, so the difference of the yield strain that brings of material behavior is embodied under operating temperature and pressure.The rigidity that the rigidity of outer film cans be compared to interior film most is big.Its role is to when luckily flexible pipe breaks, sealing layer has a Failure Control, thereby makes that the polymer that toughness is bigger can support internal pressure within a certain period of time, fades away until pressure when the bigger outer polymer of rigidity was damaged.

In most preferred embodiment, the sealing layer maximum failure strain at normal temperatures that toughness is bigger surpasses 100%, will lack 20% at least for other sealing layer maximum failure strain.

Each polymeric thin film that constitutes sealing layer preferably adopts polyamide, polyolefin or fluoropolymer.

When the polymeric thin film of sealing layer was made of polyamide, it can be an aliphatic polyimide, as nylon, can be aromatic copolyamide perhaps, as aromatic compounds.

We advise that a kind of polymeric thin film that constitutes sealing layer adopts polyolefin, and another polymeric thin film adopts fluoropolymer.

The polyolefin that is suitable for comprises polyethylene, polypropylene or polybutylene homopolymer, or its copolymer, trimer.And polyolefm film layer is single shaft or twin shaft location preferably.Preferablely be, polyolefin is a kind of polyethylene, and preferably a kind of macromolecule weight polyethylene, the UHMWPE that has been described in detail above particularly.The optimal parameter of the HMWPE relevant with reinforced layer that has discussed above (as molecular wt scope etc.) is equally applicable to sealing layer.But, with regard to this one side, be noted that it is identical with the parameter of the used UHMWPE of reinforced layer that the parameter of the used UHMWPE of sealing layer need not.

Because sealing layer provides seal action, can not cause the thin layer that is transferred fluid leaks so sealing layer should adopt.Therefore structurally should be had gratifying sealing characteristics by the UHMWPE of high orientation.These products are generally a monoblock, and it can obtain required shape by further processing.The thin layer of sealing layer can form by cutting skim on described monoblock raw material.The thin layer of sealing layer also can be the UHMWPE blown film in addition.

The fluoropolymer that is suitable for comprises polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE); FEP fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer, as the copolymer of HFC-236fa and tetrafluoropropane, this copolymer can obtain from DuPontFluoroproducts, and trade mark is called Teflon FEP; Perhaps fluorinated hydrocarbons-alkoxyl group perfluorochemical (perfluoralkoxy), it can obtain from DuPont Fluoroproducts, and trade mark is called Teflon PFA.These materials can be by extruding or blow molding.

Described sealing layer preferably is made of the multilayer polymeric film.In one embodiment, first and second polymer are alternately arranged on the thickness direction of sealing layer.But this is not unique possible arrangement.In another kind of arrangement, all the second polymer layers by all first polymeric layers around, otherwise perhaps.

We advise that the polymeric thin film of sealing layer adopts sheet material, and described sheet material is wound into a tubular structure in a spiral manner.Each polymeric thin film can comprise an independent continuous horizon, and described continuous horizon is wound on the inner reinforced layer by an end to the other end of flexible pipe.But more generally the polymeric thin film of (length that depends on flexible pipe) a plurality of independent length is wrapped on the inner reinforced layer, and each thin layer covers a part of flexible pipe.If desired, sealing layer can comprise that at least two are positioned at thermal shrinkage stuffing box gland on the inner reinforced layer (promptly profile) in a tubular form.At least two stuffing box glands should be made by different materials.

Described sealing layer comprises two-layer preferably stacked different films at least.Described sealing layer preferably includes at least 5 stacked films of putting, and preferable is at least 10 layers.In fact, sealing layer can comprise 20,30,40,50 or more multi-layered overlay film.The upper limit of the number of plies depends on the overall dimensions of flexible pipe, but thin layer surpasses 100 layers of also unlikely needs.Usually the highest 50 layers just enough.The thickness of each thin layer is usually between the 50-100 millimeter.Thin layer comprises at least two kinds of dissimilar polymeric thin films.

Certainly, the quantity of sealing layer also is desirable above one.

Described sealing layer preferably also comprises the layer that at least one partly or wholly is made of a kind of metal, a kind of metallic oxide or its mixture.Unless otherwise mentioned, the metal layer of indication is meant metal oxide layer herein.Therefore, metal layer can be a metal film layer (promptly an independent integral body is the layer of metal, metallic oxide or its mixture), or the metallic thin film of an overlie polymer or be coated with the polymer film layer of metal.We advise that metal layer is the metallic thin film of an overlie polymer.Metal can for example be an aluminum oxide.Polymer can for example be a polyester.

The metallic thin film that scribbles polymer that is suitable for comprises and can obtain from the Industrial Film of Britain Stevenage HiFi that trade mark is called MEX505, MET800, the product of MET800B and MET852; Wherein MET800B is best.

The outside of sealing layer also can be provided with another metal layer.Another metal layer is preferably between tubular body and external fixator.Also can provide an asbestos layer to improve adiabaticity at this, asbestos layer preferably between sealing layer and outer metal layer, its objective is and set up an annular heat passage between two metal layers.

The present invention provides a kind of flexible pipe on the other hand, and described flexible pipe comprises that one is arranged in tubular body between inside and the external fixator, that made by flexible material; Described tubular body comprises a sealing layer that is clipped between inside and the external reinforcing layer, and it is characterized in that: described sealing layer is made of a kind of UHMWPE.The optimal parameter of the UHMWPE relevant with reinforced layer that has discussed above (as molecular wt scope etc.) is equally applicable to sealing layer.But, with regard to this one side, be noted that it is identical with the parameter of the used UHMWPE of reinforced layer that the parameter of the used UHMWPE of sealing layer need not.

With regard to this one side of the present invention, if sealing layer is taked the heat-contraction sleeve form, then need not to adopt different materials to make, but must adopt UHMWPE.

In most preferred embodiment of the present invention, sealing layer comprises the two-layer at least polymeric thin film that is made of different materials, and one of them layer film adopts ultra-high molecule weight polyethylene.

Sealing layer preferably also comprises the metallic thin film of at least one overlie polymer or is coated with the thin polymer film of metal.

The present invention provides a kind of flexible pipe on the other hand, described flexible pipe comprises that one is arranged in tubular body between inside and the external fixator, that made by flexible material, described tubular body comprises a sealing layer that is clipped between inside and the external reinforcing layer, it is characterized in that: described sealing layer comprises at least one metal film layer (promptly an independent integral body is the layer of metal, metallic oxide or its mixture), or the metallic thin film of an overlie polymer or is coated with the thin polymer film of metal.

Metallic thin film has reflectivity, thereby can reduce heat loss or heat obtains, and this is very useful under low temperature condition.Metallic thin film can provide good barrier characteristics in addition, thereby can reduce that the steam transmission-this can prevent the loss of material when conveying gas effectively.

When flexible pipe is applied to the low temperature field, wish around tubular body, to provide adiabatic.Heat insulation layer can be between outer lines and tubular part with and/or the outside of outer lines.Described heat insulation layer is made of the material that plays insulating effect in Cryo Equipment usually, as synthesising foam material.Putting up with a particularly suitable heat insulating construction is below described.

One aspect of the present invention relates to the improvement to the hose bending ability.Specifically, the invention provides a kind of device, this device can be located outer lines need not to damage under the situation of hose bending ability.

The present invention provides a kind of flexible pipe on the other hand, described flexible pipe comprises that one is arranged in tubular body between inside and the external fixator, that made by flexible material, it is characterized in that, has a resin matrix around the curing of tubular body setting, in order to limit the relative movement between external fixator and the flexible pipe remaining part, external fixator is partially submerged in the resin matrix at least.

The resin matrix that solidifies must have enough flexibilities, and it can carry out to a certain degree bending according to the certain applications of flexible pipe.Obviously, need flexible pipe to have more elasticity in some cases.

Resin matrix preferably is made of a synthetic polymer, as polyurethane.Resin matrix is preferably by making with the material of liquid form apposition on flexible pipe before solidifying.Uncured resin is attached on the flexible pipe in the mode of spraying, pouring into a mould and painting usually.This just makes uncured resin can be positioned at the outer surface of tubular body and external fixator, and is solidified into a flexible outer cover by rights.Curing mechanism can be light, moisture or the like.

Resin matrix can be positioned on the aspect of external fixator below, also can be located on any aspect of its outer surface.At least one aspect of next-door neighbour's cured resin matrix preferably can be born low temperature, and so, if resin matrix is owing to low temperature breaks, adjacent aspect can support resin matrix jointly by means of the adhesion between resin matrix and the adjacent aspect.When the both sides of resin matrix all link to each other with adjacent layer, can obtain stable structure.

We have found that specific material especially can make flexible pipe have the good insulation performance characteristic under low temperature condition.Especially the cellulon of tachylite fiber formation can provide special good insulation performance characteristic.

Therefore, the present invention provides a kind of flexible pipe on the other hand, and described flexible pipe comprises that one is arranged in tubular body between inside and the external fixator, that made by flexible material, and the isolation layer of arranging around tubular body, it is characterized in that isolation layer comprises the cellulon that is made of the tachylite fiber.

The tachylite fiber that is suitable for can obtain from Sudaglass Fiber company, and its product name is BT-5, BT-8, BT-10, BT-11 and BT-13.The optimum thickness of described fiber is 0.1 millimeter to 0.3 millimeter.If desired, can adopt multilayer tachylite fiber.

We find that also the insulation characterisitic of tachylite fiber strengthens when pressurized, therefore advise being provided with one and center on the tachylite fiber and be used to compress the fibrolaminar compression layer of tachylite.

Except the tachylite layer of fibers, isolation layer can also comprise the layer of being made by other insulating material, as the polymeric foam material.

We advise that isolation layer also comprises at least one reinforced layer.Reinforced layer can be made of synthetic polymer, as polyester, polyamide or polyolefin.Reinforced layer also can adopt with above-mentioned tubular body within and external reinforcing layer identical materials make.The reinforced layer of described isolation layer preferably adopts ultra-high molecule weight polyethylene (HMWPE), aforesaid DYNEEMA or SPECTRA.

Tubular body preferably includes at least one reinforced layer and at least one sealing layer.Especially preferably have at least two reinforced layers, accompany a sealing layer in the middle of it.Described tubular body preferably has identical feature with above-mentioned tubular body.

Tubular body can also comprise the isolation layer that one or more layers is made by traditional insulating material and/or above-mentioned tachylite fiber.

Described flexible pipe preferably has above-mentioned axial stiffening device simultaneously.

The present invention provides a kind of method of making flexible pipe on the other hand, and it may further comprise the steps:

(a) on a tubulose mandrel, wind the line to form an Inside coil;

(b) on tubulose mandrel and Inside coil, twine a sheet material, to form a tubular body;

(c) on described tubular body, wind the line to form an external coil;

(d) with a kind of curable liquid resin apposition on the outer surface of tubular body and external coil;

(e) make resin solidification;

(f) end of the fixing flexible pipe that forms via step (e); And

(g) from mandrel, flexible pipe is removed.

Described method preferably also is included in the step that applies an isolation layer on the cured resin.Described isolation layer preferably a kind ofly is made of the fibroplastic cellulon of tachylite aforesaid.

In step (c), described tubular body can be as mentioned above a tubular body.Described tubular body can also comprise one or more layers by traditional insulating material with and/or the isolation layer made of above-mentioned tachylite fiber.

To cover cated flexible pipe and be exposed to and just can realize easily in the air solidifying, and also can realize or quicken to solidify by active device such as heating equipment one class.

Curable resin matrix can comprise bubble, and this point will be described below.

The present invention relate on the other hand to the flexible pipe thermal resistance with and/or the improvement of buoyancy.Specifically, the present invention relates to be marked with the application of the plastic coat of bubble.

According to another aspect of the present invention, it provides a kind of flexible pipe, described flexible pipe comprise one be arranged between inside and the external fixator, by the tubular body that flexible material is made, it is characterized in that, plastic coat around described tubular part has bubble in the described plastic material.

Described plastic material is polyurethane preferably.Described plastic material preferably sprays surface in described tubular body with liquid form, makes its curing then.Once more, will cover cated flexible pipe and be exposed to and just can realize easily in the air solidifying, and also can realize or quicken to solidify by active device such as heating equipment one class.

Bubble can be by injecting gas in the plastic material that still is in liquid condition before spraying in conjunction with forming.

The synthetic layer of plastic material that includes gas has the favourable structural characteristics of some plastic materials self, and the wear-resisting and anti-extruding as good also has the insulation characterisitic that is able to very big improvement simultaneously.Because it also has the buoyancy of increase the existence of gas, this can be used for making the flexible pipe that can float in the water and can have identical buoyancy along its length.

The plastic material that includes gas is not preferably comprised that by another layer the plastic material of bubble covers.This layer plastic material preferably is connected on the plastic coat that includes gas reliably.And the plastic coat identical materials that the described another plastic coat that does not comprise bubble could adopt and include gas is made.The described another plastic coat of bubble that do not comprise preferably adopts polyurethane.

Two plastic coats can adopt other technology except that spraying to form, as cast, colouring or extruding.

Any suitable gas all can be used for forming bubble, and these gases comprise air, nitrogen or inert gas.

Before gas injection, the proportion of polyurethane preferably approximately is 1.2.

The proportion that does not comprise the flexible pipe of the plastic coat with bubble is typically about 1.8.After the layer of coating air inclusion, described flexible pipe preferably has the mean specific gravity less than 1, preferably less than 0.8.The tectal thickness of PU can for example be the 4-8 millimeter, preferably 6 millimeters.The diameter of bubble is preferably less than about 2 millimeters.

Plastic coat with bubble also can be used among the above-mentioned flexible pipe embodiment.Especially, except the plastic coat with bubble, the present invention can comprise that one has the layer of aforesaid cured resin matrix.In this structure, the plastic coat with bubble is usually located at the outside of the resin matrix of curing.Resin matrix that this plastic coat with bubble replace to solidify also is possible, and so, fixed block just embeds in the described plastic coat with gas the relative movement with the restriction external fixator.

The present invention provides a kind of method of making flexible pipe on the other hand, and this method may further comprise the steps:

(a) on a tubulose mandrel, wind the line to form an Inside coil;

(b) on tubulose mandrel and Inside coil, twine a sheet material, to form a tubular body;

(c) on described tubular body, wind the line to form an external coil;

(d) a kind of curable and liquid resin that be injected into gas is applied to the outer surface of tubular body and external coil;

(e) make resin solidification and form a solid-state plastic material coating with bubble;

(f) end of the fixing flexible pipe that forms via step (e); And

(g) from mandrel, flexible pipe is removed.

Term " injecting gas " is meant and is full of a kind of gas in the resin.Therefore, when solidified, resin has formed a kind of alveolate solid shape material that wherein comprises.As mentioned above, gas can be, but must not be air.

The present invention provides a kind of end fitting that is used for the end ending of flexible pipe on the other hand, described flexible pipe comprises that one is arranged in tubular body between inside and the external helicoid shape coil, that made by flexible material, wherein, described end fitting comprises: an inner piece that is suitable for being arranged in to small part described flexible pipe; A Sealing that is suitable for sealing to small part described tubular body, described tubular body are fully along circumferentially between described Sealing and described inner piece; And load transfer means independently, described load transfer means is suitable for around the thrust load of described Sealing transfer function on described flexible pipe, thereby reduce or eliminate the thrust load on the described flexible pipe between described Sealing and the described inner piece, described Sealing comprises an inner sealing ring and an outside open loop, described outside open loop can be fastened, so that strengthen combining of described seal ring and described tubular body and described inner piece.

Described Sealing is preferably used in along the circumferential direction to small part and is sealed in tubular body between described Sealing and the described inner piece.

Described inner piece is preferably roughly columned, and simultaneously described Sealing preferably is the ring-type that is suitable for admitting described inner piece, thereby makes described tubular body can be stuck between the internal surface of the outer surface of described inner piece and described ring.

Sealing between described Sealing and the described inner piece can obtain in several ways.For example, in one embodiment, described Sealing can be can be fastened open loop so that provide one fully the sealing.In another embodiment, described Sealing can comprise a seal ring simply, described seal ring and described inner piece interference fit.

But in most preferred embodiment, described Sealing comprises the outside seal ring that an inner sealing ring and can be fastened, so that impel described seal ring to combine with described tubular body and described inner piece.In this embodiment, the best and described inner piece interference fit of described seal ring is with further raising sealability.

Described inner piece, seal ring and described open loop can be adopted any suitable material.Usually, described inner piece and described open loop can adopt stainless steel to make.Described seal ring can adopt stainless steel to make, but preferably adopts polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

Described Sealing preferably has the feature of following Sealing.

Described load transfer means preferably includes a flexible pipe bonded block, a load transmitting components and an end piece that is fixed on the described inner piece.Described Sealing is between described load transmitting components and described end piece, and described flexible pipe bonded block and end piece link to each other by described load transmitting components.

The combination of described flexible pipe bonded block and the described flexible pipe power of section axial at least in the flexible pipe that makes is passed to the flexible pipe bonded block by flexible pipe.Described flexible pipe bonded block is passed to described load transmitting components with these power, and described load transmitting components is passed to end piece with these power.In this way, the power of section axial at least in the flexible pipe is walked around described Sealing and is transmitted, thereby has improved the sealing reliability of described Sealing.

Described inner piece and described load transfer means preferably include a part that is used to admit soft pipeline.Described inner piece can have the helical groove that is used to admit inner wire, and described load transfer means can have the helical groove that is used to admit outer lines.Best is that the flexible pipe bonded block of described load transfer means has helical groove.

Described load transmitting components preferably includes a load transmission plate that is plate-like usually, it has a hole that flexible pipe is passed, described load transmission plate has a face that can combine with described flexible pipe bonded block, thereby makes load to be passed to this plate by described flexible pipe bonded block.Described load transmitting components preferably also comprises a loading transfer bar that is fixed between described plate and the described end piece, so that load is passed to described end piece by described plate.Described loading transfer bar can have a fastening piece, as a nut.

Described inner piece preferably has one and be suitable for the hose end of extending and the end away from described hose end in an end of described flexible pipe.Described end piece is positioned at a side of described Sealing, is close to this end, and described flexible pipe bonded block is positioned at the opposite side of described Sealing simultaneously, and is close to described hose end.

Preferably have at least one on the outer surface of described inner piece and be positioned at described Sealing below and and the described part structure combining of described tubular part.Described structure is used to improve the sealing of described tubular part, and makes described tubular part more be difficult to by spurring between described inner piece and the described seal ring.Described each structure preferably includes an extension around the outer surface extending circumferentially of described inner piece.It would be desirable that described structure is two or three.

The present invention provides a kind of method of making flexible pipe on the other hand, and it may further comprise the steps:

(a) on a tubulose mandrel, wind the line to form an Inside coil;

(b) on tubulose mandrel and Inside coil, twine a sheet material, with the tubular body that provides to form by sheet material;

(c) on described tubular body, wind the line to form an external coil;

(d) with flexible pipe by removing on the mandrel;

It is characterized in that, further comprising the steps of:

(e) opening end at described flexible pipe is provided with an inner member;

(f) load transfer means is fixed on the outer surface of described flexible pipe; And

(g) Sealing that will comprise inner sealing ring and outside open loop is fixed on the outer surface of described tubular body, and fastening described outside open loop, so that strengthen combining of described seal ring and described tubular body and described inner piece.

This method is preferably between step (b) and the step (c) and also comprises the following steps:

(h) tubular shafts is enclosed within the free end of mandrel to stiffening element, thereby makes mandrel, spur axial strengthening sleeve along mandrel then, so that its part covers tubular body axially extending in the stiffening element.

Described axial stiffening element is preferably fixed by described load transfer means, and this method is further comprising the steps of afterwards in step (f):

(i) with described tubular shafts to the stiffening element turnup, make the part of itself and described load transfer means overlapping.

For the structural integrity that makes that the flexible pipe tool is good, described coil and described sheet material are preferably under the pulled condition and use.

As mentioned above, the sheet material in the step (b) preferably includes two reinforced layers that accompany a sealing layer.In most preferred embodiment, in the form of sheets an inside reinforced layer spiral is wound on described Inside coil and the mandrel, and described sealing layer spiral in the form of sheets is wound on the described inner reinforced layer then; Described external reinforcing layer in the form of sheets is wound in around the described sealing layer subsequently.Usually can adopt a plurality of sealing layers.

Described inside and external coil preferably adopt the helix structure with identical pitch, and the half pitch length that is staggeredly located of the position of external coil and Inside coil.

Before described end fitting is placed in the described flexible pipe, can be with described flexible pipe by removing on the described mandrel.Perhaps, make internal mandrel upwards slide into an end of described flexible pipe, thereby make described end fitting can be in the other parts of described flexible pipe, therefore when the other parts of described end fitting and described flexible pipe still are positioned on the mandrel, the other parts and the described end fitting of described flexible pipe can be fixed.

Certainly, each end of described flexible pipe can adopt an end fitting independently.

The present invention relates to a kind of improvement to the hose end sealing.

According to another aspect of the present invention, it provides a kind of end fitting that is used for seal tube one end, described flexible pipe comprises that one is arranged in tubular body between inside and the external helicoid winding line, that made by flexible material, it is characterized in that described end fitting comprises: an inner piece that is positioned at described flexible pipe to small part; And a seal ring that is used for sealing to small part described tubular body, described tubular body is between described seal ring and described inner piece; Wherein said Sealing comprises a seal ring and a compression piece, described compression piece is used to compress described seal ring, the described part of itself and described tubular body is sealed and matched, described compression piece can securely be resisted against on the described Sealing simultaneously, so that increase or reduce the compressive force of compression piece to Sealing selectively.

In a most preferred embodiment, described compression piece can securely be resisted against on the described Sealing, so that increase or reduce the compressive force of compression piece to Sealing selectively.

In another most preferred embodiment, described compression piece and described seal ring are installed on the described flexible pipe in a movable manner.

Therefore, according to the present invention, there is not non-response plastic deformation in the end fitting.

Described compression piece is preferably in all directions and compresses described seal ring equably.

Described compression piece preferably has adjustable diameter, and comprises that a securing means, described securing means can apply the power that a diameter that makes described compression piece reduces, thereby compression is positioned at the seal ring of described compression piece.We advise that described compression piece comprises an open loop or a small-sized clip.

In a most preferred embodiment, described compression piece contour projector when catching a cold is made less than a kind of material of described seal ring.This manufacturing for the following flexible pipe that will describe provides a kind of favourable mode.Described seal ring and described compression piece can adopt the material that is fit to arbitrarily.Many materials that have desired different contour projector when catching a cold are arranged.We advise that described compression piece adopts stainless steel, and described seal ring adopts polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).Described seal ring preferably includes the PTFE of reinforcement, as adding the PTFE of glass, in case plastic deformation.Described seal ring preferably includes the glass packing of 10%-20% weight.

Described inner piece preferably when catching a cold contour projector make less than a kind of material of described seal ring.The effect of this feature is: when end fitting was caught a cold, the contour projector of described seal ring was greater than the contour projector of described inner piece, thereby described seal ring is fastened on the described inner piece, improved sealing.Described inner piece can be made by any suitable material.Stainless steel is exactly a kind of particularly suitable material.

Preferably have at least one on the outer surface of described inner piece and be positioned at described seal ring below and and the structure of the described part combination of described tubular body.Described each construction stretch film is used to improve the sealing of described tubular part, and makes described tubular part more be difficult to by spurring between described inner piece and the described seal ring; Stretched operation can be so that film surface be more balanced and more level and smooth under the sealing situation.Described each structure preferably includes an extension around the outer surface extending circumferentially of described inner piece.Suitable is that described structure has two or three.

Best and the described inner piece interference fit of described seal ring.

In a most preferred embodiment, described end fitting also comprises an aforesaid load transfer means.

According to another aspect of the present invention, it provides a kind of flexible pipe, described flexible pipe comprises that one is arranged in tubular body between inside and the external helicoid winding line, that made by flexible material, described tubular body is used for conveyance fluid, and prevent that fluid is by the tubular body seepage, it is characterized in that described flexible pipe further comprises as mentioned above an end fitting.

Described flexible pipe bonded block can be by the frictional force between itself and the described flexible pipe and easily from the flexible pipe transmitted load.But described flexible pipe bonded block is preferably used in the standing part turnup to its outside flexible pipe.This layout makes load be passed to described flexible pipe bonded block by the turnup portion of described flexible pipe becomes possibility.Described flexible pipe turnup portion can be the part of described tubular body, but its axial stiffening device that is braiding structure preferably will be described described axial stiffening device below.

Described tubular body preferably includes at least one reinforced layer and at least one sealing layer.Comparatively it is desirable to comprise at least two reinforced layers that accompany sealing layer.Described tubular body preferably has identical feature with the top tubular body of having discussed.

Described tubular body also can comprise one or more heat insulation layers, described heat insulation layer by traditional thermoinsulation material with and/or above-mentioned tachylite cellulon make.

Described flexible pipe preferably also has aforesaid axial stiffening device.

The present invention provides a kind of method of making flexible pipe on the other hand, and it comprises the steps:

(a) on a tubulose mandrel, wind the line to form an Inside coil;

(b) on tubulose mandrel and Inside coil, twine a sheet material, to form a tubular body;

(c) on described tubular body, wind the line to form an external coil;

(d) with flexible pipe by removing on the mandrel; It is characterized in that, further comprising the steps of:

(e) opening end at described flexible pipe is provided with an inner member;

(f) seal ring is set on the outer surface of described tubular body; And

(g) compression piece is set on described seal ring, described compression piece compresses described sealed member, and itself and described tubular body and described inner member are sealed and matched.

Described compression piece preferably when catching a cold contour projector make less than a kind of material of described seal ring.Described compression piece preferably also comprises a device that is used for regulating action compressive force on described seal ring; One open loop is particularly suitable for as compression piece.This structure makes the production process an of the best become possibility.

In this production process, described compression piece acts on described Sealing, and fastened, and described then compression piece and seal ring bear at least one cooling cycle.This just makes described sealed member shrink with respect to described compression piece, and the compressive force that applies of compression piece reduces by this.When cooling continued, the compressive force that described compression piece applies was corrected to and cools off preceding roughly the same rank, and temperature raises then.This cycle can repeatedly implement as required.This cooling cycle is preferably implemented at least two or three times, and each described end fitting is cooled at least than low 5 ℃ of the operating temperature of described flexible pipe appointment.This technology has three important effects.

At first, if the operating temperature of flexible pipe is higher than chilling temperature, then described Sealing produces thermal expansion after cooling is got rid of, and therefore described compression piece will apply extra compressive force to described seal ring.

Secondly, described flexible pipe has significant sealability under the same with chilling temperature at least low temperature.When flexible pipe was used in the low temperature field, this was very important.Temperature when so, the temperature that is cooled of described flexible pipe preferably is used with it is the same low.Usually, we advise that chilling temperature is-50 ℃ or lower, comparatively it is desirable to-100 ℃ or lower, and even more ideal is-150 ℃ or lower.Cooling preferably realizes by liquid nitrogen, so chilling temperature can be low to moderate-196 ℃.

The 3rd, the hydrostatic stress that described compression piece produces makes the possibility of flexible pipe deformed damaged reduce greatly, even eliminates.

We advise described inner piece preferably when catching a cold contour projector make less than a kind of material of described seal ring.So, when end fitting was caught a cold, described seal ring can tighten described inner piece more firmly, thereby made that the sealing of end fitting is improved when flexible pipe during at low-temperature working.

Coil and sheet material be stretched working preferably, thereby provide good structural integrity for flexible pipe.

As mentioned above, the sheet material in the step (b) preferably includes two reinforced layers that accompany a sealing layer.In most preferred embodiment, in the form of sheets an inside reinforced layer spiral is wound on described Inside coil and the mandrel, and described sealing layer spiral in the form of sheets is wound in described inner reinforced layer then; Described external reinforcing helical layer in the form of sheets is wound in described sealing layer subsequently.Usually can adopt a plurality of sealing layers.

Described inside and external coil preferably adopt the helix structure with identical pitch, and the half pitch length that is staggeredly located of the position of external coil and Inside coil.

Before described end fitting is placed in the described flexible pipe, can be with described flexible pipe by removing on the described mandrel.Perhaps, make internal mandrel upwards slide into an end of described flexible pipe, thereby make described end fitting can be in the other parts of described flexible pipe, when the other parts of described end fitting and described flexible pipe still are positioned on the mandrel, the other parts and the described end fitting of described flexible pipe can be fixed then.

In above-mentioned the present invention, each fixed block is made of a spiral wrap wire usually.Helix is arranged to depart from each other half pitch usually.Helix is used for tightening therebetween tubular body securely, so that each of tubular body layer keeps relative stability, makes flexible pipe keep the integrity of structure simultaneously.Inside and outer lines can for example be low carbon steel, Austenitic Stainless Steel or aluminium.If desired, also can be zinc-plated or plate a kind of polymer.

May have a suitable tensile strength although be to be understood that the helix that constitutes fixed block, the helix of coil form means when fixed block is subjected to little axial tension and also can deform.Any remarkable distortion of coil can destroy the structural integrity of flexible pipe soon.

Can use under the temperature range widely according to flexible pipe of the present invention, the temperature more than 100 ℃ for example is from 0-100 ℃ temperature and the temperature below 0 ℃.By suitable selection material, flexible pipe can be below-20 ℃, below-50 ℃, even use below-100 ℃.For example, when transportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG), flexible pipe can be low to moderate-170 ℃, works under the perhaps lower temperature.In addition, flexible pipe also can be used for carrying liquid oxygen (boiling point-183 ℃) or liquid nitrogen (boiling point-196 ℃), and in this case, flexible pipe need be worked under-200 ℃ or lower temperature.

Can have different operating modes according to flexible pipe of the present invention.The inside diameter ranges of flexible pipe generally can be more typically from about 8 inches (203 millimeters) to about 16 inches (406 millimeters) from about 2 inches (51 millimeters) to about 24 inches (610 millimeters).The range of working pressure of flexible pipe generally is from 500 kPas to 2000 kPas, perhaps can be above 2500 kPas.These pressure relevant with the working pressure of flexible pipe are not burst pressure (burst pressure should be several times of working pressure).Volume flow rate depends on flowing medium, pressure and internal diameter.Its scope is normally from 1000 cubic metres/hour to 1200 cubic metres/hour.

Also can be used for Corrosive Materia according to flexible pipe of the present invention, as strong acid.

Description of drawings

To describe accompanying drawing below, wherein:

Fig. 1 is the schematic representation of the stress that the time may be subjected in theory in work according to flexible pipe of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is the schematic cross sectional view according to flexible pipe of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is the sectional view according to a reinforced layer of flexible pipe of the present invention;

Fig. 4 A is that wherein axially strengthening sleeve is in relaxed state according to a tubular shafts of flexible pipe of the present invention sectional view to strengthening sleeve;

Fig. 4 B is that wherein axially strengthening sleeve is in tensioning state according to a tubular shafts of flexible pipe of the present invention sectional view to strengthening sleeve;

Fig. 5 A, 5B, 5C and 5D are four kinds of behaviours in service according to flexible pipe of the present invention;

Fig. 6 is the sectional drawing according to flexible pipe sealing layer of the present invention;

Fig. 7 is the more detailed sectional drawing of the heat insulation layer of flexible pipe shown in Figure 2; And

Fig. 8 is the generalized section according to the end fitting of flexible pipe of the present invention.

Embodiment

Fig. 1 shows the stress that a flexible pipe H is subjected in use usually.Arrow HS represents circumferential stress, and this stress is along the tangent direction effect of flexible pipe H circumference.Arrow A S represents axial stress, and this stress axially acts on along the length direction of flexible pipe H.Arrow FS represents flexural stress, and when hose bending, this stress laterally acts on the longitudinal axis of flexible pipe H.Arrow TS represents warping stress, and this warping stress acts on the longitudinal axis of described flexible pipe.Arrow C S represents extrusion stress, and this stress comes from the load that acts radially on flexible pipe H outside.

Circumferential stress HS is caused by the pressure of fluid among the flexible pipe H.Axial stress AS is produced by the fluid in the described flexible pipe, is also produced jointly by the weight of fluid in the described flexible pipe and the weight of described flexible pipe H self simultaneously.Mobile cause of flexural stress FS when making that degree of crook that the correct location of flexible pipe H is required and described flexible pipe H use.Warping stress TS is caused by reversing of described flexible pipe.Existing flexible pipe can bear circumferential stress HS, flexural stress FS and TS usually, but seldom can bear axial stress AS.Based on this reason, when existing flexible pipe is subjected to very big axial stress AS, minimize in order to make described axial stress AS, it must be supported.

The invention solves the problem of bearing axial stress AS.In Fig. 2, flexible pipe is represented with reference character 10 usually.For the sake of clarity, the coiling group of each layer is not shown among Fig. 2 and other figure.

Flexible pipe 10 comprises a tubular body 12, and described tubular body 12 comprises an inner reinforced layer 14, an external reinforcing layer 16 and a sealing layer 18 that is clipped between the reinforced layer 14,16.An outer surface setting that plays the tubular casing 20 of axial reinforing function along described external reinforcing layer 16.

Described tubular body 12 and tubular casing 20 are between an internal helicoid winding line 22 and external helicoid winding line 24.Described inside and external helicoid winding line 22,24 depart from half pitch length each other.

A heat insulation layer 26 is provided with around described outer helix 24.Described heat insulation layer can adopt existing thermoinsulation material, as the plastic foam material, and the perhaps following material relevant that will describe with Fig. 7.

Described reinforced layer 14 and 16 comprises the Textile Fibre Product of being made by a kind of composite, as UHMWPE or aramid fibre.Fig. 3 shows inner reinforced layer 14, can find out obviously that therefrom described inner reinforced layer 14 comprises along the fiber 14a of warp-wise W setting and the fiber 14b that is provided with along broadwise F.For the sake of clarity, Fig. 3 only shows inner reinforced layer 14.We are surprised to find that, the angle of the longitudinal axis of the warp-wise W of described reinforced layer 14 and described flexible pipe 10 is arranged to one less than 20 ℃ and be generally 15 ℃ angle, and the axial strength of flexible pipe 10 can be improved.This angle is represented with symbol at Fig. 3.The structure and the orientation of the structure of described external reinforcing layer 16 and orientation and inner reinforced layer 14 are the same in fact.The angle [alpha] of the angle [alpha] of described external reinforcing layer 16 and described inner reinforced layer 14 can be identical or different.

Described sealing layer 18 comprises multilaminate coiled plastic films on the outer surface of described inner reinforced layer 14, and it provides fluid-tight sealing between described inside and external reinforcing layer 14 and 16.

Described flexible pipe 10 also comprises a reinforced layer (not shown) between described tubular casing 20 and outer helix 24.Described reinforced layer has similar characteristic to described tubular casing 20 with outer helix 24.

Described tubular casing 20 is tubular braids that are made of two groups of fiber 20a and 20b.Described tubular casing 20 is shown in Fig. 4 A and Fig. 4 B, in these figure, for the sake of clarity, only shows tubular casing 20.Between two groups of fiber 20a and 20b, have space 28, thereby when tubular casing 20 was subjected to axial tension, fiber 20a and 20b can shrink and move to space 28.The diameter that this can reduce described tubular casing 20 to a certain extent is fastened on the described tubular body 12 it, thereby has strengthened the structural integrity of flexible pipe, and makes the cracking pressure of flexible pipe 10 increase.Fig. 4 B shows the tubular casing 20 that is under the tensioning situation.

Fig. 6 shows in detail sealing layer 18.Being provided with of described sealing layer 18 increased the resistivity of described flexible pipe to flexural stress FS and circumferential stress HS.

As shown in Figure 6, sealing layer 18 comprises multilayer 18a, wherein each the layer make by first kind of polymer (as the UHMWPE of a high orientation), and and every layer of multilayer 18b arranged alternate of making by second kind of polymer (as PFTE or FEP), two kinds of polymer have different hardness.Described multilayer 18a and 18b are wound in the outer surface of described inner reinforced layer 14, thereby provide a kind of liquid close sealing between described inside and external reinforcing layer 14 and 16.As mentioned above, described multilayer 18a and 18b need not to be provided with in the mode that replaces.For example, all multilayer 18a can put together, and all multilayer 18b can put together.

Fig. 7 shows in detail heat insulation layer 26.Described heat insulation layer 26 is mainly used in the heat insulation of the resistivity that improves 10 couples of flexural stress FS of flexible pipe and flexible pipe.

Described heat insulation layer 26 comprises an internal layer 26a, and described internal layer 26a is made of a kind of polyurethane that puts on described tubular body 12 and the outer helix 24 with injection, cast or alternate manner.After the sclerosis, layer of polyurethane 26a has formed a solid matrix that described outer lines 24 embeds wherein.This helps the location of described outer lines 24.In most preferred embodiment, has bubble among the described internal layer 26a.

Described heat insulation layer 26 comprises a layer 26b who is positioned on the internal layer 26a.Described layer 26b is made of the fibroplastic cellulon of tachylite.Described layer 26b provides most heat-shielding performance for flexible pipe 10.

Described heat insulation layer 26 also comprises one deck 26c that is positioned on layer 26b.Described layer 26c is made of UHMWPE, as DYNEEMA or SPECTRA.Described layer 26c is mainly used in opposing circumferential stress and flexural stress.

Described heat insulation layer 26 also comprises a compression layer 26d.Compression layer 26d plays the described layer of compression 26b, and we find that the insulative properties of tachylite layer of fibers 26b is improved widely after being compressed simultaneously.Described compression layer 26d can comprise a rope or a rope that for example is wound in tightly on the described layer 26c.Described compression layer 26d preferably includes an axial strengthening sleeve similar with above-mentioned tubular casing 20.

The other one layer of polyurethane (not shown) with bubble can be positioned on the compression layer 26d, with further insulating characteristics and the buoyancy that improves flexible pipe 10.The layer of polyurethane (not shown) that another does not comprise bubble can be set comprising on the layer of polyurethane of bubble.Described other layer of polyurethane can be additionally or is arranged at as an alternative on the described compression layer 26d.Described interior layer 26a self comprises that bubble also is possible.

Described flexible pipe 10 can form by following technology.In order to obtain a spiral structure with desirable pitch, the first step is wound in (not shown) on the support mandrel with inner wire 22.The internal diameter of the diameter of support mandrel and desired flexible pipe 10 is consistent.Inner then reinforced layer 14 is wound on described inner wire 22 and the support mandrel, makes its warp-wise W be configured to desired angle α.

The multilayer plastic film 18a and the 18b that constitute sealing layer 18 are wound on the outer surface of described inner reinforced layer 14 subsequently.The length of film 18a and 18b is usually less than the length of flexible pipe 10, thereby a plurality of independent film 18a and 18b must be wound on the described interior layer 14. Film 18a and 18b are preferably along the thickness direction arranged alternate of sealing layer 18.Usually, on the sealing layer thickness direction, have five layers of independent film 18a and 18b.

Described then external reinforcing layer 16 is wound on the sealing layer 18, makes its warp-wise W be configured to desired angle α (described angle can be α, perhaps near other angle of α).Described tubular shafts is pulled to the outside of described external reinforcing layer 16 to strengthening sleeve 20.Another reinforced layer and then be wound on the described axial strengthening sleeve 20.

In order to obtain a helix structure with desirable pitch, an outer lines 24 is wound on described another reinforced layer 20.The pitch of described outer lines 24 generally equals the pitch of described inner wire 22, and described outer lines 24 is positioned at the position of departing from described internal helicoid line 22 half pitch length; This is illustrated at Fig. 2, and wherein p represents pitch.

A kind of then polyurethane resin is sprayed on the outer surface of described reinforced layer, thereby forms one deck resin cover on described reinforced layer and outer lines 24.Can form described internal layer 26a behind the described hardening of resin.Have bubble in order to make in the internal layer, can be before described hardening of resin (usually spray or colouring before) to injecting gas wherein.Subsequently, described tachylite layer of fibers 26b is wound on the described layer of polyurethane 26a, and described UHMWPE layer 26c is wound on the described tachylite layer of fibers 26b.At last, described compression layer 26d acts on the described layer 26c.

By the lining turnup on the inserting member that will be positioned at described flexible pipe 10 inside, can seal the end of described flexible pipe 10.This ending step is removed the back on by described mandrel at described flexible pipe 10 usually and is implemented.

End fitting 200 as shown in Figure 8 can be so that the end of described flexible pipe 10 be sealed.In Fig. 8, for the sake of clarity, flexible pipe 10 is not shown.End fitting 200 comprises that one has the tubular inner piece 202 of a hose end 202a and a terminal 202b.Described end fitting 202 also comprises a Sealing, and described Sealing comprises a PTFE seal ring 204 and the stainless steel open loop 206 around PTFE seal ring 204.

Described end fitting 200 also comprises a load transfer means, and described load transfer means comprises a flexible pipe bonded block 208, a load transmitting components 210 and a discoid end piece 212.Described load transmitting components comprises a disc-shaped plate 214 and at least one loading transfer bar 216.In Fig. 2, have two bars 216, but the bar 216 with three or more quantity also is possible.Has a tightening nut 218 on described each bar 216.The hole 212a and the 214a that have mounting rod 216 on the described plate 212 and 214 respectively.

Described each plate 212 and 214 can be a Simon plate, and described flexible pipe bonded block 202 can be a Ged ring, and described open loop 206 can be an Eric ring.

Described plate 212 also comprises hole 212b, and the terminal 202b of described inner piece 202 has hole 202c simultaneously.Fixing bolt 220 is arranged in hole 202b and 212b, so that described plate 212 is fixed on the terminal 202a of described inner piece 202.Have two fixing bolts 220 and relevant hole among Fig. 2, but be understood that the quantity of fixing bolt 220 and associated orifices is the amount doesn't matter.

Described flexible pipe bonded block 208 has an internal helicoid groove 208a, and the outer lines 24 of described flexible pipe 10 is passed described internal recess.Described inner piece 202 has an external helicoid groove 202d, and described inner wire 22 is passed described outer grooves.As seen from Figure 2, be similar to described inner wire and outer lines 22 and 24, described groove 208a and 202d be half pitch length p at interval.

Inner piece 202 has two extension 202e along the circumferential direction, and described extending area is in the below of described seal ring 204.Extension 202e is used to strengthen the sealing of the described tubular part 20 between described inner piece 202 and described seal ring 204, and can prevent that described tubular element unexpectedly is pulled to incorrect position.

Described flexible pipe 10 as described below being fixed on the end fitting 200.Described inner piece 202 is screwed onto the end of described flexible pipe 10, thereby makes described flexible pipe 10 near described plate 212.Described inner wire 22 is placed among the groove 202d, and described outer lines 24 is placed among the described groove 208a.Described inner wire 22 and outer lines 24 are blocked, in case it exceeds groove 202d and 208a along described inner piece 202 extensions.Described heat insulation layer 26 is also blocked at this place.Described inner reinforced layer 14 is also blocked at this place, and perhaps the somewhere before it arrives described seal ring 204 is blocked.This just means that described sealing layer 18 directly combines with the outer surface of described inner piece 202.Yet the other parts of described tubular body 12 can extended on the described inner piece 202 between described inner piece 202 and the described seal ring 204.

Described then flexible pipe bonded block 208 is subjected to fastening and is clamped on the flexible pipe 10, thereby forms firm combining with described flexible pipe 10.Fastening described nut 218 makes flexible pipe 10 produce some axial tensions, thereby causes the motion of system.These power are passed to the terminal 202b of described plate 214, described bar 216, described plate 212 and described inner piece 202 by described flexible pipe bonded block 208.Described tubular part 20 is pulled to the upper surface of described flexible pipe bonded block 208, and is fixed on along on the extension 208b that extend on the surface on the described flexible pipe bonded block 208.

Described tubular body 12 extends below described seal ring 204.After described flexible pipe bonded block 208 and described nut 218 were fastened, fastening described open loop 206 was so that the power that described seal ring 204 acts on the described tubular body 12 increases.

Liquid nitrogen is cooled to a low temperature with described end fitting 200 then.At this moment, the contour projector of the more described open loop 206 of the contour projector of described seal ring 204 is big, thereby the compressive force that described open loop 206 acts on the described seal ring 204 reduces.When described open loop 206 and described seal ring 204 were in a low relatively temperature, described open loop 206 was by fastening once more.Temperature rises to ambient temperature subsequently, and at this moment, described seal ring 204 makes the compressive force that acts on the described seal ring increase with respect to described open loop 206 bigger expansions.

This has just realized the end assembling of described flexible pipe 10.Described flexible pipe bonded block 208 provides some sealings for the end of described flexible pipe 10, and helps to produce axial force along described seal ring 204 on described flexible pipe 10.Other sealing of described flexible pipe 10 is provided by described seal ring 204.

Fig. 5 A to Fig. 5 D shows three kinds of application of described flexible pipe 10.In Fig. 5 A to Fig. 5 C, floating storage and unloader box (FPSO) 102 link to each other with a LNG toter 104 according to flexible pipe 10 of the present invention by one.Described flexible pipe 10 is delivered to LNG the holding vessel of a LNG toter 104 by a FPSO storage tank 102.In Fig. 5 A, described flexible pipe 10 is positioned on the sea level 106.In Fig. 5 B, described flexible pipe 10 is positioned under the sea level 106.In Fig. 5 C, described flexible pipe 10 contiguous sea level.In each case, flexible pipe 10 need not any intermediate support and can carry LNG.In Fig. 5 D, described LNG toter links to each other with a land memory device 108 by flexible pipe 10.

Except the application shown in Fig. 5 A to Fig. 5 C, described flexible pipe 10 can be used under multiple other occasion.Described flexible pipe can be used under low temperature or non-low temperature condition.

Obviously, can improve the present invention recited above.For example, described tubular casing 20 can be positioned at the outside of described outer lines 24.Simultaneously, described flexible pipe 10 can comprise auxiliary reinforced layer 14,18, sealing layer 16 with and/or tubular casing 20.One deck among the described sealing layer 18a or multilayer or all layers can be the metallic thin films that is covered with polymer, or are coated with the thin polymer film of metal.Similarly, one deck among the described sealing layer 18b or multilayer or all layers can be the metallic thin films that is covered with polymer, or are coated with the thin polymer film of metal.

Claims (19)

1, a kind of end fitting (200) that is used for the end ending of flexible pipe (10), described flexible pipe comprises that one is arranged in tubular body (12) between inside and the external helicoid shape coil, that made by flexible material, it is characterized in that described end fitting comprises: an inner piece (202) that is suitable for being arranged in described flexible pipe to small part; A Sealing that is suitable for sealing to small part described tubular body, described tubular body are fully along circumferentially between described Sealing and described inner piece; And load transfer means independently, described load transfer means is suitable for around the thrust load of described Sealing transfer function on described flexible pipe, thereby reduce or eliminate the thrust load on the described flexible pipe between described Sealing and the described inner piece, described Sealing comprises an inner sealing ring (204) and an outside open loop (206), described outside open loop (206) can be fastened, so that strengthen combining of described seal ring and described tubular body and described inner piece.

2, end fitting as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that, it is cylindric that described inner piece becomes substantially, and simultaneously described seal ring is suitable for admitting described inner piece, thereby make described tubular body can be stuck between the internal surface of the outer surface of described inner piece and described seal ring.

3, end fitting as claimed in claim 1 or 2 is characterized in that, described open loop is a stainless steel, and described seal ring is a teflon.

4, end fitting as claimed in claim 1 or 2, it is characterized in that, described load transfer means comprises a flexible pipe bonded block (208), a load transmitting components (210) and an end piece (212) that is fixed on the described inner piece, described Sealing is between described load transmitting components and described end piece, and described flexible pipe bonded block links to each other by described load transmitting components with described end piece.

5, end fitting as claimed in claim 4 is characterized in that, the combination of described flexible pipe bonded block and the described flexible pipe power of section axial at least in the described flexible pipe that makes is passed to described flexible pipe bonded block by described flexible pipe.

6, end fitting as claimed in claim 4, it is characterized in that, described load transmitting components comprises a load transmission plate (214), it has one makes described flexible pipe pass wherein hole (212b), described load transmission plate has a surface that can combine with described flexible pipe bonded block, thereby makes load to be passed to this load transmission plate by described flexible pipe bonded block.

7, end fitting as claimed in claim 6, it is characterized in that, described load transmitting components also comprises a loading transfer bar that is fixed between described load transmission plate and the described end piece, so that load is passed to described end piece by described load transmission plate.

8, end fitting as claimed in claim 4, it is characterized in that, described inner piece has one and be suitable for the hose end (202a) of extending in an end of described flexible pipe, and a end (202b) away from hose end, described end piece is positioned at a side of described Sealing, and being close to this end, described flexible pipe bonded block is positioned at the opposite side of described Sealing simultaneously, and is close to described hose end.

9, a kind of flexible pipe, described flexible pipe comprises that one is arranged in tubular body between the inside and outside spiral wrap wire, that made by flexible material, described tubular body is used for conveyance fluid and prevents fluid leaks, it is characterized in that, described flexible pipe also comprise one described as arbitrary claim among the claim 1-8, be placed in as described in the end fitting of an end of flexible pipe.

10, flexible pipe as claimed in claim 9 is characterized in that, described tubular body extends between described inner piece and described Sealing.

As claim 9 or 10 described flexible pipes, it is characterized in that 11, described tubular body comprises at least one reinforced layer and at least one sealing layer.

12, a kind of flexible pipe, described flexible pipe comprises that one is arranged in tubular body between the inside and outside spiral wrap wire, that made by flexible material, described tubular body is used for conveyance fluid and prevents fluid leaks, it is characterized in that, described flexible pipe also comprises the end fitting of as claimed in claim 4, the end that is placed in described flexible pipe, and described flexible pipe bonded block is suitable for fixedly turnup to the part of the described flexible pipe of its outside.

13, flexible pipe as claimed in claim 12 is characterized in that, also comprises one around described tubular body and be the axial stiffening device of a basketwork structure, and described braided fabric is the part of turnup to the flexible pipe of described tubular body outside.

As claim 12 or 13 described flexible pipes, it is characterized in that 14, described tubular body extends between described inner piece and described Sealing.

As claim 12 or 13 described flexible pipes, it is characterized in that 15, described tubular body comprises at least one reinforced layer and at least one sealing layer.

16, a kind of method of making flexible pipe comprises:

(a) on a tubulose mandrel, wind the line to form an Inside coil;

(b) on described tubulose mandrel and described Inside coil, twine a sheet material, with the tubular body that provides to form by sheet material;

(c) on described tubular body, wind the line to form an external coil; And

(d) from described mandrel, described flexible pipe is removed;

It is characterized in that, further comprising the steps of:

(e) place an inner piece at an opening end of described flexible pipe;

(f) load transfer means is fixed on the outer surface of described flexible pipe; And

(g) Sealing that will comprise inner sealing ring and outside open loop is fixed on the outer surface of described tubular body, and fastening described outside open loop, so that strengthen combining of described seal ring and described tubular body and described inner piece.

17, method as claimed in claim 16, it is characterized in that, described load transfer means is used for the thrust load of transfer function between described flexible pipe and described inner piece, so that described thrust load is transferred around described Sealing, thus any thrust load of elimination on the described flexible pipe between described Sealing and the described inner piece.

18, as claim 16 or 17 described methods, it is characterized in that, further comprising the steps of between step (b) and step (c):

(h) tubular shafts is enclosed within a free end of described mandrel to stiffening element, thereby makes described mandrel in described axial stiffening element, extend, spur described axial stiffening element along described mandrel then, so that its part covers described tubular body.

19, method as claimed in claim 18 is characterized in that, described axial stiffening element is fixed by described load transfer means, and further comprising the steps of afterwards in step (f):

(i) with described tubular shafts to the stiffening element turnup to the part of described load transfer means.

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