Monitoring system for reciprocating pumps

Inactive Publication Date: 2013-09-12
S P M FLOW CONTROL
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a pump assembly with a computer that can store and analyze data about the pump's operation. The computer can also have a port that allows an operator to download the data for analysis and monitoring purposes. The computer can have a replaceable memory device that can be easily retrieved and replaced after certain periods of operation. The technical effect is that the invention provides a way to collect and analyze pump data over a long period of operation, and to easily replace the memory device for further analysis.

Problems solved by technology

Typically, these service pumps run for relatively short periods of time but on a frequent basis.
A pump might be performing poorly, yet the operator not know.
Continuous monitoring of the pump through testing companies is not practical.
Moreover, during operations, the pressure of the fluid inside of the pump can become quite high which makes it difficult to obtain readings of pressures within the pump at certain locations without leakage.
Operators typically will not often use the testing equipment due to the cost associated with the testing companies.
Accordingly, operators are often left in the situation of not knowing what the performance conditions of a pump for long periods of time.

Method used

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  • Monitoring system for reciprocating pumps
  • Monitoring system for reciprocating pumps
  • Monitoring system for reciprocating pumps

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0017]Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, reciprocating pump or pump assembly 12 includes a monitoring assembly 11 is shown attached to a reciprocating pump 12. In the preferred embodiment, reciprocating pump 12 includes a crankshaft housing 13 that comprises a majority of the outer surface of reciprocating pump 12 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. A plunger or piston rod housing 15 attaches to a side of crankshaft housing 13 and extends to a cylinder 17. Each cylinder 17 preferably includes a fluid inlet 19 and a fluid outlet 21 (FIG. 2). As best shown in FIG. 3, a cover plate 22 connects to an end of each cylinder 17 opposite from the piston rod housing 15. While pump 12 is shown in FIG. 4 as free-standing on the ground, pump 12 can easily be mounted to a trailer that can be towed between operational sites, or to a skid such as for offshore operations. Accordingly a pump assembly is defined as including either a pump 12 mounted directly to the ground or support structure, a skid, or a trailer.

[0018...

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Abstract

A reciprocating pump assembly includes a pump housing that houses a crankshaft. Pistons are mechanically connected to the crankshaft for pumping fluid through cylinders. Each cylinder has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The pump also has a monitoring housing connected to the reciprocating pump. Within the monitoring housing is a computer with memory. Pressure sensor assemblies sense a pressure value of a fluid within the pump, and are in electrical communication with the memory. An accelerometer positioned on the pump measures vibrations of the pump and is also in electrical communication with the memory for storage of sensed vibrations or displacements during operations. A proximity sensor in electrical communication with the memory is located within the pump housing to determine the rotational velocity of the crankshaft.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This nonprovisional patent application claims the benefit of co-pending, provisional patent application U.S. Ser. No. 60 / 465,043, filed on Apr. 24, 2003, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates generally to reciprocating pumps, more specifically to an apparatus for monitoring operating conditions of the reciprocating pump.[0004]2. Background of the Invention[0005]In oil field operations, reciprocating pumps are often used for various purposes. Some reciprocating pumps, generally known as “service pumps,” are typically used for operations such cementing, acidizing, or fracing the well. Typically, these service pumps run for relatively short periods of time but on a frequent basis. Often they are mounted to a truck or a skid for transport to various well sites. A pump might operate several times a week. Many times, several pumps will be connected in...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): F01B25/00F04B49/10F04B51/00
CPCF04B51/00F04B2201/0804F01B25/04F04B2205/05F01B25/00F04B2203/0206
InventorMATZNER, MARK D.KIGHT, RUSSELL D.
OwnerS P M FLOW CONTROL