Tunable Valve Assembly

Abstract

Tunable valve assemblies attenuate valve-generated vibration at one or more predetermined assembly resonant frequencies which are typically altered to correspond to specific pump housing resonant frequencies. Each tunable valve assembly comprises a valve body having a peripheral groove spaced radially apart from a central reservoir. An adjustable flange may be coupled to the valve body for imposing a predetermined shear preload by partially constraining a viscoelastic element in the reservoir. One or more valve assembly resonant frequencies are thus predictably altered. Further, the associated valve-generated vibration spectrum is narrowed, and its amplitude is reduced through hysteresis loss of closing impulse energy at each predetermined assembly resonant frequency. Assembly resonant frequencies are additionally or alternatively altered through choice of viscoelastic elements and inclusions (e.g., shear-thickening materials) in the reservoir and / or peripheral groove. Peripheral groove fenestrations increase valve assembly responsiveness to longitudinal compressive force while stabilizing peripheral groove elements.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention relates generally to reciprocating high-pressure pumps, and more specifically to the valves of such pumps.BACKGROUND[0002]Reciprocating high-pressure pumps (commonly called frac pumps) are often used in oil and gas fields for hydraulic fracturing of rock formations to increase hydrocarbon yields. Such pumps are often truck-mounted for easy relocation from well-to-well. And they are usually designed in two sections: the (proximal) power section (herein “power end”) and the (distal) fluid section (herein “fluid end”). Each pump fluid end comprises at least one (and typically three or more) subassemblies, with each subassembly comprising a portion of (or substantially the entirety of) a pump fluid end subassembly housing (shortened herein to “pump housing”).[0003]For each pump fluid end subassembly, its pump housing comprises a pumping chamber in fluid communication with a suction bore, a discharge bore, and a piston / plunger bore. A suction val...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The tunable valve assemblies effectively attenuate valve-generated vibrations at critical frequencies, reducing the amplitude and spectrum of vibrations transmitted to the pump housing, leading to extended service life and reduced maintenance costs by dissipating energy as heat and minimizing resonance-induced fatigue.

Problems solved by technology

Vibration of pump housings at such frequencies is best minimized for the same reason that soldiers break step when they march over a bridge—because even relatively small amounts of vibration energy applied at the bridge's resonant frequency can cause catastrophic bridge failure.

Images