Power end of reciprocating pump

Abstract

The invention relates to a power end of a reciprocating pump. A power end frame of a reciprocating pump includes a plate and a ring configured to be coupled to the plate in an assembled configuration of the power end frame. The ring and the plate collectively define a compartment inside the power end frame, the compartment configured to surround a crankshaft of the reciprocating pump, the ring including a base surface and a flange extending from the base surface such that an interface surface of the flange is offset from the base surface, the base surface facing the compartment of the power end frame, and the interface surface configured to abut against the plate in an assembled configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of high-pressure reciprocating pumps, in particular to the power end of a high-pressure reciprocating pump. Background Art

[0002] High pressure reciprocating pumps are often used to deliver high pressure fluids during surface drilling operations. Typically, a reciprocating pump includes a power end and a fluid end. The power end can generate sufficient force to cause the fluid end to deliver high pressure fluids to the surface drilling operation. For example, the power end includes a crankshaft that drives a plurality of reciprocating plungers or pistons near or within the fluid end to pump fluid at high pressure. The power end also includes a frame that supports and surrounds components of the power end (e.g., a crankshaft). The frame is arranged to withstand stresses (e.g., mechanically induced stresses, hydraulically induced stresses) generated during the operation of the reciprocating pump so that the reciprocating pump has ideal performance. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a power end frame of a reciprocating pump. The technology discussed in the present invention can be embodied as a power end frame, a method for assembling a reciprocating pump, and a ring of the power end frame.

[0004] More specifically, according to at least one embodiment, the present application relates to a power end frame of a reciprocating pump, comprising a plate and a ring. The ring is configured to be coupled to the plate in an assembled configuration of the power end frame, such that the ring and the plate together define a compartment inside the power end frame, the compartment being configured to surround a crankshaft of the reciprocating pump. The ring includes a base surface and a flange extending from the base surface, such that an interface surface of the flange is offset from the base surface. The base surface faces the compartment of the power end frame, and the interface surface is configured to abut against the plate in the assembled configuration.

[0005] According to another embodiment, the present application is directed to a method of manufacturing a power end frame of a reciprocating pump. The method includes providing a ring having a flange extending from a base surface of the ring, abutting the flange of the ring against a plate, and applying solder along the flange to secure the ring and the plate together so that the base surface is located in a compartment inside the power end frame.

[0006] According to yet another embodiment, the present application is directed to a ring of a power end frame of a reciprocating pump. The ring includes a base surface and a flange extending from the base surface to form a recess in a compartment located inside the power end frame. The flange includes an interface surface configured to abut against a plate of the power end frame, and the interface surface is offset from the base surface.

[0007] The above advantages and features will become apparent in view of the accompanying drawings and detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] In order to make the specification complete and for a better understanding of the present application, a set of drawings is provided. The drawings constitute an integral part of the present specification and illustrate embodiments of the present application, which should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present invention but should be used only as examples. The drawings include the following views:

[0009] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a prior art reciprocating pump including a fluid end and a power end.

[0010] Figure 2A yes Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view of a prior art reciprocating pump.

[0011] Figure 2B yes Figure 1 A front perspective view of a prior art power end.

[0012] Figure 3 is a side perspective view of a power end frame of a reciprocating pump according to an example embodiment of the present application.

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A side perspective view of the ring of the power end frame.

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A side perspective view of a plate of the power end frame.

[0015] Figure 6 is along Figure 4 The line AA intercepts Figure 4 Cross-section of the ring.

[0016] Figure 7 is along Figure 3 The line BB intercepts Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of the power end frame.

[0017] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A detailed view of a portion of Figure 7 Details of C.

[0018] Fig. 9 yes Figure 3 Top perspective view of the power end frame.

[0019] Fig.10 is a flow chart of a method for manufacturing a power end frame according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0020] Throughout the present invention, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The following description should not be considered limiting but is merely intended to illustrate the general principles of the invention. Embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example with reference to the above-mentioned drawings showing elements and results according to the invention.

[0022] Generally, the present application relates to a power end frame of a reciprocating pump. The power end frame includes a plate and a ring connected to each other to define a compartment inside the power end frame. The ring includes a base facing the compartment and a flange extending from the base so that the interface surface of the flange deviates from the base and forms a recess in the compartment of the power end frame. The plate is configured to abut against the interface surface so that the flange of the plate and the ring form an external groove together, which is configured to receive solder to connect the plate and the ring to each other. The flange enables welding to be applied away from the recess (e.g., bend, curve, corner), and stress may be concentrated at the recess during the operation of the reciprocating pump. In this way, stress is concentrated away from the weld to maintain the application of welding, thereby maintaining the structural integrity of the power end frame. Therefore, the flange can improve the durability of the power end frame and reduce the downtime of the reciprocating pump. In addition, the position of the weld and the geometric shape of the plate and ring presented herein, the automatic welding process can form a weld around the entire power end frame in one pass.

[0023] refer to Figure 1 , a prior art reciprocating pump 100 is shown. The reciprocating pump 100 includes a power end 102 and a fluid end 104. The power end 102 includes a crankshaft that drives a plurality of reciprocating plungers or pistons (commonly referred to as "reciprocating elements") within the fluid end 104 to pump fluid at high pressure (e.g., causing the fluid end 104 to deliver the high pressure fluid to a surface drilling operation). For example, the power end 102 can be configured to support a hydraulic fracturing (i.e., hydraulic fracturing) operation, in which a hydraulic fracturing fluid (e.g., a mixture of water and sand) is injected into a rock formation at high pressure to allow oil and natural gas to be extracted from the rock formation. However, it should be understood that this example is not intended to be limiting, and the present application can be applicable to hydraulic fracturing operations and drilling operations, as well as any other suitable operations.

[0024] In any case, the reciprocating pump 100 may be generally very large and may be supported, for example, by a semi-trailer tractor ("semi-trailer") that can move the reciprocating pump 100 to or from the well. Specifically, in some cases, the semi-trailer can remove the reciprocating pump 100 from the well to perform maintenance on the reciprocating pump 100. However, the reciprocating pump 100 is usually removed from the well only when a replacement pump (and the associated semi-trailer) can be moved to the well location, which may be rare. Therefore, typically, the reciprocating pump 100 at the well is shut down and maintained while the reciprocating pump 100 remains in the well. If it were not for such maintenance, the reciprocating pump 100 could run continuously to extract oil and gas (or perform any other operation). Therefore, any improvement that can extend the service life of the components of the reciprocating pump 100, extend the time between maintenance operations (i.e., the time between downtimes), and / or minimize the time to complete maintenance operations (minimize downtime) is highly desired.

[0025] Still refer to Figure 1 But now combined with Figure 2A , the reciprocating pump 100 pumps fluid into and out of the pumping chamber 208 . Figure 2A 1 shows a side cross-sectional view of a reciprocating pump 100, taken along a central axis 209 of one of the reciprocating elements 202 included in the reciprocating pump 100. Thus, Figure 2A A single pumping chamber 208 is depicted. However, it should be understood that the fluid end 104 may include multiple pumping chambers 208 arranged side by side. In fact, in at least some embodiments (e.g., Figure 1 In some embodiments, the housing 206 of the fluid end 104 forms a plurality of pumping chambers 208, and each pumping chamber 208 includes a reciprocating element 202 that reciprocates within the housing 206. However, the side-by-side pumping chambers 208 are not necessarily defined by a single housing 206. For example, in some embodiments, the fluid end 104 may be modular, and different housing segments may house one or more pumping chambers 208. In any case, one or more pumping chambers 208 are arranged side by side so that corresponding conduits are positioned adjacent to each other and produce substantially parallel pumping actions. Specifically, with each stroke of the reciprocating element 202, low-pressure fluid is drawn into the pumping chamber 208 and high-pressure fluid is discharged. Such operation of the reciprocating pump 100, such as the movement of the crankshaft 103, the movement of the reciprocating element 202, and / or the flow of fluid, may exert stress on different parts of the power end 102. The stress can affect the structural integrity of the power end 102. Therefore, maintenance operations (e.g., inspection, replacement, repair) may be performed on the power end 102 to ensure continued operation of the reciprocating pump 100.

[0026] In various embodiments, the fluid end 104 can have different shapes and / or different features, but can still generally perform the same function, define similar structures, and accommodate similar components. For example, while the fluid end 104 includes a first hole 204 that intersects the inlet hole 212 and the outlet hole 222 at an oblique angle, other fluid ends can include any number of holes arranged along any desired one or more angles, for example, intersecting the hole 204 (and / or the approach hole) substantially orthogonally and / or making two or more holes substantially coaxial. Generally, the hole 212 and the hole 222 and any other holes (i.e., segments, conduits, etc.) can intersect to form a pumping chamber 208, which can be cylindrical or non-cylindrical, and can define an opening at the outer surface 210 of the housing 206. In addition, the hole 212 and the hole 222 and any other holes (i.e., segments, conduits, etc.) can receive various components or structures, such as a sealing assembly or its components.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet aperture 212 defines a fluid path through the fluid end 104 that connects the pumping chamber 208 to the tubing system 106 that delivers fluid to the fluid end 104. At the same time, the outlet aperture 222 allows the compressed fluid to exit the fluid end 104. Thus, in operation, the apertures 212 and 222 can include valve components 51 and 52 (e.g., one-way valves), respectively, that allow the apertures 212 and 222 to be selectively opened and deliver fluid through the fluid end 104. Typically, the valve component 51 in the inlet aperture 212 can be opened through the tubing system 106 (see Figure 1 ) is fixed in the inlet hole 212. At the same time, the valve member 52 in the outlet hole 222 can be fixed in the outlet hole 222 by the closing component 53. Figure 2A In the prior art example shown in , the closure assembly 53 is removably coupled to the fluid end 104 by threads.

[0028] In operation, fluid may enter the fluid end 104 via the outer opening of the inlet aperture 212 and exit the fluid end 104 via the outer opening of the outlet aperture 222. More specifically, fluid may enter the inlet aperture 212 via a conduit of the conduit system 106, flow through the pumping chamber 208 (due to the reciprocating motion of the reciprocating element 202), and then enter the channel 108 through the outlet aperture 222 (see Figure 1 ). However, tubing 106 and passageway 108 are merely exemplary conduits, and in various embodiments, fluid end 104 may receive and discharge fluid via any number of tubing and / or conduits along a path of any desired size or shape.

[0029] Together, each bore 204 at least partially defines a cylinder for the reciprocating element 202 and / or connects the housing 206 to a cylinder for the reciprocating element 202. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the housing segment 207 houses the packing assembly 36, which is configured to seal the reciprocating element 202 within the packing assembly 36. Reciprocating motion of the reciprocating element 202 in or near the bore 204, which may be referred to as a reciprocating bore (or, for hydraulic fracturing applications, a plunger bore), draws fluid into the pumping chamber 208 through the inlet bore 212 and pumps fluid out of the pumping chamber 208 through the outlet bore 222. To facilitate access to these parts and / or the pumping chamber 208, such as for performing maintenance operations, some fluid ends 104 have access holes that are generally aligned with (sometimes coaxial with) the reciprocating bore 204. Other fluid ends 104 need not include access holes, and thus, Figure 1 and Figure 2A Such access holes are not shown in FIG.

[0030] Regardless of whether the fluid end 104 includes an access hole, replacement of the packing assembly 36 is typically performed from the outer opening of the hole 204 (i.e., the side of the hole 204 that is aligned with the outer surface 210 of the housing 206). At the same time, for normal operation, the fluid end 104 is securely and stably coupled to the power end 102. Therefore, typically, for prior art reciprocating pumps such as the reciprocating pump 100, the fluid end 104 is directly coupled to the power end 102 via a relatively short coupler 175, and at least a portion of the reciprocating pump 100 must be disassembled to access the hole 204, for example, to replace the packing assembly 36.

[0031] Now go to Figure 2A and Figure 2B In the illustrated prior art reciprocating pump 100, a coupler 175 (e.g., a tie rod, sometimes referred to as a strut) is threadedly connected to a nose plate 172 of a crosshead assembly 170 of the power end 102 to position the fluid end 104 proximate to the power end 102. More specifically, for the prior art power end 102, the location at which the fluid end 104 may be coupled to the power end 102 is fixed and / or preset by a set of sockets 1730. In this particular prior art power end 102, the nose plate 172 defines the location of a socket 1730 for the power end 102 (which is located at the front of the power end 102 and / or generally defines the front of the power end 102). However, in other embodiments, the socket 1730 may be included in any component or portion of the power end. That is, the power end 102 may include a frame 368 extending from a front portion 369 to a rear portion 367, and the socket 1730 may generally be included in a front portion 369 of the frame 368. The socket 1730 may be located at a position 369 of the power end 102. Figure 2B Seen in Figure 2BThe power end 102 is shown disconnected from the fluid end 104 , for example, during maintenance of the packaging assembly 36 included in the fluid end 104 . Figure 2B Also shown is how, in this particular embodiment, nose plate 172 extends from first end 1726 to second end 1728 , and also extends from rear surface 1720 to front surface 1722 .

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the socket 1730 extends from the front surface 1722 into the nose plate 172 and is generally disposed about the short rod hole 1740. However, in other embodiments, the socket 1730 need not be so positioned. In any case, the socket 1730 can be threaded so that the threaded coupler 175 can be directly secured therein. Furthermore, in some cases, the socket 1730 need not extend through the rear surface 1720, which can prevent the coupler 175 from extending into the crosshead assembly 170 and interfering with the operation of the crosshead assembly 170 and / or allowing contaminants to enter the crosshead assembly 170. However, other embodiments may include a socket 1730 that is a through hole.

[0033] Still refer to Figure 2A and Figure 2B In the prior art reciprocating pump 100 (and in most high pressure reciprocating pumps), the crosshead frame 174 is part of the crosshead assembly 170, which converts the rotational motion of the crankshaft 103 into the linear reciprocating motion of the short rod 185. More specifically, the crosshead assembly 170 includes a connecting rod 171, a crosshead 173, and a short rod 185. The crosshead 173 includes a connector 176 disposed in the crosshead frame 174, and the connecting rod 171 extends from the crankshaft 103 to the connector 176. The connector 176 is configured to move linearly in the crosshead frame 174, and the opposite end of the connecting rod 171 is configured to travel with the crankshaft 103 and the connector 176.

[0034] Thus, when the connecting rod 171 rotates with the crankshaft 103, the connecting rod 171 causes the connector 176 to reciprocate within the crosshead frame 174. The connector 176 is also connected to the rear side 186 of the short rod 185, so that the short rod 185 reciprocates with the connector 176. At the same time, the front side 187 of the short rod 185 can be coupled to the reciprocating element 202 (e.g., a plunger), such as by a clamp, to drive the reciprocating motion of the reciprocating element 202, thereby pumping the fluid through the fluid end 104. It is worth noting that during this action, the short rod 185 and / or the crosshead 173 exert forces on the frame 368. These forces exert stress on the frame 368 (and possibly the crosshead frame 174). Such forces can affect the structural integrity of the frame 368. Thus, forces applied to the frame 368 may wear the frame 368 (eg, shorten its useful life) and / or cause the power end 102 to shut down, thereby enabling maintenance operations to be performed on the frame 368 , thereby reducing the efficient operation of the pump 100 .

[0035] Figure 3 A side perspective view of the power end frame 400 of the pump power end in an assembled configuration is shown. For ease of viewing, Figure 3 Certain components are not shown, such as crankshafts, crosshead assemblies, nose plates, and rods. The power end frame 400 is composed of a plurality of rings 402 and plates 404 located between adjacent rings 402. Each ring 402 includes a bracket 406 that is configured to support and stabilize the placement of the ring 402, for example, the ring 402 is placed on a slide rail (not shown). For example, the bracket 406 helps to balance and maintain the position of the ring 402, as well as support the weight of the power end frame 400. Each ring 402 also includes a base 408 connected to a corresponding bracket 406. Each base 408 defines a corresponding opening 410 in which a component of the power end (e.g., a crankshaft) can be positioned.

[0036] The rings 402 are coupled to the plates 404 to form an interior 411 of the power end frame 400. For example, in an assembled configuration of the power end frame 400, the plates 404 offset adjacent rings 402 from one another to form compartments 412 (e.g., gaps, spaces) between the rings 402, such that adjacent rings 402 (e.g., rings 402 coupled to the same plate 404) do not directly contact one another. Similarly, adjacent plates 404 (e.g., plates 404 coupled to the same ring 402) do not directly contact one another to define the compartments 412. Components of the power end may be positioned within and surrounded by the compartments 412. Thus, the compartments 412 extend between adjacent openings 410 of the rings 402, and the openings 410 and the compartments 412 together define the interior 411.

[0037] The ring 402 also includes a flange 414 extending from the base 408. The flange 414 is configured to abut against the plate 404 in the assembled configuration of the power end frame 400. In this manner, the flange 414 deflects the plate 404 from the base 408. That is, the flange 414 positions the plate 404 in a spaced relationship from the base 408. This arrangement of the plate 404 relative to the ring 402 reduces the stress applied at the interface between the ring 402 and the plate 404 because no joint between the plate 404 and the ring 402 is formed at the corner of the compartment 412 of the interior 411. More specifically, stress can be concentrated at the base 408 (e.g., where the flange 414 extends from the base 408) rather than where the flange 414 engages one of the plates 404. Therefore, the extension of the flange 414 away from the base 408 causes the ring 402 and the plate 404 to be coupled to each other away from where stress may be concentrated. Thus, flange 414 may help maintain the coupling of ring 402 and plate 404 to one another (eg, by focusing stress away from the coupling).

[0038] The illustrated power end frame 400 includes separate plates 404 located at opposite sides / ends (e.g., top, bottom) of the power end frame 400 to couple with the rings 402. Such positioning of the plates 404 defines compartments 412 extending between the opposing rings 402 and the opposing plates 404. In addition, the arrangement of the plates 404 also facilitates coupling the rings 402 and the plates 404 to one another. For example, a weld may be applied at an interface between the rings 402 and the plates 404 that abut against one another. The plates 404 extending along respective sides of the power end frame 400 enable a single continuous weld to be applied to couple the rings 402 and the plates 404 to one another. For example, since each plate 404 extends along a single side of the power end frame 400, the weld may be more easily applied, such as by moving a welding device (e.g., by moving along a single axis or dimension) along one side of the power end frame 400 where the plates 404 are located (e.g., using manual operation, using automated operation). Thus, different passes of welding equipment may be avoided that may be used in different ways (e.g., by moving along multiple axes or dimensions) to apply welds to plates extending along multiple sides of the power end frame 400. The ability to fully weld the plates 404 and rings 402 together using a single pass may improve the manufacture of the power end frame 400, for example, by reducing the time and cost associated with coupling the plates 404 and rings 402 to one another.

[0039] Figure 4A side perspective view of one of the rings 402 of the power end frame 400 is shown. The ring 402 shown includes: (1) a first flange 414A extending from a first side 452 (e.g., a first lateral side) at a first end 454 (e.g., a top end) of the base 408; (2) a second flange 414B extending from the first side 452 at a second end 458 (e.g., a bottom end) of the base 408; (3) a third flange 414C extending from a second side 462 (e.g., a second lateral side) opposite the first side 452 at the first end 454 of the base 408; and (4) a fourth flange 414D extending from the second side 462 at the second end 458 of the base 408. Each of the flanges 414A, 414B, 414C, 414D is configured to abut and couple to a corresponding plate 404. In this manner, the illustrated ring 402 is configured to couple to four individual plates 404. However, in other embodiments, the ring 402 includes any suitable number of flanges (e.g., two flanges) on any lateral side to couple to a corresponding number of plates 404. In fact, the end ring 402 of the illustrated embodiment (on either lateral side of the power end frame 400) includes two flanges 414 on one lateral side.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, each flange 414A, 414B, 414C, 414D includes a first portion 466, a second portion 468 extending transversely or across the first portion 466, and a third portion 470 extending transversely to the second portion 468. For example, the portions 466, 468, 470 are oriented obliquely relative to each other and extend along at least a portion of the perimeter or outer boundary of the ring 402. The portions 466, 468, 470 are configured to abut and be secured to corresponding portions of the plate 404.

[0041] As described above, the extension of the flanges 414A, 414B, 414C, 414D from the base 408 moves the interface between the flanges 414A, 414B, 414C, 414D and the plate 404 away from locations where stress may be concentrated. For example, stress is often concentrated at irregular or discontinuous geometric features (e.g., corners, bends, twists, or other changes in geometric continuity). The orientation of the flanges 414A, 414B, 414C, 414D relative to the base 408 forms such an irregular geometric feature that causes stress to be concentrated at the location where the flanges 414A, 414B, 414C, 414D extend from the base 408, rather than at the location where the flanges 414A, 414B, 414C, 414D terminate and abut the plate 404. Therefore, the effects of stress can be reduced at the location where the ring 402 is coupled to the plate 404. In other words, since the stress at the interface between the flanges 414A, 414B, 414C, 414D and the plate 404 is reduced, the stress applied to the coupler connecting the flanges 414A, 414B, 414C, 414D to the plate 404 is reduced. Therefore, the integrity of such a coupler is improved to keep the ring 402 and the plate 404 fixed to each other and improve the durability of the power end frame 400.

[0042] Figure 5 A side perspective view of one of the plates 404 of the power end frame 400 is shown. The plate 404 includes a first segment 500, a second segment 502 extending laterally from the first segment 500, and a third segment 504 extending laterally from the second segment 502. The segments 500, 502, 504 are also oriented obliquely relative to each other so that the segments 500, 502, 504 can be aligned with and abut against the portions 466, 468, 470 of the flanges. For example, the first segment 500 is configured to abut against the first portion 466, the second segment 502 is configured to abut against the second portion 468, and the third segment 504 is configured to abut against the third portion 470. Alternatively, the first segment 500 can abut against the third portion 470, the second segment 502 is configured to abut against the second portion 468, and the third segment 504 is configured to abut against the first portion 466. In this way, the plate 404 has a U-shaped configuration.

[0043] The plate 404 includes a side surface 600 that is configured to abut the ring 402. For example, the side surface 600 extends along each segment 500, 502, 504 to enable each segment 500, 502, 504 to abut the ring 402. The interface portion where the side surface 600 abuts the ring 402 is offset from the recess to avoid stress concentration at the location where the plate 404 and the ring 402 are coupled to each other.

[0044] Figure 6 Shown along Figure 4462 of the base 408. The illustrated embodiment shows a first flange 414A and a third flange 414C extending from the base 408, but may also include similar features associated with a second flange 414B and a fourth flange 414D extending from the base 408. The first flange 414A and the third flange 414C extend from the base 408 in opposite directions so as to be able to abut against a separate plate 404 located at opposite sides 452, 462 of the base 408. In addition, the depicted ring 402 is symmetrical about a central axis 550 (e.g., a vertical axis) extending between the sides 452, 462 of the base 408. For example, the ring 402 has a T-shaped configuration. However, in other embodiments, the ring 402 may be asymmetrical about the central axis 550.

[0045] like Figure 6 As shown, each of the flanges 414A, 414C cooperates with the base 408 to define a corresponding recess 552. The recess 552 includes a curved portion or a bend where stress can be concentrated. That is, the recess 552 interrupts the geometric continuity of the base surface 554 of the base 408, thereby distributing the stress to the recess 552. In contrast, the base surface 554 and the interface between the flanges 414A, 414C and the corresponding plate 404 (both of which can be flat continuous surfaces) can be subjected to less stress.

[0046] Figure 7 Shown along Figure 3 4 is a cross-sectional view of the power end frame 400 taken along line BB of FIG. 4, which shows the coupling of the plate 404 to the two rings 402 in the assembled configuration of the power end frame 400. The rings 402 are coupled to opposite sides of the plate 404. For example, one of the rings 402 abuts against a first side surface 600A of the plate 404, while the other of the rings 402 abuts against a second side surface 600B of the plate 404 opposite the first side surface 600A. Therefore, the plate 404 deviates from the base surface 554 of the two rings 402.

[0047] The coupling of the ring 402 and the plate 404 to each other forms a compartment 412 of the power end frame 400 between the rings 402, and various other components of the power end frame 400 can be positioned in the compartment 412 and surrounded by the compartment 412. In the assembled configuration of the power end frame 400, the base surface 554 is located in the compartment 412 and faces the compartment 412. Therefore, the base surface 554 can be subjected to a force that generates stress in the compartment 412. For example, the force applied to the base surface 554 can be transferred to generate stress concentrated at the recess 552. However, the flange 414 positions the plate 404 at a position away from the recess 552. In other words, the position of the plate 404 against the corresponding flange 414 is away from the recess 552. Therefore, the stress concentrated in the compartment 412 does not affect the interface between the plate 404 and the flange 414. Therefore, the coupling stress between the plate 404 and the ring 402 at the flange 414 may be reduced to maintain the fixation of the plate 404 and the ring 402 .

[0048] Figure 8 A detailed view of a portion of the power end frame 400 is shown, showing Figure 7 Detail C in the figure is provided to depict more details of the interface portion between one of the rings 402 and one of the plates 404 in the assembled configuration of the power end frame 400. Specifically, the interface surface 650 of the flange 414 of the ring 402 abuts the side surface 600 of the plate 404 at the interface location 654. For example, the interface surface 650 and the side surface 600 are planarly aligned with each other and are positioned flush with each other. This engagement between the ring 402 and the plate 404 causes the plate 404 to be offset from the base surface 554 and away from the recess 552. As an example, the flange 414 includes an arcuate portion 651 extending from the base surface 554, and an extension portion 653 extending from the arcuate portion 651 away from the base surface 554 and toward the interface surface 650. The arcuate portion 651 and the extension portion 653 cause the interface surface 650 to be offset from the base surface 554, and the extension portion 653 causes the interface surface 650 to abut against the plate 404, away from the recess 552. Therefore, the stress concentrated at the recess 552 is not transferred to the interface position 654 .

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the flange 414 of the ring 402 includes an outer ring surface 656 extending obliquely from the interface surface 650, and the plate 404 includes an outer plate surface 658 extending obliquely from the side surface 600. That is, the outer ring surface 656 and the outer plate surface 658 are tapered toward the interface location 654. Then, when the interface surface 650 and the side surface 600 abut, the outer ring surface 656 and the outer plate surface 658 will be adjacent to each other and extend laterally to each other (e.g., at an acute angle of, for example, 45 degrees, or at a right angle). Therefore, the outer ring surface 656 and the outer plate surface 658 together define an outer groove 660 in the assembled configuration of the power end frame 400. However, the outer groove 660 does not need to be V-shaped at a specific angle, and may include a bevel groove, a U-shaped groove, a V-shaped groove, an irregularly shaped groove, or any combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the outer groove 660 is not necessarily formed by the outer ring surface 656 and the outer plate surface 658. For example, in other embodiments, one of the outer ring surface 656 and the outer plate surface 658 may form an outer groove 660. In any case, the outer groove 660 formed by the interface between the side surface 600 and the outer ring surface 656 facilitates the coupling of the ring 402 and the plate 404 to each other. That is, the outer groove 660 is configured to receive material that secures the ring 402 and the plate 404 to each other.

[0050] For example, solder 662 can be applied to and fill the outer groove 660 to couple the ring 402 and the plate 404 to each other. In fact, in some cases, the solder 662 can completely penetrate at least a portion of the interface location 654, deforming or eliminating the groove 660. Therefore, in some cases, the groove 660 described in the present invention can exist during the manufacturing process or a portion of the manufacturing process and be filled after the manufacturing process is completed. In addition or alternatively, other features (such as adhesives) can be applied to the outer groove 660 to couple the ring 402 and the plate 404 to each other. In this case, the groove 660 can be found in the power end frame 400 after manufacturing is completed.

[0051] In some embodiments where the solder 662 is applied to the groove 660, the solder 662 is applied manually (e.g., by a welder, technician). In additional or alternative embodiments, the solder 662 is applied automatically. For example, the automatic welding system 664 can be configured to operate and deliver the solder 662 into the external groove 660. In practice, the specific geometry and positioning of the interface location 654 can enable the automatic welding system 664 to travel around the entire power end frame 400 and weld one or more plates 404 to the ring in one pass. For example, the power end frame 400 may be positioned on a support surface by its front, and the automatic welding system 664 can travel around the power end frame, welding the first plate 404 to the flange 414A and the second plate 404 to the flange 414B in a single welding pass. That is, the ring 402 and the plate 404 can be coupled together using any suitable technique that is achieved by the engagement between the interface surface 650 of the ring 402 and the side surface 600 of the plate 404. In either case, solder 662 applied into outer groove 660 is located away from recess 552. Therefore, stress concentrated at recess 552 is not transferred to solder 662, thereby increasing the fixation provided by solder 662 to keep ring 402 and plate 404 coupled to each other.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the flange 414 of the ring 402 also includes an inner ring surface 668 that extends obliquely from the extension portion 653 to the interface surface 650 in the illustrated embodiment. For example, the inner ring surface 668 and the side surface 600 together define an inner groove 670. The inner ring surface 668 reduces a dimension 672 (e.g., height, thickness) of the interface surface 650 that abuts the side surface 600 (i.e., the inner ring surface 668 tapers toward the interface surface 650). The reduced dimension 672 of the interface surface 650 can allow the solder 662 to fully penetrate the material at the interface location 654, so that the solder 662 extends from the outer groove 660 to the inner groove 670. In other words, the solder 662 can pass between the interface surface 650 and the side surface 600 and cross the reduced dimension 672, thereby contacting the exterior and interior of the ring 402 and the plate 404.

[0053] Thus, a single solder 662 can sufficiently contact the ring 402 and the plate 404 to apply the required force to secure the ring 402 and the plate 404 together, thereby meeting industry standards for such welding. That is, the solder 662 can be applied at the outer groove 660 and penetrate into the inner groove 670 to fully couple the ring 402 and the plate 404 to each other without having to apply separate solders to the outer groove 660 and the inner groove 670. This is particularly important for improving the time and cost associated with the operation of coupling the ring 402 and the plate 404 (e.g., via the solder 662). Most notably, by eliminating internal welding, the power end frame 400 can be assembled with a fully automatic welder that acts on the outer surface of the power end frame 400. This can significantly reduce the time and cost of manufacturing the power end frame 400 (e.g., compared to techniques that utilize external welding operations, separate internal welding operations, and additional finishing operations).

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the extension 653 is aligned (e.g., coplanar, colinear) with the interior plate surface 674. The alignment of the extension 653 and the interior plate surface 674 with each other can further reduce stress concentrations at the interface location 654. For example, the orientation of the extension 653, the interior plate surface 674, and the solder 662 penetrating into the interior groove 670 can form a geometric continuity that reduces stress concentrations at the interface location 654, further increasing the fixation provided by the solder 662. However, in other embodiments, the interior plate surface 674 can be tapered like the interior ring surface 668, have a matching taper, or have a taper of a different size and / or geometry.

[0055] Fig. 9 A top perspective view of a portion of the power end frame 400 is shown, wherein the ring 402 and the plate 404 abut against each other. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first section 500, the second section 502, and the third section 504 of the plate 404 abuts against a corresponding portion of the ring 402 (e.g., the interface surface 650 of the flange 414 of the ring 402). Therefore, the outer groove 660 extends continuously along the first section 500, the second section 502, and the third section 504. Therefore, the solder 662 applied within the outer groove 660 can also extend continuously along the outer boundaries of the first section 500, the second section 502, and the third section 504. In other words, the solder 662 can be in continuous contact with the first section 500, the second section 502, and the third section 504. Therefore, the solder 662 applied to couple the ring 402 and the plate 404 to each other can be free of geometric discontinuities that otherwise cause stress concentrations, thereby further reducing stress concentrations at the interface location 654.

[0056] In addition, a single continuous solder 662 may be applied along the first segment 500, the second segment 502, and the third segment 504 to improve the ease of the operation of coupling the ring 402 and the plate 404 to one another. For example, rather than performing multiple operations to apply separate solders (e.g., staggered first segment 500, second segment 502, and third segment 504), a single operation may be performed to apply solder 662 along the first segment 500, the second segment 502, and the third segment 504 to couple the ring 402 and the plate 404 to one another. Furthermore, in some cases, the same weld pass may continue around the power end frame 400 to couple a similar segment of another plate 404 to the ring 402 (e.g., at another flange on the same lateral side). In any case, the solder 662 may be continuously applied from the exterior of the power end frame 400 to adequately couple the ring 402 and the plate 404 together without the need to apply additional separate solders (e.g., from the interior of the power end frame 400). For example, the exterior of the power end frame 400 may be easily exposed and easily accessible compared to the interior of the power end frame 400 (e.g., accessible from the opening 410, accessible from the compartment 412), and therefore the exterior welding is much more efficient. In fact, such welding can be performed by an automated welding process. Moreover, the use of an automated welding process to form the entire power end frame 400 can eliminate the cumbersome and expensive manual welding process, while also eliminating the potential welding deviations / variations associated therewith (e.g., variations in penetration, deposition, etc.) that may otherwise be caused by the manual welding process.

[0057] Fig.10 is a flow chart of a method 700 of manufacturing a power end frame 400. Specifically, the method 700 describes coupling the ring 402 and the plate 404 to each other. It should be noted that the method 700 can be performed differently in additional or alternative embodiments. For example, additional operations can be performed, and / or any operation of the method 700 can be performed differently, in a different order, or removed entirely.

[0058] At process block 702, a ring 402 having a flange 414 is provided. For example, the flange 414 includes an arcuate portion 651 extending from a base surface 554 of the ring 402, and an extended portion 653 extending from the arcuate portion 651 and offsetting the interface surface 650 from the base surface 554. In addition, the flange 414 may include an outer ring surface 656 and an inner ring surface 668 extending obliquely relative to the interface surface 650.

[0059] At process block 704, the flange 414 of the ring 402 abuts the plate 404 to form the outer groove 660. For example, the interface surface 650 of the ring 402 is positioned flush with the side surface 600 of the plate 404. The plate 404 may include an outer plate surface 658 that extends obliquely relative to the side surface 600, and when the ring 402 and the plate 404 abut each other, the outer plate surface 658 is transversely oriented relative to the outer ring surface 656. In this case, the outer ring surface 656 and the outer plate surface 658 jointly form the outer groove 660. When the ring 402 and the plate 404 abut each other, the inner ring surface 668 may also be transversely oriented relative to the side surface 600. Therefore, the inner ring surface 668 and the side surface 600 may jointly form the inner groove 670.

[0060] At process block 706, solder 662 is applied within and along the outer groove 660 to secure the ring 402 and the plate 404 together. For example, the solder 662 may be applied along the outer periphery of the flange 414 of the ring 402 and along the outer peripheries of the first segment 500, the second segment 502, and the third segment 504 of the plate 404. In some embodiments, a single continuous solder 662 is applied along the ring 402 and the plate 404 to avoid geometric discontinuities and reduce stress concentrations, thereby improving the securing of the ring 402 and the plate 404 to each other. The solder 662 applied into the outer groove 660 may penetrate the interface between the ring 402 and the plate 404 and enter the inner groove 670 to increase contact with the ring 402 and the plate 404, thereby further securing the ring 402 and the plate 404 to each other.

[0061] In some embodiments, the method 700 may further include securing the two plates 404 to the ring 402. For example, process block 702 may include providing the ring 402 with two flanges 414, process block 704 may include abutting the two plates 404 to the two flanges 414 to form two grooves 660, and process block 706 may apply solder 662 along the two grooves 660. Additionally or alternatively, the method 700 may be repeated to secure multiple rings 402 and / or multiple plates 404. For example, the method 700 may couple a first ring 402 to a first side of a plate 404, and the method 700 may be performed to couple a second ring 402 to a second side of the plate 404 opposite the first side. Similarly, the method 700 may couple one or more first plates 404 to a first side 402 of the ring, and the method 700 may be performed to couple one or more second plates 404 to a second side of the ring 402 opposite the first side.

[0062] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail with reference to specific embodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the details shown, as it is apparent that various modifications and structural changes may be made thereto without departing from the scope and within the scope and limits of the equivalents of the claims. In addition, various features from one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment. Therefore, the appended claims should be interpreted broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention set forth in the appended claims.

[0063] Similarly, the present invention is intended to cover modifications and variations of the present invention within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. For example, it should be understood that terms that may be used in the present invention, such as "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "side", "height", "length", "width", "up", "down", "inside", "outside", "inner", "outer", etc., only describe reference points and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. In addition, the term "exemplary" is used in the present invention to describe examples or illustrations. Any embodiment described as exemplary in the present invention should not be interpreted as a preferred or advantageous embodiment, but should be interpreted as an example or illustration of a possible embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Finally, when used in the present invention, the term "include" and its derivatives (such as "comprising", etc.) should not be understood as exclusive, that is, these terms should not be interpreted as excluding the possibility that the described and defined features may include further elements, steps, etc. At the same time, when used in the present invention, the term "approximately" and its equivalents (such as "approximately", etc.) should be understood to indicate a value very close to the value attached to the above term. That is, deviations from the exact value within a reasonable range should be accepted, because those skilled in the art will understand that such deviations from the indicated values ​​are inevitable due to measurement inaccuracies, etc. The same applies to the terms "about", "approximately" and "substantially".

Claims

1. A power end frame of a reciprocating pump, comprising: plate; and A ring configured to be coupled to the plate in an assembled configuration of the power end frame, wherein the ring and the plate together define a compartment within the interior of the power end frame, the compartment being configured to surround a portion of a crankshaft of the power end of the reciprocating pump, wherein the ring includes a base surface and a flange extending from the base surface such that an interface surface of the flange is offset from the base surface, the base surface faces the compartment of the power end frame, and the interface surface is configured to abut against the plate in the assembled configuration.

2. The power end frame according to claim 1, wherein: The flanges of the plate and the ring together form a groove configured to receive solder to couple the plate and the ring to each other.

3. The power end frame according to claim 2, wherein: The groove is located outside the power end frame.

4. The power end frame according to claim 2, wherein: The board includes: a side surface configured to abut against an interface surface of the flange in an assembled configuration of the power end frame; and An outer surface extends to the side surface and forms a portion of the groove.

5. The power end frame according to claim 4, wherein: The outer surface of the plate is a first outer surface, the flange includes a second outer surface extending to an interface surface of the flange, and the second outer surface of the flange and the first outer surface of the plate together form the groove.

6. The power end frame according to claim 1 includes an additional ring constructed to be connected to the plate in the assembly configuration of the power end frame, the additional ring including an additional base surface and an additional flange extending from the additional base surface, so that the additional interface surface of the additional flange deviates from the additional base surface, the additional base surface faces the compartment of the power end frame, and the additional interface surface is constructed to abut against the plate in the assembly configuration.

7. The power end frame according to claim 6, wherein: In the assembled configuration of the power end frame, the ring and the additional ring are not in contact with each other.

8. The power end frame according to claim 1, wherein: The base surface and the flange together form a recess in the compartment of the power end frame, and the flange biases the plate away from the recess.

9. The power end frame according to claim 1, wherein: The flange includes a first section and a second section extending from the first section, and each of the first section and the second section of the flange abuts against an interface surface of the flange of the ring in an assembled configuration of the power end frame.

10. A method for manufacturing a power end frame of a reciprocating pump, comprising: providing a ring having a flange, wherein the ring includes a base surface and the flange extends from the base surface; placing the flange of the ring against a plate such that the plate is offset from a base surface of the ring; and Solder is applied along the flange to secure the ring and the plate to one another so that the base surface is located within a compartment inside the power end frame.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The flange includes an interface surface offset from the base surface, and abutting the flange of the ring against the plate includes abutting the plate against the interface surface of the flange.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The plate includes a first section and a second section extending transversely to each other, and abutting the flange of the ring against the plate includes abutting the first section and the second section of the plate against the flange of the ring.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: Applying the solder along the flange includes applying the solder along outer boundaries of the first segment and the second segment.

14. The method according to claim 10, wherein: Applying the solder along the flange includes applying the solder on the exterior of the power end frame such that the solder penetrates into a compartment on the interior of the power end frame.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: Placing a flange of the ring against the plate forms an outer groove, and applying the solder along the flange includes applying the solder within the outer groove.

16. The method according to claim 10, wherein: Placing the flange of the ring against the plate includes placing the flange of the ring against a first side surface of the plate, and the method includes: placing an additional flange of an additional ring against a second side surface of the plate opposite the first side surface; and Another solder is applied along the additional flange to secure the additional ring and the plate together.

17. A ring of a power end frame of a reciprocating pump, comprising: Base surface; and A flange extends from the base surface to form a recess in a compartment located within the interior of the power end frame, wherein the flange includes an interface surface configured to abut against a plate of the power end frame and the interface surface is offset from the base surface by the flange.

18. The ring according to claim 17, wherein The flange includes an outer surface that extends to the interface surface and is configured to receive solder applied to secure the ring to the plate.

19. The ring according to claim 17, wherein: The flange comprises: an arcuate portion extending from the base surface; and An extension portion extends from the arcuate portion toward the interface surface.

20. The ring according to claim 19, wherein The flange includes an interior surface extending from the interface surface to the extension portion.

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