Plunger pump packing seal assembly

Abstract

A plunger pump packing seal assembly includes a compression ring and one or more seals. The plunger pump packing seal assembly operates as a seal between a static component and a dynamic component (e.g., a reciprocating plunger). The compression ring has an internal venting portion to prevent pressure from accumulating on the outer diameter of the compression ring or between the compression ring and an adjacent seal or packing seal ring. When the pumped fluid pressure is low, the exhaust port allows the build-up pressure to return. Radial protruding edges on the outer diameter of the compression ring significantly reduce or prevent migration of abrasive media, such as proppants, between the compression ring and the static component. In some examples, the compression ring does not contact the dynamic component, thus preventing accumulation of abrasive media particles between the compression ring and the surface of the dynamic component.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 369,579, filed on July 27, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to plunger pump packing seal assemblies and other packing seal assemblies. Background Art

[0004] Packing seal assemblies are used in many reciprocating plunger pumps. In the oil and gas industry, large reciprocating pumps are used in drilling and completion to pump drilling mud, cement and oil well stimulation fluids. For operations in hydraulic fracturing, pumps exceeding 3000HP can be used to pump pressures up to 20,000psi (137.9MPa) to create cracks in the rock. The packing seal set seals around the reciprocating plunger to prevent the pumped fluid from escaping. Some pumps in the art include an adjustable space for packing seals between the static component and the plunger, referred to as a packing box or packing seal gland. The gland / compression nut can be used to adjust the length of the space in which the packing seal set is assembled. Therefore, the seal can be adjusted by tightening the gland nut, which is typically screwed into the fluid end. A typical packing seal has one or more V-shaped packing seal elements that expand or squeeze radially toward the plunger by reacting to the force and fluid pressure in the axial direction from the gland nut.

[0005] These V-shaped packing seal elements can be the primary pressure seal in the packing seal - typically rubber or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and can be reinforced with various fabrics, particulate fillers, or randomly oriented fibers. The compression ring is typically rubber or another elastomer that can also be reinforced.

[0006] When used in drilling and completions, these pumps may be used at high pressures, pumping aggressive fluids and abrasive media (e.g., proppant). Improper function of these seals may cause damage to the pump housing and plunger. Failure of the packing packings can result in the accidental leakage of fluids laden with abrasive media, which can quickly corrode the metal parts of the pump, requiring expensive replacement. Frequent adjustment or replacement of these packing packings to avoid failures results in high maintenance costs and additional personnel working at the well site.

[0007] Therefore, it is necessary to prevent abrasive media from migrating between the packing seal and the plunger and from the packing seal and the first component. It is also necessary to prevent pressure from accumulating on the outer diameter of the compression ring and / or between the compression ring and the subsequent seal (such as a V-shaped packing seal ring). The present disclosure attempts to solve these and other problems. Summary of the invention

[0008] In some embodiments, the packing seal assembly includes a compression ring that provides an axial compressive force to an adjacent seal or packing seal ring (such as a V-shaped packing seal ring). The compression ring includes an internal vent portion to prevent pressure from accumulating on the outer diameter of the compression ring or between the compression ring and the adjacent seal or packing seal ring. When the pumped fluid pressure is low (usually on each pump intake stroke), the vent allows the accumulated pressure to return.

[0009] In some embodiments, a radially protruding edge on the outer diameter of the compression ring prevents particles from migrating between the compression ring and the static component. In a preferred embodiment, the compression ring does not contact the dynamic component (e.g., a reciprocating plunger), thereby preventing abrasive media particles from accumulating between the compression ring and the dynamic component surface. The adjacent seal or packing seal ring can be configured with a steep edge to prevent abrasive media particles from further migrating between the seal or packing seal component and the dynamic component. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 illustrates a partially cut-away side view of a packing seal assembly;

[0011] Figure 2 illustrates a partially cut-away front perspective view of a packing seal assembly;

[0012] Figure 3 A cross section of a side elevation view of a pressure ring is illustrated;

[0013] Figure 4 A front perspective view of a compression ring and a seal of a packing seal assembly is illustrated;

[0014] Figure 5 illustrates a cross-section of a front perspective view of a compression ring and a seal of a packing seal assembly;

[0015] Figure 6 illustrates a partial cross-section of a packing seal assembly in an alternative embodiment; and

[0016] Figure 7 The diagram shows a partial cross section of a pressure ring and a seal combined into a single manufactured product. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The following description only depicts exemplary embodiments and should not be considered as limiting in scope. Any reference to "the present invention" herein is not intended to limit or restrict the present invention to the exact features or steps of any one or more exemplary embodiments disclosed in this specification. References to "one embodiment", "embodiment", "multiple embodiments" etc. may indicate that the embodiments described in this manner may include specific features, structures, or characteristics, but not every embodiment must include the specific features, structures, or characteristics. In addition, the repeated use of the phrase "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may be the same.

[0018] Various numbers are used throughout this disclosure to make reference to the drawings. The numbers used are for ease of illustration only, and the absence of a number in an apparent sequence should not be considered limiting and does not imply the presence of additional parts of that particular embodiment. The numbering scheme from one embodiment to another does not necessarily imply that each embodiment has similar parts, although it may be similar.

[0019] Therefore, the specific arrangement disclosed is intended to be illustrative only and does not limit the scope of the present invention, and the full width of the attached claims and any and all equivalents thereof will give the scope of the present invention. Although specific terms are used herein, they are used only in a general and descriptive sense, not for the purpose of limitation. Unless otherwise clearly defined herein, these terms are intended to be given the broad, common and customary meanings that are inconsistent with the applicable meanings in the relevant industry, and are not limited to any specific embodiments described below. As used herein, the article "one" is intended to include one or more components. When used to connect a series of components in this article, the term "or" represents at least one component, but does not exclude multiple components in the list. For exemplary methods or processes, the order and / or arrangement of the steps described herein are illustrative and non-restrictive.

[0020] It should be understood that the steps of any such process or method are not limited to being performed in any particular order, arrangement or with any particular graphics or interface. In fact, the steps of the disclosed process or method can be performed in different orders and arrangements generally while still falling within the scope of the present invention.

[0021] The term "coupled" may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical contact. However, "coupled" may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but still cooperate or interact with each other.

[0022] As used with respect to the embodiments, the terms "comprising," "including," "having," and the like are synonymous and are generally intended to be "open" terms (e.g., the term "comprising" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," etc.).

[0023] As previously discussed, there is a need for a plunger pump packing seal that prevents abrasive media from migrating between the packing seal and the plunger, prevents abrasive media from migrating between the packing seal and the static components, and prevents pressure buildup on the outer diameter of the compression ring and / or between the compression ring and the subsequent seal. The packing seal assembly disclosed herein solves these and other problems.

[0024] In some embodiments, Figure 1-Figure 3 As shown, the packing seal assembly 100 includes one or more seals 102A-102C (e.g., V-shaped packing seal rings, U-shaped cups, etc.), a compression ring 104, a spacer 106, and a packing ring 108. The packing seal assembly 100 can be axially constrained to provide a preload on the compression ring 104 and the seals 102A-102C. For example, a compression nut (not shown) can abut against the packing ring 108 and adjustably apply an axial force on the packing ring 108. The plunger pump packing seal assembly 100 can be operated as a seal between a static component 110 and a dynamic component 112 (e.g., a reciprocating plunger or other shaft). For example, the seals 102A-102C can include one or more of rubber, PTFE, polyurethane, UHMWPE, fabric, granular filler, fiber, etc. In some embodiments, each seal 102A-102C can include the same material, but can also include different materials. For example, the first seal 102A may include polyurethane, while the second seal 102B may include fabric-reinforced rubber. The compression ring 104 may include rubber or other elastomer that may or may not be reinforced. Figure 1 and Figure 2 A cross-sectional view is shown for ease of understanding, but it should be understood that the seals 102A- 102C, the compression ring 104 , the spacer 106 , and the packing ring 108 each surround the dynamic component 112 .

[0025] In some embodiments, the compression ring 104 includes an internal vent portion 114 to prevent pressure from accumulating on the outer diameter of the compression ring 104 or between the compression ring 104 and the adjacent seal or seals 102A-102C. The internal vent portion 114 can be formed by a plurality of protrusions 116 and orifices 118 located on the first side of the compression ring 104. The size and shape of the plurality of protrusions 116 are determined to form an orifice 118 between each protrusion 116. In some embodiments, the protrusion 116 is cylindrical. However, it should be understood that the protrusion 116 may include other form factors (e.g., cube, triangle, hexagon, etc.) without departing from the present invention.

[0026] For example, Figure 4-Figure 5 A compression ring 204 is shown coupled to a seal 202A (eg, a V-shaped packing seal ring), the compression ring 204 including a plurality of cube-shaped protrusions 216 and apertures 218 therebetween. Return Figure 3 , the orifice 118 acts as a vent, allowing pressure buildup when the pumped fluid pressure is low (typically on each pump intake stroke) to return. By reducing the built-up pressure, the packing seal assembly 100 is less subject to deformation and wear, thereby preventing the media from wearing the seals 102A-102C (e.g., the V-shaped packing seal rings 102A-102C) and extending the life of the assembly 100 and the pump.

[0027] By utilizing a plurality of spaced-apart protrusions 116, these orifices 118 remain even when the compression ring 104 is subjected to axial pressure to deform the protrusions 116. Wider orifices 118 (i.e., the distance between adjacent protrusions) allow greater axial compression without blocking the orifices 118 due to deformation of the protrusions 116. Orifices 118 having sufficient width, depth, and number provide space for axial compression of the protrusions 116 by allowing space for the protrusions 116 to deform into the orifices 118, thereby allowing the axial deformation preload force to be sufficient on a larger axial constraint distance tolerance. For example, compared to a continuous annular piece, an orifice 118 having a depth of 1 mm (the distance between the face of the protrusion 116 and the surface is 1 mm) removes approximately 10% of the material volume to a depth of 1 mm (i.e., 10% of the exhaust portion). However, the depth and percentage may also vary depending on the number of orifices 118. For example, a depth of 0.75 mm may still result in 20% of the material volume being removed to a depth of 0.75 mm. If the vent portion 114 is mostly a solid annular member, for example, having four small orifices 118 to vent (meaning to remove a small percentage of the material volume (e.g., less than 10%)) to the depth of the orifices, the axial compression of the packing seal assembly 100 will reach a high axial force over a very small distance. Therefore, adjusting the axial force (which in turn adjusts the contact force of the seals 102A-102C on the dynamic component 112 and the static component 110) will be very sensitive and require skilled workers. In contrast, by increasing the number and / or size of the orifices 118, and thereby reducing the material volume (e.g., 10% or more), there is increased room for deformation (sufficient orifice volume), which allows the axial force to be established over a longer axial compression distance. Therefore, the adjustment of the sealing force is less sensitive. As another example, in some embodiments, multiple orifices with a depth of 2 mm remove 25% of the volume to the orifices with a depth of 2 mm (i.e., 25% of the vent portion 114). With the volume of the vent portion 114 reduced by at least 10% and preferably 25%, the compression ring 104 is more compressible, making it a more effective axial spring for loading the seals, overcoming limitations of the art.

[0028] Some pumps have non-adjustable axially constrained packing seal housings (e.g., bolted together). In these cases, the larger axial deformation to achieve a specific axial compressive force makes the packing seal assembly less sensitive to the fixed length (and manufacturing tolerances) of the packing seal housing. In addition, for any packing seal housing axial constraint length, whether fixed or initially adjusted, wear and relaxation of the components of the packing seal assembly results in less reduction in sealing force over time due to the increased axial compressibility and resilience of the deformed protrusion 116.

[0029] In some embodiments, these protrusions 116 can abut against the retaining ring 105, which applies pressure to these protrusions 116, as discussed above. As the pressure ring 104 causes the retaining ring 105 to wear, the retaining ring 105 can be replaced. However, it should be understood that although the packing seal assembly 100 is shown in the drawings, the packing seal assembly 100 retaining ring 105, the spacer 106 (which can be used as a guide to center the plunger), multiple seals 102A-102C, and the packing ring 108 (typically included for distribution of lubrication), each of these components is not required, depending on the configuration desired by the pump and the user. In other configurations, some components are combined into a single component, such as the spacer 106 and the packing ring 108, or as described later in this article, the pressure ring 104 and the seal.

[0030] In some embodiments, such as in Figure 1 and Figure 3 As best seen in FIG. 1 , the radially protruding edge 120 on the outer diameter of the press ring 104 significantly reduces or prevents the migration of abrasive media (such as proppant) between the press ring 104 and the static component 110. The radially protruding edge 120 abuts the static component 110 and can act as a one-way valve, allowing fluid or built-up pressure to pass from the direction of the first seal 102A through the inclined surface 122 ( Figure 3 ) above and to the exhaust portion 114, because the pressure accumulated between the first seal 102A and the protruding edge 120 can force the material of the pressure ring 104 radially inward toward the channel 126, thereby reducing the contact force of the protruding edge 120. However, because the pressure acting on the inside of the pressure ring 104 increases the contact force of the protruding edge 120 with the static component 110, the fluid and pressure are significantly reduced or prevented from flowing from the exhaust portion 114 to the first seal 102A. Because abrasive media and pressure are prevented from passing through the front side 124 of the protruding edge 120, the life of the seal or packing seal 102A-102C is extended, thereby overcoming the limitations in the prior art. In some embodiments, the radial protruding edge 120 may include a substantially vertical front face 124 on the first side and an inclined face 122 on the second side. However, other form factors may be used without departing from the present invention. In addition, although the protruding edge 120 is described as extending radially from the pressure ring 104, alternative means of achieving similar results may be used without departing from the present invention. For example, the pressure ring 104 may include an outer diameter that is greater than the inner diameter of the static component 110 , rather than a protruding edge, thereby providing a similar function as the protruding edge 120 .

[0031] Additionally, in some embodiments, the pressure ring 104 does not contact the reciprocating plunger 112 (or other dynamic surface), thereby preventing abrasive media particles from accumulating between the pressure ring 104 and the surface of the plunger 112. For example, see Figure 3 , the compression ring 104 may include a form factor, such as a profile 107 on a first portion of the inner diameter, thereby forming a channel 126 between the outer surface of the plunger 112 and at least a portion of the inner diameter of the compression ring 104. The compression ring 104 can maintain its relative position by being coupled to the adjacent seal 102A (or other first component), such as by a tongue and groove or other shape or interference fit, adhesive, or other method of coupling the compression ring 104 to the seal 102A. Thus, the channel 126 is maintained and the first component for engaging the plunger 112 is the first seal 102A. In this embodiment and other embodiments, the seals 102A-102C may include a steep edge 128 ( Figure 2 ) to prevent further migration of abrasive media particles between the seals (e.g., seals 102A-102C) and the plunger 112. It should be understood that one or more of the seals 102A-102C may include a steep edge, thereby preventing any abrasive media from continuing to migrate (if it successfully passes through the first seal 102A). In some embodiments, the steep edge 128 can be the first portion of the seal 102A for contacting the outer surface of the plunger 112, and the steep edge 128 is at an angle of 30 degrees or more relative to the outer surface of the plunger 112. Since there is no contact between the inner diameter surface of the pressure ring 104 and the plunger 112, and due to the vent portion 114, pressure can be released and will not accumulate on the outer diameter of the pressure ring 104, thereby overcoming the prior art.

[0032] It should be understood that although three seals 102A-102C are shown, more or fewer seals may be used without departing from the present invention. In addition, it should be understood that although the packing seal assembly 100 is shown on the outer circumference of the plunger 112, it is not limited to such an arrangement. In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, the packing seal assembly 300 can be inverted for use on the inner diameter of the surface. In other words, the compression ring 304 surrounds the piston 312, and the piston 312 is dynamic with the packing seal assembly 300 relative to the cylindrical bore 310. Finally, although the example of the plunger 112 is used, it should be understood that any dynamic (i.e., moving) component can be used without departing from the present invention.

[0033] In some embodiments, Figure 7As shown, the compression ring and the first seal can be combined into a single manufactured component, rather than two separate components coupled together. In other words, the compression ring 400 can include a plurality of protrusions 402 and an orifice 404 on a first portion 406 and a seal 408 on a second portion 410, the second portion 410 including a steep edge 412.

[0034] Therefore, the compression ring 104, 204, 304, 400 of the packing seal assembly 100, 300 addresses the following needs: 1) preventing abrasive media from migrating between the packing seal assembly 100 and the plunger 112; 2) preventing abrasive media from migrating from the packing seal assembly 100 and the static component 110; and 3) preventing pressure from accumulating on the outer diameter of the compression ring 104, 204, 304, 400 and / or between the compression ring 104, 204, 304, 400 and subsequent seals 102A-102C.

[0035] It should be understood that the systems and methods according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include, combine or otherwise include characteristics or features (e.g., components, members, elements, parts and / or portions) described in other embodiments. Therefore, the various features of certain embodiments may be compatible, combined, included in, and / or incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, unless so stated, the disclosure of certain features relative to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure should not be interpreted as the application or inclusion of the features to a specific embodiment. On the contrary, it should be understood that other embodiments may also include the features, members, elements, parts and / or portions without necessarily departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, unless a feature is described as other features that need to be combined with it, any feature herein may be combined with any other feature of the same or different embodiments disclosed herein. In addition, in order to avoid obscuring the aspects of the exemplary embodiments, different well-known aspects of the illustrative systems, methods, devices, etc. are not described in detail herein. However, such aspects are also contemplated herein.

[0036] Exemplary embodiments are described above. The elements, actions or instructions used in this specification should not be interpreted as important, necessary, critical or necessary unless explicitly described as such. Although only several exemplary embodiments are described in detail herein, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications in these exemplary embodiments are possible without departing from the novel teachings and advantages herein in essence. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A packing seal assembly, comprising: a compression ring including a vent portion on a first side, the compression ring configured to couple to at least one seal on an opposing second side, the compression ring and the at least one seal configured to surround an outer surface of a dynamic component; wherein a channel is formed between the inner diameter of the pressure ring and the outer surface of the dynamic component, and Therein, at least one steep edge of the at least one seal contacts an outer surface of the dynamic component.

2. The packing seal assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The pressure ring also includes a radially protruding edge configured to abut an inner surface of the static component.

3. The packing seal assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The radially projecting edge includes a substantially vertical face on a first side and an inclined face on a second side.

4. The packing seal assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The exhaust portion includes a plurality of projections, each projection being separated from the next projection by an aperture.

5. The packing seal assembly according to claim 4, wherein: Each projection is cylindrical.

6. The packing seal assembly according to claim 4, wherein: Each protrusion is cubic in shape.

7. The packing seal assembly according to claim 4, wherein: Each projection is formed by removing portions of the compression ring to form the aperture between each projection, the aperture removing at least 10% by volume of material of the vent portion.

8. The packing seal assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a compression nut, wherein: The at least one seal is a V-shaped packing seal ring interposed between the compression nut and the pressure ring.

9. The packing seal assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The steep edge is at an angle of at least 30 degrees relative to the dynamic component.

10. A packing seal assembly comprising: A pressure ring, the pressure ring comprising: a first side including a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of apertures forming a vent portion, a second side configured to be coupled to a V-shaped packing seal ring, wherein the compression ring and the V-shaped packing seal ring are configured to surround the outer surface of the dynamic component, the V-shaped packing seal ring, the V-shaped packing seal ring comprising a steep edge on a first side; wherein a channel is formed between the inner diameter of the pressure ring and the outer surface of the dynamic component, and Wherein, at least the steep edge of the V-shaped packing seal ring contacts the outer surface of the dynamic component.

11. The piston pump packing seal assembly according to claim 10, wherein: The plurality of protrusions on the first side of the pressure ring are cylindrical.

12. The packing seal assembly according to claim 10, wherein: The pressure ring also includes a radially protruding edge configured to abut an inner surface of the static component.

13. The packing seal assembly according to claim 12, wherein: The radially projecting edge includes a substantially vertical face on a first side and an inclined face on a second side.

14. The packing seal assembly according to claim 10, wherein: The orifice comprises at least 10% of the volume of the exhaust portion.

15. A packing seal assembly comprising: Pressure ring, including: a first side including a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of apertures forming a vent portion, a second side configured to be coupled to at least one seal, a radially projecting edge configured to abut an inner surface of the static component, and a profile, the profile being over at least a portion of the inner diameter, a first seal of the at least one seal, the first seal comprising a steep edge on a first side, the steep edge being adapted to contact an outer surface of a dynamic component; wherein the profile of the inner diameter forms a channel between at least a portion of the inner diameter of the pressure ring and an outer surface of the dynamic component, and The pressure ring and the at least one seal are both configured to surround the outer surface of the dynamic component, and the packing seal assembly serves as a seal between the static component and the dynamic component.

16. The packing seal assembly according to claim 15, wherein: The radially projecting edge includes a substantially vertical face on a first side and an inclined face on a second side.

17. The packing seal assembly according to claim 15, wherein: Each projection is cylindrical.

18. The packing seal assembly according to claim 15, wherein: Each protrusion is cubic in shape.

19. The packing seal assembly according to claim 15, wherein: The apertures remove a total of at least 10% of the volume of material of the compression ring to the depth of the apertures.

20. The packing seal assembly of claim 15, wherein: The at least one seal is a V-shaped packing seal ring.

21. The packing seal assembly of claim 15, wherein: The steep edge is at an angle of at least 30 degrees relative to the dynamic component.

22. A packing seal assembly comprising: Pressure ring, including: a first side including a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of apertures forming a vent portion, a second side, the second side comprising a seal, the seal comprising a steep edge configured to contact an outer surface of the dynamic component, wherein the pressure ring is configured to surround an outer surface of the dynamic component, Wherein, an orifice is formed between the first portion of the pressure ring and the outer surface of the dynamic component.

23. The packing seal assembly of claim 22, wherein: The steep edge is at an angle of at least 30 degrees relative to the dynamic component.

24. The packing seal assembly of claim 22, wherein: The apertures collectively comprise at least 10% of the volume of the exhaust portion.

25. A compression ring for use in a packing seal assembly, comprising: a first side including a plurality of projections, each projection being separated by an aperture to form a venting portion; Second side; a radially projecting edge configured to abut an inner surface of a static component; as well as a profile, the profile being on a portion of the inner diameter; Wherein, when the compression ring is coupled to a dynamic component, the profile is configured to form a channel between the portion of the inner diameter of the compression ring and an outer surface of the dynamic component.

26. The compression ring according to claim 25, wherein The radially projecting edge includes a substantially vertical face on a first side and an inclined face on a second side, the inclined face configured to allow pressure to flow over the inclined face and toward the exhaust portion.

27. The compression ring according to claim 25, wherein: The apertures collectively comprise at least 10% of the volume of the exhaust portion.

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