Adjustable Pump Connectors for Modular Mud Pump Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mud pumps have a fixed footprint and configuration, making them inflexible to changing drilling specifications and requiring additional pumps for increased flow rates, and alignment of modular pump components is challenging, especially in field settings.
Innovation Solution
Modular pump assemblies with adjustable connectors and alignment assemblies that allow for fine-tuning of axial and lateral alignment between the fluid end and transmission, enabling adaptable flow rates and pressures without the need for additional pumps, and facilitating proper alignment in field settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed-configuration mud pumps are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to changing drilling specifications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is divided into modular pump assemblies that can be independently configured and combined. Each assembly includes separable components (power end, fluid end, transmission) that can be adjusted or replaced based on drilling requirements, enabling adaptability without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector members are designed with adjustable axial lengths that can be dynamically modified during operation. This allows the pump system to adapt to changing drilling specifications by adjusting connector lengths, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that responds to operational needs.
2Productivity
If additional pumps are added to increase flow rates, then flow rate requirement is met, but device complexity and space requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The modular pump assemblies are designed with universal interfaces and standardized components that can be configured for different flow rates and pressures. By adjusting connector lengths and reconfiguring existing modules, the system can meet varying productivity requirements without adding additional pump units, making one system perform multiple functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular pump components are used, then adaptability is improved, but alignment difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
Connector members serve as intermediary elements between the power end, transmission, and fluid end. These connectors include adjustable-length components that act as mediators to absorb misalignment and facilitate proper positioning of modular components, making assembly easier despite modular flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The axial length of connector members can be changed to adjust alignment between components. By modifying the length parameter of connectors, the system compensates for alignment variations that occur during modular assembly, enabling proper component positioning without requiring high-precision manufacturing or complex alignment procedures.
4Adaptability or versatility
If fixed footprint pumps are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to varying drilling requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is segmented into standardized modular assemblies with consistent interface designs. This segmentation allows different combinations of modules to meet varying drilling requirements while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through repeated use of standard components and assembly procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
Pump assemblies, pumping systems including said pump assemblies, and related methods are disclosed. In an embodiment, the pump assembly includes a frame, a fluid end, and a power end coupled to the frame and the fluid end. In addition, the pump assembly includes a plurality of connectors coupled between the fluid end and the frame. Each of the connectors include an axis, a first connector member, and a second connector member. The first connector member is configured to actuate relative to the second connector member to adjust a total axial length of the connector along the axis.