Bladder Saver Bleed Plate for Pulsation Surge Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas-charged pulsation dampeners in drilling systems experience bladder damage and shortened service life due to siphoning effects and pressure surges, which impact drilling efficiency and safety.
Innovation Solution
A bladder saver device with a housing and movable bleed plate is introduced to control fluid flow, restricting pulsated fluid flow during high-pressure conditions and allowing unencumbered flow during steady-state operations, thereby preventing bladder damage and extending its service life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a gas-charged pulsation dampener is used to reduce pump pulsations, then drilling system stability is improved, but the bladder experiences damage from siphoning effects and pressure surges reducing service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a throat plate as an intermediary component between the pump discharge and the pulsation dampener bladder. This throat plate serves as a mediator that prevents direct exposure of the bladder to damaging siphoning effects and pressure surges while still allowing the dampener to perform its pulsation-reducing function. The throat plate acts as a protective barrier that transmits necessary pressure fluctuations for dampening while blocking harmful extreme pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a check valve mechanism that provides beforehand cushioning by preventing reverse flow before it can damage the bladder. The check valve is positioned to close before siphoning effects can occur, cushioning the bladder against negative pressure conditions. Additionally, the throat plate design provides prior protection against pressure surges before they reach the bladder, extending its service life while maintaining system stability.
2Reliability
If the bleed plate restricts fluid flow during high-pressure conditions, then bladder damage is prevented, but fluid flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bleed plate is designed as a movable component that dynamically adjusts its position based on pressure conditions. During high-pressure conditions that could damage the bladder, the bleed plate moves to restrict flow and provide protection. During normal operating conditions, the bleed plate moves to an open position that minimizes flow resistance. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain reliability while minimizing energy loss under different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes pressure as a controlling parameter that automatically changes the flow restriction level. When pressure exceeds safe thresholds for the bladder, the parameter change triggers the bleed plate to move and restrict flow. When pressure returns to normal ranges, the parameter change allows the bleed plate to open and reduce resistance. This parameter-based control enables automatic adaptation without external intervention, balancing protection needs with flow efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The bladder saver device effectively reduces bladder failure and extends its service life, minimizing downtime and enhancing drilling efficiency by mitigating the effects of pressure surges and siphoning in gas-charged pulsation dampeners.
Implementation Method 1
gas-charged pulsation dampeners...pulsation dampener...gas charged...pulsations
Implementation Method 2
bleed plate is mounted within the internal passage and movable between a first position in which the pulsated fluid flow is unencumbered by the bleed plate and a second position in which the pulsated fluid flow is restricted by the bleed plate
Data Source
AI summary
To inhibit damage to or failure of the bladder within a bladder-type pulsation dampener, an internal passage of a bladder saver device carrying pumped fluid from the pulsation bleed plate mounted within the internal passage and movable between a first position in which the pulsated fluid flow is unencumbered by the bleed plate and a second position in which the pulsated fluid flow is restricted by the bleed plate.