Cradle Plate Load Transfer for Reciprocating Pump Fluid Ends
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Solution Overview
Problem
High pressure reciprocating pumps face challenges in securing fluid end components, such as stuffing boxes and gland nuts, which experience high loads and wear out quickly, leading to frequent maintenance and downtime.
Innovation Solution
A cradle plate is positioned between the power and fluid ends, supported by elongate couplers, to transfer loads away from these components, allowing for precise positioning and easy installation or removal, thereby extending their lifespan and improving serviceability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fluid end components (stuffing box, gland nut) are directly secured to the fluid end, then the components are easily positioned, but they experience high loads and wear out quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle plate serves as an intermediary element between the fluid end components and the fluid end. It distributes and transfers the high loads away from the components (stuffing box, gland nut) to the couplers, thereby reducing wear on the components while maintaining their positioning. The cradle plate acts as a load-transfer mediator that protects the components from direct high-stress contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional elements: the cradle plate handles load transfer, the couplers handle structural support, and the fluid end components handle sealing functions. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function, with the cradle plate specifically designed to protect other components from high loads.
2Device complexity
If fluid end components are directly secured to the fluid end, then the structure is simpler, but maintenance and replacement require more downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle plate as an intermediary component enables easier maintenance by allowing the fluid end components to be quickly released from the couplers. When maintenance is needed, the cradle plate can be removed as a unit with the components, minimizing disassembly steps and downtime, while still providing a relatively simple overall structure.
3Reliability
If the cradle plate is added to transfer loads, then the lifespan of fluid end components is extended, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle plate performs multiple functions: it positions the fluid end components, transfers loads away from the components, and provides a structure for attachment to the couplers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving the reliability improvement.
Data Source
AI summary
A cradle plate for high pressure reciprocating pumps is installable within a cradle disposed between a power end of a high pressure reciprocating pump and a fluid end of the high pressure reciprocating pump. The cradle plate has a main body that extends from a front surface to a back surface and a first set of openings that extend through the main body. The first set of openings are configured to receive a set of elongate couplers that position the cradle plate within the cradle in a position that secures a fluid end component against a casing of the fluid end, against a seal of the fluid end, or against both the casing and the seal.