Driveline Coupling Assembly for Pump Decoupling During Fracturing Service
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hydraulic fracturing systems, traditional methods require shutting down the entire pumping system when one pump fails, as the drive motion from the motor to the failed pump cannot be decoupled without stopping the motor.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a driveline assembly with an integrated coupling assembly that allows for quick coupling and decoupling of the pump from the motor, enabling the motor to continue operating other pumps while a failed pump is serviced.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional fixed coupling between motor and pump is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but system downtime increases when pump servicing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The driveline assembly is segmented into separable components: a motor-driven input shaft assembly, a pump-driven output shaft assembly, and a coupling assembly that can selectively connect or disconnect them. This segmentation allows the pump to be serviced independently while the motor remains operational, reducing system downtime without requiring complete system shutdown.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling assembly provides dynamic connectivity between the motor and pump, transitioning from a fixed static connection to a controllable dynamic connection. The coupling can be engaged or disengaged as needed, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements, thereby reducing downtime during pump maintenance while maintaining system functionality.
2Ease of repair
If quick-coupling mechanism is implemented, then pump servicing time is reduced, but coupling assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the motor-driven input shaft and the pump-driven output shaft. It provides a controlled interface that enables quick engagement and disengagement of the pump from the motor drive, facilitating easier and faster pump servicing while maintaining a manageable level of complexity through standardized coupling components.
3Productivity
If motor is continuously operated, then system productivity is maintained, but failed pump may cause damage to motor
Solution Approach 1:
The driveline assembly segments the motor and pump into independent operable units through the coupling mechanism. When a pump fails or requires servicing, the coupling can be disengaged to isolate the pump from the motor, allowing the motor to continue operating other pumps without risk of damage from the failed pump, thereby maintaining overall system productivity while protecting the motor.
Data Source
AI summary
A driveline assembly for use with a well-servicing pump system is disclosed. The driveline assembly comprises a stub shaft attachable to one of a pump or a motor, a flange shaft attachable to the other of the pump or the motor, and a coupling assembly comprising a drive-transfer cylinder and a spring-loaded locking sleeve. In a drivingly-engaged position, rotary drive motion of the motor is transferred to the pump. In an unlocked position, the locking sleeve allows the drive-transfer cylinder to move axially from the drivingly-engaged position where the drive-transfer cylinder connects and transfers rotary drive between the flange shaft and the stub shaft to the drivingly-disengaged position where the drive-transfer sleeve disconnects and allows relative rotation between the flange shaft and the stub shaft. In a locked position, the locking sleeve locks the drive-transfer cylinder in one of either the drivingly-engaged position or the drivingly-disengaged position.