Segmented Fluid End Clamp for High-Pressure Alignment Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in fluid end sections, particularly in high-pressure environments like hydraulic fracturing operations, is the need for secure and efficient assembly and disassembly of components such as packing and valve components, while ensuring proper alignment to prevent damage to pumping operations.
Innovation Solution
A clamping system is introduced that facilitates easy disassembly and assembly of fluid end section components, utilizing a housing, stuffing box, and a clamp to ensure secure alignment and prevent misalignment, which includes features like dowel pins, blind nuts, and reaction washers to maintain fastener integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional fastening methods are used to secure components in high-pressure environments, then connection strength is improved, but disassembly and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into multiple sections (first clamp section, second clamp section, etc.) that can be independently positioned and fastened. Each section has its own fastener system, allowing incremental assembly and disassembly rather than requiring complete removal of a single complex fastening system. This segmentation reduces the operational complexity while maintaining overall connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic adjustable system. The modular clamp sections can be positioned at different locations along the housing and stuffing box, and the fasteners can be independently adjusted. This dynamic flexibility allows for easier maintenance operations while maintaining secure connections under high pressure.
2Manufacturing precision
If components are securely fastened to prevent misalignment, then alignment precision is improved, but ease of maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment system is segmented into multiple clamp sections that can be independently adjusted. Each clamp section maintains alignment at its specific location, and the modular nature allows maintenance personnel to access and service individual sections without disturbing the entire assembly. This preserves alignment precision while improving maintenance accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp sections are pre-positioned and pre-aligned during assembly to establish proper alignment before operation. The fasteners are designed to be easily accessible and operable, allowing for quick re-alignment or adjustment during maintenance without requiring complex realignment procedures. This preliminary positioning maintains precision while facilitating future maintenance.
3Reliability
If multiple fasteners are used to secure clamp sections, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is segmented into multiple independent fastener-clamp-section units rather than a single complex fastening system. Each unit is simple in design but collectively they provide redundant securement points along the housing and stuffing box. This segmentation increases reliability through distributed securement while keeping each individual fastener unit simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
Each clamp section is equipped with its own fastener system tailored to its specific location and functional requirements. The fasteners are strategically positioned at critical points where connection reliability is most needed, rather than uniformly distributing complexity throughout the entire assembly. This local optimization maintains high reliability while minimizing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid end section having a clamping system. The clamping system has a primary clamp formed of a number of sections, which, disposed in end-to-end arrangement, form an annular ring. The primary clamp has an angled surface at each of two rims, which interact with complementary surfaces on flanges that form two separate components of the fluid end section. Each of the two separate components have a bore, which when aligned by placement of the clamp, are in alignment with one another. The clamp has an externally-disposed compression ring, which may either be essentially the width of the primary clamp, or may have one or more flexible rods which interact with grooves on the primary clamp. In either case, the compression ring holds the primary clamp in place, therefore joining the components of the fluid end.