Fluid End Clamp Retention for Seal Wear and Crack Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional fluid end assemblies in high-pressure reciprocating pumps face issues with seal wear and erosion, leading to frequent maintenance and reduced lifespan due to the use of multiple packing seals and internal threads that are prone to cracking under cyclic pressure changes.
Innovation Solution
A fluid end assembly design featuring a single multi-contact V-nested spring seal with a wear ring and a clamp system that secures the retainer to the housing without internal threads, allowing the seal to expand and maintain a tight seal while minimizing wear on the housing, and incorporating a stress reduction area to manage cyclic stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple packing seals are used in traditional fluid end assemblies, then sealing capability is improved, but seal wear increases and maintenance frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sealing functions into a single multi-contact V-nested spring seal that simultaneously contacts multiple surfaces (plunger, housing, and wear ring), eliminating the need for multiple separate packing seals while maintaining sealing effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The seal employs a composite structure with a V-nested spring element providing mechanical support and sealing force, combined with contact surfaces that interact with the plunger, housing, and wear ring to create a durable multi-contact sealing system
2Ease of manufacture
If internal threads are used to secure the retainer to the housing, then ease of assembly is improved, but cracking occurs under cyclic pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes internal threads from the housing by using a clamp system that externally secures the retainer to the housing, eliminating the stress concentration points that caused cracking under cyclic pressure
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp acts as an intermediary component between the retainer and housing, providing a secure connection without requiring internal threads in the housing, thereby preventing crack formation while maintaining assembly integrity
3Productivity
If a single multi-contact V-nested spring seal is used, then maintenance frequency is reduced, but the complexity of the seal design increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is segmented into distinct contact zones that interface with the plunger, housing, and wear ring, allowing each contact surface to be optimized independently while functioning as a unified multi-contact sealing system
Solution Approach 2:
The V-nested spring structure employs a nested configuration where spring elements are arranged in a V-pattern, allowing compact packaging of the seal components while maintaining the multi-contact sealing capability
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 design enhances the performance and longevity of the fluid end assembly by reducing seal wear, eliminating the need for frequent maintenance, and preventing cracking, thus improving operational efficiency and extending the life of the components.
Implementation Method 1
a single multi-contact V-nested spring seal... allowing the seal to expand and maintain a tight seal
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid end assembly comprising a plurality of fluid end sections positioned in a side-by-side relationship. Each section comprises a housing containing a reciprocating plunger. One and only one packing seal is installed within the housing and surrounds and engages an outer surface of the plunger. A retainer compresses and holds the packing seal within the housing. The retainer is secured to the housing using a clamp, such that no threads are formed in the housing of the fluid end section and no threads are formed in the retainer.