Monolithic Fluid End Counterflow Passages for Fewer Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high pressure reciprocating pumps face challenges in efficiently routing fluid flow into and out of the fluid end without requiring multiple separate components, which can increase complexity, friction, and reduce structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic fluid end body with integrated counterflow passages and valves that form a fluid routing plug, allowing fluid to flow into and out of the pumping chamber without separate components, reducing the number of parts and improving structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If separate components are used for suction and discharge, then fluid flow management is achieved, but device complexity increases and structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate suction and discharge components into a single monolithic fluid end body. The counterflow passages are integrated directly into the fluid end body, eliminating the need for separate suction and discharge components. This consolidation reduces the number of parts while maintaining the ability to manage fluid flow effectively, thereby reducing device complexity and improving structural integrity.
2Reliability
If separate components are used for suction and discharge, then fluid routing is achieved, but the number of seals increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the counterflow passages into the monolithic fluid end body, the patent eliminates multiple separate components that would require multiple seals. The unified structure reduces the number of sealing interfaces needed, thereby improving reliability by reducing potential failure points while simultaneously reducing device complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If counterflow passages are integrated into fluid end body, then manufacturing is simplified, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of counterflow passages into the monolithic fluid end body can be achieved through additive manufacturing or other advanced manufacturing techniques. These methods allow for the creation of complex internal geometries in a single manufacturing step, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining the necessary precision through process control and design optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid end includes a fluid end body and a plurality of passages formed in the fluid end body. The fluid end body includes a suction chamber and a plurality of bore segments that extends through the fluid end body. A bore segment of the plurality of bore segments interfaces with a reciprocating element that creates suction and discharge pressures in the suction chamber, and at least two bore segments of the plurality of bore segments support respective valves configured to control ingress and egress of fluid with respect to the suction chamber. The plurality of passages interconnects a pair of the plurality of bore segments so that fluid can flow from one of the respective valves to another of the respective valves in response to reciprocation of the reciprocating element.