Fluid End Seal Assembly That Shifts Erosion Wear to Replaceable Plugs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing high-pressure fluid end bodies in flow control devices, such as those used in oil and gas production, suffer from erosion due to corrosive and abrasive fluids, leading to leakage and costly repairs.

Innovation Solution

The technology transfers erosion wear from the fluid end body to a less complex and less expensive component, such as a discharge plug or suction plug, by using endless grooves in the fluid end body to mount seals that wear against the plug surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If seals are mounted to the fluid end body to seal against the body, then sealing is achieved, but erosion of the body occurs resulting in leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoiderosion of fluid end body

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional sealing arrangement by mounting the seal to the closure component instead of to the fluid end body. The seal extends from the closure to seal against the body, which transfers erosion wear from the expensive body to the less complex closure component. This inversion resolves the contradiction by maintaining sealing effectiveness while protecting the body from erosion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the principle of using a sacrificial component (the closure with mounted seal) that is less expensive and easier to replace than the fluid end body. The closure and seal assembly becomes the wear component that is periodically replaced, protecting the more valuable body from erosion while maintaining reliable sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If the fluid end body is repaired due to erosion, then leakage is fixed, but downtime and operating cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleakage preventionVSAvoiddowntime for repair

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the sealing system into separate replaceable components (closure and seal) that can be independently replaced without replacing or repairing the entire fluid end body. This segmentation allows for quick replacement of worn sealing components, minimizing downtime while maintaining leakage prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The closure component with mounted seal serves as a sacrificial, easily replaceable unit. When erosion or wear occurs, only this relatively simple and inexpensive assembly needs replacement, not the entire fluid end body, thereby reducing both downtime and repair costs while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If seals are mounted to extend from the closure to seal against the body, then erosion is transferred from the body to the closure, but the closure becomes subject to wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating life of fluid end bodyVSAvoidwear of closure component

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent intentionally makes the closure component the sacrificial element that absorbs wear. The closure with mounted seal is designed to be easier and less expensive to replace than the fluid end body, so it becomes the planned replacement component while the body lasts much longer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The seal acts as an intermediary that transfers the wear function from the body to the closure. By positioning the seal on the closure and having it contact the body, the seal and closure assembly becomes the wear interface, protecting the body while allowing the closure to be periodically replaced.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12209686B2Sealing high pressure flow devices

Publication Date: 2025.01.28 KERR MACHINE CO

AI summary

A fluid end assembly comprising a housing having multiple conduits formed therein. A tubular sleeve is installed within one of the conduits and is configured to house a plurality of packing seals. A seal is installed within a groove formed in the walls of the housing surrounding the tubular sleeve such that the seal engages an outer surface of the tubular sleeve.