Fluid End Handling System for High-Power Pump Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-power hydraulic fracturing pumps with increased pumping capacity become challenging to assemble and disassemble due to their larger and heavier components, making manufacturing and maintenance difficult.
Innovation Solution
A fluid end handling system is introduced, comprising a lift adaptor, support frame, and actuator, which facilitates lifting, orienting, and positioning of fluid ends relative to the pump frame, using a ramp and actuator to assemble and disassemble the pump components efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-power pumps with increased pumping capacity are designed, then pumping capacity is improved, but assembly and disassembly difficulty increases due to larger and heavier components
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is divided into separable components including the fluid end, power end, and handling system. The fluid end can be detached from the power end, allowing each component to be handled independently. This segmentation enables high-power pumps to be assembled and disassembled despite their large size and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
A specialized fluid end handling system acts as an intermediary between the heavy fluid end components and the operators. This handling system includes lifting mechanisms, positioning devices, and guiding structures that facilitate the movement and assembly of large components without requiring direct manual handling, thus resolving the contradiction between high pumping capacity and ease of assembly.
2Productivity
If pump components are made larger to increase pumping capacity, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the pump into modular components (fluid end, power end, handling system), each component can be manufactured, maintained, and replaced independently. This modularity reduces overall system complexity despite the large size required for high pumping capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling system is designed with universal features that can accommodate different fluid end configurations and sizes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized tools and procedures for each component, thereby reducing manufacturing and maintenance complexity while supporting high-power pump designs.
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 system simplifies the assembly and disassembly of high-power pumps by enabling easier handling and positioning of large components, reducing the complexity and time required for maintenance and operation.
Implementation Method 1
a ramp having a ramp face extending in a direction substantially parallel to a direction in which the fluid end is moved for connection of the fluid end to the pump frame
Implementation Method 2
A fluid end handling system is introduced, comprising a lift adaptor, support frame, and actuator, which facilitates lifting, orienting, and positioning of fluid ends relative to the pump frame, using a ramp and actuator to assemble and disassemble the pump components efficiently
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, assemblies, and methods for facilitating assembly, disassembly, and/or service of a fluid end for a pump may include a fluid end handling system, including a lift adaptor and a support frame. The lift adaptor may include a lift connector configured to be connected to a lifting mechanism for lifting the lift adaptor and the fluid end, and a fluid end support positioned to support the fluid end and orient the fluid end relative to a pump frame for assembly and removal of the fluid end. The support frame may include a pump frame connector to connect the support frame to the pump frame, a ramp having a ramp face extending in a direction substantially parallel to a direction in which the fluid end is moved for connection to the pump frame, and an actuator connector associated with the ramp and positioned to connect the support frame to an actuator.