Fluid End Plug Retainer for Safe Hand-Tool Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for removing and installing plugs in fluid ends of high-pressure systems are hazardous, economically costly, and require heavy machinery, posing safety risks and increasing maintenance expenses due to high bolt torque and the need for specialized equipment.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a retainer with a body and bolts to securely install and remove plugs from fluid ends, allowing for safe and economical operations using hand tools and readily available skills, with a retainer sliding mechanism to release compression forces and facilitate plug removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional methods are used to remove and install plugs in fluid ends, then the plugs can be secured with high bolt torque, but worker safety risks increase and heavy machinery is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a retainer as an intermediary component between the bolts and the plug. The retainer distributes the bolt torque across multiple contact points and provides a larger lever arm, allowing standard hand tools to achieve the same securing effect without requiring extreme torque on individual bolts. This eliminates the safety hazards associated with high-torque operations while maintaining plug security.
2Reliability
If conventional methods are used to remove and install plugs in fluid ends, then the plugs can be securely fastened, but maintenance costs increase due to heavy machinery requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer acts as a force-distributing intermediary that enables secure plug fastening using standard hand tools rather than expensive heavy machinery. By distributing the clamping force across multiple bolts that engage with the retainer, the system achieves reliable plug security while eliminating the need for costly specialized equipment, thereby reducing maintenance expenses.
3Strength
If conventional methods are used to remove and install plugs in fluid ends, then the plugs can be held in place, but the number of bolts required increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple bolts into a coordinated system where all bolts work together through the retainer structure. The retainer distributes the holding force across all bolts simultaneously, allowing a moderate number of bolts to achieve the same cumulative holding force that would otherwise require many more bolts acting independently. This reduces overall system complexity while maintaining adequate plug retention.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure provide for a method and apparatus for installing and removing a plug retainer that may be used in a fluid end hydraulic system.