Fluid End Plug Retention with Threaded Torque Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional plug retention methods in pump systems are hazardous, require multiple workers for maintenance, and can lead to over- or under-torquing, causing safety risks and costly damage to components, especially in high-pressure fluid end units used in oil and gas operations.

Innovation Solution

A plug retention system comprising a lock collar, center hexagon, segmented wedge, and central screw that allows for precise and safe installation and removal of plugs within fluid ends, enabling a single person to perform maintenance without specialized training and reducing the risk of injury or component damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional hammer impact methods are used to set or unset central plugs, then the central plug can be removed or installed, but worker safety is compromised and component damage may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplug installation and removalVSAvoidworker safety and component damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional hammer impact mechanical system with a controlled threaded fastening system. The central plug is secured using a threaded connection that can be precisely tightened and loosened using standard tools, eliminating the need for hammer impacts and associated safety hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a threaded fastener as an intermediary mechanism between the worker and the central plug. This intermediary provides controlled force application through threading, replacing the direct hammer impact and enabling precise torque control to prevent component damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If field personnel hammer the central plug until loose or snug, then the plug can be removed or installed, but over-torquing or under-torquing may occur causing component damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance speedVSAvoidtorque control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the imprecise hammer impact method with a threaded fastening system that allows for controlled and measurable torque application. The threaded connection provides inherent torque control through its mechanical engagement, ensuring proper tightening without over-torquing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The threaded fastening system provides tactile and mechanical feedback during tightening, allowing the operator to sense when proper torque is achieved. The threading mechanism naturally resists over-tightening through increased friction and engagement resistance as torque approaches the optimal value.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Strength

If multiple workers are used for conventional maintenance, then heavy components can be handled, but labor costs and coordination complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling capabilityVSAvoidnumber of workers required

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the need for multiple workers by substituting manual handling with a threaded fastening system that can be operated by a single person using standard hand tools. The threaded connection converts rotational motion into linear clamping force, enabling one person to secure heavy components that previously required multiple workers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enables safer, more efficient, and cost-effective maintenance of fluid end units by ensuring even torque application, reducing the need for multiple workers and specialized training, and minimizing the risk of accidents and component damage.

Implementation Method 1

insertion of the central screw contacts the plug applying a force on to the plug

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

a segmental wedge configured to interface with the lock collar and the center hexagon

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWedge: Wedge

Data Source

PatentUS11473712B2Plug retention system and method

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 GARTECH LLC

AI summary

An apparatus for retaining a plug in a fluid end used in hydrocarbon recovery having a lock collar configured in a cylinder shape, a screw, a center hexagon configured to be inserted into the lock collar, the center hexagon configured with a port that extends along a longitudinal axis of the center hexagon, the center hexagon further configured with six sides, each of the six sides interfacing with the port, and the center hexagon further configured with a bottom face and a segmental wedge.