Fluid End Locking Assembly Using Tapered Wedges to Prevent Cover Backout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking assembly systems for fluid ends in the oil and gas industry face challenges such as high operational complexity, increased costs, and inefficiencies due to the need for extra parts and longer operational times, especially during high-pressure operations where covers tend to back out.
Innovation Solution
A locking assembly system featuring a first actuator and a second actuator with tapered interfacing surfaces, coupled with a plurality of wedges and a lock ring, which engages the wedges to secure the cover in place, allowing for efficient sealing and reduced operational complexity through a guide mechanism that facilitates easy locking and unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locking assemblies are used to prevent cover backout during high-pressure operations, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity and operational time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly is divided into distinct functional components: a body with internal locking surfaces, movable wedges with external locking surfaces, and tapered interfacing surfaces. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while simplifying the overall design and reducing the number of parts needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedges are disposed within the body and can move between locked and unlocked positions within the same assembly. The internal locking surfaces of the body engage with the external locking surfaces of the wedges, creating a nested configuration that reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If traditional locking assemblies with multiple parts are used, then sealing during operation is improved, but operational time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking and sealing functions are integrated into a single compact assembly that can be installed or removed as one unit. This eliminates the need to manipulate multiple separate locking components during operation, significantly reducing operational time while maintaining reliable sealing through the internal-external locking surface engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism and sealing function are merged into a single integrated assembly. The body, wedges, and tapered surfaces work together as one unit to provide both locking action and sealing, eliminating the need for separate locking components and reducing operational steps.
3Reliability
If covers are secured during high-pressure operations, then reliability is improved, but the number of parts and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The body serves multiple functions: it provides the structural housing, contains the internal locking surfaces, supports the movable wedges, and creates the sealing interface. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate parts needed while ensuring reliable cover security during high-pressure operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedges are nested within the body and move within the same assembly to provide the locking action. This nested configuration allows the locking mechanism to be integrated into the existing structure without requiring additional external components, reducing part quantity while maintaining reliability.
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 enhances operational efficiency by reducing the number of parts, simplifying the design, and lowering costs while maintaining secure sealing during high-pressure operations, preventing cover backout and ensuring quick and easy maintenance access.
Implementation Method 1
The second actuator includes one or more tapered interfacing surfaces that taper inward at an angle relative to the center axis... each wedge includes one or more tapered interfacing surfaces, where the one or more tapered interfacing surfaces of each wedge is configured to engage with one of the one or more tapered interfacing surfaces of the second actuator
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to locking assembly apparatus and methods for fluid ends, and associated components thereof. In one implementation, a locking assembly for fluid ends includes a first actuator and a second actuator disposed at least partially below the first actuator. The second actuator includes one or more coupling surfaces disposed in coupling engagement with one or more coupling surfaces of the first actuator. The locking assembly also includes a plurality of wedges disposed about the second actuator and movable between an unlocked position and a locked position.