Fluid Routing Plug for Hydraulic Pump End
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid ends used in hydraulic fracturing operations experience structural failures due to high pressures, vibrations, and abrasives, leading to premature wear and leakage, necessitating frequent replacements.
Innovation Solution
A fluid end design that incorporates enhanced sealing mechanisms and stress-resistant materials to mitigate fatigue cracks and erosion, prolonging the lifespan and reliability of the fluid end.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fluid ends are used in hydraulic fracturing operations, then high pressure fluid delivery is achieved, but structural failures occur due to fatigue cracks and erosion from high pressures, vibrations, and abrasives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a resilient material layer with a rigid material layer in the fluid end components. The resilient material (such as elastomers or polymers) provides resistance to fatigue cracks and erosion from high pressures and abrasives, while the rigid material (such as metal) provides structural strength and stability. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by enabling components to withstand both the mechanical stresses and the abrasive environment of hydraulic fracturing operations without premature failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters by selecting materials with specific properties - the resilient material has high elasticity and resistance to fatigue, while the rigid material has high strength and stiffness. By changing the material parameters and combining materials with complementary properties, the fluid end components can simultaneously achieve the required structural reliability and resistance to fatigue cracks and erosion from high-pressure fluid delivery.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If enhanced sealing mechanisms and stress-resistant materials are incorporated, then lifespan and reliability are prolonged, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials to extend operational lifespan by combining resilient and rigid materials that together provide both sealing capability and stress resistance. The resilient material layer conforms to mating surfaces to maintain seals under high pressure, while the rigid material provides structural integrity. This approach extends component life without requiring complex multi-component sealing systems, as the composite structure itself provides both sealing and structural functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid routing plug for use with a fluid end section. The fluid end section being one of a plurality of fluid end sections making up a fluid end side of a high pressure pump. The fluid routing plug is installed within a horizontal bore formed in a fluid end section and is configured to route fluid between an intake and discharge bore. The fluid routing plug comprises a plurality of first and second fluid passages. The first and second passages do not intersect and are offset from one another. The first fluid passages are configured to direct fluid delivered to the horizontal bore from intake bores towards a reciprocating plunger. The second fluid passages are configured to direct fluid pressurized by the plunger towards a discharge bore.