Fluid Splitter for Plunger Pump Valve Casing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Plunger pumps used in oil and gas exploitation face frequent cracking and leakage due to stress concentration at intersecting lines in the valve casing, leading to costly and laborious replacements.

Innovation Solution

A fluid splitter design with a straight-through fluid end configuration, where the first and second channels are not intersecting, transferring the region bearing alternating loads from the valve casing to the fluid splitter, allowing for easier replacement and prolonging the service life of the valve casing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If intersecting lines are used in the valve casing structure, then the structural integrity is improved, but stress concentration occurs leading to frequent cracking and leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidcracking and leakage frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the intersecting line structure from the valve casing and relocates it to a separate fluid splitter component. This removes the stress concentration source from the valve casing, eliminating the root cause of cracking and leakage while preserving the structural integrity benefits of the intersecting line configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the valve assembly into separate functional components: the valve casing and the fluid splitter. By segmenting the structure, the fluid splitter bearing the alternating loads can be replaced independently without replacing the entire valve casing, thereby improving reliability and reducing maintenance costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the valve casing structure is used to bear alternating loads, then the fluid flow efficiency is improved, but the service life of the valve casing decreases due to stress concentration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow efficiencyVSAvoidservice life of valve casing

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the load-bearing function from the valve casing and transfers it to the fluid splitter. The fluid splitter is specifically designed to bear alternating loads, while the valve casing focuses on providing fluid flow pathways, thereby extending the service life of the valve casing without compromising fluid flow efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having the valve casing bear alternating loads, the patent inverts the design by having the fluid splitter bear the loads. This reversal allows the valve casing to be optimized for fluid flow while the fluid splitter handles the mechanical stress, resolving the contradiction between productivity and durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If the valve casing is replaced frequently due to cracking, then the reliability is improved, but the cost and labor required for maintenance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidmaintenance cost and labor

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the valve assembly into replaceable modules, where only the fluid splitter needs to be replaced when subjected to wear from alternating loads, rather than replacing the entire valve casing. This modular approach maintains system reliability while significantly reducing maintenance costs and labor requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a disposable fluid splitter component that is designed to be replaced periodically. This inexpensive, short-lived component protects the more expensive valve casing from wear, thereby maintaining reliability while minimizing maintenance costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

This design reduces the frequency and cost of valve casing replacements, enhances the structural integrity by redistributing stress, and maintains efficient fluid flow while minimizing drainage resistance.

Implementation Method 1

a first channel, communicated with the first opening and the first cavity, respectively, the first channel extending from the first opening to the first cavity and being configured to allow fluid to flow therethrough

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Data Source

PatentUS11867171B2Fluid splitter in a fluid end or plunger pump

Publication Date: 2024.01.09 YANTAI JEREH PETROLEUM EQUIP & TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A fluid splitter, a fluid end, and a plunger pump are provided. The fluid splitter includes: a body having a shape of column and including a first end, a second end, and a side surface connecting the first end and the second end; a first opening, located at the side surface of the body; a first cavity, located at the first end; a first channel, communicated with the first opening and the first cavity, respectively, the first channel extending from the first opening to the first cavity and being configured to allow fluid to flow therethrough; a second opening, located at the side surface of the body; a second cavity, located at the second end; and a second channel, communicated with the second opening and the second cavity, respectively, the second channel extending from the second opening to the second cavity and being configured to allow fluid to flow therethrough.