Single-Mass Flywheel Assembly for Pump Torque Shock Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Reciprocating pumps generate high and low frequency torsional vibrations during fracturing operations, causing shock loading and premature wear in driveline components, and synchronization of pumps connected to a common discharge line exacerbates pressure spikes and torsional distortion, leading to equipment failure.

Innovation Solution

A vibration dampening assembly comprising a single mass flywheel and/or torsional vibration dampener is integrated into the drive-train system between the gearbox or transmission and input shaft of a reciprocating pump to absorb torque shocks and reduce torsional resonance, utilizing a method to calculate the desired moment of inertia of the flywheel based on kinetic energy from hydraulic fluid pulsation to mitigate these issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If reciprocating pumps are used to pump fluid slugs, then fluid pumping capability is improved, but torsional vibration and shock loading increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid pumping capabilityVSAvoidtorsional vibration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A vibration dampening assembly comprising a single mass flywheel and torsional vibration dampener is introduced as an intermediary component between the gearbox and pump input shaft. This assembly absorbs torque shocks and reduces torsional resonance, thereby mitigating the harmful torsional vibrations generated by the reciprocating pump's fluid slug pumping action while preserving its productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The single mass flywheel is designed with a specific moment of inertia calculated based on the kinetic energy from hydraulic fluid pulsation. This beforehand cushioning capacity allows the flywheel to absorb anticipated torque shocks and dampen torsional vibrations before they propagate upstream to damage driveline components, preventing premature wear and equipment failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Productivity

If multiple pumps are connected to a common discharge line, then system capacity is improved, but pressure spikes and torsional distortion increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem capacityVSAvoidpressure spikes

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration dampening assembly serves as an intermediary that isolates each pump's torsional vibrations from the common discharge line. By absorbing torque shocks and reducing torsional resonance at each pump's input shaft, the assembly prevents synchronization of pressure waves between multiple pumps, thereby eliminating exacerbated pressure spikes and torsional distortion in the common discharge line while maintaining system capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional multi-component flywheel systems are used, then vibration dampening is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration dampeningVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the functions of multiple traditional vibration dampening components into a single integrated assembly. The single mass flywheel and torsional vibration dampener work together as a unified system mounted at a single location (the pump input shaft), combining the vibration dampening capabilities of what would traditionally require multiple separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining effective vibration dampening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution effectively reduces upstream shock loading and torsional resonance, extending the life of driving equipment by dampening high frequency/low amplitude and low frequency/high amplitude torsional vibrations, as demonstrated by significant reductions in torque spikes and system stability.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a method to calculate the desired moment of inertia of the flywheel based on kinetic energy from hydraulic fluid pulsation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectKinetic energy absorption: Accumulator (energy)

Implementation Method 2

A vibration dampening assembly comprising a single mass flywheel and/or torsional vibration dampener is integrated into the drive-train system to absorb torque shocks and reduce torsional resonance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsional vibration dampening: Damping

Implementation Method 3

calculate the desired moment of inertia of the flywheel based on kinetic energy from hydraulic fluid pulsation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMoment of inertia: Moment of Inertia

Data Source

PatentUS12092100B2Systems and method for use of single mass flywheel alongside torsional vibration damper assembly for single acting reciprocating pump

Publication Date: 2024.09.17 BJ ENERGY SOLUTIONS LLC

AI summary

A pump system may include a pump, a driveshaft, driving equipment, and a vibration dampening assembly configured to reduce pump-imposed high frequency/low amplitude and low frequency/high amplitude torsional vibrations. The pump may have an input shaft connected to the driveshaft. The driving equipment may include an output shaft having an output flange connected to the driveshaft. The driving equipment may be configured to rotate the driveshaft to rotate the input shaft of the pump therewith. The vibration dampening assembly may include one or more flywheels operably connected to the input shaft and configured to rotate therewith.