Frac Drilling Piston Rod With Lantern Ring Lubrication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high-pressure reciprocating pumps face challenges with piston friction and leakage, particularly at higher operating pressures, leading to reduced piston life and the need for frequent replacements.
Innovation Solution
The development of a frac/drilling style piston assembly for reciprocating pumps, featuring a hollow cylindrical liner, a piston with an internal passageway and packing, and a lantern ring, which allows for effective lubrication and reduced friction, enabling higher pressure operations without premature wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If conventional pistons are used in high-pressure reciprocating pumps, then the pump can operate at high pressures, but the piston generates significant friction and heat that reduces piston life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces lubricating oil as an intermediary substance between the piston and the liner. The oil is delivered through the lantern ring to the packing, creating a lubricating film that reduces direct friction and heat generation between the piston and liner surfaces, thereby extending piston life while maintaining high operating pressures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes hydraulic principles by introducing lubricating oil through the internal passageway and lantern ring to the packing area. This hydraulic lubrication system delivers the lubricant under pressure directly to the friction surfaces, effectively reducing friction and heat while allowing the pump to operate at high pressures
2Device complexity
If conventional pistons are used, then the structure is simple, but once the piston begins to leak it has to be replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the piston structure dynamic by incorporating an internal passageway that allows lubricating oil to flow through the piston body and reach the packing. This dynamic lubrication system continuously replenishes the lubricant at the sealing interface, maintaining sealing reliability without requiring piston replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The piston is designed with multiple functions: it serves as both the sealing element and the conduit for lubricating oil delivery. The internal passageway integrates the lubrication system into the piston itself, allowing a single component to perform both sealing and lubrication distribution functions
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 piston assembly achieves higher operating pressures (up to 50%-150% increase) and flow rates (up to 15%-35% increase) while minimizing piston wear and extending the life of the packing, thus enhancing the overall performance and serviceability of the pump.
Implementation Method 1
Pistons generate a significant amount of friction/hear that can impact the piston life
Implementation Method 2
These plunger style systems provide lubricating oil through the stuffing box
Data Source
AI summary
A frac/drilling style piston for a high-pressure reciprocating pump. The piston assembly includes a piston that can achieve higher pressures than traditional style pistons. By delivering lube oil to a lantern ring and packing style seals, lubrication of the packing can be accomplished more effectively. In addition, the heat generated between the seal material and the dynamic sealing surface is mitigated more effectively as well. By achieving those items more effectively, the pump can operate at a higher pressure without burning up the packing.