Hot-Swappable Fracturing Pump for Continuous Fluid Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydraulic fracturing systems face inefficiencies in pump maintenance and downtime due to the need for manual pump replacement, which disrupts fluid flow and prolongs operations.

Innovation Solution

A hot swappable fracturing pump system that allows for seamless pump replacement through detachable swap adapters and automated grapple and lock mechanisms, enabling continuous fluid flow during maintenance and reducing downtime.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If manual pump replacement is used, then pump maintenance can be performed, but fluid flow is interrupted and operational downtime increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepump maintenance capabilityVSAvoidoperational continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The pump system is divided into modular components including a pump unit and a separate swap adapter. This segmentation allows the pump to be quickly detached and replaced by simply swapping the adapter, enabling maintenance without interrupting overall system operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The swap adapter is pre-configured with all necessary connection interfaces and quick-connect mechanisms before the pump needs replacement. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid pump swapping by simply attaching the pre-configured adapter, eliminating the need for complex real-time assembly during maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of repair

If traditional pump replacement procedures are used, then pump maintenance is achieved, but maintenance time and downtime increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepump replacement capabilityVSAvoidmaintenance downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system transitions from static, permanent connections to dynamic, detachable connections using quick-connect interfaces. This allows the pump to be rapidly attached and detached from the swap adapter, significantly reducing maintenance time while ensuring reliable fluid flow during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The swap adapter serves as an intermediary component between the pump and the hydraulic system. It provides standardized connection interfaces that enable rapid pump replacement without disrupting the overall system, allowing maintenance to be performed quickly while maintaining operational continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of repair

If pump replacement is performed, then system maintenance is completed, but fluid flow disruption occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepump maintenance capabilityVSAvoidfluid flow continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed to maintain continuous fluid flow during pump replacement by using a swap adapter that can be quickly attached and detached. The quick-connect mechanism ensures that the hydraulic circuit remains pressurized and operational, preventing flow disruption while allowing pump maintenance to proceed without interrupting useful work.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS20260071524A1Fracturing pump system

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 DOWNING WELLHEAD EQUIPMENT LLC

AI summary

A method and system according to which pressurized fluid is communicated to an oil and gas wellbore.