Hydraulic Fracturing Pump Valve Head With Angled Legs for Low Turbulence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional valve head assemblies in hydraulic fracturing pumps experience flow impedance and turbulence due to leg structures, leading to reduced operational life and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A valve head assembly with a disk-shaped valve body and a valve leg assembly featuring angled leg segments that minimize flow impedance, including a main shaft with first and second leg segments, where the second leg segment is parallel to the main axis, and a thickened seal with a gull wing-shaped annular flange for enhanced durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional valve head assemblies with leg structures are used, then the valve can maintain orientation during operation, but the legs impede flow and induce turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is segmented into functional zones: a streamlined main body for flow, and separate leg structures positioned to minimize flow interference. The legs are segmented into multiple sections with varying profiles to reduce turbulence while maintaining structural support for orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg structures are positioned in three-dimensional space away from the primary flow path, utilizing vertical and radial dimensions to maintain orientation without impeding horizontal flow. The legs extend in directions that minimize projection into the flow stream.
2Power
If reciprocating pump fluid ends are used to deliver fracture fluids, then high pressure and flow rates can be achieved, but turbulent flow and cavitation are induced
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body incorporates curved and streamlined surfaces that guide fluid flow smoothly through the valve assembly. Rounded edges and contoured surfaces eliminate sharp transitions that would generate turbulence and cavitation, while maintaining the high pressure capabilities of the reciprocating pump.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional valve bodies with flat surfaces are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but fluid turbulence increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body employs different surface qualities in different regions: flat surfaces where manufacturing simplicity is paramount, and streamlined curved surfaces where flow control is critical. This localized application of surface geometry optimizes both manufacturability and flow characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve head assembly for a hydraulic fracturing pump. The valve head assembly includes a valve body attached to a valve leg assembly with backward swept or delta shaped legs. Each leg is attached to a main leg shaft which extends along a main axis. Each leg has a first leg segment and a second leg segment. The first leg segment has a first end that attaches to a distal end of the main leg shaft and extends along a first leg segment axis back towards the valve body. The second end of the first leg segment attaches to the second leg segment which extends along a second leg segment axis that is substantially parallel with but spaced apart from the main axis. The first leg segment may form an angle between the main axis and the first leg segment axis that is between approximately 10 and 60 degrees.