Horizontal Guided Valve Assembly for Uniform Loading Under Cyclic Pressure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Reciprocating pumps used in oil and gas operations face challenges with wear and maintenance due to high cyclical pressures, leading to a need for enhanced valve assemblies that improve the life and reliability of these pumps.
Innovation Solution
A horizontal guided valve assembly is designed with a center of gravity strategically positioned outside the valve body, either through the addition of weights or removal of mass, to ensure uniform loading and prevent tilting during operation, thereby maintaining the valve's alignment and reducing wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the valve assembly operates under high cyclical pressures, then the pump can perform wellbore servicing operations, but the valve components become susceptible to wear and require maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the valve assembly by repositioning the center of gravity from within the valve body to a location outside the valve body along the central axis. This parameter change modifies how gravitational and pressure forces interact with the valve components, distributing loads more uniformly and reducing wear on critical components during high cyclical pressure operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a counterbalancing mechanism by positioning the center of gravity outside the valve body, creating a counterweight effect that offsets uneven loading during pressure cycles. This counterbalancing approach reduces the net wear forces acting on valve components while maintaining the ability to perform wellbore servicing operations
2Productivity
If the valve assembly experiences high cyclical pressures, then pumping operations can be maintained, but angular loading and tilting occur causing increased wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the spatial parameter of the valve assembly by repositioning the center of gravity outside the valve body. This parameter change alters the distribution of forces during pressure cycles, preventing angular loading and tilting that would otherwise occur during continuous pumping operations under high cyclical pressures
3Productivity
If the valve assembly is subjected to high cyclical pressures, then wellbore servicing can proceed, but component life is reduced due to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the structural parameter of the valve assembly by repositioning the center of gravity outside the valve body. This parameter modification reduces wear rates on valve components during wellbore servicing operations, thereby extending the operational life and duration of the valve assembly while maintaining wellbore servicing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a counterbalancing approach by positioning the center of gravity outside the valve body, creating a counterweight effect that reduces cumulative wear forces on stationary components. This extends the duration of action for the valve assembly during wellbore servicing operations while maintaining productivity
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 enhances the longevity of the valve assembly by preventing angular loading and wear, decreases maintenance needs, and reduces downtime, ultimately increasing the overall efficiency and reliability of the pump.
Implementation Method 1
A horizontal guided valve assembly is designed with a center of gravity strategically positioned outside the valve body, either through the addition of weights or removal of mass, to ensure uniform loading and prevent tilting during operation
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly comprising a valve guide and one or more weights coupled to and/or integral with the valve guide. The valve assembly may further comprising a valve body and a valve stem connecting the valve body to the valve guide. The valve assembly may be disposed in a fluid end of a positive displacement pump that is operated to flow a wellbore servicing fluid into a wellbore.