Hydraulic Dampening System for Reciprocating Pump Pulsations
Solution Overview
Problem
Reciprocating pumps generate pressure pulsations in drilling fluids, which disrupt downhole communication and instrumentation accuracy and cause fatigue damage to drill string components, due to cyclic loads from piston motion and other sources.
Innovation Solution
A pressure pulsation dampening system comprising a hydraulic cylinder, valve, and controller that actuates to supply or exhaust hydraulic fluid, adjusting the volume of the working fluid chamber to maintain constant pressure by balancing hydraulic and working fluid pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a reciprocating pump is used to pressurize drilling fluid, then high pressure is achieved, but pressure pulsations are generated that disrupt downhole communication and instrumentation
Solution Approach 1:
A hydraulic dampening system acts as an intermediary between the reciprocating pump and the drilling fluid discharge line. The dampening system absorbs pressure pulsations generated by the reciprocating pump before they propagate into the drilling fluid, thereby maintaining high discharge pressure while protecting downhole communication and instrumentation systems from disruptive pulsations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the pressure parameter characteristics by introducing a dampening system that converts high-frequency pressure pulsations into smoother pressure variations. The dampening system modifies the pressure waveform through hydraulic absorption and dissipation, transforming the harmful pulsating pressure into a more stable discharge pressure profile
2Stress or pressure
If a reciprocating pump is used to pressurize drilling fluid, then high pressure is achieved, but pressure pulsations cause fatigue damage to drill string components
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic dampening system serves as a protective intermediary that absorbs and dissipates pressure pulsations before they reach the drill string components. By intercepting the pulsating forces generated by the reciprocating pump, the dampening system prevents these cyclic loads from causing fatigue damage to the drill string and other downhole components
Solution Approach 2:
The dampening system provides beforehand cushioning by being positioned upstream in the discharge line, where it can absorb and mitigate pressure pulsations before they propagate through the drilling system. This preventive approach protects components from fatigue damage before it occurs
3Stability of the object's composition
If a dampening system is added to reduce pressure pulsations, then pressure stability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a hydraulic dampening system that utilizes hydraulic principles to absorb and dissipate pressure pulsations. By leveraging hydraulic fluid compression and expansion in a dampening chamber, the system achieves pressure stabilization through well-understood hydraulic mechanisms rather than complex mechanical or electronic controls
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 system effectively reduces pressure pulsations in the drilling fluid, maintaining a consistent discharge pressure and minimizing fatigue damage to downhole components while improving measurement accuracy and communication reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The piston is movable relative to the housing under pressure from working fluid in the working fluid chamber and hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic fluid chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
A pressure pulsation dampening system for a pump that pressurizes a working fluid. In some embodiments, the dampening system includes a hydraulic cylinder, a valve, and a controller. The hydraulic cylinder has a piston that is movably disposed within a housing and divides the housing into a working fluid chamber and a hydraulic fluid chamber. An outlet of the pump is in fluid communication with the working fluid chamber, and the valve is in fluid communication with the hydraulic fluid chamber. The controller is operable to actuate the valve to a first configuration, wherein pressurized hydraulic fluid is supplied to the hydraulic fluid chamber, and to a second configuration, wherein hydraulic fluid is exhausted from the hydraulic fluid chamber. The piston is movable under fluid pressure, whereby working fluid is relieved from the outlet to the working fluid chamber or supplied to the outlet from the working fluid chamber.