Hydraulic Hub Puller Flange for Frac Pump Power End Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing hubs from power ends of frac pumps are cumbersome, leading to high maintenance times and costs, and a risk of equipment damage.
Innovation Solution
A hub puller kit comprising an adapter flange with fastener openings and a hydraulic actuator, which applies forces to both the hub and pinion shaft to efficiently separate the hub from the pinion shaft, utilizing a hydraulic cylinder and plunger to generate the necessary forces for removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional manual methods are used to remove hubs from power ends, then equipment damage risk is reduced, but maintenance time and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydraulic actuator with a cylinder and piston to generate controlled pulling forces for hub removal. The hydraulic system provides mechanical advantage, enabling efficient separation of the hub from the power end through fluid pressure applied to the piston, which translates to substantial pulling force on the hub.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an adapter flange as an intermediary component that couples to the hub and connects to the hydraulic actuator. This adapter serves as a mediator between the hydraulic force and the hub, providing a secure attachment point and enabling the hydraulic system to effectively apply force to the hub for removal.
2Productivity
If traditional removal methods are used, then equipment damage risk is minimized, but maintenance costs and downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic actuator provides controlled, progressive pulling force through fluid pressure, allowing operators to safely separate the hub from the power end without sudden shocks or excessive forces that could damage equipment. The hydraulic system's inherent controllability ensures reliable and safe operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical pulling methods (such as chain hoists or manual pry bars) with a hydraulic actuator system. This substitution provides more controlled and reliable force application, reducing the risk of equipment damage while improving maintenance efficiency through easier operation and better force control.
3Ease of operation
If complex removal procedures are used, then hub removal can be achieved, but maintenance time and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic actuator system is designed to be self-contained and relatively easy to operate, requiring minimal external assistance or complex procedures. The system essentially performs the difficult work of hub removal automatically once positioned and activated, reducing the need for multiple operators or complex manual procedures and significantly reducing maintenance time.
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 solution significantly reduces maintenance time and cost while minimizing the risk of equipment damage, enabling quick and effective hub removal with improved safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
pressurizing a hydraulic actuator coupled to the adapter flange to apply a first force to the hub in a first direction and a second force to the pinion shaft in a second direction
Data Source
AI summary
A hub puller kit for pulling hubs off of power ends of frac pumps, and a method of removing a hub from a pinion shaft of a power end using the hub puller kit. The hub puller kit has an adapter flange formed out of a monolithic body with fastener openings, and a hydraulic actuator coupled to the adapter flange. The adapter flange has a stepped surface formed on a first surface and a recessed surface formed in a second surface, and a central opening having a threaded flange portion that extends from the stepped surface to the recessed surface. The hydraulic actuator has a hydraulic cylinder and a hydraulic plunger disposed at least partially within the hydraulic cylinder, and a threaded actuator portion that engages the threaded flange portion to couple the hydraulic actuator to the adapter flange.