Hydraulic Reciprocating Pump Pressure Pulsation Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Pressure pulsations in drilling fluid caused by reciprocating pumps degrade downhole measurement accuracy and cause fatigue damage to drill string components due to cyclic loads from piston contact.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic control system with variable-volume chambers and proportional pressure control valves adjusts hydraulic fluid volume to maintain discharge pressure, reducing pressure pulsations by relieving fluid when pressure exceeds a set limit and adding fluid when pressure is too low.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a reciprocating pump is used to deliver drilling fluid, then fluid delivery is achieved, but pressure pulsations are created that degrade measurement accuracy and cause fatigue damage
Solution Approach 1:
A hydraulic intermediary system consisting of a hydraulic cylinder, piston, and variable volume chamber is introduced between the reciprocating pump and the drilling fluid. The hydraulic fluid in the variable volume chamber acts as a mediator that absorbs pressure pulsations generated by the reciprocating piston, preventing them from being transmitted to the drilling fluid while maintaining continuous fluid delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The volume of the variable volume chamber is dynamically changed during operation to control the discharge pressure. By adjusting the chamber volume, the system maintains pressure within a predetermined range, reducing pressure pulsations in the drilling fluid while preserving productivity.
2Productivity
If discharge pressure is increased to maintain fluid delivery, then productivity is improved, but pressure pulsations and fatigue damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the discharge pressure parameter by changing the volume of the variable volume chamber. This allows maintaining optimal fluid delivery rates while keeping pressure within safe limits that prevent fatigue damage to drill string components.
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback control mechanism is implemented where the discharge pressure is continuously monitored and used to adjust the hydraulic system. When pressure approaches predetermined limits, the system responds by adjusting the variable volume chamber, creating a closed-loop control that prevents excessive pressure and associated fatigue damage.
3Measurement precision
If a hydraulic control system is added to reduce pressure pulsations, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than directly modifying the complex reciprocating pump mechanism, a separate hydraulic intermediary system is added. This modular approach isolates the complexity in a dedicated pressure control subsystem, making the overall system more manageable while effectively reducing pressure pulsations that interfere with measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic principles to create a compact control system that uses fluid pressure and volume changes to achieve pressure pulsation reduction. This hydraulic approach provides a relatively simple and effective solution compared to mechanical modifications of the reciprocating pump itself.
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 maintains discharge pressure at a predetermined level, reducing pressure pulsations and minimizing fatigue damage to downhole components while maintaining consistent fluid delivery.
Implementation Method 1
The hydraulic system is operable to adjust the volume of hydraulic fluid within the variable-volume chamber, whereby the discharge pressure is maintained substantially at a predetermined level
Implementation Method 2
a variable-volume chamber disposed between the first and second pistons. The variable-volume chamber is substantially filled with a volume of hydraulic fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A system for pressurizing a working fluid includes a cylinder having an outlet through which the working fluid is exhausted at a discharge pressure, a plunger translatably disposed within the cylinder, and a hydraulic system. The plunger has a first piston coupled thereto, a second piston disposed opposite the first piston, wherein the second piston is driven to reciprocate, and a variable-volume chamber disposed between the first and second pistons. The hydraulic system is operable to adjust the volume of hydraulic fluid within the variable-volume chamber, whereby the discharge pressure is maintained substantially at a predetermined level.