Hydraulic Retainer Nut Assembly for Precise Pump Preload
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current retainer nut assemblies in hydraulic fracturing pump systems require imprecise and hazardous manual tightening with a hammer wrench, leading to potential ejection and damage due to high forces, and lack a reliable preload mechanism to prevent loosening under cyclic pressure changes.
Innovation Solution
A retainer nut assembly with a fastener featuring external threads, a cavity for a load piston, and a pressure piston within a bore, where a locking bolt generates hydraulic fluid pressure to preload the assembly, ensuring secure engagement and reducing cyclic stress on threads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a hammer wrench and sledgehammer are used to tighten the retainer nut, then a preload can be generated in the threads, but the result is imprecise and the user is exposed to harm from the swinging mass
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual hammer wrench and sledgehammer mechanical system with a hydraulic loading system. A loading plug is inserted into a bore of the retainer nut, and hydraulic fluid is introduced to apply controlled pressure to a loading piston, which then applies precise preload to the retainer nut threads without requiring manual striking tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hydraulic fluid and a loading piston to generate and apply the preload force. The hydraulic system allows for controlled, precise application of force through fluid pressure, eliminating the need for imprecise manual hammering while improving operator safety.
2Device complexity
If a traditional retainer nut is used, then the assembly is simple, but the retainer nut can work loose under high forces and may be forcefully ejected causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-loading the retainer nut threads with hydraulic pressure before the pump operates. The loading piston is positioned to contact the retainer nut, and hydraulic fluid is introduced to create a preload force that secures the retainer nut in place before cyclic pressures begin, preventing it from working loose during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic loading system provides beforehand cushioning by applying a controlled preload force to the retainer nut threads before operation begins. This pre-applied force counteracts the high cyclic forces that would otherwise cause the nut to loosen or eject, protecting the system from potential damage.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual tightening with hammer wrench is used, then the assembly process is simple, but it gives imprecise results and creates safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual hammer wrench mechanical system with a hydraulic loading system that uses fluid pressure to apply controlled, precise preload. The hydraulic system allows for accurate measurement and control of the applied force through pressure regulation, eliminating the imprecision of manual hammering.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of hydraulic fluid and pressure provides a controlled, measurable method for applying preload. The hydraulic system allows for precise adjustment and monitoring of the force applied to the retainer nut threads, ensuring accurate and repeatable assembly results without manual striking.
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 provides a reliable and easily assembled retainer nut assembly that maintains secure engagement under high pressures, reducing the risk of ejection and damage, and allows for precise preload indication, enhancing maintenance efficiency and system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
A bore is formed through the fastener in communication with the cavity and provided with a hydraulic fluid. A pressure piston is movably disposed in the bore. A threaded passageway is formed through the fastener in communication with the bore and open to the second end and a locking bolt is disposed in the threaded passageway configured, when inserted into the threaded passageway to contact the pressure piston and generate fluid pressure on the load piston with the hydraulic fluid.
Data Source
AI summary
A retainer nut assembly for a fluid end of a pump system includes a fastener with a generally cylindrical configuration, first and second ends, external threads configured to engage corresponding threads of a fluid end block, and a cavity formed at the first end. A suction cap is configured to sealingly fit to the fluid end block. A load piston is movably disposed in the cavity adjacent the suction cap. A bore is formed through the fastener in communication with the cavity and provided with hydraulic fluid. A pressure piston is movably disposed in the bore. A threaded passageway is formed through the fastener in communication with the bore and open to the second end. A locking bolt is disposed in the threaded passageway and, when inserted into the threaded passageway, contacts the pressure piston and generates fluid pressure on the load piston.