Mobile Pump House Skid Frame Deformation Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The relocation of auxiliary pumping stations in pumping installations, such as those used in mining and oil operations, is costly and complex due to their size and weight, requiring extensive ground preparation and support structures like concrete pads, which complicates movement and adaptation to changing site geometries or process demands.
Innovation Solution
A mobile pump house design featuring a skid-supported housing with a pump support assembly that isolates the pump from skid deformations, allowing minimal ground preparation and easy relocation by using a skid with lugs for equipment connection and a frame that connects to the skid at multiple points to absorb and resist deformation, thereby maintaining a stable pump support surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If auxiliary pumping stations are designed with substantial size and weight to support heavy pumps, then pump stability is improved, but relocation complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The pumping station is divided into modular components: pump unit, motor unit, control unit, and skid base. Each component can be independently manufactured, handled, and repositioned. The skid itself is segmented with attachment points for lifting equipment, enabling partial or complete disassembly during relocation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from a static concrete pad foundation to a dynamic skid-based platform that can be moved. The skid incorporates attachment points for cranes or forklifts, transforming the pumping station from a fixed installation into a mobile unit that can be repositioned as process demands or tailings pond geometry change.
2Strength
If heavy concrete pads are installed to support auxiliary pumping stations, then structural support is improved, but ground preparation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The skid platform replaces permanent concrete pads with a temporary, movable steel structure. The skid provides sufficient structural support during operation but can be easily removed and relocated without requiring extensive ground preparation or concrete work at each new location.
Solution Approach 2:
The skid acts as an intermediary between the ground and the pump equipment. Instead of directly anchoring pumps to concrete pads, the skid provides a movable intermediate platform that distributes loads and can be positioned on minimally prepared ground surfaces.
3Stability of the object's composition
If auxiliary pumping stations are designed for permanent installation, then operational stability is improved, but adaptability to changing site conditions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pumping station design enables transition from static to dynamic deployment. The skid-based platform can be moved to accommodate changing tailings pond geometry or process demands, while maintaining operational stability during use. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to evolving site conditions throughout its service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular skid platform serves multiple functions: structural support, mobility platform, and alignment reference. The same basic design can be deployed at different locations and configurations, making the pumping station adaptable to various site conditions and process requirements while maintaining consistent operational performance.
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 reduces the need for extensive ground preparation and simplifies relocation by allowing the mobile pump house to be moved with minimal setup, lowering costs and complexity while maintaining pump stability and preventing misalignment and wear.
Implementation Method 1
isolates a pump support surface from deformations of the skid
Data Source
AI summary
A pump support assembly includes a skid having a top surface and a bottom surface configured to movably rest on the ground; and a frame for supporting a pump, the frame having a main body, and two wings extending from opposite sides of the main body substantially perpendicular to the main body, the frame supported on the top surface of the skid and connected to the skid at an end of one of the wings to isolate a pump support surface of the frame from deformations of the skid.