Modular Cartridge Retention for Pump Fluid Ends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retention systems for multiplex reciprocating pumps, particularly in the oil and gas industry, are limited by being fully integrated within the fluid end, restricting adaptability to different designs and increasing weight, which complicates component retention and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A modular cartridge retention system comprising a retention body, a cartridge assembly with a housing and biasing members, and a retaining flange, allowing for secure retention of components like liners through a flange retaining nut and pressurized fluid assistance, enabling easier installation and reduced weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the retention mechanism is completely formed within the body of the fluid end, then the retention strength is improved, but the adaptability to different fluid end designs deteriorates and the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system is divided into separate modular components: a retention body that can be universally applied, and a cartridge assembly that can be configured for different fluid end designs. This segmentation allows the retention mechanism to maintain strength while adapting to various applications without being completely formed within each specific fluid end body.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism is extracted from being completely integrated within the fluid end body and becomes a separate, attachable retention body. This extraction allows the same retention body to be used across different fluid end designs, improving adaptability while maintaining retention strength through dedicated retention features.
2Strength
If the retention mechanism is completely formed within the body of the fluid end, then the retention strength is improved, but the weight of the overall fluid end design increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the retention system into a separate retention body and cartridge assembly, the weight of the main fluid end is reduced. The retention features are concentrated in the detachable retention body rather than being distributed throughout the entire fluid end structure, achieving necessary retention strength with reduced overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism is extracted from the fluid end body as a separate component. This extraction removes unnecessary weight from the main fluid end structure while maintaining retention strength through the dedicated retention body that can be attached only when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a modular cartridge retention system is used, then the adaptability and ease of assembly are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple retention features are merged into a single integrated retention body structure. This includes combining biasing members, sealing elements, and retention engagement features into one unified component that can be attached to various fluid end designs, improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention body is designed with universal applicability to work with different fluid end designs and cartridge assemblies. This multi-functionality is achieved through standardized interfaces and adaptable retention features that can accommodate various configurations without requiring completely different retention mechanisms for each application.
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 provides secure retention of fluid end components, reduces weight and thickness, and simplifies assembly, enhancing adaptability and cost-effectiveness by allowing modular installation and reduced material usage.
Implementation Method 1
a piston biased by the biasing member toward the retention body
Data Source
AI summary
A cartridge retention system includes a retention body, a cartridge assembly, and a retaining flange. The cartridge assembly has a housing coupled to the retention body, a biasing member disposed within the housing, and a piston biased by the biasing member toward the retention body. The retaining flange is coupled to the retention body by the cartridge assembly.