Modular Direct-Drive Pump Assembly for Variable Flow and Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mud pumps have a fixed configuration and footprint, making them inflexible and inefficient for adapting to varying drilling fluid flow and pressure requirements, as they require additional pumps or redesign to increase flow rate, and occupy significant space on drill sites.
Innovation Solution
A modular pumping system comprising a plurality of pump assemblies with a transmission assembly that includes an input shaft, an offset collar, a linking member, and a carriage assembly, allowing for adjustable configuration to accommodate specific flow and pressure needs, and a central controller for managing suction and discharge valves to optimize fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mud pumps are used with fixed configuration, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to varying flow and pressure requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly is divided into modular components including a driver assembly, fluid end assembly, and transmission assembly that can be independently configured. The transmission assembly further segments the power transmission path through offset collars and linking members, allowing each segment to be optimized for specific flow and pressure requirements without redesigning the entire pump system.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump system enables dynamic adjustment of operational parameters through the transmission assembly's offset collar mechanism. By varying the offset distance and linkage geometry, the pump can dynamically adapt its discharge characteristics to match changing drilling fluid requirements during different drilling operations.
2Productivity
If additional pumps are added to increase flow rate, then flow rate requirement is met, but device complexity and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission assembly with offset collar and linkage mechanism enables a single pump to dynamically vary its discharge flow rate by adjusting the offset parameters. This allows one pump to replace multiple fixed-capacity pumps, as the offset mechanism can continuously adjust the pump's performance characteristics to match required flow rates without adding additional pump units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters through the offset collar geometry. By modifying the offset distance, linkage length, or collar angle, the pump's flow rate and pressure characteristics are adjusted, enabling a single pump to deliver variable flow rates that would traditionally require multiple pumps with different capacities.
3Reliability
If conventional triplex pump configuration is used, then reliable pressurization is achieved, but space occupation on drill site increases
Solution Approach 1:
The driver assembly and fluid end assembly are merged into a compact integrated unit with the transmission assembly positioned between them. This consolidation reduces the overall footprint compared to conventional separated pump configurations, while the direct coupling maintains reliable power transmission for effective pressurization of drilling fluid.
Solution Approach 2:
The offset collar and linkage mechanism utilize angular and radial dimensions to achieve compact packaging. By arranging the transmission components in a radial pattern around the drive shaft and using the offset collar to convert rotational motion to reciprocating motion in a compact space, the pump achieves reliable pressurization with reduced axial and radial footprint.
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 modular system enables efficient and adaptable fluid pressurization, reducing the need for additional equipment and space, while optimizing fluid flow and pressure management, enhancing drilling operations efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a spherical member slidingly received within a seat coupled to the base. In addition, the transmission includes a carriage assembly including a projection. The second shaft extends through the projection
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are embodiments of a pumping system with connectable and disconnectable pumping assemblies coupled to suction and discharge manifolds. In an embodiment, the pumping system includes a pulsation dampening assembly including a variable volume chamber fluidly coupled to the discharge manifold. In addition, the pumping system includes a controller coupled to the pumping assemblies. The controller is configured to detect a pressure pulsation based on a measurement from at least one of the pressure sensors, and is configured to adjust the rotational speed of the driver of at least one of the pump assemblies. In addition, the controller is configured to adjust a volume of the variable volume chamber of the pulsation dampening assembly based at least in part on the measurement from the at least one of the pressure sensors.