Modular Fluid Routing Plug Assembly for High-Pressure Pump Fluid Ends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid ends used in hydraulic fracturing operations experience structural failures due to high operational pressures and abrasive proppants, leading to frequent replacements and maintenance issues.
Innovation Solution
A modular fluid end assembly with a multi-piece housing design and a fluid routing plug that allows individual sections to be replaced, reducing the need for complete replacement and enhancing durability under extreme conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fluid ends are used under high operational pressures and abrasive proppants, then they can deliver required fluid volumes, but they experience structural failures and require frequent replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid end is divided into multiple modular sections (first section, second section, third section) that can be independently replaced. The housing includes a first section containing a first fluid end, a second section containing a second fluid end, and a third section containing a third fluid end, allowing targeted replacement of worn components without replacing the entire assembly.
2Reliability
If complete replacement of fluid ends is performed, then reliability is restored, but maintenance costs and downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The modular design allows individual fluid end sections to be replaced independently. When one fluid end fails, only that specific section needs to be replaced rather than the entire fluid end assembly, reducing maintenance downtime and costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design enables selective replacement of only the worn or damaged fluid end section while retaining and reusing the functional sections, thereby reducing waste and maintenance costs.
3Ease of repair
If modular design with multi-piece housing is implemented, then component replacement is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into multiple sections that can be independently assembled and disassembled. The first section, second section, and third section are modular components that can be attached to the common body, enabling easy replacement of individual fluid ends while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid routing plug for use with a fluid end section. The fluid end section being one of a plurality of fluid end sections making up a fluid end side of a high pressure pump. The fluid routing plug is installed within a horizontal bore formed in a fluid end section and is configured to route fluid throughout the fluid end section.