Modular Gland Sealing for Eroded Fluid End Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid end assemblies in oil and gas operations are susceptible to leakage due to erosion of sealing surfaces caused by corrosive and abrasive fluids, leading to the need for premature replacement of the housing.
Innovation Solution
The system includes closure elements with recessed spaces that allow relocation of seals within conduits, enabling the seals to engage with new, non-eroded sealing surfaces as the original surfaces erode, thereby extending the life of the fluid end housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If seals are positioned in fixed locations within conduits, then the assembly structure is simple, but the sealing surfaces erode prematurely requiring housing replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is segmented into multiple sections, each with its own seal positioned at different axial locations. This allows the seals to be independently positioned at different radial and axial locations within the conduit, enabling relocation to fresh sealing surfaces without replacing the entire housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds axial positioning capability to the seal locations within the conduit. By positioning seals at different axial locations (not just radial positions), the system can relocate seals along the length of the conduit to engage with fresh sealing surfaces, extending housing life without increasing radial structural complexity.
2Reliability
If seals are relocated to engage fresh sealing surfaces, then leakage is prevented, but the closure element structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is divided into multiple sealed sections with independent seals positioned at different locations. Each seal can independently engage with fresh sealing surfaces on the conduit, ensuring reliable sealing performance while distributing the complexity across modular segments rather than requiring a completely complex redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
Each section of the closure element has localized sealing features tailored to specific positions within the conduit. The seals are positioned at specific radial and axial locations where fresh sealing surfaces are available, providing localized high-quality sealing without requiring complex global restructuring of the entire closure element.
Data Source
AI summary
A closure element for a fluid end assembly that has two or more recessed grooves formed in its outer surface. The grooves are axially offset. A seal is placed in one and only one of the grooves. As wear occurs, the seal is relocated to one of the other grooves. Instead of a series of axially offset grooves in a single closure element, a kit may be formed from two or more otherwise identical closure elements, each with a single recessed groove at a different axial position. Another closure element has a series of ledge-like surfaces defining spaces within which a seal may be received. One outer surface surrounds one or more of the other surfaces. A seal is placed in one and only one of the spaces. As wear occurs, the seal is relocated to one of the other spaces.