Modular Pump Valve Assembly for Faster Oilfield Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reciprocating pumps used in oil and gas operations face challenges with component wear and maintenance due to harsh conditions, particularly in wellbore operations, where easy access to pump fluid end components is limited, leading to increased downtime and maintenance complexity.
Innovation Solution
A modularized valve assembly within a reciprocating pump fluid end, featuring a cylindrical canister with a valve body and seat, allows for easy replacement and maintenance by providing a fluid flow path only when open, reducing downtime and simplifying servicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If reciprocating pumps are used in harsh wellbore operations, then they can handle high cyclical pressures and demanding conditions, but pump components become susceptible to wear and require frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The pump fluid end is divided into modular assemblies including a plunger assembly with suction valve and discharge valve, allowing individual components to be replaced independently. The cylindrical canister contains the valve bodies and seats as an integrated module that can be serviced as a unit or individually, enabling targeted maintenance without replacing entire pump systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assemblies are designed to be extractable from the cylindrical canister. The suction valve and discharge valve can be removed from their respective valve bodies, and the entire valve module can be extracted from the fluid end for maintenance or replacement, facilitating easy access to wear-prone components in harsh wellbore operations.
2Productivity
If traditional valve assemblies are used, then they provide robust pumping capability, but maintenance downtime is increased due to complex servicing procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is segmented into discrete replaceable modules - suction valve, discharge valve, valve bodies, and cylindrical canister. This segmentation allows rapid replacement of only the worn components rather than entire assemblies, significantly reducing maintenance downtime while preserving the robust pumping capability of the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular valve assemblies can be pre-assembled, pre-tested, and held in standby for quick installation. The cylindrical canister design allows valves to be replaced as complete modules, eliminating the need for complex on-site assembly procedures and reducing maintenance downtime.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve module comprising: a cylindrical canister containing a valve assembly for a high pressure pump, wherein the valve assembly comprises a valve body and a valve seat, wherein the valve module provides a fluid flow path from an inlet to an outlet of the valve module from one side of the valve seat along a central axis of the valve module to the other side of the valve seat along the central axis and between the valve body and the valve seat when the valve assembly is in an open configuration, and does not provide the fluid flow path when the valve assembly is in a closed configuration.