Modular Valve Cartridge for Fast Fluid Pump Servicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Servicing the suction and discharge valve assemblies of fluid pumps, such as those used in hydraulic fracturing, is time-consuming and inefficient due to the need for disassembly and reassembly using specialized equipment.
Innovation Solution
A valve cartridge that includes a cartridge body with integrated suction and discharge valve assemblies, allowing for unitary insertion and removal, featuring annular valves with biasing elements to control fluid flow and sealing, facilitating efficient servicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the suction and discharge valve assemblies are serviced by disassembly and reassembly using specialized equipment, then the valve components can be reconditioned or repaired, but the servicing process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The valve cartridge is divided into modular components including the cartridge body, suction valve assembly, and discharge valve assembly that can be independently serviced. The suction valve assembly and discharge valve assembly are segmented as separate serviceable units within the cartridge, allowing targeted maintenance without complete disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The entire valve cartridge is extracted as a single removable unit from the fluid pump, enabling rapid removal and replacement. The suction valve assembly and discharge valve assembly can also be extracted separately from the cartridge body for independent servicing, allowing quick replacement of worn components without disturbing the entire pump system.
2Ease of repair
If the suction and discharge valve assemblies are disassembled and removed from the fluid pump for servicing, then the valve components can be reconditioned, but the process requires specialized equipment and becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The valve cartridge is segmented into the cartridge body and two separately serviceable valve assemblies (suction and discharge). This segmentation allows each valve assembly to be removed and serviced independently using simple tools, eliminating the need for complex specialized equipment while maintaining full repairability of all valve components.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction valve assembly and discharge valve assembly are designed to be easily extracted from the cartridge body as separate units. This extraction capability enables repair personnel to remove and service individual valve assemblies without requiring specialized extraction equipment, significantly simplifying the repair process while maintaining complete access to all valve components.
3Reliability
If traditional valve assemblies are serviced by complete disassembly, then all components can be inspected, but the process is time-consuming with frequent downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The valve cartridge is segmented into modular components (cartridge body, suction valve assembly, discharge valve assembly) that can be independently inspected and serviced. This segmentation allows rapid inspection of critical components and enables partial servicing without complete disassembly, maintaining pump productivity while ensuring thorough inspection of valve components.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve cartridge is designed with pre-assembled suction and discharge valve assemblies that can be quickly removed and replaced as complete units. This preliminary configuration allows for rapid exchange of worn assemblies, enabling quick inspection and replacement cycles that minimize pump downtime while maintaining comprehensive inspection capability.
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
Enables fast and efficient servicing of the valve assemblies by allowing plug-and-play installation and replacement, simplifying the fluid end block design and reducing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element configured to bias the annular valve to a closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A valve cartridge for a fluid pump may include a cartridge body, a fluid cavity defined in the cartridge body, one or more suction passageways, defined through the cartridge body, that open into the fluid cavity, and a suction valve assembly configured to control flow from the one or more suction passageways into the fluid cavity. The suction valve assembly may include an annular valve having a central opening, a perimeter edge, and a sealing surface defined between the central opening and the perimeter edge, and a biasing element configured to bias the annular valve to a closed position. In an open position, the annular valve may allow flow from the suction passageway(s) into the fluid cavity. In the closed position, the annular valve may seal the suction passageway(s) from the fluid cavity, and allow flow through the fluid cavity via the central opening.