Mud Pump Crosshead Alignment Without Piston Rod Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for aligning the crosshead section of mud pumps with the fluid end section are inaccurate, time-consuming, and pose health, safety, and environmental risks due to the need for heavy equipment handling and reliance on skilled technicians, especially when removing and re-installing piston rods.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a connection assembly and calibrated dial indicator assembly that allows for precise alignment of the crosshead with the fluid end without removing the piston rods, utilizing a dial indicator to measure and adjust for perpendicularity and concentricity directly, reducing the need for complex electronics and heavy equipment handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional alignment methods are used requiring piston rod removal and replacement with measuring devices, then alignment measurements can be conducted, but alignment errors are induced and the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dial indicator as an intermediary measuring tool that directly contacts the piston rod, eliminating the need to remove the piston rod or use complex laser systems. The dial indicator provides precise measurement readings while remaining simple to operate and quick to deploy, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic laser alignment systems with a simple mechanical dial indicator system. This substitution eliminates the need for sophisticated electronics while providing sufficient measurement precision through mechanical means, and significantly reduces setup time due to the simplicity of the mechanical device.
2Ease of operation
If piston rods are removed for alignment, then measuring devices can be installed, but health, safety, and environmental risks increase due to heavy equipment handling
Solution Approach 1:
The dial indicator serves as a lightweight intermediary measuring device that can be attached to the piston rod without removal. This eliminates the need for technicians to handle heavy piston rods and associated equipment, thereby reducing health and safety risks while maintaining ease of operation through the simple attachment and measurement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simplified measurement approach that copies the essential function of complex alignment systems without requiring the actual piston rod removal. The dial indicator provides a scaled-down, safer version of alignment measurement that achieves the same operational simplicity without the hazardous heavy equipment handling.
3Reliability
If skilled technicians perform alignment using traditional methods, then alignment can be achieved, but specialized training is required and errors may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The dial indicator acts as a user-friendly intermediary tool that provides clear, easy-to-read measurements without requiring sophisticated technical knowledge. The mechanical nature of the device with its direct visual dial readings reduces the complexity of the alignment process and minimizes the risk of technician error, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing skill requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple, inexpensive dial indicator that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than relying on expensive, complex electronic alignment systems that require highly skilled operators. This approach reduces device complexity and technician skill requirements while maintaining alignment reliability through the straightforward mechanical measurement process.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for aligning a crosshead of a mud pump with the fluid end of the mud pump without having to remove the rod system (piston rod, extension rod) of the pump. The apparatus comprises a dial indicator which measures differential distance and a connection component for connecting the apparatus directly or indirectly to the crosshead. The method and apparatus allow the establishment of perpendicularity and concentricity of the crosshead with respect to the bore in the fluid end of the pump.