Offset Coupler Adapter for Pump Power End Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The incompatibility of power ends and fluid ends from different manufacturers in multiplex reciprocating pumps leads to high maintenance requirements and the need for a large inventory of replacement parts, due to misalignment and varying designs of pony rods and attachment flanges, which complicates the efficient operation and maintenance of wellsite surface equipment.
Innovation Solution
An adapter system that connects power ends with offset drive rods to fluid ends, using offset couplers and tie rod adapters, allowing for interchangeable power ends with different configurations to be used with standard fluid ends, reducing the need for extensive inventory and facilitating easier maintenance by standardizing the fluid end assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power ends and fluid ends are designed with manufacturer-specific configurations, then compatibility and reliability are improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adapter as an intermediary component that couples non-standard power ends to standard fluid ends. The adapter includes offset couplers and tie rod adapters that bridge the dimensional differences between incompatible power end and fluid end configurations, enabling universal compatibility without requiring manufacturer-specific matched sets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal fluid end design that can accept multiple types of power ends through the adapter system. The standardized fluid end with its universal coupling interface can work with different power end configurations (triplex, quintuplex, offset, in-line), making the fluid end multi-functional and independent of power end manufacturer variations.
2Reliability
If multiple specialized replacement parts are maintained for different pump configurations, then reliability is improved, but loss of time and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a universal fluid end that serves all pump configurations through the adapter system. This eliminates the need to maintain separate replacement inventories for different pump types, allowing any fluid end to replace any other fluid end regardless of the original pump configuration, thereby reducing maintenance downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter system compensates for parameter changes in power end configurations (offset distances, tie rod arrangements) by incorporating adjustable offset couplers and tie rod adapters. These components can accommodate varying dimensional parameters, allowing a single fluid end design to work across multiple pump configurations without requiring configuration-specific replacement parts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If non-standard power ends are used, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but ease of operation and alignment difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter acts as a mediator that absorbs the alignment complexity between non-standard power ends and standard fluid ends. By incorporating offset couplers with adjustable positioning features and tie rod adapters that compensate for dimensional variations, the adapter handles the alignment challenges, presenting a simplified standardized interface to the fluid end while accommodating the variability of the power end.
Data Source
AI summary
A pump has power and fluid ends wherein one or more of the drive rods are offset from the plungers. An offset coupler connects a drive rod to an offset plunger. A method includes connecting the offset power end to the standard fluid end using the offset coupler. A repair and maintenance system includes inventories of standard fluid ends, power ends including offset power ends, and adapters, and a population of in service pumps, whereby the pumps can be repaired by removing and replacing the power ends from inventory using the adaptor where the replacement power end unit is offset. Another method includes removing and replacing the power end with one from the inventory, wherein the adapter is used in the case of an offset power end, whereby the offset and standard power ends may be used interchangeably.