Packing Sleeve Notch Design for In-Situ Pump Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for replacing packing sleeves in reciprocating pump systems are time-consuming and expensive, requiring removal of the fluid end block and machining, which is inefficient for maintenance in remote locations.
Innovation Solution
A packing sleeve design with a beveled inner end and notch, combined with an expanding tool that engages the notch to apply a load and extract the sleeve from the packing bore, allowing for easy removal without disassembling the fluid end block.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the current method of removing packing sleeves is used (requiring removal of fluid end block and machining at facility), then the sleeve can be removed and replaced, but the process is time-consuming and expensive due to transportation and facility requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The packing sleeve is designed with a notch feature during manufacturing that prepares it for future removal operations. This preliminary structural modification enables field removal without requiring machining operations, eliminating the need to transport the fluid end block to a facility and significantly reducing maintenance time and costs.
2Ease of repair
If the current method of removing packing sleeves is used (requiring removal of fluid end block), then the sleeve can be accessed, but the device complexity and transportation requirements increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The notch feature is extracted from the packing sleeve to create a dedicated engagement point for removal tools. This extracted feature allows the sleeve to be independently accessed and removed without requiring disassembly of the entire fluid end block, thereby reducing device complexity and eliminating transportation requirements while maintaining ease of repair.
3Ease of operation
If an expanding tool is used to engage the notch and apply load to extract the sleeve, then the sleeve can be removed from the packing bore, but additional tools and equipment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The notch serves as an intermediary feature between the packing sleeve and the expanding removal tool. This intermediate engagement point allows the tool to apply extraction force effectively without requiring complex disassembly procedures. The notch mediates the interaction between tool and sleeve, enabling easy field removal while keeping the required tooling relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid end block for a reciprocating pump defines a fluid chamber and a packing bore. An outlet fluid passage is formed in the fluid end block in communication with the fluid chamber and includes an outlet valve. An inlet fluid passage is formed in the fluid end block in fluid communication with the fluid chamber and includes an inlet valve. A plunger is reciprocally disposed in the packing bore. Packing in the packing bore is positioned to contact the plunger and a packing sleeve is disposed between the packing and the packing bore. The packing sleeve is a hollow cylinder with inner and outer surfaces and an inner end configured to be inserted into the packing bore. The inner end includes a bevel extending between the outer surface and the inner end, the outer surface including a notch formed therein adjacent the inner end.