Parallel Multi-Valve Pump Layout for High-Pressure Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic fracturing pumps experience high wear rates and short valve life due to excessive stress from pressurized fluid, exacerbated by large valve diameters and proppant accumulation, leading to inefficiencies in fluid flow control.
Innovation Solution
A multiple-valve system with smaller-diameter valves configured to control fluid flow in parallel, each valve independently controlling fluid ingress or egress, featuring valve seats, biasing elements, and retainer elements to manage fluid pressure and reduce stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If large-diameter valves are used to achieve sufficient fluid flow, then fluid flow capability is improved, but valve stress and wear rate increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single large-diameter valve is segmented into multiple smaller-diameter valves arranged in parallel. Each smaller valve handles a portion of the total fluid flow, reducing the stress on each individual valve while collectively maintaining the required flow capability. The valves are arranged radially around a central plunger, with each valve having a diameter of approximately 1-2 inches compared to the previous 4-5 inch single valve.
2Quantity of substance
If large-diameter valves are used to control high-pressure fluid flow, then flow capacity is improved, but excessive stress on valves occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system divides the total flow capacity across multiple smaller valves in parallel. Each valve experiences reduced stress because the total force is distributed across multiple sealing surfaces, while the cumulative flow area of all valves together maintains the required flow capacity for high-pressure hydraulic fracturing applications.
3Reliability
If proppant accumulates between mating surfaces of valves, then wear is exacerbated, but valve sealing may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By using multiple smaller valves instead of a single large valve, the mating surfaces for each valve are reduced in size. This minimizes the areas where proppant can accumulate, reducing the harmful effects of proppant-induced wear and improving overall valve reliability in proppant-laden hydraulic fracturing fluids.
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
The multiple-valve system reduces wear rates and extends valve life by distributing pressure evenly among smaller-diameter valves, maintaining efficient fluid flow and reducing stress, thus enhancing the hydraulic fracturing process.
Implementation Method 1
one or more biasing elements configured to bias the multiple valves to a closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid pump may include a fluid chamber, a plunger configured to reciprocate within the fluid chamber, and a valve system including multiple valves. The multiple valves each may be configured to control fluid flow into the fluid chamber or each may be configured to control fluid flow out from the fluid chamber.