Multi-Pump Pig Pumping Unit With Single-Engine Gearbox Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pig pumping units require multiple engines and personnel to operate multiple pumps simultaneously, which is inefficient due to space constraints on trailers and the need for pumps to be positioned low for adequate water suction.
Innovation Solution
A pig pumping unit design that utilizes gearboxes to redirect mechanical energy from a single engine to multiple pumps, allowing them to be positioned low on the trailer while still being connected to the engine, and includes multiple pumping circuits connected to clean and dirty water tanks, enabling multiple pipes to be cleaned simultaneously with reduced equipment and personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple engines are used to drive multiple pumps simultaneously, then the pumping capacity and productivity are improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pump drives into a single engine by using a common crankshaft with multiple crank throws. Each pump is connected to the crankshaft through its own connecting rod, allowing one engine to simultaneously drive multiple pumps (typically 2-4 pumps) with independent reciprocating motions. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate engines while maintaining the productivity of driving multiple pumps simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The single engine is designed to perform multiple functions by driving multiple pumps through the common crankshaft mechanism. The engine serves as a universal power source that can simultaneously power several pumps, each operating independently in its own pumping circuit. This multi-functionality allows one engine to replace what would traditionally require multiple engines.
2Reliability
If pumps are positioned low on the trailer for adequate water suction, then the suction performance is improved, but the space utilization and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the positioning conflict by utilizing the vertical dimension and spatial arrangement within the trailer. Pumps are positioned low for adequate suction head, while the common crankshaft mechanism is arranged vertically above them. The connecting rods transmit motion vertically from the crankshaft to the pumps below, allowing both low pump positioning for suction performance and reasonable access for operation and maintenance.
3Device complexity
If multiple pumps are driven by a single engine, then the device complexity is reduced, but the mechanical energy distribution and control become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pumping system into independent pumping circuits, where each pump operates in its own circuit with independent flow control. Although all pumps are driven by a single engine through the common crankshaft, each circuit can be controlled separately using flow control elements (such as valves) on individual pumping circuits. This segmentation allows independent control of each pump's flow while maintaining the mechanical efficiency of a single engine drive.
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
This design allows for efficient cleaning of multiple pipes with a single trailer, reducing the number of engines, water tanks, trailers, and personnel required, while enabling up to eight passes to be performed at once, improving operational efficiency and space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
A pig pumping unit has at least a first engine; a first gearbox and a second gearbox, the first gearbox connected to the first engine, the second gearbox connected to and driven by the first gearbox
Implementation Method 2
at least a first pump, a second pump and a third pump, the first gearbox connected to the first pump and the second gearbox connected to drive the second pump and third pump
Data Source
AI summary
A pig pumping unit is provided that allows eight passes to be made simultaneously with a single pumping unit. A single engine is used to drive three or four pumps, each connected into separate pumping units. Two engines may thus be used to drive up to eight pumps in a single trailer.