Piston Pump Lubrication Barrier for Cement Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Drilling systems face challenges in efficiently pumping fluids like cement and drilling fluid without damaging the pump components, as cement can set and cause damage if it reaches the power end portion of the pump system.

Innovation Solution

A piston pump system with a lubrication system that includes a piston assembly with a piston, piston support structure, and actuator rod, featuring fluid channels to place lubricating fluid in an annular space between the piston and support structure, acting as a barrier to prevent cement from reaching the power end portion and potentially damaging components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a pump system is used to pump both cement and drilling fluid, then the pump can handle multiple functions, but cement can set and damage pump components if it reaches the power end portion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to pump multiple fluidsVSAvoidpump component protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pump system is divided into separate zones: a fluid end portion for handling pumped fluid and a power end portion for drive mechanisms. A piston assembly with sealing elements creates distinct chambers that segment the flow paths, allowing different fluids to be handled in different zones without mixing or cross-contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A lubricating fluid is introduced as an intermediary substance in the annular space between the piston and piston support structure. This lubricating fluid acts as a barrier and protective medium that prevents cement from reaching and damaging the power end portion while still allowing the pump to handle multiple fluids including cement in the fluid end portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple pumps are used to handle different fluids, then component protection is ensured, but the system footprint and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent protectionVSAvoidnumber of pumps required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pump system is designed as a multi-functional unit that can handle both cement and drilling fluid through a single integrated structure. The piston assembly with adjustable sealing elements and lubricating fluid injection capability allows one pump to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate specialized pumps, reducing system complexity and footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The lubrication system components are nested within the existing pump structure. The annular space between the piston and piston support structure is utilized to introduce and contain the lubricating fluid, effectively nesting the protection mechanism within the existing pump architecture rather than adding separate external systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If sealing elements are added to prevent cement leakage, then component protection improves, but friction and wear increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecement containmentVSAvoidfriction on moving parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The lubricating fluid serves as an intermediary substance that reduces direct contact and friction between the piston and piston support structure. By introducing this lubricating medium in the annular space, the system achieves both effective sealing to prevent cement leakage and reduced friction to minimize wear on moving parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the physical parameters of the interface between moving parts by introducing a lubricating fluid. This alters the friction coefficient and wear characteristics of the piston-piston support interaction, allowing the sealing elements to function effectively without excessive friction and wear on the moving components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 lubrication system effectively blocks cement from reaching the power end of the pump, protecting components and allowing the pump to handle both cement and drilling fluid without damage, enabling fewer pumps and a smaller footprint in drilling systems.

Implementation Method 1

The lubrication system may include features that enable placement of a volume of lubricating fluid in an annular space between a piston and a piston support structure... The volume of lubricating fluid may contact the cylinder and block passage of the cement across the piston assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS11326693B2Lubrication system for a piston pump

Publication Date: 2022.05.10 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A piston assembly for a piston pump includes an actuator rod, a piston coupled to the actuator rod and configured to contact a radially-inner wall of a cylinder, and a piston support structure coupled to the actuator rod and configured to contact the radially-inner wall of the cylinder. A fluid channel extends through the actuator rod and the piston support structure, and the fluid channel is configured to deliver a lubricating fluid to an annular space positioned between the piston and the piston support structure along an axial axis of the piston assembly.