Reciprocating Pump Gearbox Support for Vibration and Bending Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reciprocating pump power end housings are prone to damage from excessive vibrations, bending moments, and deformation due to their weight and complex assembly requirements, making them difficult to manufacture and assemble effectively.
Innovation Solution
A power end frame assembly with a skid design featuring end plates, middle plates, and gussets that form a C-shaped channel, allowing for easier assembly and increased structural rigidity, including machining of pads and feet to align in the same plane for secure mounting and reduced deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional power end housings are used, then the pump can operate at high pressures, but the housing is susceptible to damage from excessive vibrations and bending moments due to its weight
Solution Approach 1:
The power end housing is divided into multiple segments (first power end housing segment, second power end housing segment, etc.) that can be separately manufactured and assembled. This segmentation reduces the weight of individual components while maintaining overall structural strength through proper joining methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction methods where housing segments are joined using techniques such as welding, bolting, or other connecting mechanisms. This allows the use of optimized materials for each segment that provide high strength-to-weight ratio, reducing overall housing weight while maintaining durability against vibrations and bending moments.
2Reliability
If conventional power end housings are used, then the pump can deliver fluid at high pressures, but the housing is difficult to manufacture and assemble due to weight and alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the housing into multiple manageable segments, manufacturing and assembly processes become simpler. Each segment can be manufactured independently with standard tolerances, and pre-assembled with components like crankshaft bearings before final assembly, reducing overall assembly difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
Components such as crankshaft bearings are pre-assembled into housing segments before final assembly. This preliminary action allows for proper alignment and installation in a controlled manner, reducing the difficulty of the overall assembly process while ensuring reliable pump performance.
3Device complexity
If conventional power end housings are used, then the pump structure is complete, but assembly is cumbersome due to difficulty in accessing certain areas like crankshaft bearings
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into multiple sections that can be separated to provide access to internal components. For example, the power end housing segments can be detached to allow easy installation and removal of crankshaft bearings and other components, eliminating the need for complex disassembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented housing design serves multiple functions: it maintains structural integrity for high-pressure operation, provides easy access to internal components when separated, and allows for modular assembly. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between structural completeness and component accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A gearbox is coupled to a power end housing of a reciprocating pump, where the gearbox includes at least one support member having a first end securely affixed to the gearbox, and the at least one support member having a second end securely affixed to an immobile part of the reciprocating pump for supporting the gearbox and resisting movement of the gearbox relative to the reciprocating pump.