Pump Outlet Mini-Dampeners for Multi-Pump Pulsation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid transfer systems, particularly reciprocating pump systems, face challenges in controlling pulsations downstream of mud pumps, leading to equipment damage, noise interference, and inaccurate measurement readings due to unmanaged pressure peaks when fluid streams from multiple pumps are combined.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system pulsation dampener coupled before or after multi-flow fluid stream consolidation, along with mini-dampeners at pump outlets, to reduce pressure pulses and optimize pulsation control by aligning dampening performance with the specific pump network characteristics, thereby minimizing downstream pulsations and enhancing system efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single large pulsation dampener is used in the system, then pulsation control performance is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pulsation control function into multiple mini-dampeners distributed at individual pump outlets rather than using a single large dampener. Each mini-dampener handles the pulsation from its specific pump, and collectively they control system-wide pulsations. This segmentation reduces device complexity while maintaining pulsation control performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple mini-dampeners at pump outlets with a system pulsation dampener positioned after fluid stream consolidation. This hybrid approach merges the benefits of localized pulsation control (mini-dampeners) with system-wide pulsation management (system dampener), achieving effective pulsation control without requiring a single large complex dampener.
2Reliability
If mini-dampeners are installed at each pump outlet, then localized pulsation control is improved, but device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple mini-dampeners distributed at individual pump outlets, with each dampener being a simple, standardized component. This segmentation allows localized pulsation control at each pump while using simple, maintainable components rather than one complex large-scale solution.
Solution Approach 2:
Each mini-dampener is specifically sized and positioned at individual pump outlets to address the unique pulsation characteristics of each pump. This local customization optimizes pulsation control at each location while using simple, standardized dampener designs that are easy to manufacture and maintain.
3Reliability
If pulsation dampeners are properly sized for each pump, then pulsation dampening performance is improved, but device complexity and sizing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each mini-dampener is sized according to the specific characteristics of its associated pump, optimizing pulsation dampening performance for that particular pump. The system dampener is sized to handle the consolidated fluid stream from multiple pumps. This localized sizing approach improves performance while using straightforward sizing methodologies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the size and capacity parameters of dampeners based on pump characteristics such as displacement, operating pressure, and pulsation frequency. By changing these parameters systematically according to pump specifications, the system achieves optimized pulsation control without complex configuration requirements.
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 solution effectively reduces pulsation amplitudes, extends the operational life of equipment, improves signal detection accuracy, and minimizes wear on components by managing pressure peaks and vibrations across the fluid transfer system.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the system pulsation dampener device and the mini-dampener devices is sized so that the collective pressure dampening performance, including existing appendage dampeners, is aligned with the characteristics of the particular pump network
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-pump pump system includes at least two pumps and a system pulsation dampener sized and configured to reduce a magnitude of pressure pulsations within a combined flow output by the at least two pumps, together with at least one mini-dampener coupled between the outlet of one of the pumps and header pipe(s) carrying flow from one of the pumps into the system pulsation dampener, the at least one mini-dampener sized and configured to reduce the magnitude of pressure pulsations over the system pulsation dampener alone. Optionally, a mini-dampener may be coupled between each pump and the system pulsation dampener. A single header pipe may carry combined flow from the at least two pumps into the system pulsation dampener, or separate header pipes may carry individual flows from the pumps into the system pulsation dampener.