Pump Plunger Clamp Assembly for Fast Fluid-End Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reciprocating pumps used in oil and gas operations face challenges in maintaining pump components due to harsh conditions, leading to wear and the need for frequent servicing, particularly in accessing components like the reciprocating element, suction valve assembly, and packing within the pump fluid end.
Innovation Solution
A reciprocating element assembly with a reciprocating element adapter and clamp that allows for alignment and attachment of the reciprocating element within the pump fluid end without realigning the pushrod, enabling maintenance without accessing the back of the pump power end, and facilitating the reattachment of the reciprocating element after maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional pump design is used, then structural integrity is maintained, but maintenance access to reciprocating element is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The pump plunger assembly is segmented into separable components: the plunger can be detached from the rod end, allowing independent removal of the plunger for maintenance while leaving the rod end in place. This segmentation enables easier access to wear components without requiring complete disassembly of the pump assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger is extracted as a removable component from the rod end assembly through a maintenance access port. This extraction allows the plunger to be removed, inspected, and replaced without accessing the back of the pump power end, significantly reducing maintenance time and exposure to hazardous environments.
2Reliability
If frequent maintenance is performed, then component wear is addressed, but exposure to health, safety, and environmental risks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The maintenance access port enables extraction of the plunger for maintenance without requiring personnel to access the back of the pump power end. This reduces exposure time to high-pressure fluids and hazardous environments, thereby decreasing health, safety, and environmental risks associated with frequent maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The simplified access method allows maintenance personnel to quickly remove and replace the plunger through the maintenance access port without time-consuming disassembly procedures. This rushes through the maintenance process efficiently, minimizing the duration of exposure to hazardous conditions.
3Ease of operation
If traditional maintenance access method is used, then complete access is achieved, but maintenance time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger is designed to be extracted through a maintenance access port located on the pump power end, eliminating the need to access the back of the assembly. This extraction method reduces maintenance time by allowing direct removal of the plunger without complete disassembly, while still providing complete access for maintenance activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly is segmented to allow the plunger to be removed independently from the rod end through the maintenance access port. This segmentation enables maintenance personnel to service the plunger quickly without disturbing other components, significantly reducing overall maintenance time while maintaining full accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp comprising a first contact surface perpendicular to a central axis of the clamp and a second contact surface tapered relative to a central axis of the clamp, whereby the clamp allows for concentric or non-concentric mating between a first component and a second component such that, when rigidly held together by the clamp such that the first contact surface of the clamp contacts a portion of the first component and the second contact surface of the clamp contacts a portion of the second component, a central axis of the first component is parallel to or coincident with a central axis of the second component.