Reciprocating Pump Suction Booster Using Venturi Jet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reciprocating pumps used in drilling systems face challenges in maintaining sufficient Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH) due to pulsating fluid flow and pressure variations, leading to potential cavitation and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A suction booster assembly is integrated into the reciprocating pump system, featuring a venturi with angled jets that increase the velocity of discharge fluid, which is then injected into the suction flow through a venturi passage, enhancing suction pressure without external power or moving parts, and includes a filter and pulsation dampener to manage debris and flow pulsations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional reciprocating pump is used, then fluid can be pumped, but suction pressure is insufficient leading to cavitation
Solution Approach 1:
A suction booster assembly is introduced as an intermediary device between the suction source and the reciprocating pump. This assembly uses a jet pump mechanism where high-pressure discharge fluid is injected through a nozzle into a venturi passage, creating a low-pressure zone that draws in additional suction fluid. The mixed fluid then flows through the venturi throat, converting pressure energy to kinetic energy and back to pressure energy, thereby boosting the suction pressure to prevent cavitation at the pump inlet.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction booster assembly utilizes hydraulic principles through the venturi effect and jet pump mechanism. High-pressure discharge fluid is redirected through a nozzle to create a high-velocity jet that entrains suction fluid through pressure differential. The venturi passage converts this kinetic energy back into pressure energy, providing the necessary suction pressure boost without mechanical moving parts in the suction line.
2Reliability
If discharge fluid is redirected through the jet, then suction pressure increases, but energy is consumed from the discharge flow
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of discarding the energy in the discharge fluid, the system recovers and再利用s it by redirecting a portion of the high-pressure discharge flow through the jet pump mechanism. This recovered energy is used to create the suction pressure boost, effectively converting what would be wasted energy into a useful function. The bypass line allows the majority of discharge flow to continue to its destination while a controlled portion is diverted for suction boosting.
Solution Approach 2:
The reciprocating pump system serves itself by using its own discharge fluid to boost its suction pressure. The suction booster assembly is self-regulating, automatically adjusting the suction pressure based on the discharge pressure available, eliminating the need for external power sources or additional energy input.
3Reliability
If multiple jets are used, then suction pressure increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction booster assembly can be configured with multiple jets circumferentially spaced around the venturi inlet, allowing the system to be segmented into modular components. Each jet operates independently but contributes to the overall suction pressure boost. This segmentation allows for scalable design where the number of jets can be adjusted based on the specific application requirements without redesigning the entire system.
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 solution effectively boosts suction pressure, prevents cavitation, and maintains system efficiency by increasing the suction fluid flow pressure, ensuring reliable operation and extending component lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a venturi including a venturi passage, and a jet configured to jet a fluid received from the discharge of the fluid end into the venturi passage, wherein the suction booster assembly is configured such that the jet of the suction booster assembly jetting the fluid into the venturi passage increases the pressure of the suction fluid flow
Implementation Method 2
the jet of the suction booster assembly jetting the fluid into the venturi passage increases the pressure of the suction fluid flow
Data Source
AI summary
A reciprocating pump system includes a reciprocating pump including a fluid end configured to receive a suction fluid flow and discharge a discharge fluid flow, and a suction booster assembly coupled to the fluid end, the suction booster assembly including a venturi including a venturi passage, and a jet configured to jet a fluid received from the discharge of the fluid end into the venturi passage, wherein the suction booster assembly is configured such that the jet of the suction booster assembly jetting the fluid into the venturi passage increases the pressure of the suction fluid flow.