Retainer Assembly with Movable Tongues for Pump Fluid Ends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydraulic fracturing pump systems face challenges with retainer assemblies that are difficult to assemble, install, and maintain reliably, often requiring imprecise methods like hammer wrenches, which can lead to retainer ejection or damage due to high forces generated during the pumping process.
Innovation Solution
A retainer assembly with movable tongues and a locking mechanism that securely engages a plug within the fluid end block, allowing for easy installation and maintenance by transitioning between pre-installed and installed configurations, ensuring the retainer assembly remains locked in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded retainer with hammer wrench is used to retain the suction cap, then the retainer can be secured in position, but the assembly process becomes hazardous and imprecise due to the swinging mass of the hammer exposing the user to harm and giving imprecise results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional threaded retainer system requiring hammer wrenches with a cam-actuated locking mechanism. The cam profile converts rotational motion into linear motion to compress a spring and engage locking lugs with grooves in the suction cap, eliminating the need for hazardous hammering operations while providing precise and reliable retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spring as an intermediary element between the cam mechanism and the suction cap. The spring absorbs and maintains the retaining force, allowing the cam to be operated with a simple tool rather than requiring direct hammer impact on the retainer, thereby improving both safety and precision.
2Reliability
If a threaded retainer is used to secure the suction cap, then the connection can be maintained, but the retainer can work loose due to high forces generated in the fluid end block, creating potential for ejection and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the threaded connection system with a cam-actuated spring compression mechanism. The cam maintains constant pressure on the spring, which in turn maintains constant retaining force on the suction cap, preventing the retainer from working loose under high forces generated during pump operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic spring-based retention system instead of a static threaded connection. The spring can dynamically adjust to varying forces, maintaining optimal retention pressure throughout operation, while the cam mechanism provides a mechanical advantage that prevents loosening under load.
3Reliability
If traditional threaded retainers are used, then the suction cap can be retained, but the assembly and maintenance process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the multi-step threaded retainer installation process with a single rotational motion of the cam mechanism. This eliminates the need for threading operations, alignment adjustments, and multiple fastening steps, dramatically improving assembly and maintenance productivity while maintaining reliable retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the retention function into distinct components: the cam for actuation, the spring for force application, and the locking lugs for engagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, simplifying the overall assembly process compared to a monolithic threaded retainer system.
Data Source
AI summary
A retainer assembly and plug for a fluid end of a pump system includes a retainer body. A plurality of tongues are movably arranged about the retainer body. The tongues are moveable between a pre-installed configuration and an installed configuration depending on the position of the retainer body relative to the tongues. In the installed configuration engaging flanges of the tongues are positioned in a retaining channel formed in a bore of the fluid end and retain the retainer assembly to the fluid end. A plug is configured to sealingly fit to the bore of the fluid end inboard of the retainer assembly and a locking mechanism is configured to secure the retainer assembly to the plug, and when so secured, the position of the retainer body is maintained relative to the plurality of tongues and the retainer assembly is maintained in the installed configuration.