Rotating Valve Cover Assembly for Reciprocating Pump Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Reciprocating pumps used in drilling operations face challenges with accessing and maintaining suction and discharge valves due to their abrasive nature, leading to frequent failures and costly, time-consuming maintenance processes that interrupt drilling activities.

Innovation Solution

A valve cover assembly with a cylindrical design featuring interlocking lugs and a rotatable mechanism allows for safe and quick access to the valves, enabling axial translation and fixation, facilitating easier maintenance without shutting down the pump.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If conventional valve cover removal methods are used (heavy sledge hammer and unscrewing long threads), then the valve cover can be removed, but the maintenance process becomes time-consuming and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of valve maintenanceVSAvoidmaintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The valve cover assembly is divided into multiple components: a valve cover body, a separate access tool with cylindrical member, and interlocking lugs. This segmentation allows the access tool to be detached and used independently to remove the valve cover, simplifying the maintenance process and reducing time required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The access tool with the cylindrical member acts as an intermediary device between the technician and the valve cover. The interlocking lugs on the cylindrical member engage with corresponding features on the valve cover, providing a mechanical advantage that enables easy removal without heavy tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the valve cover is removed using conventional methods, then access to valves is achieved, but the process presents risks of injuries to service personnel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of maintenance operationVSAvoidrisk of injury to personnel

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The access tool with the cylindrical member serves as a safe intermediary that mediates between the technician and the valve cover. It provides controlled mechanical engagement through interlocking lugs, eliminating the need for heavy sledgehammers and reducing the risk of injury from uncontrolled force application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve cover assembly incorporates self-aligning interlocking lugs that automatically engage with the access tool, reducing the need for manual force and complex manipulation by the technician, thereby improving safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of repair

If the pump is shut down for valve maintenance, then the valves can be serviced, but drilling activity is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve serviceabilityVSAvoiddrilling productivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve cover assembly incorporates a dynamic quick-release mechanism with interlocking lugs that can be rapidly engaged and disengaged. This allows valve maintenance to be performed quickly during drilling operations, minimizing interruption to productivity while maintaining full serviceability of the valves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The access tool is designed with pre-positioned interlocking lugs that align with the valve cover features before engagement. This preliminary alignment capability allows for rapid connection and disconnection, enabling quick valve access without requiring pump shutdown and maintaining drilling productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If a rotatable mechanism is added to the valve cover assembly, then axial translation and fixation of the cylindrical member is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatility of valve coverVSAvoidcomplexity of valve cover assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable mechanism combines multiple functions into a single integrated assembly: the cylindrical member, interlocking lugs, and rotation capability are merged into one component. This allows the valve cover to provide both secure attachment and quick-release functionality, as well as axial translation and fixation, without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve cover assembly with the rotatable cylindrical member provides multiple functions: secure attachment during operation, quick-release for maintenance, axial translation for access, and fixation for stability. This multi-functionality is achieved through a relatively simple integrated design, maximizing versatility while controlling complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8365754B2Valve cover assembly and method of using the same

Publication Date: 2013.02.05 NAT OILWELL VARCO LP

AI summary

A valve cover assembly for a pump. In an embodiment, the valve cover assembly comprises a first cylindrical member having a central axis and a first throughbore. In addition, the valve cover assembly comprises a second cylindrical member coaxially disposed within the first throughbore and rotatable relative to the first cylindrical member about the central axis between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the second cylindrical member is axially translatable relative to the first cylindrical member. In the second position, the second cylindrical member is axially fixed relative to the first cylindrical member.