Self-Locking Plug Assembly for High-Pressure Leak Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pump systems face issues with leaks and operational problems due to movement and load cycling at various interfaces, particularly in high-pressure applications like hydraulic fracturing, where traditional plug configurations rely on threaded fasteners that can fail under pressure.
Innovation Solution
The development of a self-locking plug system that utilizes a plug assembly with a lock ring and retaining plate, where the natural outward pressure of the fluid end drives the lock ring radially outward into a groove, creating increased preload on the plug and reducing the likelihood of leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional threaded fasteners are used to secure the plug, then the plug can be installed and retained in the bore, but the threaded fasteners can fail under high pressure and load cycling, causing leaks and operational problems
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the threaded fastener component entirely from the plug assembly. Instead of using external fasteners to secure the plug in the bore, the design relies on the plug body and lock ring assembly that engages directly with the bore geometry, eliminating the weak point of threaded fasteners under high pressure and load cycling conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The plug assembly is designed to be self-securing through the interaction between the lock ring and the bore groove. The lock ring engages with the groove geometry to automatically retain the plug body in position without requiring separate fastening components, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating dependency on external fasteners
2Device complexity
If the plug uses a simple retention mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the plug may move or become dislodged under high pressure and load cycling
Solution Approach 1:
The plug assembly is divided into distinct functional components: the plug body for sealing and the lock ring for retention. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the plug body maintains the seal while the lock ring provides positional stability through engagement with the bore groove, achieving reliable retention without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The lock ring transitions from an axial positioning function to a radial engagement function with the bore groove. By moving the retention mechanism into the radial dimension through the groove engagement, the design achieves stable plug positioning under pressure without requiring complex axial fastening systems
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 the likelihood of leakage and operational failures in pump systems by utilizing the natural pressure within the fluid end to create a self-locking mechanism, independent of external threaded fasteners, thereby enhancing the reliability and durability of the system.
Implementation Method 1
the lock ring positioned to be driven radially outward responsive to a longitudinal force applied to the plug body
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid end, includes a plunger reciprocating within a first bore, the plunger increasing a pressure of a fluid within a pressure chamber. The fluid end also includes a second bore. The fluid end further includes a plug assembly associated with the second bore. The plug assembly includes a plug body positioned within the second bore. The plug assembly also includes a lock ring positioned, at least in part, within the second bore, the lock ring positioned to be driven radially outward responsive to a longitudinal force applied to the plug body.