High-Pressure Pump Fluid End With Serviceable Threaded Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-pressure pumps face challenges in assembly, disassembly, and maintenance due to the 'in-line' nature of the fluid end, leading to wear and potential failure at the connection between the static and dynamic sections, particularly at the dynamic section where repeated pressure changes occur.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a threaded dynamic section with external threads for attachment to the static section, utilizing hardened inserts and retaining mechanisms to reduce stress and wear, along with symmetrical fluid paths and dual guide valves to minimize misalignment and wear, and provides easy access for component inspection and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the fluid end is designed in an in-line configuration with the dynamic section connected to the static section, then the pump structure is compact and simple, but wear and potential failure occur at the connection between static and dynamic sections due to repeated pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid end is divided into separate static and dynamic sections that are connected through a threaded coupling mechanism. This segmentation allows the dynamic section to be independently replaced when worn, while maintaining the compact in-line configuration. The threads provide a reliable connection that accommodates repeated pressure changes without compromising structural integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the dynamic section is made as a single integrated piece, then manufacturing is simpler, but maintenance becomes difficult due to limited access for component inspection and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic section is segmented into multiple components including the dynamic body, plunger system, and valve assembly that can be independently accessed and replaced. The threaded coupling between static and dynamic sections serves as a disassembly interface, allowing maintenance personnel to separate the dynamic section for thorough inspection and component replacement without replacing the entire assembly.
3Ease of manufacture
If the connection between static and dynamic sections uses traditional in-line coupling, then assembly is straightforward, but stress concentration occurs at the connection point leading to premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded coupling mechanism incorporates hardened inserts made from high-strength materials such as hardened steel or carbide within the dynamic section. These composite material elements are designed to resist wear and stress concentration at the connection point, while the overall threaded coupling structure maintains assembly simplicity through standard threading operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A high-pressure hydraulic fracturing pump. The pump is in-line in orientation, with a static section having a high-pressure discharge chamber and a dynamic section having a dynamic internal bore threaded to the static section. A fluid routing plug is disposed within a bore which includes the dynamic internal bore. The pump is designed for ease of access and for reducing wear. Large, external threads on the dynamic section pair with internal threads on the static section to reduce wear associated with repeated pressurization of hydraulic fracturing fluid found within the pump. Seals and wear rings are found at a nose of the dynamic section to further prevent wear and damage.