Shaker Deck Adjustment via Hydraulic Bellows and Alignment Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lifting systems for oilfield shaker separators are often manually operated, hazardous, and inefficient in raising and lowering the discharge end while maintaining levelness, particularly when dealing with sticky or coarse solids.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus using lifting bellows and an alignment assembly with an inner cylinder that reciprocates within a sleeve, allowing for the controlled inflation and deflation of bellows to raise and lower the discharge end of the shaker bed, utilizing an air over fluid hydraulic system to manage the incline and levelness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation techniques (hand wheels or jacks) are used to raise and lower the discharge end, then the system can adjust the bed position, but the operation requires time and finesse and is not efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation (hand wheels, jacks) with an automated hydraulic system. The hydraulic cylinder automatically raises and lowers the discharge end of the bed through fluid pressure, eliminating the need for manual manipulation and reducing adjustment time while maintaining ease of operation through simple control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hydraulic system using fluid pressure to actuate the bed position adjustment. The hydraulic cylinder converts fluid pressure into mechanical motion to raise and lower the discharge end, providing efficient and rapid adjustment compared to manual mechanical systems.
2Productivity
If independently actuated hydraulic lifts are used to raise and lower the discharge end, then the bed position can be adjusted quickly, but the system requires time and finesse by the operator to laterally level the discharge end
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the vertical lifting function and lateral leveling function into a single integrated hydraulic system. The same hydraulic cylinder that raises and lowers the discharge end also controls its lateral position, merging two separate functions into one unified mechanism that is both fast and easy to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic cylinder serves multiple functions: it acts as both a lifting mechanism for raising/lowering the discharge end and as a positioning mechanism for lateral leveling. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate controls and reduces operator complexity while maintaining high productivity.
3Extent of automation
If solenoids are used in the lifting system, then automated control is achieved, but the system becomes undesirable in hazardous locations where shaker separators are used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical solenoids with a hydraulic actuation system that is inherently safer for hazardous locations. The hydraulic system uses fluid pressure instead of electrical components, eliminating sparks and electrical hazards while maintaining automated control capabilities through hydraulic valves and controls designed for explosive environments.
4Reliability
If the discharge end is lowered to assist removal of sticky solids, then screen breakage is prevented, but the mud flow rate decreases and mud loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the discharge end position dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. The hydraulic system allows the discharge end to be raised or lowered based on operating conditions: lowered when sticky solids are present to prevent screen breakage, and raised when processing coarse solids to maximize mud flow rate. This dynamic adjustment optimizes both screen durability and productivity.
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
Enables quick, safe, and efficient adjustment of the discharge end's position, minimizing mud loss and maximizing flow rate while maintaining side-to-side levelness, reducing operator effort and avoiding hazardous components.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing an air over fluid hydraulic system
Implementation Method 2
an alignment assembly with an inner cylinder that reciprocates within a sleeve, allowing for the controlled inflation and deflation of bellows to raise and lower the discharge end
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
An apparatus to lift an oilfield machine includes at least one lifting bellows, an alignment assembly extending between at least one lifting bellows and an adapter plate of the oilfield machine, the alignment assembly comprising an inner cylinder to reciprocate within a sleeve of the oilfield machine, and the alignment assembly comprising a top plate at an upper end of the inner cylinder, the top plate configured to transfer forces from the at least one lifting bellows and the inner cylinder to the adapter plate, wherein the sleeve is configured to restrict the inner cylinder to a substantially linear displacements therethrough.