Stemmed Orifice Assembly for Fast Lubrication Servicing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing lubrication orifices in fluid pumps, particularly in hydraulic fracturing pumps, are difficult to access and replace due to being covered by installed components, leading to significant downtime during servicing.
Innovation Solution
A stemmed orifice component with an orifice head and an elongated stem that allows for easy installation and removal through the nose plate of the power end, without disassembling the crankshaft or bearing assembly, facilitating quick servicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the orifice is installed into the lubrication channel during assembly and subsequent components are installed to cover it, then the lubrication function is achieved, but the orifice becomes difficult to access for servicing
Solution Approach 1:
The orifice component is divided into two segments: an orifice head that remains installed in the lubrication channel to maintain lubrication function, and an orifice stem that extends outward to provide accessibility. This segmentation allows the lubrication function to be preserved while enabling easy access for servicing by simply removing the stem portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The orifice stem acts as an intermediary element that connects the hidden orifice head (embedded in the lubrication channel) to the external environment. This intermediary structure allows technicians to access and service the orifice without disassembling the crankshaft, roller bearings, or bearing races.
2Ease of manufacture
If the orifice is covered by installed components, then the lubrication system is complete, but servicing requires disassembly of crankshaft, roller bearings, and bearing races
Solution Approach 1:
The orifice component is segmented into an orifice head for manufacturing integration and an orifice stem for ease of repair. The orifice head is installed during assembly to complete the lubrication system, while the extendable stem allows future servicing without disassembling the crankshaft, roller bearings, or bearing races.
Solution Approach 2:
The orifice stem is预先 extended during the initial assembly stage, creating a preliminary configuration that anticipates future maintenance needs. This preliminary action of extending the stem beyond the covered components enables easy access during servicing without requiring disassembly of the crankshaft or bearing assembly later.
3Ease of repair
If traditional orifice replacement is performed by drilling out, then the orifice can be replaced, but the process is time consuming and results in significant downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The orifice component transitions from a static, permanently installed orifice to a dynamic, removable configuration. The orifice stem can be extended for installation and then retracted or removed for servicing, allowing quick replacement without time-consuming drilling operations. This dynamic design significantly reduces downtime during maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The orifice stem is extracted or removed from the lubrication channel for servicing instead of drilling out the entire orifice. This extraction principle allows the orifice head to remain in place while the stem portion is easily removed and replaced, dramatically reducing the time required for maintenance operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An orifice component for a lubrication system may include an orifice head having an outlet orifice and one or more inlet passageways in fluid communication with the outlet orifice. The orifice component may include an orifice stem extending from the orifice head. The orifice stem may have a solid structure.