Threadless Suction Cover Retention for Reciprocating Pumps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Reciprocating pumps in oilfield operations face issues with threaded connections in suction cover assemblies, which can lead to leaks, costly replacements, and increased maintenance due to fatigue and unequal load distribution, especially under high cyclical loads.

Innovation Solution

A suction cover assembly with a plug and retention segments that can be rotated between locked and unlocked positions, eliminating the need for threaded connections by using radial openings and channels for secure engagement without threads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If threaded connections are used to secure the suction cover, then the suction cover can be held in place, but the threads may fatigue and fail under high cyclical loads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethreaded connection reliabilityVSAvoidthreaded connection service life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the threaded connection system from the suction cover assembly. Instead of using threads to secure the suction cover to the fluid cylinder, the patent employs a completely different retention mechanism that avoids threaded interfaces entirely, thereby preventing thread fatigue and failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical threaded fastening system with an alternative retention mechanism. The new system uses a retention component that engages with the suction cover through non-threaded mechanical means, substituting the problematic threaded connection with a more reliable fastening approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If threaded connections are used, then the suction cover can be secured, but unequal load distribution causes thread peeling and backout

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidthread load distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the threaded connection system that creates unequal load distribution. By eliminating threads entirely, the patent avoids the stress concentration and uneven load distribution that occur in threaded joints, replacing them with a retention system that distributes loads more uniformly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the fundamental parameters of the connection system by transitioning from a threaded interface to a non-threaded retention mechanism. This parameter change alters how loads are distributed across the connection, eliminating the peak stresses and unequal distribution characteristic of threaded connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If threaded connections are used, then the suction cover can be attached, but thread fatigue causes leaks and requires costly replacements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuction cover attachment reliabilityVSAvoidmaintenance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the threaded connection system that leads to thread fatigue and subsequent leaks. By removing threads from the design, the patent eliminates the root cause of fatigue-related failures, thereby preventing leaks and reducing the need for costly replacements and maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adopts a retention system that is designed to be more durable and less prone to fatigue failure compared to threaded connections. While the initial component may be simple in design, its extended service life and resistance to fatigue reduce long-term maintenance costs and replacement frequency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Reliability

If threaded connections are used, then the suction cover can be secured, but dirty threads hasten failure and increase maintenance operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethreaded connection reliabilityVSAvoidthread cleaning maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the threaded connection system that is susceptible to contamination and dirt accumulation. By eliminating threads, the patent eliminates the need for thread cleaning and maintenance operations, as the non-threaded retention mechanism does not have crevices or complex geometries that trap contaminants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS11692545B2Suction cover assembly for reciprocating pumps

Publication Date: 2023.07.04 SPM OIL & GAS INC

AI summary

A suction cover assembly for a reciprocating pump assembly includes a suction cover having a body that is configured to be held at least partially within an access port of a fluid cylinder of the reciprocating pump assembly. The body includes a receptacle that includes at least one radial opening that extends through the body. The suction cover assembly includes a suction cover retainer that includes a plug configured to be at least partially received within the receptacle of the body. The suction cover retainer includes at least one retention segment configured to be held within the at least one radial opening of the body. The plug is configured to be moved between a locked position wherein the at least one retention segment is in a radially extended position and an unlocked position wherein the at least one retention segment is in a radially retracted position.