Suction Manifold Auger for Even Proppant Flow in Reciprocating Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Uneven proppant distribution in the suction manifold of reciprocating pumps leads to non-uniform fluid flow, causing premature wear of valves and affecting the pump's maintenance cycle and productivity.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an auger with a helical body positioned in the suction manifold to introduce angular momentum into the fluid flow, ensuring even distribution across multiple inlet passages using an end flange and clamp arrangement for secure installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If proppant accumulates in the suction manifold, then some valves receive more proppant than others, but this causes non-uniform fluid flow and premature valve wear
Solution Approach 1:
The auger uses a helical (curved) body to rotate within the suction manifold, creating rotational flow patterns that distribute proppant uniformly across all inlet passages. The curved geometry of the helical flights generates centrifugal forces and angular momentum that prevent proppant accumulation in specific regions, ensuring even distribution to all valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating auger introduces mechanical motion and disturbance into the fluid flow, creating turbulence and mixing effects that prevent proppant settling and accumulation. The rotational movement continuously agitates the fluid-proppant mixture, maintaining uniform distribution across the suction manifold and preventing preferential accumulation at certain inlet passages.
2Reliability
If the auger is securely retained in the suction manifold, then even fluid distribution is achieved, but the auger needs to be removable for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp arrangement provides a dynamic retention solution that can transition between a clamped state (securing the auger during operation) and an unclamped state (allowing removal for maintenance). This dynamic mechanism allows the system to adapt between requiring secure retention during operation and requiring ease of removal during maintenance, without needing two separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention system is segmented into separate components (clamps, flanges, mounting structures) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows the auger to be securely retained during operation through multiple attachment points, while also enabling easy removal by simply releasing the clamp mechanisms, facilitating maintenance without compromising operational reliability.
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
The system achieves even fluid distribution, reducing valve wear and extending maintenance cycles while increasing pump productivity by uniformly distributing fluid flow.
Implementation Method 1
The auger is receivable into the suction manifold such that the first axial end is positioned to receive the fluid flow and force the fluid to move along a helical path defined by the helical body to introduce an angular momentum into the fluid flow
Data Source
AI summary
A system for distributing a fluid flow across multiple inlet passages of a reciprocating pump includes an auger configured to be positioned into a suction manifold fluidly coupled with the multiple inlet passages of the reciprocating pump. The auger defines an axis, a first axial end, a second axial end, and a helical body extending between the first axial end and the second axial end. The auger is receivable into the suction manifold such that the first axial end is positioned to receive the fluid flow and force the fluid to move along a helical path defined by the helical body to introduce an angular momentum into the fluid flow. The system includes an end flange fixedly coupled to the second axial end proximate the opening. The system further includes a clamp arrangement for the auger wherein the clamp arrangement is movable between a clamped state and an unclamped state.