Threaded Packing Sleeve Assembly for Erosion-Resistant Pump Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pumping systems, particularly those used in hydraulic fracturing, face challenges due to the corrosive nature and presence of particulates in the working fluid, leading to erosion and damage of sealing surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A packing assembly is developed for fluid ends of pumps, featuring a sleeve that compresses a seal against the bore to block fluid flow, with radially outwardly facing coupling components for easy installation and removal using an installation tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a packing assembly is used to seal against corrosive and particulate-laden fluids, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the sealing surfaces become eroded or damaged due to the corrosive nature and particulates in the working fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The packing assembly is divided into multiple replaceable components including the packing sleeve, seal, ring, and packing components. This segmentation allows individual components to be replaced independently when eroded or damaged, maintaining sealing effectiveness without replacing the entire assembly. The modular design enables selective replacement of worn sealing surfaces while preserving intact components.
2Loss of time
If the packing assembly components are designed for easy installation and removal, then the maintenance time is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to multiple components (sleeve, seal, ring, packing components)
Solution Approach 1:
The packing sleeve incorporates threaded coupling components that enable dynamic installation and removal through rotational motion. The threaded interface allows the sleeve to be quickly screwed onto or off of the plunger rod using standard threading tools, transforming a static, permanently installed component into a dynamically replaceable one. This reduces maintenance time while the modular component structure manages complexity through standardized interfaces.
3Ease of operation
If the sleeve extends axially beyond the bore with coupling components, then the ease of installation and removal is improved, but the length of the moving object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded coupling components extending from the sleeve act as an intermediary interface between the packing assembly and installation/removal tools. These external threading features provide a mechanical interface that allows tools to engage and apply rotational force, facilitating easy installation and removal. The extended length is minimized to only what is necessary for tool engagement, balancing ease of operation with compact dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
A packing assembly includes a packing sleeve having a first sleeve portion and a second sleeve portion, wherein a first sleeve portion outer diameter is larger than a second sleeve portion outer diameter and a first sleeve portion inner diameter is larger than a second sleeve portion inner diameter. The packing assembly also includes a groove formed in the second sleeve portion outer diameter. The packing assembly further includes a shoulder formed at a transition between the first sleeve portion and the second sleeve portion. The packing assembly includes a shelf formed at the transition between the first sleeve portion and the second sleeve portion. The packing assembly also includes a plurality of packing components arranged within the first sleeve portion inner diameter, at least a portion of the plurality of packing components engaging the shelf. The packing assembly further includes a seal positioned within the groove.