Spring-Retained Valve Member to Prevent Spring Base Walkout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve assemblies in pumping systems, particularly in hydraulic fracturing, suffer from spring fatigue due to radial expansion of the spring base, leading to reduced closing force and potential pump failures, which increase maintenance costs and downtime.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a spring recess or groove in the valve member to restrict radial expansion of the spring base, combined with a thicker shoulder for improved heat dissipation and enhanced seal life, thereby maintaining spring integrity and extending maintenance intervals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring is used to bias the valve member toward the valve seat, then the valve assembly achieves automatic closing function, but the spring base radially expands during compression causing spring fatigue and reduced closing force
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member is segmented into a body portion and a separate spring retainer component. The spring retainer is received within a cavity of the valve member body, creating distinct functional zones. This segmentation allows the spring to be contained and controlled within the retainer, preventing radial expansion while maintaining the biasing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is nested within the spring retainer, which is itself nested within the valve member body cavity. This nested structure confines the spring's radial movement and prevents base expansion. The spring retainer acts as an intermediary container that holds the spring in a controlled manner, eliminating the harmful radial expansion effect.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the spring base is allowed to expand radially during compression, then the spring can accommodate compression cycles, but this leads to spring base walkout and maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The spring retainer is designed with features that preemptively prevent spring base walkout before it can cause damage or require maintenance. The retainer includes a bottom surface that limits axial compression and side walls that prevent radial expansion, cushioning the spring against harmful movements before they occur during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring retainer provides localized constraints specifically where needed - the bottom surface controls axial movement while the side walls control radial movement. This localized quality approach addresses the specific problem of spring base expansion without affecting the overall spring compression capability, allowing the spring to function adaptively within defined boundaries.
3Ease of manufacture
If the valve member has a standard shoulder design, then manufacturing is simple, but heat dissipation is insufficient leading to reduced seal life
Solution Approach 1:
The shoulder design is extended axially to create a thicker shoulder portion. This dimensional change in the axial direction increases the surface area available for heat dissipation without complicating the radial geometry. The thicker shoulder provides an additional thermal pathway from the seal contact area to the valve member exterior, enhancing heat removal capability.
4Ease of operation
If the spring retaining recess diameter is made larger to accommodate spring expansion, then spring installation is easier, but the spring base can walkout during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The spring retainer provides partial constraint - it allows enough radial space for spring installation and initial expansion, but prevents excessive radial movement that would cause walkout. The retainer diameter is sized to permit controlled spring operation while blocking harmful expansion, achieving a balance between installation ease and operational stability.
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 solution effectively prevents spring base walkout, maintains closing force, and enhances seal life, reducing maintenance frequency and operational costs in pumping systems.
Implementation Method 1
a spring biasing the valve member toward the valve seat
Implementation Method 2
a thicker shoulder for improved heat dissipation
Data Source
AI summary
A valve member for a spring-loaded valve assembly includes a top portion having a spring retaining recess, the spring retaining recess extending into the top portion to form a void space, the void space to receive at least one coil of a spring, the spring retaining recess having a recess diameter that is smaller than a top portion diameter, wherein the recess diameter is larger than a rest diameter of a spring base including the coil, the spring retaining recess blocking expansion of the at least one coil when the spring is compressed. The valve member also includes a bottom portion coupled to the top portion. The valve member further includes a sealing element positioned axially below a shoulder of the top portion and legs coupled to the bottom portion.