Variable Displacement Pump Eliminates Multispeed Transmission Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellbore pumping systems face limitations in operating within a wide range of pressures and flow rates due to the discrete operating points created by multispeed transmissions, which result in gaps where the pump cannot operate effectively, and increasing gear ratios complicate and weight the system.
Innovation Solution
A wellbore pumping system with a motor, variable displacement pump, and control system that regulates the motor speed and pump displacement to provide fluid at any combination of pressure and flow rate within a continuous range, eliminating the need for a multispeed transmission by directly controlling the speed and displacement of the pump.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of gear ratios in a multispeed transmission is increased to reduce operating gaps, then the continuous operating range is improved, but the complexity and weight of the transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the multispeed transmission component entirely from the pumping system, replacing it with a variable displacement pump that can continuously adjust its operating parameters. This extraction of the transmission eliminates the need for multiple discrete gear ratios while achieving continuous variable operation across the entire operating envelope.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a variable displacement pump that can dynamically adjust its displacement volume to continuously vary the flow rate and pressure output. This dynamic adjustment capability replaces the static discrete gear ratios with a continuously adjustable mechanism, eliminating operating gaps without requiring multiple fixed transmission stages.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of gear ratios in a multispeed transmission is increased to reduce operating gaps, then the continuous operating range is improved, but the weight of the transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the heavy multispeed transmission from the system and replaces it with a variable displacement pump that integrates the speed and torque multiplication functions directly into the pump mechanism. This extraction eliminates the weight penalty associated with multiple gear sets, shafts, and synchronizers while maintaining continuous variable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of the transmission and the pump into a single integrated variable displacement pump unit. The pump's internal mechanism performs both the displacement function and the speed-torque conversion that would otherwise require a separate transmission system, thereby reducing overall system weight while achieving continuous variable operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a multispeed transmission is used to expand speed and torque range, then the operating envelope is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the multispeed transmission component, replacing it with a variable displacement pump that directly provides the expanded operating envelope. This removal simplifies the system by eliminating the complex network of gears, shafts, and control mechanisms associated with multispeed transmissions while maintaining the ability to operate across a wide range of pressures and flow rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a variable displacement pump that can dynamically adjust its displacement volume to continuously vary the operating parameters within the expanded envelope. This dynamic control mechanism replaces the complex static gear ratios with a simpler, continuously adjustable system that achieves the same operating flexibility with reduced complexity.
4Productivity
If discrete gear ratios are used in a transmission, then the pump can operate at peak hydraulic horsepower points, but gaps are created where the pump cannot operate effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a variable displacement pump that can continuously adjust its displacement volume to operate at any point within the operating envelope, including all peak hydraulic horsepower points. This continuous adjustability eliminates the discrete operating points created by fixed gear ratios, ensuring uninterrupted effective operation across the entire range without creating gaps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves continuous variable operation that maintains useful pumping action at all points within the operating envelope. By replacing discrete gear ratios with continuous displacement adjustment, the system ensures that the pump can operate effectively at any desired pressure and flow rate combination without creating gaps where operation would be ineffective or impossible.
Data Source
AI summary
A pumping system comprising a motor, wherein the motor has an operating speed, a pump coupled to the motor, wherein the pump has a volumetric displacement, a fluid end coupled to the pump, wherein the fluid end is operable to draw fluid from an input and provide fluid to an output, and a control system operable to regulate the motor and the pump in order to provide fluid to the output at a selected pressure and flow rate within a continuous range of pressures and flow rates between the peak horsepower output and peak torque output of the motor.