Variable Stroke Pump Tilt Linkage for Continuous Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
High pressure pumps used in oil and gas production often have reduced lifetimes due to power cycling and require different pumps for varying pressure and flow rates, leading to equipment downtime and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A variable stroke pump design featuring a drive shaft, wobble plate, displacement rods, and a tilt actuator assembly that allows for adjustable tilt angles while operating, enabling continuous operation and dynamic variation of flow rates and pressures without shutting off the pump.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If high pressure pumps are switched on and off when needed, then the pump can accommodate different operational needs, but the lifetime of the pump is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pump employs a variable stroke mechanism with a tiltable wobble plate that can dynamically adjust the stroke length from zero to maximum while running. This allows the pump to adapt to different flow rate requirements without shutting off, thereby maintaining pump lifetime while achieving operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameter of stroke length continuously variable from zero to maximum during pump operation. By adjusting the wobble plate tilt angle, the pump can vary its flow rate and pressure output without cycling on and off, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and lifetime.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different pumps are used for different service requiring different pressure or flow rate, then the operational needs are met, but equipment downtime and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is designed as a universal unit capable of performing multiple services by varying its stroke length. A single pump can handle different pressure and flow rate requirements through the variable stroke mechanism, eliminating the need for multiple specialized pumps and reducing equipment downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustment of stroke length allows one pump to replace multiple fixed-capacity pumps. The ability to continuously vary operational parameters enables a single unit to adapt to different service conditions, reducing the need for pump changes and minimizing downtime.
3Device complexity
If the pump operates at fixed stroke length, then the mechanical structure is simple, but the flow rate and pressure cannot be varied without shutting off the pump
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a tiltable wobble plate mechanism that adds dynamic capability to the pump structure. The wobble plate can be tilted to varying degrees while the pump operates, enabling continuous variation of stroke length and flow rate without significantly complicating the overall mechanical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a rotational dimension to the traditional reciprocating pump mechanism. By allowing the wobble plate to tilt in addition to its rotational motion, the system gains an extra degree of freedom that enables flow rate adjustment without shutting down, balancing structural simplicity with operational versatility.
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 pump can operate continuously with adjustable stroke length and flow rate, reducing downtime and equipment costs by allowing idling without complete shutdown, and accommodating different operational needs with a single unit.
Implementation Method 1
a tilt actuator assembly disposed around the drive shaft, the tilt actuator assembly comprising a slider having an interior surface with a slot formed therein and a thruster coupled to the slider and extending toward a second surface of the wobble plate
Implementation Method 2
a linear actuator slidably disposed against the slider
Implementation Method 3
a key extending radially outward from the drive shaft and mated with the slot
Implementation Method 4
a wobble plate attached to the drive shaft by a ball-shaped swivel mount
Data Source
AI summary
A variable stroke high pressure pump is disclosed. The pump uses a wobble plate design with dynamically variable tilt to provide continuous adjustment of pump stroke length and output. Dynamically variable tilt is accomplished using a linearly actuated tilt thruster rotationally coupled to the drive shaft to maintain a selected tilt of the wobble plate through the rotation of the wobble plate.