Walking Beam Pumping Unit With Moving Effort Point for Lower Net Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lifting and lowering systems for unbalanced loads, such as beam pumping units, face inefficiencies due to high net torque requirements, leading to increased wear, energy consumption, and operational costs, particularly in downhole operations where the weight of fluid and sucker rods creates unbalanced conditions.
Innovation Solution
A moving effort force point mechanism that adjusts its position relative to the crank pin to reduce the torque factor, thereby decreasing the net torque required for lifting and lowering loads, by strategically positioning a moving effort force point on a walking beam pumping unit to compensate for the unbalanced load during the pumping cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional fixed effort force point design is used in beam pumping units, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the net torque required to lift and lower unbalanced loads is high, leading to increased energy consumption and component wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed effort force point into a movable one that can dynamically adjust its position along the beam during operation. The effort force point is equipped with a positioning mechanism that allows it to move to optimal positions during the pumping cycle, thereby dynamically optimizing the torque factor and reducing net torque requirements while maintaining manageable structural complexity through controlled mobility rather than complete freedom of movement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the position parameter of the effort force point along the beam. By changing the positional parameter of where the effort force is applied, the torque factor is optimized throughout the pumping cycle, allowing the system to adapt to varying load conditions and reduce overall energy consumption without requiring fundamental redesign of the entire pumping unit structure
2Force
If larger counterweight is used to balance the unbalanced load, then the lifting and lowering force can be reduced, but the size and weight of the machine components increase, leading to higher cost and increased wear
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a larger static counterweight, the patent employs a dynamic approach where the effort force point position is continuously adjusted during the pumping cycle. This dynamic positioning allows the system to optimize the mechanical advantage at different points in the cycle, effectively reducing the required lifting force without increasing the counterweight size or machine component weight
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positional parameter of the effort force point to optimize the torque factor throughout the pumping cycle. By varying this parameter, the system achieves better force balance with the existing counterweight, eliminating the need for larger counterweights while maintaining reduced lifting and lowering forces
3Manufacturing precision
If fixed beam geometry is used, then the manufacturing precision is easier to achieve, but the torque factor cannot be optimized throughout the pumping cycle, resulting in higher net torque requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics to the beam geometry by making the effort force point position variable rather than fixed. This allows the effective beam geometry to change during operation, optimizing the torque factor at different points in the pumping cycle while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing requirements for the beam itself, as the changes are achieved through positioning mechanisms rather than complex variable geometry
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
This solution reduces the net torque needed, potentially leading to longer-lasting components, smaller speed reducers, longer pump stroke lengths, and reduced energy consumption, resulting in economic and performance benefits by minimizing the load on the prime mover and speed reducer.
Implementation Method 1
A moving effort force point mechanism that adjusts its position relative to the crank pin to reduce the torque factor, thereby decreasing the net torque required for lifting and lowering loads
Implementation Method 2
beam well pumping which in operation converts rotary motion of the prime mover, speed reducer, and crank arms, to vertical reciprocating motion of the pitman arms connected to the beam
Implementation Method 3
Gravity is the natural force being countered with the machine's counterbalance force
Implementation Method 4
Lifting and lowering of loads has often been facilitated with the use of counterweight (counterbalance) to offset the load
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention relate to lifting and lowering loads more efficiently and also more economically than known systems. This invention is the continuous movement by mechanical means of a moving effort force point to a desired advantageous position at a desired advantageous moment to achieve a desired low torque factor for a reduced net torque when lifting or lowering an unbalanced load with a beam with a fulcrum and connected to a load and an effort. One embodiment, a walking beam well pumping unit, the lifting and lowering of the well load can be caused by the reciprocating motion of a beam tipping on a fulcrum and with a moving effort force point. Potentially reduced net torque might allow longer life speed reducers, smaller speed reducers, and longer reciprocating vertical stroke length.