Abstract:
Detecting a failure mode of a fluid flow controller configured to control fluid flow between first and second chambers of a downhole positive displacement pump and a flow line, wherein the positive displacement pump comprises a piston moving in an axial reciprocating motion, and subsequently adjusting operation of the downhole positive displacement pump based on the detected failure mode such that the downhole positive displacement pump piston operates differently in different axial directions.
Abstract:
A monitoring system for reciprocating pump having a plunger connected to a crankshaft by a crosshead and connecting rod assembly. The monitoring system includes a plurality of wireless temperature sensors which each have a temperature probe connected to a sensor head, a plurality of antennas which each have an antenna head configured to communicate wirelessly with a corresponding one of the sensor heads, and a signal processing unit connected to the plurality of antennas. Each temperature probe is positioned in contact with a corresponding crank pin bearing, wrist pin bearing or crosshead bearing. Each sensor head is mounted to the crosshead, and each antenna head is mounted to the pump at a location in which communication is enabled between the antenna head and its corresponding sensor head when the crosshead reaches a first position during each reciprocation of the crosshead. In operation, each antenna head transmits a radar pulse which is reflected by its corresponding sensor head, the reflected pulse is received by the antenna head and communicated to the signal processing unit, and the signal processing unit determines the temperature of the sensor head from the reflected pulse, which temperature is indicative of the temperature of its corresponding monitored bearing.
Abstract:
A poppet valve assembly including a valve seat defining at least one inlet port configured to receive a working fluid, a valve guard coupled to or integral with the valve seat and defining at least one outlet port configured to discharge the working fluid therefrom, and a valve member disposed in a guide pocket defined in the valve guard. The valve member may include a primary impact surface configured to contact a planar surface of the valve guard facing the valve seat. The valve member may also include a secondary impact surface configured to contact a bottom portion of the valve guard within the guide pocket after a structural failure of the primary impact surface prevents substantially all of the primary contact surface from contacting the planar surface.
Abstract:
A fluid end is formed from a first body attached to a separate second body. Each body includes an external surface. When the bodies are attached, their respective external surfaces are in flush engagement. A plurality of bores are formed in the second body that are alignable with a plurality of corresponding bores formed in the first body. The fluid end may be used with seals disposed within recesses within each bore to seal against corresponding sealing surfaces. Further, retaining closures may be bolted to the fluid end bodies, such that the closures have a threadless connection to the fluid end bodies. Various combinations of such components may be utilized.
Abstract:
A spray system includes a fluid source, a sprayer, a pump cylinder, a plunger, a pump motor, first and second inlet and outlet valves, a plurality of valve seals, a seal lubricant reservoir, and gravity fed seal lubricant lines. The pump cylinder is disposed fluidly between the fluid source and the sprayer. The plunger is situated within the pump cylinder and positioned by a displacement rod. The pump motor is configured to drive the displacement rod so as to reciprocate the plunger within the pump cylinder. The valve seals are disposed about the each of the first and second inlet and outlet valves. The lubricant seal lines carry seal lubricant from the reservoir to each of the valve seals.
Abstract:
A positive displacement pump is provided that includes a pump housing having a pump chamber; a plunger mounted in the pump housing for reciprocating motion in the pump chamber; a suction valve positioned to allow a fluid to enter the pump chamber upon movement of the plunger in a first direction; a discharge valve positioned to discharge the fluid from the pump chamber upon movement of the plunger in a second direction; and at least one sensor enclosed by the pump housing for measuring at least one pump condition parameter.
Abstract:
A pump monitoring system may include a sensor for monitoring a parameter of a pump system. The sensor may include at least one of an ammeter in electrical communication with an electric motor driving a pump and a torque sensor on a drive shaft that drives a pump. The system may also include a controller in data communication with the sensor to receive sensor data. The controller may be configured to assess the performance of the respective pump in one or more ways. At least one of the one or more ways may include reliance on the sensor data from only one sensor to identify valve or seat wear or failure. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the one or more ways may identify valve or seat wear or failure without reliance on pump output pressure.
Abstract:
A monitoring system may include a position sensor, a strain gauge, and a computing device for determining the condition of a valve in a chamber of a pump using strain measurements. The strain gauge may determine strain in the chamber. The position sensor may determine the position of a crankshaft coupled to a plunger in the chamber. The computing device may receive signals generated by the strain gauge and the position sensor related to the strain in the chamber and the position of the crankshaft, respectively, and may process the signals to determine delays in the actuation of the valves.
Abstract:
A pump for pumping fluid includes a pressure sensor disposed in the discharge outlet that communicates with a plurality of pumping chambers. The pressure sensor monitors the discharge pressure and transmits the discharge pressure to a logic device. The logic device is configured to analyze the discharge pressure verses time, determine a peak-to-peak amplitude associated with the discharge pressure verses time, and to detect a pressure spike corresponding to the maximum or high peak-to-peak amplitude. The pressure spike may correspond to uncharacteristic operation of a discharge valve or a suction valve associated with the pump.
Abstract:
Detecting a failure mode of a fluid flow controller configured to control fluid flow between first and second chambers of a downhole positive displacement pump and a flow line, wherein the positive displacement pump comprises a piston moving in an axial reciprocating motion, and subsequently adjusting operation of the downhole positive displacement pump based on the detected failure mode such that the downhole positive displacement pump piston operates differently in different axial directions.