U.S. patent application number 13/880225 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-05 for fluid end reinforced with abrasive resistant insert, coating or lining.
This patent application is currently assigned to SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is Laurent Coquilleau, Chris Fitzgerald, Joe Hubenschmidt, Rajesh Luharuka. Invention is credited to Laurent Coquilleau, Chris Fitzgerald, Joe Hubenschmidt, Rajesh Luharuka.
Application Number | 20130319220 13/880225 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45491628 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130319220 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Luharuka; Rajesh ; et
al. |
December 5, 2013 |
Fluid End Reinforced With Abrasive Resistant Insert, Coating Or
Lining
Abstract
A fluid end for use in a high-pressure, reciprocating, fluid
pump assembly is provided having a bore therethrough in which a
plunger reciprocates. The fluid end is provided with an insert to
improve the fluid end washout life. In one embodiment, the insert
is constructed of a ceramic material. In another embodiment, the
insert includes an abrasive resistant coating or lining.
Inventors: |
Luharuka; Rajesh; (Katy,
TX) ; Coquilleau; Laurent; (Houston, TX) ;
Hubenschmidt; Joe; (Sugar Land, TX) ; Fitzgerald;
Chris; (Sugar Land, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Luharuka; Rajesh
Coquilleau; Laurent
Hubenschmidt; Joe
Fitzgerald; Chris |
Katy
Houston
Sugar Land
Sugar Land |
TX
TX
TX
TX |
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY
CORPORATION
Sugar Land
TX
|
Family ID: |
45491628 |
Appl. No.: |
13/880225 |
Filed: |
October 20, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
October 20, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB2011/002771 |
371 Date: |
August 20, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61394398 |
Oct 19, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
92/165R |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04B 39/12 20130101;
F04B 53/164 20130101; F16J 15/3276 20130101; F05C 2203/0808
20130101; F16J 15/18 20130101; F05C 2225/02 20130101; F04B 53/168
20130101; F04B 53/166 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
92/165.R |
International
Class: |
F04B 39/12 20060101
F04B039/12 |
Claims
1. A fluid end of a reciprocating pump, comprising: a body portion
having a bore therethrough and adapted to receive a reciprocating
plunger, the bore having an internal surface; an elastomeric seal
member disposed within a recess of the bore; and an insert disposed
in the recess of the bore and separating the elastomeric seal
member and at least a portion the internal surface of the bore.
2. The fluid end of claim 1, wherein the insert comprises a ceramic
material.
3. The fluid end of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the
insert comprises a coating or layer of abrasive resistant
material.
4. The fluid end of claim 3, wherein the abrasive resistant
material comprises tungsten carbide.
5. The fluid end of claim 1, wherein the insert is in the shape of
a sleeve.
6. The fluid end of claim 1, wherein the fluid end further
comprises a seal carrier for holding the insert and the elastomeric
seal member into the body portion of the fluid end.
7. The fluid end of claim 6, wherein the seal carrier comprises a
threaded portion for threadingly engaging a corresponding threaded
portion of the body portion of the fluid end.
8. The fluid end of claim 6, wherein the insert is press fit
against the seal carrier.
9. A fluid pump assembly, comprising: a power end; and a fluid end
comprising: a body having a horizontal passage, a vertical passage
intersecting the horizontal passage, and a discharge passage
intersecting the vertical passage; the horizontal passage providing
an annular recess portion having a circumferential, internal
surface, and a bore to receive a reciprocating plunger; an
elastomeric seal member disposed within the annular recess portion
of the horizontal passage; and an insert disposed in the annular
recess portion and separating the elastomeric seal member and the
circumferential, internal surface of the horizontal passage.
10. The fluid pump assembly of claim 9, wherein the insert
comprises a ceramic material.
11. The fluid pump assembly of claim 9, wherein at least a portion
of the insert comprises a coating or layer of abrasive resistant
material.
12. The fluid pump assembly of claim 9, wherein the fluid pump
assembly is a triplex pump.
13. A method of preventing washout in a pump body, comprising:
providing a body portion having a bore therethrough to receive a
reciprocating plunger, and wherein the bore comprises a recess
portion to receive an elastomeric seal member; and disposing an
insert in the recess portion of the bore so as to separate the
elastomeric seal member and at least a portion of an internal
surface of the bore.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the insert comprises a ceramic
material.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein at least a portion of the
insert comprises a coating or layer of abrasive resistant
material.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein said abrasive resistant
material comprises tungsten carbide.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims benefit of priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/394,398, filed Oct. 19, 2010,
which is incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Embodiments described herein relate generally to abrasive
resistant insert, coating or lining for pumps used in high pressure
applications. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, an
abrasive resistant insert, coating or lining for extending the life
of the fluid end of a pump used in the field of oil and gas
exploration and production.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The statements made herein merely provide information
related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art,
and may describe some embodiments illustrating the invention.
[0004] The fluid end of a positive displacement or reciprocating
pump, such as a triplex pump, is the portion of the pump where a
fluid is drawn in via a suction valve. A plunger then compresses
the fluid and pushes it, with high pressure, through a release
valve. These valves open when the pressure on the bottom side
thereof is higher than the pressure on the top side thereof. An
example of a triplex pump, is disclosed in commonly assigned PCT
Application No. PCT/IB2010/053868, the entire contents of which are
hereby incorporated by reference into the current disclosure.
[0005] In operation, the service life of the fluid end of a
reciprocating pump is often susceptible to two types of failures:
(i) wet fatigue, and (ii) washout. Wet fatigue is an engineering
controlled mode of failure that primarily depends upon the design
and material of the fluid end. Failures due to washout typically
occur from abrasive wear near the sealing surfaces, which may
ultimately result in bore enlargement.
[0006] Due to the high pressure applications and abrasive material
required to be pumped during applications such as hydraulic
fracturing operations, it is desirable to provide a reciprocating
pump and fluid end with an improved wet fatigue and washout failure
life cycle.
SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE
[0007] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, one or
more embodiments relates to a fluid end. The fluid end comprises a
body portion having a bore therethrough and adapted to receive a
reciprocating plunger. The bore has an internal surface and a
recess portion defined therein. The fluid end further includes an
elastomeric seal member and an insert disposed within the recess of
the bore, wherein the insert separates the elastomeric seal member
and the internal surface of the bore.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] To assist those of ordinary skill in the relevant art in
making and using the subject matter hereof, reference is made to
the appended drawings, which are not intended to be drawn to scale,
and in which like reference numerals are intended to refer to
similar elements for consistency. For purposes of clarity, not
every component may be labeled in every drawing.
[0009] FIG. 1 depicts a schematic illustration of a pump body
portion upon which the current application can be used according to
an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 2 depicts a schematic illustration of the pump body
portion as in FIG. 1 from a different angle.
[0011] FIG. 3 depicts a schematic illustration of the pump body
portion as in FIGS. 1-2 from yet a different angle.
[0012] FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional perspective view of the
pump body portion as in FIGS. 1-3 upon which the current
application can be used according to an embodiment of the
disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 5 depicts a cross-sectional view of the pump body
portion having an insert according to an embodiment of the
disclosure.
[0014] FIGS. 6A-6B depicts a cross-sectional, partial view of the
pump body portion having an insert according to embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0015] FIGS. 7A-7B depicts a cross-sectional, partial view of the
pump body portion having an insert according to alternative
embodiments of the disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 8 depicts a cross-sectional, partial view of the pump
body portion having an insert according to an embodiment of the
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] The description and examples are presented solely for the
purpose of illustrating the different embodiments and should not be
construed as a limitation to the scope and applicability. While any
compositions or structures may be described herein as comprising
certain materials, it should be understood that the composition
could optionally comprise two or more different materials. In
addition, the composition or structure can also comprise some
components other than the ones already cited. Although some of the
following discussion emphasizes fracturing, the compositions and
methods may be used in any well treatment in which diversion is
needed. Examples include fracturing, acidizing, water control,
chemical treatments, and wellbore fluid isolation and containment.
Embodiments will be described in terms of treatment of vertical
wells, but is equally applicable to wells of any well orientation.
Embodiments will be described for hydrocarbon production wells, but
it is to be understood that they may be used for wells for
production of other fluids, such as water or carbon dioxide, or,
for example, for injection or storage wells. It should also be
understood that throughout this specification, when a range is
described as being useful, or suitable, or the like, it is intended
that any and every value within the range, including the end
points, is to be considered as having been stated. Furthermore,
each numerical value should be read once as modified by the term
"about" (unless already expressly so modified) and then read again
as not to be so modified unless otherwise stated in context. For
example, "a range of from 1 to 10" is to be read as indicating each
and every possible number along the continuum between about 1 and
about 10. In other words, when a certain range is expressed, even
if only a few specific data points are explicitly identified or
referred to within the range, or even when no data points are
referred to within the range, it is to be understood that the
inventors appreciate and understand that any and all data points
within the range are to be considered to have been specified, and
that the inventors have possession of the entire range and all
points within the range.
[0018] Referring now to the figures of the current application,
there is disclosed a pump body portion or fluid end, indicated
generally at 100, of a plunger-type pump typically used for well
service operations, such as hydraulic fracturing. In some cases,
three pump body portions 100 are arranged to form a triplex pump
assembly 102, best seen in FIG. 1. Those skilled in the art will
appreciate that the pump assembly 102 may also be arranged in other
configurations, such as a single, monoblock pump assembly or a
quintuplex pump assembly comprising five pump body portions 100 or
the like. Other pumps, such as water pumps, mud pumps, delta pumps,
or the like can also implement embodiments of the current
application.
[0019] In some embodiments, an end plate 118 is fitted on each of
the outer or side pump body portions 100 to aid in assembling the
body portions 100 into the pump assembly, such as the triplex pump
assembly 102 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. The end plates 118 are
utilized, in conjunction with fasteners 104, to assemble the pump
body portions 100 to form the pump assembly 102.
[0020] As best seen in FIGS. 4 to 5, the pump body 100 has an
internal passage or piston bore 108 which may be a through bore for
receiving a pump plunger 114. The plungers 114 reciprocate toward
and away from a chamber 116 to pressurize the fluid therein. In
this manner, the plunger 114 affects high and low pressures on the
chamber 116. For example, as the plunger 114 is thrust toward the
chamber 116, the pressure within the chamber 116 is increased.
[0021] At some point, the pressure increase will be enough to
affect an opening of a discharge valve 118 to allow the release of
fluid from the chamber 116, through a discharge channel 128, and
out of the pump body 100. The amount of pressure required to open
the discharge valve 118 as described may be determined by a
discharge mechanism 120 such as valve spring which keeps the
discharge valve 118 in a closed position until the requisite
pressure is achieved in the chamber 116.
[0022] The plunger 114 may also affect a low pressure on the
chamber 116. That is, as the plunger 114 retreats away from its
advanced discharge position near the chamber 116, the pressure
therein will decrease. As the pressure within the chamber 116
decreases, the discharge valve 118 will close, returning the
chamber 116 to a sealed state. As the plunger 114 continues to move
away from the chamber 116, the pressure therein will continue to
drop, and eventually a low or negative pressure will be achieved
within the chamber 116.
[0023] Similar to the action of the discharge valve 118 described
above, the pressure decrease will eventually be enough to affect an
opening of an intake valve 122. The opening of the intake valve 122
allows the uptake of fluid into the chamber 116 from a fluid intake
channel 124 adjacent thereto. The amount of pressure required to
open the intake valve 122 may be determined by an intake mechanism
126, such as spring which keeps the intake valve 122 in a closed
position until the requisite low pressure is achieved in the
chamber 116.
[0024] As described above, a reciprocating or cycling motion of the
plunger 114 toward and away from the chamber 116 within the pump
102 controls pressure therein. The valves 118,122 respond
accordingly in order to dispense fluid from the chamber 116,
through the discharge channel 128, and eventually out of the pump
102 at high pressure. The discharged fluid is then replaced with
fluid from within the fluid intake channel 124.
[0025] As mentioned above, the continued cycling of the plungers
114 into and out of the fluid end 100 of the pump 102 and the
accompanied fluctuations between positive and negative pressure
experienced by the inner surfaces of the fluid end 100 makes the
fluid end 100 susceptible to failure.
[0026] As such, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, an
insert 200/220 is provided having a surface that is less subject to
abrasion, corrosion, erosion and/or wet fatigue than typical fluid
end materials, such as carbon steel. Exemplary materials for the
insert 200/220 include ceramic, zirconium, or a composite material.
Alternatively, however, the insert 200/220 may be constructed of a
material which may be less abrasive resistant (e.g., carbon steel,
inconel, incoloy, or stainless steel), and the insert 200/220 may
be coated or lined with an abrasive resistant coating. For example,
a layer of tungsten carbide (WC) may be deposited on the insert
200/220 to provide the desired abrasion resistant qualities.
[0027] Referring again to FIGS. 4 to 5, the insert 200/220
constructed in accordance with the present invention may be
disposed in regions of the pump body 100 which have been identified
as being prone to washout failure. Such regions may include, but
are not limited to, the area near the plunger packing assembly, the
suction cover bore, discharge ports, and the discharge cover bore
at the O-ring sealing locations, each of which will be described in
more detail below.
[0028] Referring now to FIGS. 6A to 6B, a more detailed view of a
washout prone region is shown having various alternatives of an
insert 200a/200b constructed in accordance with the present
disclosure. In both FIGS. 6A and 6B, a portion of the bore 108 is
shown having the piston 114 disposed therein. In the illustrated
embodiments, a series of elastomeric seal members, rings and
structures are set forth between the plunger 114 and inner surface
of the bore 108. Such rings and structures are generically referred
to herein as a plunger packing assembly 300, and may specifically
include a header ring 302, a pressure ring 304, a female adaptor
306 and spacers 308/310. The plunger packing assembly 300, which
are generally made from rubber or elastomeric materials, may be
arranged in various manners as can be readily perceived by a person
skilled in the art and may include different types of seals and
rings, some of which are referred to in the art as wiper rings and
junk rings.
[0029] When the plunger 114 moves in and out of the fluid end 100,
the internal pressure of the fluid end 100 fluctuates. As a result,
the plunger packing assembly 300 engages in small movements in the
radial and/or axial direction of the bore 108. A small space may
appear between certain seals of the plunger packing assembly 300
and the internal surface of the bore 108. If the pumping fluids in
the fluid end 100 contains abrasive materials, such as sands or
other solids generally used in the oil field, typically referred to
as `proppants,` such abrasive material may lodge in the small space
between the elastomeric seals and the internal surface of the
plunger bore 108. Over time, the abrasive material may cause
serious washout to the internal surface of the bore 108. As such,
the sealing provided by the plunger packing assembly 300 between
the plunger 114 and the fluid end 100 may become defective. Under
severe conditions, the internal diameter of the bore 108 may be
enlarged, which could be detrimental to the performance and
lifespan of the fluid end 100.
[0030] As such, in an effort to address this problem, and in
accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,
the abrasive resistant insert 200a/200b is disposed in a recess
portion of the bore 108 so as to separate the plunger packing
assembly 300, or elastomeric seal members, from the internal
surface of the bore 108. Advantageously, the insert may be
replaceable and readily serviced.
[0031] Referring specifically to FIG. 6A, one embodiment of the
present disclosure is shown wherein the bore 108 includes a recess
portion 130, or an annular recess portion, adapted to accommodate
the plunger packing assembly 300, the insert 200a, as well as a
carrier sleeve 400a for holding the insert 200a and the plunger
packing assembly 300 into the pump body 100. The carrier sleeve
400a, or seal carrier, may comprise a threaded end portion 402a to
be threadingly disposed on a portion of the fluid end body 100. The
carrier sleeve 400a is shown to include a shoulder 404a for
abutting against the insert 200a and providing a sealing surface
for the bore 108. Although the carrier sleeve 400a is shown as
being threadingly engaged into the fluid end 100, the carrier
sleeve 400a, insert 200a and plunger packing assembly 300 may
likewise be press fit into the fluid end 100 or against each
other.
[0032] An alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 6B, wherein an
insert 200b is formed to include a raised portion 202b adapted to
abut against a carrier sleeve 400b. The carrier sleeve 400b may
also be threadingly engaged into the fluid end 100 to provide a
proper seal in the bore 108. The insert 200b may be press fit into
the fluid end body 100 or alternatively installed with the plunger
packing assembly 300. The carrier sleeve 400b may be a standard
packaging part, thereby functioning as a `packing nut` to hold the
insert 200b in place.
[0033] Although specific geometries are shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B
for the insert 200a/200b or the carrier sleeve 400a/400b, it will
be readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the
specific geometries may be changed while maintaining the desired
function of each component. Likewise, additional seals may be
provided between insert 200a/200b and the recess portion 130 of the
bore 108.
[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 7A to 7B, an alternative embodiment
of an insert 200c/200d is shown wherein at least a portion of the
insert 200c/200d is coated or lined with an abrasive resistant
material 201. As mentioned above, the insert may be lined with a
layer of tungsten carbide (WC), for example. The tungsten carbide
(WC) may be deposited by a High Velocity Oxygen Fuel (HVOF) thermal
spray process or other coating processes known in the art. The
deposited layer or coating may function as an abrasive resistant
coating between the fluid end 100 and the elastomeric sealing
members, or plunger packing assembly 300, therefore reducing the
damaging effect of the abrasive material trapped between the bore
108 and the plunger packing assembly 300.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 8, a more detailed view of another
washout prone region is shown having an insert 220 constructed in
accordance with the present disclosure. As previously discussed, a
suction cover 140 is disposed on the fluid end 100 wherein a
retaining member 150 is used to hold the suction cover in place.
According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the
fluid end 100 includes a recess portion for accommodating an insert
constructed as described herein. The insert may likewise be used to
prevent washout failure and wet fatigue at the identified portion
of the fluid end 100.
[0036] It is important to note that although fluid ends of
reciprocating pumps are discussed above, the described insert 200
may be used for any pressure containing part, or any part that
experiences a pressure fatigue cycle.
[0037] The preceding description has been presented with reference
to some embodiments. Persons skilled in the art and technology to
which this disclosure pertains will appreciate that alterations and
changes in the described structures and methods of operation can be
practiced without meaningfully departing from the principle, and
scope of this application. For example, while the pump body 100 is
shown to have a cross-bore configuration that is substantially
perpendicular, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
pump body 100 may comprise bores formed in other configurations
such as a T-shape, Y-shape, in-line, or other configurations.
Accordingly, the foregoing description should not be read as
pertaining only to the precise structures described and shown in
the accompanying drawings, but rather should be read as consistent
with and as support for the following claims, which are to have
their fullest and fairest scope.
* * * * *