Reinforced smart mud pump

Abstract

A pump system for movement of fluids having a reciprocating piston power pump having at least three reciprocating pistons operable to displace fluid from a housing having a pumping chamber, an integrally forged crankshaft operably connected to the pistons, at least one sensor operable to sense ambient conditions on the pump, and a computer control for processing data from the sensor to regulate the operation of the pump in response to the data. The system also utilizes protective infused treatments for lubricity and enhanced lubrication sprayers and a reset relief valve and pressure sensors operably connected to the computer system for control and monitoring of the pump.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is related to a provisional application for patent filed Jul. 30, 2007 bearing Ser. No. 60 / 962,637 and is incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not ApplicableDESCRIPTION OF ATTACHED APPENDIX[0003]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]This invention relates generally to the field of mud pumps and more specifically to a reinforced smart mud pump. Mud pumps that use piston displacement, produce imposed forces that cause wear and tear on various pump components, including pump cross head piping, cylinders, inlet and discharge valves, seal components including piston or plunger seals, the pump cylinder block or so-called fluid end, and other components. There has been a need to provide increased longevity and performance for such pumps and to determine if deteriorations in pump performance are occurring, to analyze the source of decr...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]The primary advantage of the invention is to provide a mud pump that is continuously monitored during operation.

[0010]Another advantage of the invention is to provide a mud pump that utilizes transducers in line with the ambient pressure in conjunction with a computer controlled pressure relief valve to record and monitor pump characteristics and control the pump to prevent catastrophic failure.

[0011]Another advantage of the invention is to provide a mud pump that transmits data to a computer for later analysis of important operating characteristics.

[0012]A further advantage of the invention is to provide a mud pump that can be controlled during its operation to prevent certain damaging events to the pump or underlying pressurized system.

[0013]Yet another advantage of the invention is to provide a single piece integrally forged and balanced crank assembly for greater strength during operation.

[0014]Still yet another advantage of the invention is to provide increased tensile strength up to 200,000 p.s.i. using advanced metallurgical engineering.

Problems solved by technology

Mud pumps that use piston displacement, produce imposed forces that cause wear and tear on various pump components, including pump cross head piping, cylinders, inlet and discharge valves, seal components including piston or plunger seals, the pump cylinder block or so-called fluid end, and other components.

Pump operating characteristics often have a deleterious effect on pump performance.

For example, delayed valve closing and sealing can result in loss of volumetric efficiency.

Delayed valve response also causes a higher pump chamber pressure than normal which in turn may cause overloads on pump mechanical components, including the pump crankshaft or eccentric and its bearings, speed reduction gearing, the pump drive shaft and the pump prime mover.

Moreover, increased fluid acceleration induced pressure “spikes” in the pump suction and discharge flowstreams can be deleterious.

Still further, piston or plunger seal or packing leaking can result in increased delay of pump discharge valve opening with increased hydraulic flow and acceleration induced hydraulic forces imposed on the pump and its discharge piping.

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