Multi-fluid, high pressure, modular pump

Abstract

A multi-fluid, high pressure pump with a modular configuration, capable of converting hydraulic power from a source may be capable of pumping nearly any type of fluid. The modular configuration may provide for individual sub-pump modules to be independently controlled by being individually network addressed, which allows for disabling a sub-pump module while continuing to operate the remaining sub-pump modules. In an embodiment, control of the sub-pump modules may be recomputed by evenly spacing a remaining number of sub-pump modules along a single period of a sine wave. Spare sub-pump modules may be included on a pump, thereby enable a spare sub-pump module to be added to the operable sub-pump modules so that full power of the pump may be available even after a sub-pump module fails.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]High-pressure pumps, such as sub-sea pumps, have to operate in extremely difficult environments under pressures and temperatures that are far more harsh than pumps designed to operate at atmospheric or surface pressures. As understood in the art of deep sea drilling, in the event that the pump has a failure, the pump has to be raised to the surface for repair or replacement. Such repair or replacement can be expensive not only for the reparation and replacement, but also as a result of having to shut down operations, such as drilling or exploration operations, at which the high-pressure pump is being used. Other pumps that operate in less harsh environments may suffer similar failures and repercussions, but high-pressure pumps are often used in ways that the time and cost to stop operations, repair, and / or replace the pumps can be high.[0002]Many subsea tools / installations and / or operations are operated with fluids, pressure, or flow that a standard ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a multi-fluid, high pressure pump that can be used to pump almost any type of fluid. It is designed to be easily repaired and reconfigured, and can withstand deep sea or subsea pressures. The pump includes individual modular pistons that can be controlled by a control signal to activate each piston based on a sinusoidal curve. The pump can have different numbers of pistons with different spacing or timing. The technical effect of this invention is to provide a versatile and reliable pump for use in sub-sea production operations.

Problems solved by technology

High-pressure pumps, such as sub-sea pumps, have to operate in extremely difficult environments under pressures and temperatures that are far more harsh than pumps designed to operate at atmospheric or surface pressures.

Such repair or replacement can be expensive not only for the reparation and replacement, but also as a result of having to shut down operations, such as drilling or exploration operations, at which the high-pressure pump is being used.

Other pumps that operate in less harsh environments may suffer similar failures and repercussions, but high-pressure pumps are often used in ways that the time and cost to stop operations, repair, and / or replace the pumps can be high.

Many subsea tools / installations and / or operations are operated with fluids, pressure, or flow that a standard work class Remote Operated Vehicle (ROB) or other standard hydraulic power sources is not capable of supplying or use.

As a result, the deep sea tools increase a risk of spill and breakdown.

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