LONG STROKE PARALLEL PUMP

A pump system may include a drive shaft extending along a longitudinal axis and supplying rotation about the longitudinal axis, a gear system operably coupled to the shaft for changing the orientation of the rotation, and a slider-crank mechanism. The slider crank mechanism may include a rotating member assembly mechanically coupled to and driven by the gear system. The rotating member assembly may include a plurality of rotating members having respective rotational axes offset laterally from one another and generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. The slider crank mechanism may also include a sliding member assembly mechanically coupled to the rotating member assembly. The rotating member assembly may be configured to drive reciprocating motion of the sliding member to alternately draw fluid in and discharge fluid. The slider crank mechanism may also include a connecting rod assembly mechanically coupling the rotating member assembly to the sliding member assembly.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments described herein generally relate to devices and methods for a reciprocating fluid pump system. One specific example includes devices and methods for a triplex reciprocating fluid pump.

BACKGROUND

Positive displacement reciprocating pumps can be used for movement of fluid, such as petroleum, in a variety of overall systems in various applications in the oil and gas industry such as drilling or fracking. Such positive displacement reciprocating pumps can be single-cylinder or multiple-cylinder, having a single or multiple pistons, respectively. The fluid flow capacity of reciprocating pump depends on factors like plunger or piston area, stroke length, number of cylinders, and speed of the pump.

In many pumps, increasing a stroke length can be restricted using a crankshaft mechanism. In this case, as stroke length is increased, the diameter of the crankshaft will increase proportionally. This can result in higher cost of manufacturing for the crankshaft, increase in the pump height and weight. Alternatively, increasing a pump speed to change stroke length can increase the valve which can result in reduced service life of the pump, and an increased cost of replacing the valve and seats.

Additionally, many pumps take up a large volume and space because of the way in which various pump components are interconnected within the system.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure provides a method and system for a fluid pump, such as a positive displacement reciprocating pump. Such a pump can be used, for example, to pump fluid at a high pressure and constant flow for various applications, some of which may include drilling or fracking. The disclosed parallel pump can include a switch-back design that is space-saving. In the example pumps discussed herein, the rotating member assembly (e.g., a gear box) and sliding member assembly (e.g., pistons, plunger, or cylinders) can be situated beneath the driveshaft and prime mover (e.g., an engine). While the drive shaft and the prime mover can be situated on the same horizontal plane, the slider-crank assembly including the rotating member and sliding members assemblies can be on a parallel horizontal plane underneath the top components. This can allow for a switch-back type design.

The fluid flow capacity of a reciprocating pump depends on factors such as plunger or piston area, stroke length, number of cylinders, and the speed of the pump. For example, when the area and number of cylinders in the pump are kept constant, the flow rate can be increased by increasing either speed or stroke length.

Discussed herein is a long stroke parallel pump that can increase stroke length of a fluid pump without increasing the height of the pump or requiring a large crankshaft. This can help in preserving and lengthening the service life of the fluid end of the pump. For example, the fluid end of such a pump can include a valve and seat assembly, which can require replacement after certain operation. Additionally, this long stroke parallel pump can allow for increased volume of fluid per valve cycle.

The example long stroke parallel pump discussed herein can allow for a longer stroke than conventional pumps, such that a similar fluid flow can be achieved at a slower pump speed, which in turn can reduce wear and tear of the pump components.

The fluid pump described here can include a slider-crank mechanism that converts rotational motion of a crankshaft to lateral reciprocation movement of a plunger or piston. This reciprocation motion can create a suction phenomenon in a cylinder while traveling on one direction, and a discharge phenomenon while traveling in an opposing direction.

In an example, a fluid pump system can include: a prime mover with a shaft extending longitudinally; a gear box actuatable for reducing the prime mover rpm and increase torque to a predetermined value, wherein the prime mover is configured to drive the gear box, the gear box arranged longitudinally along the shaft; and a slider-crank mechanism offset laterally from the gear box and extending longitudinally parallel to the shaft, the slider-crank mechanism comprising: a rotating member assembly mechanically coupled to the gear box, the rotating member assembly comprising a plurality of rotating members, a sliding member assembly mechanically coupled to the rotating member assembly, wherein the rotating member assembly is configured to drive the sliding member assembly; and a connecting rod assembly mechanically coupling the rotating member assembly to the sliding member assembly.

In an example, a method can include producing rotational movement at a primer mover; transferring the rotational movement to a gear box and reducing speed of the rotational movement to a predetermined level; driving a plurality of bull gears with the reduced rotational movement via a plurality of corresponding pinions, producing linear movement in a plurality of sliding members each coupled to one of the plurality of bull gears; and suctioning and discharging the fluid with the linear movement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Discussed herein is a system including a design for a reciprocating triplex pump. This innovative design includes a longer stroke than conventional pumps. This can allow for a similar flow rate but with a slower pump speed. This can be advantageous by allowing lesser valve cycles per flow, with less resultant wear and tear of fluid end parts.

FIG.1andFIGS.2A-2Ddepict views of a reciprocating triplex pump100with longer stroke in an example. The pump100can include a prime mover110, a gear box120, and a slider-crank mechanism130. The prime mover110can be attached to the gear box by a coupling112. The slider-crank mechanism130can include a housing132at least partially enclosing a rotating member assembly140with first gear142, second gear144, and third gear146, and pinion148, a sliding member assembly150with a first sliding member152and first cylinder153, a second sliding member154and second cylinder155, a third sliding member156and third cylinder157, and a connecting rod assembly160with a first connecting rod162, a second connecting rod164, and a third connecting rod166. The pump100can further include a valve assembly180, and a suction and discharge manifold190. The valve assembly180can include a first valve182, a second valve184, and a third valve186.

WhileFIG.1depicts a perspective view of the pump100,FIGS.2A-2Ddepict schematic views of the reciprocating triplex pump100with longer stroke in an example.FIG.2Aschematic side view of the pump100from a first side.FIG.2Bdepicts a schematic end view of the pump100, at the fluid end of the pump100.FIG.2Cdepicts a schematic cross-sectional view of the pump100along line A-A inFIG.2A, whileFIG.2Ddepicts a schematic cross-sectional view of the pump100along line B-B inFIG.2B.FIGS.1to2Dwill be discussed together.

The pump100is a long stroke parallel pump designed such that the prime mover110is driving the gear box120. The prime mover110can include, for example, an electric motor or a reciprocating engine. The prime mover110can be attached to the gear box by the coupling112. The prime mover110can provide initial movement. The gear box120can reduce rpm produced by the prime mover110, and increase torque, such as to a predetermined desired value. An output shaft from the gear box120can be mechanically coupled to the slider-crank mechanism130, such as by the pinion148.

The slider-crank mechanism130can include the rotating member assembly140and the sliding member assembly150, joined by the connecting rod assembly160. The slider-crank mechanism130can provide pumping movement for induced flow of fluid through the pump100. The slider-crank mechanism130can include a housing132at least partially enclosing the rotating member assembly140, the sliding member assembly150, and the connecting rod assembly160.

The rotating member assembly140can include the first gear142, the second gear144, and the third gear146, in addition to the pinion148. The pinion148can be mechanically coupled to the gear box120, and provide movement to the first gear142, the second gear144, and the third gear146, from the gear box120. In some cases, the rotating members can be gears, such as spur gears, helical gears, bevel gears, miter gears, worm gears, screw gears, or other types as desired. In some cases, the rotating members can be other components. In some cases, three rotating members can be provided. In some cases, more or less rotating members can be provided as desired.

In the example pump100, the first gear142, the second gear144, and the third gear146can be gears having flat surfaces oriented horizontally relative the gear box. In some cases, the first gear142, the second gear144, and the third gear146can be bull gears that are larger in size than the pinion148and aligned parallel to each other. In some cases, the first gear142, the second gear144, and the third gear146can be of varying sizes. In some cases, the first gear142, the second gear144, and the third gear146can be substantially the same size. In some cases, the first gear142, the second gear144, and the third gear146can be stacked relative each other. In some cases, the first gear142, the second gear144, and the third gear146can be in substantially the same plane of operation. In an example, the first gear142, the second gear144, and the third gear146can have a gear ratio of 1:1:1.

The first gear142, the second gear144, and the third gear146can each include teeth for engagement of the other gears. In some cases, teeth engagements can be increased between pinions and bull gears to result in reduced thickness of pinions and gears.

The gear box120can induce movement in the rotating member assembly140across the first gear142, the second gear144, and the third gear146via the pinion148. This movement can, for example, be a singular speed across the first gear142, the second gear144, and the third gear146. The rotating movement of the first gear142, the second gear144, and the third gear146in the rotating member assembly140can be transferred into sliding movement in the sliding member assembly150via the slider-crank mechanism of the pump100.

Shown inFIGS.1,2A, and2C, the gear box120and the prime mover110can be located laterally with respect to each other. The slider-crank mechanism130can be stacked below the prime mover110and the gear box120. For example, the rotating member assembly140can be vertically stacked under the gear box120, saving space in the pump100overall.

The sliding member assembly150can include the first sliding member152, the second sliding member154, and the third sliding member156. Each of the first sliding member152, the second sliding member154, and the third sliding member156can correspond to the first cylinder153, the second cylinder155, and the third cylinder157, respectively. Each of the sliding members152,154,156, can be actuatable for lateral movement, such as relative the cylinders,153,155,157. The first sliding member152, the second sliding member154, and the third sliding member156can be approximately parallel to each other.

The rotating member assembly140can be configured to drive the sliding member assembly150. The sliding member assembly150can be mechanically coupled to the rotating member assembly140via the connecting rod assembly160. For example, the first sliding member152can be coupled to the first gear142via the first connecting rod162. The second sliding member154can be coupled to the second gear144via the second connecting rod164. The third sliding member156can be coupled to the third gear146via the third connecting rod166. In some cases, more or less sliding members, rotating members, and connecting rods can be used, as desired.

In the rotating member assembly140, the pinion148can mesh with the first gear142. The first gear142can mesh with the second gear144and the third gear146. The pinion148can drive the first gear142with a particular gear ratio, reducing speed (e.g., rpm) and increase torque. The speed of the first gear142can correspond to the speed of the pump100. In the example pump100, the first gear142, the second gear144, and the third gear146can have a gear ratio of 1:1, therefore maintain the same speed across the three gears. Each of the first gear142, the second gear144, and the third gear146can be connected to one of the connecting rods162,164,166by a mechanically coupling such as a pin and bearing. Similarly, the connecting rods162,164,166, can be connected to the respective sliding members152,154,156, by a mechanical coupling, such as a crosshead and bearing. Each of the sliding members152,154,156can be assembled into respective cylinders153,155, and157, such as with packing and sealing.

The mechanism of the rotating member assembly140attached to the sliding member assembly150via the connecting rod assembly160is referred to as a slider-crank mechanism. The end of the pump100with the sliding member assembly150can be connected to the valve assembly180and the manifold190. This mechanism can be seen, for example, inFIGS.2C and2D.

FIG.3depicts a schematic view of a slider crank mechanism in an example, andFIG.4depicts a view of a bull gear assembly in an example. The example slider crank mechanism ofFIG.3can correspond, for example, to the first gear142, the first sliding member152, and the first connecting rod162. The slider-crank mechanism can allow for conversion of rotational movement of the bull gear assembly ofFIG.4to linear movement.

The pump100can further include the valve assembly180, such as with the first valve182, the second valve184, and the third valve186. The valves182,184,186, can be coupled to the first sliding member152, the second cylinder155, and the third cylinder157, respectively. The valves182,184,186, can be further coupled to the suction and discharge manifold190. The valve assembly180and the manifold190can work in concert to propel fluid through the pump100.

When in operation, rotational motion of the prime mover110can be transferred to the gear box120, where speed of the movement can be reduced, and pinions therein can rotate with a slower speed than the prime mover110. The pinion148can be rotated by the gear box120and drive the first gear142. The first gear142can in turn drive the second gear144and the third gear146. As the first gear142, the second gear144, and the third gear146can rotate and induce linear motion in the first sliding member152, the second sliding member154, and the third sliding member156. This can initiate and continue the pumping action, suction, and discharge of fluid through the pump100.

The stroke length of the pump100is dependent on the size of the rotating member assembly140, and the widths of the first gear142, the second gear144, and the third gear146. The first gear142, the second gear144, and the third gear146can be oriented horizontally within the rotating member assembly140, such that viewing from the top of the pump100, such as inFIG.2D, the diameter of each is on the plane view. The stroke length corresponds to a width of the rotating member assembly, thus, stroke length can be max as allowed by horizontal width of the machine and the diameters of the gears.

FIG.5depicts a view of a pump500in an example. The pump500can include many of the same components as those in pump100discussed above, with the addition of a second slider-crank mechanism opposing the first. For example, the pump500can include a prime mover510, a first coupling512, a first gear box520, a second coupling513, a second gear box521, a first slider-crank mechanism530with a housing532, a first rotating member assembly540, a first sliding member assembly550, and a first connecting rod assembly560, and a second slider-crank mechanism531with a housing533, a second rotating member assembly541, a second sliding member assembly551, and a second connecting rod assembly561.

In this case, the pump500can include a dual shaft extension to attach to both the first gear box520and the second gear box521, and subsequently the first slider-crank mechanism530and the second slider-crank mechanism531. The use of dual slider-crank mechanisms can allow for increased capacity of the pump500. In some cases, this version can include a larger number of sliding members. In some cases, the sliding members can be equal on either side.

FIG.6depicts a method600of using a reciprocating triplex pump with longer stroke in an example. In the method600, rotational movement can be made at a prime mover (block610). This rotational movement can be transferred to a gear box, where it is reduced in speed (block620). The rotational movement can drive bull gears via one or more pinions (block630). The rotational movement can be transitioned to linear movement via sliding members coupled to the bull gears (block640). This movement can be used to suction and discharge fluid (block650).

In some cases, this method can be used to alter linear movement stroke length. In some cases, driving a plurality of bull gears can include driving a first bull gear which induced rotational movement in a second bull gear and a third bull gear. In some cases, pumping fluid can be done at a high pressure and a constant flow.

FIG.7illustrates a block diagram of an example computing system machine700upon which any one or more of the techniques (e.g., methodologies) discussed herein may perform. Machine700(e.g., computer system) may include a hardware processor702(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a hardware processor core, or any combination thereof), a main memory704and a static memory706, connected via an interconnect708(e.g., link or bus), as some or all of these components may constitute hardware for systems100or200or hardware to operate the services and subsystems and related implementations discussed above.

Specific examples of main memory704include Random Access Memory (RAM), and semiconductor memory devices, which may include, in some embodiments, storage locations in semiconductors such as registers. Specific examples of static memory706include non-volatile memory, such as semiconductor memory devices (e.g., Electrically Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM)) and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; RAM; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks.

The machine700may further include a display device710, an input device712(e.g., a keyboard), and a user interface (UI) navigation device714(e.g., a mouse). In an example, the display device710, input device712and UI navigation device714may be a touch screen display. The machine700may additionally include a mass storage device716(e.g., drive unit), a signal generation device718(e.g., a speaker), a network interface device720, and one or more sensors730, such as a global positioning system (GPS) sensor, compass, accelerometer, or some other sensor. The machine700may include an output controller728, such as a serial (e.g., universal serial bus (USB), parallel, or other wired or wireless (e.g., infrared (IR), near field communication (NFC), etc.) connection to communicate or control one or more peripheral devices (e.g., a printer, card reader, etc.). In some embodiments the hardware processor702and/or instructions724may comprise processing circuitry and/or transceiver circuitry.

The mass storage device716may include a machine readable medium722on which is stored one or more sets of data structures or instructions724(e.g., software) embodying or utilized by any one or more of the techniques or functions described herein. The instructions724may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory704, within static memory706, or within the hardware processor702during execution thereof by the machine700. In an example, one or any combination of the hardware processor702, the main memory704, the static memory706, or the mass storage device716constitutes, in at least some embodiments, machine readable media.

The term “machine readable medium” includes, in some embodiments, any medium that is capable of storing, encoding, or carrying instructions for execution by the machine700and that cause the machine700to perform any one or more of the techniques of the present disclosure, or that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying data structures used by or associated with such instructions. Specific examples of machine readable media include, one or more of non-volatile memory, such as semiconductor memory devices (e.g., Electrically Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM)) and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; RAM; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. While the machine readable medium722is illustrated as a single medium, the term “machine readable medium” includes, in at least some embodiments, a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) configured to store the one or more instructions724. In some examples, machine readable media includes non-transitory machine readable media. In some examples, machine readable media includes machine readable media that is not a transitory propagating signal.

The instructions724are further transmitted or received, in at least some embodiments, over a communications network726using a transmission medium via the network interface device720utilizing any one of a number of transfer protocols (e.g., frame relay, internet protocol (IP), transmission control protocol (TCP), user datagram protocol (UDP), hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), etc.). Example communication networks include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a packet data network (e.g., the Internet), mobile telephone networks (e.g., cellular networks), Plain Old Telephone (POTS) networks, and wireless data networks (e.g., Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 family of standards known as Wi-Fi®), IEEE 802.15.4 family of standards, a Long Term Evolution (LTE) 4G or 5G family of standards, a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) family of standards, peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, satellite communication networks, among others.

An apparatus of the machine700includes, in at least some embodiments, one or more of a hardware processor702(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a hardware processor core, or any combination thereof), a main memory704and a static memory706, sensors730, network interface device720, antennas732, a display device710, an input device712, a UI navigation device714, a mass storage device716, instructions724, a signal generation device718, and an output controller728. The apparatus is configured, in at least some embodiments, to perform one or more of the methods and/or operations disclosed herein. The apparatus is, in some examples, a component of the machine700to perform one or more of the methods and/or operations disclosed herein, and/or to perform a portion of one or more of the methods and/or operations disclosed herein.

In an example embodiment, the network interface device720includes one or more physical jacks (e.g., Ethernet, coaxial, or phone jacks) or one or more antennas to connect to the communications network726. In an example embodiment, the network interface device720includes one or more antennas732to wirelessly communicate using at least one of single-input multiple-output (SIMO), multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), or multiple-input single-output (MISO) techniques. In some examples, the network interface device720wirelessly communicates using Multiple User MIMO techniques. The term “transmission medium” shall be taken to include any intangible medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying instructions for execution by the machine700, and includes digital or analog communications signals or other intangible medium to facilitate communication of such software.

At least some example embodiments, as described herein, include, or operate on, logic or a number of components, modules, or mechanisms. Such components are tangible entities (e.g., hardware) capable of performing specified operations and are configured or arranged in a certain manner. In an example, circuits are arranged (e.g., internally or with respect to external entities such as other circuits) in a specified manner as a module. In an example, the whole or part of one or more computer systems (e.g., a standalone, client or server computer system) or one or more hardware processors are configured by firmware or software (e.g., instructions, an application portion, or an application) as a component that operates to perform specified operations. In an example, the software resides on a machine readable medium. In an example, the software, when executed by the underlying hardware of the component, causes the hardware to perform the specified operations.

Accordingly, such components are understood to encompass a tangible entity, be that an entity that is physically constructed, specifically configured (e.g., hardwired), or temporarily (e.g., transitorily) configured (e.g., programmed) to operate in a specified manner or to perform part or all of any operation described herein. Considering examples in which components are temporarily configured, each of the modules need not be instantiated at any one moment in time. For example, where the components comprise a general-purpose hardware processor configured using software, in some embodiments, the general-purpose hardware processor is configured as respective different components at different times. Software accordingly configures a hardware processor, for example, to constitute a particular component at one instance of time and to constitute a different component at a different instance of time.

Some embodiments are implemented fully or partially in software and/or firmware. This software and/or firmware takes the form of instructions contained in or on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, in at least some embodiments. Those instructions are then read and executed by one or more hardware processors to enable performance of the operations described herein, in at least some embodiments. The instructions are in any suitable form, such as but not limited to source code, compiled code, interpreted code, executable code, static code, dynamic code, and the like. Such a computer-readable medium includes any tangible non-transitory medium for storing information in a form readable by one or more computers, such as but not limited to read only memory (ROM); random access memory (RAM); magnetic disk storage media; optical storage media; flash memory, etc.

Various embodiments may be implemented fully or partially in software and/or firmware. This software and/or firmware may take the form of instructions contained in or on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. Those instructions are then read and executed by one or more processors to enable performance of the operations described herein. The instructions are in any suitable form, such as but not limited to source code, compiled code, interpreted code, executable code, static code, dynamic code, and the like. Such a computer-readable medium includes, in at least some embodiments, any tangible non-transitory medium for storing information in a form readable by one or more computers, such as but not limited to read only memory (ROM); random access memory (RAM); magnetic disk storage media; optical storage media; flash memory, etc.

Referring now toFIGS.8-12B, an additional example of a pump800is shown. The pump800may be similar to the pump100described with respect toFIGS.1-4. For example, the pump800may include a prime mover (not shown) operably coupled to a gear box820, which may be operably coupled to a slider-crank mechanism830including a rotating member assembly840and a sliding member assembly850operably coupled to one another via one or more connecting rods862,864,866(seeFIGS.10-12B). The pump800may also include a valve assembly880. The connecting rods862,864, and866, the sliding member assembly850and the valve assembly880may be the same or similar to the respective elements of the example described with respect toFIGS.1-4. The rotating member assembly840may also be the same or similar. One or more differences between the pump100and the pump800may be present where, for example, the pump800has an integrated gear box820. Still further, the operable coupling of the gear system or gear box820to the rotating member assembly840may differ from that of the pump100. Finally, the pump800may be an in line pump system where the drive shaft delivers rotational power to the gear system, which reorients the rotational power to drive a plurality of rotating members and then a connecting rod system and a sliding member system extend further away from the drive shaft an “in line” with or parallel to the drive shaft rather than switching direction back toward the drive shaft like the pump100. Still other differences may be present.

As shown inFIGS.8and9, and like the pump100, the pump800may include a housing832enclosing the rotating member assembly840. However, in the present example, the gear box820, or gear system, may be integrated into the rotating member assembly840and a portion of the housing832may encompass the gear box820or gear system.

As with the pump100, the gear box or gear system820may be configured to receive rotational power from the prime mover via a coupling, drive shaft, or other rotating member812. The gear system820may be further configured to reorient the rotational power and/or provide some speed and/or torque adjustment. In the present example, and as shown inFIGS.10-11, the gear system820may include a bevel gear system where a driving bevel gear821is provided on the end of the drive shaft and is arranged to rotate about a horizontal axis823of the drive shaft. An additional driven bevel gear825may be provided to engage with the driving bevel gear821and the driven bevel gear825may be arranged to rotate about a vertical axis827. In one or more examples, the diameter of the driven bevel gear825may be larger than the diameter of the driving bevel gear821and, as such, may slow the rate of rotation and increase the torque transfer capability. As shown inFIG.11, a generally cylindrical gear829may be provided above the driven bevel gear825on the same shaft as the driven bevel gear825so as to rotate with the driven bevel gear825. The cylindrical gear829may have a smaller diameter than the driven bevel gear825, but may rotate at the same rate as the driven bevel gear825by way of being arranged on the same shaft as the driven bevel gear825. As may be appreciated by way of the driven bevel gear825and the cylindrical gear829being arranged on the same shaft, both gears may rotate about a common axis827that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis823of the drive shaft.

With continued reference toFIG.11, the gear system820may also include a pinion drive gear831. The pinion drive gear831may be offset laterally from the cylindrical gear829and be arranged in the same plane as the cylindrical gear829so as to operably engage the cylindrical gear829with gear teeth. That is, as the cylindrical gear829rotates, the pinion drive gear831may rotate. The pinion drive gear831may have a diameter larger than the cylindrical gear829and, as such, may further slow the rate of rotation and increase the torque transfer capability. As shown, a pinion gear848may be provided below the pinion drive gear831on the same shaft as the pinion drive gear831so as to rotate with the pinion drive gear831. The pinion gear840may have a smaller diameter than the pinion drive gear831, but may rotate at the same rate as the pinion drive gear831by way of being arranged on the same shaft as the pinion drive gear831. The pinion drive gear831and the pinion gear848may rotate about a common axis833that is offset laterally from the rotational axis827of the driven bevel gear831and the cylindrical gear829and the axis833remains orthogonal to the longitudinal axis823of the drive shaft.

Like the pump100, the rotating member assembly840of the present pump800may include one or more rotating members such as members842,844, and846, which may be bull gears, split bull gears, or other gear types. The rotating members may be offset laterally from the pinion gear848, but coplanar with the pinion gear848. At least one of the rotating members may be engaged with the pinion gear848to be driven by the pinion gear848. That is, like the pump100, the pinion gear848may drive one or more of the rotating members of the rotating member assembly840. In one or more examples, the pinion gear848may drive one of the rotating members and that rotating member may drive one or more of the other rotating members. In the present example, the rotating member842may be driven by the pinion gear848and may have a diameter larger than the pinion gear848and, as such, may further slow the rate of rotation and increase the torque transfer capability.

In one or more examples, and in contrast to the rotating member arrangement of the pump100, the rotating members842,844, and846of the pump800may be arranged in line with one another and the driving of the rotating members may be in series. With respect to being arranged in line, the rotational axes of the several rotating members may fall on a single line that is orthogonal to all of the rotational axes. With respect to driving being in series, the pinion gear848may drive rotating member842, which may drive rotating member844, which may drive rotating member846. In other examples, the pinion848may drive one, two, three, or other numbers of the rotating members directly, which may then drive other rotating members.

As mentioned, the rotating members842,844, and846of the pump800may also be split gears. That is, as shown inFIGS.10and11, the pinion gear848may be a split gear having an upper and a lower gear offset from each other along a rotation axis and connected with a central shaft. The rotating members842,844, and846may have corresponding upper and lower gears offset from each other along a rotation axis, but connected with a connecting rod pin/bearing arranged closer to the perimeter of the pair of gears. That is, the upper and lower gears of the rotating members842,844,846may be separately pivotally supported by the housing and spaced from one another to allow an end of the connecting member to be arranged between the gears and to follow the cross pin passing through a full circular path as the upper and lower gears rotate. For example, a shaft extending between the upper and lower gears along the rotational axis may be omitted to allow for motion of the connecting rod between the upper and lower gears.

The series of rotating members may, thus, provide individual, adjacently arranged crank shafts (e.g., u-shaped cranks where the cranks or webs are formed by a radially extending portion of the upper and lower gears connected by a crankpin journal formed by the pin extending between the gears). The adjacently arranged crank shafts (e.g., sets of upper and lower gears) may have parallel and offset rotational axes and may rotate dependently on each other based on the engagement of the gears of adjacent rotating members. As discussed, this may be by way of arranging the rotating members in series (e.g., one after the other). Alternatively, a parallel driving arrangement or some combination of series and parallel driving arrangements may be provided (e.g., parallel being where one gear drives multiple other gears).

It is to be appreciated, and as mentioned, that the transition from smaller gears to larger gears may provide for a reduction in speed and an increase in the torque transfer capability. In the present example, three occurrences of this occur (e.g., between the drive bevel gear821and the driven bevel gear825, from the cylindrical gear829to the pinion drive gear831, and from the pinion gear848to the rotating member842). While three occurrences are provided in the present example, more or fewer of these types of transitions may be provided depending on the design requirements of the system.

FIG.12Ashows a close-up view of the connecting rod862arranged between upper and lower gears of a rotating member842. As shown inFIGS.12A and12B, the connecting rod862may include a cylindrical clamp end865that may be clamped onto a cross pin extending between the upper and lower gears of the rotating member842. A bearing or other pivot providing device may be arranged within the clamp end865and around the cross pin to allow the connecting rod862to follow the pin around the circle established by the cross pin rotating about the pivot axis of the upper and lower gears. The connecting rod862may extend away from the rotating member842and be pivotally connected to a wrist pin867arranged in a crosshead869. The wrist pin867may be coupled to a pony rod871, which may be connected to a piston rod that functions to draw in fluid and discharge fluid from a pump cylinder. The connecting rod862, crosshead869, wrist pin867and pony rod871assembly may be the same or similar to that show and described in US patent application entitled Direct Load Wrist Pin and file the same day as the present application, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

While particular aspects of the pump800have been shown and described, other aspects of the pump100may be the same or similar to corresponding aspects of the pump100. Moreover, particular aspects of the pump100and800and pump500, for that matter, may be interchanged and substituted as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art.

VARIOUS NOTES & EXAMPLES

Example 1 is a fluid pump system comprising: a drive shaft extending along a longitudinal axis and supplying rotation about the longitudinal axis; a gear system operably coupled to the shaft for changing the orientation of the rotation supplied by the drive shaft; and a slider-crank mechanism comprising: a rotating member assembly mechanically coupled to the gear system, the rotating member assembly comprising a plurality of rotating members having respective rotational axes offset laterally from one another and generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, a sliding member assembly mechanically coupled to the rotating member assembly and extending away from the drive shaft, wherein the rotating member assembly is configured to drive reciprocating motion of the sliding member to alternately draw fluid in and discharge fluid; and a connecting rod assembly mechanically coupling the rotating member assembly to the sliding member assembly. In example 1, the gear system optionally comprises a drive bevel gear and a driven bevel gear. In example 1, optionally, the gear system and the rotating member assembly together comprise three levels of gear reduction, where each reduction decreases the speed of rotation and increases the torque transfer capacity. Also, optionally, a first gear reduction is provided between a drive bevel gear arranged on the drive shaft and a driven bevel gear within the gear system. Optionally, a second gear reduction is provided between a cylindrical gear that shares a shaft with the driven beven gear and a pinion drive gear. As another option, a third gear reduction is provided between a pinion gear and at least on of the plurality of rotating members. The plurality of rotating members also optionally comprise three rotating members and the rotational axes of the three rotating members are parallel to and offset from one another and are arranged along a line extending orthogonally to the rotational axes. The rotating member assembly also optionally comprises a rotating member comprising a split gear.

In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 optionally includes wherein the plurality of rotating members comprises a first rotating member, a second rotating member, and a third rotating member.

In Example 3, the subject matter of Example 2 optionally includes wherein each of the first rotating member, the second rotating member, and the third rotating member having a flat surface oriented horizontally relative the gear box.

In Example 4, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 2-3 optionally include wherein the first rotating member, the second rotating member, and the third rotating member each comprise bull gears.

In Example 5, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 2-4 optionally include

In Example 6, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 2-5 optionally include wherein the rotating member assembly is actuatable at a singular speed across the first rotating member, the second rotating member, and the third rotating member.

In Example 7, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-6 optionally include wherein a stroke length corresponds to a width of the rotating member assembly.

In Example 8, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 2-7 optionally include wherein the sliding member assembly comprises a first sliding member, a second sliding member, and a third sliding member, each of the first sliding member, the second sliding member, and the third sliding member parallel each other.

In Example 9, the subject matter of Example 8 optionally includes wherein the connecting rod assembly comprises a first connecting rod coupling the first rotating member to the first sliding member, a second connecting rod coupling the second rotating member to the second sliding member, and a third connecting rod coupling the third rotating member to the third sliding member.

In Example 10, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-9 optionally include wherein the prime mover comprising an electric motor or a reciprocating engine.

In Example 11, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-10 optionally include a cylinder assembly mechanically coupled and sealed to the sliding member assembly, wherein the rotating member assembly is configured to drive the cylinder assembly.

In Example 12, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-11 optionally include a valve assembly mechanically coupled to the cylinder assembly, wherein the rotating member assembly is configured to drive the valve assembly.

In Example 13, the subject matter of Example 12 optionally includes a suction and discharge manifold coupled to the valve assembly.

In Example 14, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 2-13 optionally include wherein a stroke length corresponds to sizes of the first rotating member, the second rotating member, and the third rotating member.

In Example 15, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 2-14 optionally include wherein the first rotating member, the second rotating member, and the third rotating member each comprise teeth for engagement of the other gears.

In Example 16, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-15 optionally include a dual shaft extension, a second gear box, and a second slider-crank mechanism, the second gear box coupled to the prime mover.

Example 17 is a method of pumping fluid comprising: receiving rotational movement about a longitudinal axis from a primer mover; using a gear system, reorienting the rotational movement to be about an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, driving a plurality of rotating members, the rotating members rotating about an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis; producing linear movement in a plurality of sliding members each coupled to one of the plurality of gears and extending away from the prime mover; and suctioning and discharging the fluid with the linear movement.

Example 18 is a method of pumping fluid comprising: producing rotational movement at a primer mover; transferring the rotational movement to a gear box and reducing speed of the rotational movement to a predetermined level; driving a plurality of bull gears with the reduced rotational movement via a plurality of corresponding pinions; producing linear movement in a plurality of sliding members each coupled to one of the plurality of bull gears; and suctioning and discharging the fluid with the linear movement.

In Example 19, the subject matter of Example 18 optionally includes wherein driving a plurality of bull gears comprises driving a first bull gear which induced rotational movement in a second bull gear and a third bull gear.

In Example 20, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 18-19 optionally include wherein pumping fluid is done at a high pressure and a constant flow.

In Example 21, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 18-20 optionally include wherein the bull gears are driven at a reduced rotational movement compared to the gear box.