Patent Publication Number: US-8543245-B2

Title: Systems and methods for specifying an operational parameter for a pumping system

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates to pumps of the multiplex type, and, more particularly, to systems and methods for specifying an operational parameter for a pumping system. 
     In the oil industry, multiplex pumps may be utilized to deliver pumped fluid for oilfield operations. Multiplex pumps may be positive displacement pumps, such as plunger pumps, with a plurality of chambers and may be triplex, quintuplex or another type of multiplex pump.  FIG. 1A  (Prior Art) shows a top view of an example triplex pump  100  with three chambers  110 A-C.  FIG. 1B  (Prior Art) shows a partial cross-sectional side view of pump  1100 . Fluid may enter pump  100  through suction header inlet  120 , be displaced by operation of plunger  130  and discharge through discharge outlet  140 . 
     Multiplex pumps may be used in various applications such as well stimulation operations. In some cases, multiplex pumps may be mounted on vehicles and brought to a well site for use in a pumping system. A pumping system may include several multiplex pumps combined to produce a suitable volume of fluid at a suitable rate and pressure. Pumping systems may be subject to limitations such as limited supply of pressure on the suction side of the pumps. A sufficient supply of suction side pressure may be particularly important in avoiding cavitation, which is a well-known problem in the field. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure relates to pumps of the multiplex type, and, more particularly, to systems and methods for specifying an operational parameter for a pumping system. 
     In one aspect, a method of specifying one or more operational parameters for a pumping system is disclosed. A first suction pressure loss profile for a first pump in a pumping system is determined. A second suction pressure loss profile for a second pump in the pumping system is determined. The first suction pressure loss profile is compared with the second suction pressure loss profile. One or more operational parameters are specified based, at least in part, on the comparison. 
     In another aspect, a computer program, stored in a tangible medium specifying one or more operational parameters for a pumping system, is disclosed. The computer program includes executable instructions to cause at least one processor to: determine a first suction pressure loss profile for a first pump in a pumping system; determine a second suction pressure loss profile for a second pump in the pumping system; compare the first suction pressure loss profile with the second suction pressure loss profile; and specify one or more operational parameters based, at least in part, on the comparison. 
     In another aspect, an information handling system is disclosed. A processor is communicatively coupled to a memory. A computer readable medium includes instructions that cause the at least one processor to: determine a first suction pressure loss profile for a first pump in a pumping system; determine a second suction pressure loss profile for a second pump in the pumping system; compare the first suction pressure loss profile with the second suction pressure loss profile; and specify one or more operational parameters based, at least in part, on the comparison. 
     The features and advantages of the present disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. While numerous changes may be made by those skilled in the art, such changes are within the spirit of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete understanding of the present embodiments and advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate like features. 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates a top view of one example triplex pump that may be used in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of one example triplex pump that may be used in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a block diagram of one example pumping system in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a graph of exemplary data for one example pumping system in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a graph of exemplary data for one example pumping system in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a graph of exemplary data for one example pumping system in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a graph of exemplary data for one example pumping system in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart showing one example method of specifying one or more operational parameters for a pumping system in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a graph of exemplary data for one example pumping system in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a graph of exemplary data for one example pumping system in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 10A ,  10 B,  10 C and  10 D illustrate graphs of exemplary data for one example pumping system in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a graph of exemplary data for one example pumping system in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 12A ,  12 B,  12 C and  12 D illustrate graphs of exemplary data for one example pumping system in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present disclosure relates to pumps of the multiplex type, and, more particularly, to systems and methods for specifying an operational parameter for a pumping system. Stated otherwise, the systems and methods of the present disclosure may allow suction characteristics of multiplex pumps in a pumping system to be improved and the possibility of cavitation in those pumps to be reduced. Certain embodiments of this disclosure may be employed prior to operation, for example, as a planning tool. Certain embodiments may be employed during operation, for example, to adjust and optimize multiplex pumps and pump configurations in a pumping system. 
     Illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail herein. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve developers&#39; specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a block diagram of one example pumping system  200  in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. One or more pumping units  205  may be employed to displace one or more volumes of fluid for an oilfield operation. As depicted, pumping system  200  may include six pumping units  205   a - f  (collectively, pumping units  205 ) for fracturing operations. Pumping units  205  may include positive displacement pumps, such as plunger pumps, or another type of pump, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In certain embodiments, pumping units  205  may be of a multiplex type, such as triplex, quintuplex, or another type of multiplex pump. Although six pumping units are illustrated in  FIG. 2 , it should be understood that a different number of pumping units may be utilized, as desired for various pumping situations. Over the course of an operation, the number of pumping units in service may be changed depending on the specifics of the operation as, for example, when a pumping unit is brought off-line. 
     Pumping units  205   a - f  may each discharge through a discharge line (not shown) via individual pump outlets and discharge lines (not shown). Pumping units  205   a - f  may receive fluid via pump header inlets  210   a - f , respectively. Pump header inlets  210   a - f  may be respectively coupled via suction lines  265   a - f  to manifold outlets  215   a - f  of manifold  220 . Suction lines  265   a - f  may include a hose, a pipe and/or another type of connection line or conduit. Manifold  220  may be deployed on a mobile manifold trailer (not shown). One or more manifold inlets  225  (illustrated as  225   a - d  in  FIG. 2 ) may be configured to receive fluid and may be coupled to one or more blending unit outlets  230  (illustrated as  230   a - d  in  FIG. 2 ) of blending unit  235 . Blending unit  235  may include a boost pump  240 , a mixing tub  245 , and one or more inlets  250  configured to receive fluid from one or more fluid supply sources. 
     Pressure sensors  255   a - f  (collectively, pressure sensors  255 ) may be disposed to sense fluid pressure at or in the proximity of pump header inlets  210   a - f . Although not shown in  FIG. 2 , additional pressure sensors may be disposed to sense fluid pressure at various locations. For example, pressure sensors may be disposed to sense fluid pressure at or in the proximity of one or more of the intake and outlet of boost pump  240 , blending unit outlets  230 , manifold inlets  225 , and manifold outlets  215   a - f . Pressure sensors  255  may be pressure transducers or other types of pressure-sensing devices adapted for use as pressure sensors. As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, pressure sensors  255  may be capable of sensing pressure at any suitable frequency considering the pressure characteristics of a given pumping system. For example, the pressure sensors  255  may sense pressure and produce corresponding signals suitable for real-time monitoring of pressure oscillations such as those illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 6  (discussed further herein). 
     Referring again to  FIG. 2 , in one exemplary embodiment, pressure sensors  255   a - f  and one or more of the above-noted additional pressure sensors may be communicatively coupled to an information handling system  260 . Information handling system may include a processor  262  communicatively coupled to a memory  264 . For purposes of this disclosure, information handling system  260  may include any instrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities operable to compute, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form of information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific, control, or other purposes. For example, information handling system  260  may be a personal computer, a network storage device, or any other suitable device and may vary in size, shape, performance, functionality, and price. Information handling system  260  may include random access memory (RAM), one or more processing resources such as a central processing unit (CPU) or hardware or software control logic, ROM, and/or other types of nonvolatile memory. Additional components of information handling system  260  may include one or more disk drives, one or more network ports for communication with external devices as well as various input and output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a video display. Information handling system  260  may also include one or more buses operable to transmit communications between the various hardware components. 
     For the purposes of this disclosure, computer-readable media may include any instrumentality or aggregation of instrumentalities that may retain data and/or instructions for a period of time. Computer-readable media may include, without limitation, storage media such as a direct access storage device (e.g., a hard disk drive or floppy disk), a sequential access storage device (e.g., a tape disk drive), compact disk, CD-ROM, DVD, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and/or flash memory; as well as communications media such wires, optical fibers, microwaves, radio waves, and other electromagnetic and/or optical carriers; and/or any combination of the foregoing. 
     As would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, with the benefit of this disclosure, the pressure sensors  255  may be coupled to information handling system  260  through wired and/or wireless connections. For the sake of clarity, complete connections are not depicted in  FIG. 2 . Information handling system  260  may display and process pressure sensor readings. 
     A change in inertia pressure loss or inertance in a hose, pipe or another type of line may be indicated by: 
     
       
         
           
             
               Δ 
               ⁢ 
               
                   
               
               ⁢ 
               P 
             
             = 
             
               
                 
                   ⅆ 
                   Q 
                 
                 
                   ⅆ 
                   t 
                 
               
               ⁢ 
               
                 
                   ρ 
                   ⁢ 
                   
                       
                   
                   ⁢ 
                   L 
                 
                 A 
               
             
           
         
       
     
     In this equation, ΔP may represent an absolute value of inertia pressure loss; Q may represent fluid flowrate, ρ may represent fluid density; L may represent a length of a line, such as a hose or pipe; and A may represent a cross-sectional area of the line. Accordingly, inertia pressure loss may increase with increasing flowrate, increasing fluid density, increasing line length and/or decreasing line area. This equation, as well as simulation and test data, indicate that inertia pressure loss in a pumping system may be significantly larger than frictional pressure loss and, further, that a suction line has a significant effect on pump suction pressure. 
       FIG. 3  shows a graph  300  of exemplary data for a pumping system. Graph  300  illustrates an inertia pressure profile from a boost pump to a pump suction header at a time t 1 , for a system such as that shown in  FIG. 2 . The vertical axis represents inertia pressure of the fluid in pounds per pounds-force per square inch gauge (psig); the horizontal axis represents the length of the fluid path in feet. Line  305  illustrates the different inertia pressure readings at a time t 1  for various points in the system. As indicated on  FIG. 3 , certain points along the horizontal axis correspond to system locations of boost pump  240 , blending unit outlet  230 , manifold inlet  225 , manifold outlet  215 , and pump header inlet  210 . 
       FIG. 4  shows a graph  400  of exemplary data for the pumping system at a time t 2 . As illustrated by inertia pressure profile  405 , the greatest inertia pressure loss occurs near pump header inlet  210 . A comparison of  FIGS. 3 and 4  reveals that, from t 1  to t 2 , significant changes occur between manifold outlet  215  and pump header inlet  210 , which corresponds to a suction line  265  in the pumping system. 
     Taken together,  FIGS. 3 and 4  show the inertia pressure profiles  305 ,  405  to be relatively steady over most of pumping system  200 &#39;s length, with the greatest pressure changes generally occurring near the pump header. Fluid viscosity may be a cause of a pressure drop on the suction side of high-pressure pumps. However, testing and modeling show that inertia pressure loss in a pumping system may be much larger than frictional pressure loss, and that pressure oscillations in the connection between a manifold and a pumping unit may be significantly affected by suction line length. 
       FIG. 5  shows a graph  500  of exemplary data for suction pressure profiles corresponding to two points in pumping system  200 . The data shown in this example corresponds to a pumping unit  205  in  FIG. 2  with 5-inch fluid ends, running at 5.5 bpm, and connected to manifold outlet  215  via a 40-foot suction line  265 . The vertical axis represents inertia pressure loss of the fluid in pounds per square inch (psi) the horizontal axis represents a duration of pump operation in seconds. Suction pressure profile  505  represents the suction pressure at manifold outlet  215 . Suction pressure profile  510  represents the suction pressure at pump header inlet  210 . Each suction pressure profile oscillates with time. The oscillations of suction pressure profile  510  may be distinguished from the oscillations of suction pressure profile  505  by the greater amplitudes of profile  510 . 
       FIG. 6  shows a graph  600  of exemplary data for suction pressure profiles corresponding to  FIG. 5 , except  FIG. 6  illustrates pressure readings for a system with a 10-foot suction line  265 . The oscillations of suction pressure profile  610  for pump header inlet  210  are relatively close to the oscillations of suction pressure profile  605  for manifold outlet  215 . A comparison of  FIGS. 5 and 6  reveals that the length of a suction line  265  connecting pumping unit  205  with manifold  220  may have a significant effect on pump suction pressures. The pumping unit corresponding to  FIG. 5  with a longer suction line  265  exhibits larger oscillations in pressure, while the pumping unit corresponding to  FIG. 6  with a shorter suction line  265  exhibits smaller oscillations in pressure. 
     In certain embodiments of this disclosure, optimal pump rates and/or configurations may be planned before commencement of an oilfield operation. An information handling system may utilize a simulation tool for analysis of suction pressure loss profiles, thereby facilitating planning of a pumping system  200  to minimize swings in pressure. In that way, the mean boost pressure required to prevent cavitation may be reduced, and boost to the pumps may be maximized in an efficient manner. A proposed pumping system  200  may be modeled with a simulation tool to determine the suction pressure loss profiles for proposed pumps in the pumping system. The simulation tool may be used to specify one or more operational parameters of the pumping system that, by way of example without limitation, may include pump flow rates (obtained by varying engine speed and transmission gear), suction pressures, pump types, pump sizes, pump ratings, pumping system configurations, suction line lengths, modes of operation, and redundancy. In a typical well operation, the pump discharge pressure is dictated by the rate in the well. Therefore, the pump rate is maintained by increasing the rate of one pump anytime another must be slowed down to reduce the inertia pressure loss for a particular multiplex pump. A person of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure would understand that various configurations may be optimized in various ways depending on the specifics of a particular implementation. 
       FIG. 8  shows a graph  800  of exemplary data for pump suction pressure in suction lines plotted against pump rates of several pumping units. The vertical axis represents inertia pressure loss of the fluid in psi across a suction line. The horizontal axis represents pump rates in barrels per minute (bpm). Element  805  is the legend for the graphical depictions. Each of curves  810 - 870  may correspond to a suction pressure loss profile for a pumping unit in a pumping system similar to pumping system  200 . Curve  810  may correspond to a 4.5-inch fluid end (FE) triplex pumping unit connected to a manifold with a 10-foot suction line. Curve  820  may correspond to a 4.5-inch FE, triplex pumping unit connected with a 20-foot suction line. Curve  830  may correspond to a 4.5-inch FE quintuplex pumping unit connected with a 10-foot suction line. Curve  840  may correspond to a 4.5-inch FE quintuplex pumping unit connected with a 20-foot suction line. Curve  850  may correspond to a 4-inch FE triplex pumping unit connected with a 20-foot suction line. Curve  860  may correspond to a 5-inch FE, triplex pumping unit connected with a 10-foot suction line. Curve  870  may correspond to a 5-inch FE, triplex pumping unit connected with a 20-foot suction line. Thus, the exemplary data illustrated in graph  800  may correspond to a pumping system with seven pumping units of varying configurations. It should be understood that alternative configurations—e.g., with the same or different quantities and/or types of pumping units—may be desirable given the specifics of a particular oil field operation. 
     Suction pressure loss profiles, such as those illustrated in  FIG. 8 , may be used to balance pump rates and to ensure that all pumping units have optimal suction pressures. Pumps with higher pressure losses indicate a need to decrease pumping rates, whereas pumps with lower suction pressure losses indicate the capacity to increase pumping rates. For example, graph  800  may correspond to a pumping system in operation when Pumps  1 - 7  may operate with suction pressure loss profiles such as curves  810 - 870 . It may be desirable to operate Pump  5  at a lower rate so that suction pressure loss may be minimized, which would correspond to an operating point tending toward the lower end of curve  850 . Curve  850  indicates that operating Pump  5  at 2 bpm relates to an inertia pressure loss of approximately 3 psi, whereas an increase to 5 bpm relates to a loss near 12 psi. Hence, curve  850  indicates that relatively small increases in pumping rate may result in relatively substantial inertia pressure losses at the pump header inlet for Pump  5 . 
     In contrast to curve  850 , curve  830  indicates that Pump  3  may exhibit the approximate converse: a relatively small increase in inertia pressure loss for a relatively large increase in pumping rate. Curve  830  indicates that operating Pump  3  at 3 bpm relates to a loss of approximately 1 psi, whereas an increase to 7 bpm relates to a loss near 5 psi. Comparison of curve  830  with the other curves reveals that Pump  3  may operate at greater rates while incurring lesser inertia pressure losses relative to the other pumps. 
     Accordingly, in an example situation where one or more of the other pumps are taken out of operation, increasing the rate of Pump  5  may substantially increase pressure losses. This may necessitate more boost pressure from one or more boost pumps to raise the mean pressure sufficiently so that the pressure oscillations do not approach zero and cause cavitation. However, increasing boost pressure may not always be an option in specific cases, where a supply of boost pressure may be subject to limitations. For example, limitations on increasing a supply of boost pressure may include particular boost pump ratings and/or the ratings of the multiplex pumps in the pumping system. Operating certain multiplex pumps at high pump rates also may accelerate wear and erosion of the pump, thereby creating a potential for system failure. Accordingly, it may be desirable to increase the rate of Pump  3  to compensate at least in part, rather than increasing the rate of Pump  5 , for example. This may be a more efficient means of maximizing boost to the pumps. 
     In certain embodiments of this disclosure, pump rates may be optimized during an operation when changes in pump rate are needed. For instance, in one exemplary embodiment, information handling system  260  may be used to monitor pump rates over time. Information handling system may optionally alert an operator when a pumping unit reaches a threshold level. The operator may designate a desired sampling interval at which the information handling system  260  may take readings of various pressure sensors. Information handling system  260  may then compare the pressure sensor readings to the threshold value to determine if the threshold value is reached. If the threshold value is reached, the information handling system  260  may alert the operator. 
     In certain embodiments, the information handling system  260  may provide a real-time visual depiction of one or more suction pressure profiles. A real-time display may automatically show the calculated inertia pressure drop for each pump. The pump rates may be adjusted to minimize the inertia pressure drop at each pump while still delivering the desired job rate. Balancing the pumping units may be an automated process. For example, a pumping unit with a lowest loss and slope in its suction pressure loss profile may be automatically adjusted when another pumping unit is to be slowed down or brought off-line. By balancing the pumping units in a pumping system, suction pressure requirements and the potential for cavitation may be minimized, which may lead to longer pump life. 
       FIG. 7  is a flowchart showing one example method  700  of specifying one or more operational parameters for a pumping system in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. In step  710 , a first suction pressure loss profile for a first pump may be determined. In step  720 , a second suction pressure loss profile for a second pump may be determined. In step  730 , the first suction pressure loss profile may be compared with the second suction pressure loss profile. In step  740 , one or more operational parameters may be specified based, at least in part, on the comparison. 
     Although only two pumps are included in example method  700 , it should be understood that method  700  may be used or adapted for use in a pumping system with more than two pumps. In certain embodiments, method  700  may be performed as a planning process to design, develop, evaluate, analyze and/or simulate a proposed pumping system. In certain embodiments, method  700  may be performed manually to evaluate, analyze, operate, adjust, balance and/or simulate an operational pumping system implemented at a work site. In certain embodiments, method  700  may be performed automatically to evaluate, analyze, operate, adjust, balance and/or simulate an operational pumping system implemented at a work site. 
       FIGS. 9 through 12  illustrate examples of balancing pumping units in a pumping system in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Turning to  FIG. 9 , graph  900  represents exemplary data for pump suction pressure in suction lines plotted against pump rates of five pumping unit configurations in a pumping system operating at 72 bpm and 9800 psi. Each mark on a pumping unit configuration represents one pump. Therefore, for this system, there are 11 total pumps providing the 72 bpm rate. For a typical well operation, the pressure is a function of the pump rate. The pump rate is varied by varying the engine rpm and the transmission gear. As one pump is decreased in rate so that it has less inertia pressure drop, another pump must be increased in rate so that the net flowrate into the well does not change. The vertical axis represents inertia pressure loss of the fluid in psi and indicates suction pressure loss across a suction line. The horizontal axis represents pump rates in bpm. Element  905  is the legend for the graphical depictions. Each of curves  910 - 950  may correspond to a suction pressure loss profile for a pumping unit in a pumping system similar to pumping system  200 . Curve  910  may correspond to a 4-inch fluid end (FE) quintuplex pumping unit with a single 10 ft hose configuration. Curve  920  may correspond to a 4-inch FE quintuplex pumping unit with a two 10 ft hoses in series configuration. Curve  930  may correspond to a 4.5-inch FE triplex pumping unit connected with a single 10 ft hose configuration. Curve  940  may correspond to a 5-inch FE triplex pumping unit connected with a single 10 ft hose configuration. Curve  950  may correspond to a 5-inch FE triplex pumping unit connected with a two 10 ft hoses in series configuration. 
     The exemplary data illustrated in graph  900  may correspond to five pumping unit configurations in a pumping system similar to pumping system  200  prior to balancing. Pressure  960  denotes a pressure at a blending unit outlet similar to blending unit outlet  230 . Pressure  970  denotes a pressure at a manifold outlet similar to manifold outlet  215 . Along each of curves  910 - 950  are one or more points indicating an operating point for a particular pumping unit. Each of the curves  910  to  950  represents a pumping unit configuration. For instance, curve  910  represents the inertia pressure loss to be expected when operating a 4-inch quintuplex pump with a single 10 ft hose connecting the pump to the manifold trailer  220 . There are two pumps with configuration, so there are two marks on curve  910  to represent the two pumps that have the configuration shown by curve  910 . 
       FIGS. 10A-10D  respectively show a graphs  1000 ,  1020 ,  1040  and  1060  of exemplary data corresponding to the pumping system and pump operating points represented in  FIG. 9 . The vertical axes of each graph represent inertia pressure of the fluid in psi; the horizontal axes represent time in seconds. Pressure data  1010  illustrates pressure readings over time for a first manifold outlet positioned nearest to a blending unit similar to manifold outlet  215   d . Pressure data  1030  illustrates pressure readings for a corresponding first pump header inlet similar to pump header inlet  210   d . Pressure data  1050  illustrates pressure readings for a last manifold outlet positioned furthest from a blending unit similar to manifold outlet  215   c . Pressure data  1070  illustrates pressure readings for a corresponding last pump header inlet similar to pump header inlet  210   c.    
     Turning to  FIG. 11 , graph  1100  represents exemplary data that may correspond to the five pumping unit configurations of the pumping system represented by  FIG. 9 , except with operating points after balancing according to certain embodiments of this disclosure. The pumping system represented in  FIG. 11  may be operating at 72 bpm and 9800 psi. Each mark on a pumping unit configuration represents one pump. Therefore, for this system, there are 11 total pumps providing the 72 bpm rate. For a typical well operation, the pressure is a function of the pump rate. The pump rate is varied by varying the engine rpm and the transmission gear. As one pump is decreased in rate so that it has less inertia pressure drop, another pump must be increased in rate so that the net flowrate into the well does not change. In Figure i Along each of curves  910 - 950  are one or more points indicating an operating point for a particular pumping unit after the system has been adjusted toward a more balanced state. As compared with  FIG. 9 , the pumps generally have lower operating points in  FIG. 11 . 
       FIGS. 12A-12D  respectively show a graphs  1200 ,  1220 ,  1240  and  1260  of exemplary data.  FIGS. 12A-12D  correspond to the pumping system and pump operating points represented in  FIG. 11 , but otherwise refer to the same locations in the system as  FIGS. 10A-10D , respectively. Pressure data  1210  illustrates pressure readings for the first manifold outlet positioned nearest to a blending unit. Pressure data  1230  illustrates pressure readings for a corresponding first pump header inlet across a suction line from the first manifold inlet. Pressure data  1250  illustrates pressure readings for the last manifold outlet positioned furthest from a blending unit. Pressure data  1270  illustrates pressure readings for a corresponding last pump header inlet similar to pump header inlet  210   c.    
     As compared with pressure data  1010 ,  1030 ,  1050  and  1070 , pressure data  1210 ,  1230 ,  1250  and  1270  exhibit significantly minimized oscillations. For example, pressure data  1030  shows a mean pressure of approximately 60 psi, with oscillations approaching zero on some lower amplitudes. Pressure data  1230 , by contrast, shows a mean pressure of approximately 40 psi with minimized oscillations such that peak lower amplitudes do not dip below approximately 15 psi. Likewise, pressure data  1270 , with a mean around 40 psi and peak lower amplitudes approaching 15 psi, shows substantially minimized oscillations as compared to pressure data  1070 , which exhibits a mean around 60 psi and peak lower amplitudes approaching zero. Accordingly, the mean boost pressure required to prevent cavitation is minimized, while the risk of cavitation is also minimized. 
     Thus, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, suction characteristics of multiplex pumps may be improved, and the possibility of cavitation in those pumps may be reduced. Oscillations in pressure may be minimized, thereby reducing the mean boost pressure required to prevent cavitation. Boost requirements of pumps in a pumping system may be balanced regardless of the number of plungers, stroke length, size of plungers, suction hose configuration and/or speed of pumps. With the benefit of this disclosure, pump life may be increased, and operation costs may be reduced. 
     Certain embodiments of this disclosure may be employed prior to operation, for example, as a planning tool to optimize pumping system plans. Certain embodiments may be employed during operation, for example, to identify one or more pumps for speed increase and/or speed reduction. Certain embodiments may utilize an information handling system, for example, to automatically balance pumps in a pumping system. An information handling system may be employed to automatically adjust one or more pumps in a pumping system to reduce cavitation and/or maintain speed based on balancing boost requirements. 
     Therefore, the present disclosure is well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein. The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the present disclosure may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Also, the terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee.