Patent Publication Number: US-2023151808-A1

Title: System and method for maintaining pumps

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to pumps (e.g., hydraulic fracturing pumps). In particular, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for maintaining pumps. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Hydraulic fracturing or fracking operations are often used during well development in the oil and gas industry. For example, in formations in which oil or gas cannot be readily or economically extracted from the earth, a hydraulic fracturing operation may be performed. Such a hydraulic fracturing operation typically includes pumping large amounts of fracking fluid at high pressure to induce cracks in the earth, thereby creating pathways via which the oil and gas may flow. 
     Hydraulic fracturing or fracking pumps are typically relatively large positive displacement pumps, usually with two ends, a power end and a fluid end. The power end can include a crankshaft powered by an engine that drives the plungers. The fluid end can include cylinders into which fluid may enter and plungers operate to then forcibly push out the fluid at high pressure to a discharge manifold, which can be in fluid communication with a wellhead. Fracking fluid can be pumped downhole by the fracking pump at a sufficient pressure to cause fractures and fissures to form within the geological formation around the well bore. 
     Reciprocating components of the pump, such as the plungers, can cause internal pressure to fluctuate from near zero pressure to full pressure (e.g., potentially up to 10,000, 15,000 or 20,000 psi) every cycle. Due to the cyclic, high-pressure loading and the characteristics (e.g., abrasive and/or corrosive) of the fracking fluid, sealing components associated with the plunger can degrade (e.g., wear, break down, erode, etc.) rather quickly, which can lead to fracking fluid leakage and, consequently, reduction in pump performance and potentially ultimately pump failure. 
     SUMMARY 
     In an aspect according to embodiments of the present disclosure, a method is described or implemented. The method can comprise energizing a plurality of components provided at distinct different locations of a reciprocating pump to a pressure greater than a cyclical pressure of the reciprocating pump associated with operation of the reciprocating pump, the energizing of the plurality of components using a clean fluid provided thereto; and at the same time as or after starting the energizing the plurality of components, operating the reciprocating pump at the cyclical pressure to output fracking fluid from an output of the cylinder assembly. The energizing the plurality of components using the clean fluid can create a pressurized fluid barrier at each of the plurality of components. At least one of the plurality of components can include a dynamic seal provided around a plunger of the cylinder assembly. 
     In another aspect according to embodiments of the present disclosure, a fluid end of a reciprocating pump is disclosed or provided. The fluid end can comprise a cylinder assembly provided in a body of a reciprocating pump, the cylinder assembly having a cylinder bore and a reciprocating plunger within the cylinder bore; a plurality of components provided at distinct different locations along the cylinder assembly, the plurality of components including at least one seal to seal the cylinder assembly; and a clean fluid circuit to provide to one or more of the plurality of components pressurized clean fluid to create corresponding one or more pressurized fluid barriers. The pressurized clean fluid can be provided to the one or more of the plurality of components at a first pressure, the first pressure being a predetermined amount greater than a maximum operating pressure of fracking fluid provided through the reciprocating pump. 
     And in yet another aspect according to embodiments of the present disclosure, a system is disclosed or provided. The system can comprise a hydraulic fracturing pump to output fracking fluid at a first predetermined pressure and according to a predetermined cycle, the hydraulic fracturing pump being a positive displacement pump and including a power end and a fluid end, the fluid end having a plurality of plungers reciprocally provided in respective ones of a plurality of cylinder assemblies in a body of the fluid end of the hydraulic fracturing pump; a first seal and a second seal for each of the plurality of cylinder assemblies, the first seal being a dynamic seal provided around the plunger and the second seal being a static seal provided around a first end cover at a first end of the cylinder assembly; and a clean fluid circuit including a first channel provided in the body to supply clean fluid to the first seal at a minimum of a second predetermined pressure. The second predetermined pressure can be greater than the first predetermined pressure associated with the fracking fluid. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a pumping system supported on a trailer for transportation according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of a hydraulic pump of the pumping system depicted in  FIG.  1    according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  3    is a sectional view of a portion of a fluid section of the hydraulic pump depicted in  FIG.  2    according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  4    is a sectional view of a portion of a system of a fluid section of the hydraulic pump of  FIG.  2   , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  5    is a sectional view of another portion of the system of the fluid section of  FIG.  4   , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  6    is a flow chart of a method according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As noted above, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter relate to systems and methods for maintaining pumps, for instance, fracturing or fracking pumps. 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , an example of a pumping system  10  is illustrated that can be particularly suited for use with geological fracturing processes to recover oil and/or natural gas from the earth. The pumping system  10  may include a prime mover such as an internal combustion engine  12 , a transmission  13  that can be operatively connected to and driven by the internal combustion engine  12 , and a hydraulic pump  14  that can be operatively connected to and driven by the transmission  13 . According to one or more embodiments, the hydraulic pump  14  may be (or may be characterized as) a positive displacement pump. 
     In one example, the internal combustion engine  12  may be a compression ignition engine that combusts diesel fuel. The hydraulic pump  14  may be configured to pump fracking fluid into the ground to fracture rock layers during the fracturing process. Because the fracturing process may require introduction of fracking fluids at different locations about the fracturing site, the components of the pumping system  10  may be supported on a mobile trailer  15  disposed on wheels  16  to enable transportation of the pumping system  10  about the fracturing site. 
     The transmission  13  may have a plurality of gears operative between the internal combustion engine  12  and an output shaft of the transmission  13  to alter the rotational speed of the output from the internal combustion engine  12 . In some instances, a gear mechanism or coupling  17  (schematically depicted) may be provided between the output shaft of the transmission  13  and an input or drive shaft  21  of the hydraulic pump  14  to further change or reduce the rotational speed between the internal combustion engine  12  and the hydraulic pump  14 . 
     As depicted in  FIG.  2   , for instance, the hydraulic pump  14  can include a power section  20  and a fluid section  30 , which may be referred to as a power end and a fluid end, respectively. The power section  20  may include the input shaft  21  operatively connected to and driven by the transmission  13 . The input shaft  21  may be operatively connected to a crankshaft through gears or other structure or mechanisms to convert rotational movement of the input shaft  21  into a linear movement at the fluid section  30  of the hydraulic pump  14 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  2    and  FIG.  3   , the fluid section  30  may include an inlet end  31  and an outlet end  35  spaced from the inlet end  31 , with one or more cylinders  40  (e.g., five) disposed between the inlet end  31  and the outlet end  35 . Each cylinder  40  may be provided or formed in a body  39  of the fluid section  30  or the hydraulic pump  14 . As such, each cylinder  40  may be referred to or characterized as a cylinder bore. Each cylinder  40  may include a reciprocating member such as a reciprocating element  41  disposed for reciprocating sliding movement therein. The reciprocating element  41  may be a plunger or a piston, for instance. At least the cylinder  40  and the reciprocating element  41  can be referred to or characterized as a cylinder assembly  50 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  2   , an inlet conduit may be fluidly connected to an inlet manifold  32  positioned at the inlet end  31 . The inlet manifold  32  may include one or a plurality of inlet lines  33 , with each inlet line  33  being fluidly connected to one of the cylinders  40 . As shown in  FIG.  3   , for instance, the inlet end  31  may include a suction or inlet valve  42  positioned along an inlet wall  34  between each inlet line  33  and its associated cylinder  40 . Here, in  FIG.  3   , in a case where the fluid end  30  includes multiple cylinders  40  the cylinders  40  may be behind and/or in front of the cylinder  40  shown in  FIG.  3   . In one embodiment, the inlet valve  42  may be biased in a closed condition or position and moved to an open position to permit fracking fluid to pass therethrough. 
     Referring to  FIG.  2    and  FIG.  3   , a discharge or outlet conduit  36  may be fluidly connected to an outlet  37  positioned at the outlet end  35 . The outlet conduit  36  may be fluidly connected to the cylinders  40 . Likewise, each outlet  37  may be fluidly connected to a corresponding one of the cylinder  40 , for instance, at a location opposite one of the inlet line(s)  33  associated with the same cylinder  40 . As shown in  FIG.  3   , for instance, the outlet end  35  may include a discharge or outlet valve  43  positioned along outlet wall  38  between each cover or gauge port and its associated cylinder  40 . In one embodiment, the outlet valve  43  may be biased in a closed condition or position and moved to an open position to permit fracking fluid to pass therethrough upon the reciprocating element  41  generating a sufficient or high enough pressure. 
     During a pumping process, operation of the internal combustion engine  12  can drive rotation of the transmission  13  and ultimately rotation of the input shaft  21  of the hydraulic pump  14 . Rotation of the input shaft  21  can cause reciprocating movement of the reciprocating element  41  within the cylinder  40  (including multiple reciprocating elements  41  and corresponding respective cylinders  40 ). The reciprocating movement of the reciprocating element  41  may allow fracking fluid to flow through the inlet manifold  32  from the inlet conduit and into the cylinder(s)  40  through the inlet line(s)  33  and past the inlet valve(s)  42 . Fracking fluid can be driven by the reciprocating element(s)  41  past the outlet valve(s)  43  and into the outlet(s)  37 . The fracking fluid, which can contain water, proppants (e.g., sand), and other additives, can be output from the fluid end  30  based on or at a predetermined pressure and according to a predetermined cycle of the reciprocating element  41 . The predetermined pressure, which may be referred to or characterized as a maximum operating pressure of or applied to the fracking fluid, can be at or about 10,000 psi, as but one example. 
     Optionally, the pumping system  10  may be controlled, at least in part, by a control system  100  as shown generally in  FIG.  1   . The control system  100  may include an electronic control module (ECM) or controller  101 , such as shown in  FIG.  4    and  FIG.  5   , and may contain a plurality of sensors. The controller  101  may control various operations of the pumping system  10 . 
     The controller  101  may be an electronic controller that operates to perform operations, execute control algorithms, store, retrieve, and access data, and other desired operations. The controller  101  may include or access memory, secondary storage devices, processors, and any other components for running one or more applications. The memory and secondary storage devices may be in the form of read-only memory (ROM) or random access memory (RAM) or integrated circuitry that is accessible by the controller  101 . Various other circuits may be associated with the controller  101  such as power supply circuitry, signal conditioning circuitry, driver circuitry, and other types of circuitry. The controller  101  may be referred to or characterized as control circuitry according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 
     The controller  101  may be a single controller or may include more than one controller disposed to control various functions and/or features of the pumping system  10 . The term “controller,” as used herein, is used in its broadest sense to include one or more controllers and/or microprocessors that may be associated with the pumping system  10  and that may cooperate in controlling various functions and operations of the pumping system  10 . The functionality or operations of the controller  101  may be implemented in hardware and/or software without regard to the functionality. The controller  101  may rely on one or more data maps relating to the operating conditions and the operating environment of the pumping system  10  and the work site at which the pumping system  10  is operating that may be stored in the memory of or associated with the controller  101 . Each of these data maps may include a collection of data in the form of tables, graphs, and/or equations. The control system  100  and controller  101  may be located on the trailer  15  or may be distributed with components also located remotely from or off-board the trailer  15 . 
     Pumping system  10  may be equipped with a plurality of sensors that provide data indicative (directly or indirectly) of various operating parameters of elements of the system and/or the operating environment in which the system is operating. The term “sensor,” as used herein, is used in its broadest sense to include one or more sensors and related components that may be associated with the pumping system  10  and that may cooperate to sense various functions, operations, and operating characteristics of the element of the pumping system  10  and/or aspects of the environment in which the pumping system  10  is operating. 
     A plurality of components can be provided at distinct different axial locations along the cylinder assembly  50 , for instance, at one or both of a first end portion  51  and a second end portion  54  of the cylinder assembly  50  and/or between the first end portion  51  and the second end portion  54 . 
     The plurality of components can include at least one seal. As shown in  FIG.  2    and  FIG.  3   , for instance, the plurality of components can include an annular first seal  60  to seal a portion of the cylinder assembly  50 , for instance, to prevent fracking fluid from leaking or undesirably escaping from the cylinder  40 , at least during the fracking operation of the hydraulic pump  14 . The first seal  60  can be part of a packing assembly or stuffing box and can be disposed in the cylinder  40  to prevent leakage of the fracking fluid from around the reciprocating element  41  (e.g., plunger) during operation of the hydraulic pump  14 . Optionally, the first seal  60  may be considered part of the cylinder assembly  50 , as may some or all of the packing assembly. The first seal  60  may be disposed axially inward of the second end portion  54  of the cylinder assembly  50 , such as shown in  FIG.  3    and  FIG.  4   . Thus, the first seal  60  may be disposed axially between the first end portion  51  and the second end portion  54  of the cylinder assembly  50 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  3    and  FIG.  4   , for instance, the first seal  60  can be provided around the reciprocating element  41  (e.g., disposed radially between an outer cylindrical surface of the reciprocating element  41  and portion of a cylindrical sidewall defining the cylinder  40 ). The reciprocating element  41  can move, particularly slidingly within the cylinder  40 , relative to the first seal  60 . Thus, the first seal  60  may be referred to or characterized as a dynamic seal, as opposed to a seal that does not abut or otherwise interact with a moving component or move relative to a component during operation. According to one or more embodiments, the first seal  60  can include a plurality of sealing components. For instance, as shown in  FIG.  4   , the first seal  60  can include a header ring  62  and one or more pressure seals  64  (e.g., gasket(s), V-seal, lining ring(s), oil ring(s), etc.). Alternatively, the first seal  60  may include only one sealing component. 
     An end cover or packing nut  55 , which may be referred to as a second end cover or packing nut, can be provided at the second end portion  54  of the cylinder assembly  50  to enclose that end of the cylinder assembly  50 . Of course, the reciprocating element  41  may extend through the end cover  55 , such as shown in  FIG.  4   . 
     According to one or more embodiments, an inlet port  63  may be provided, for instance, as a gap or space disposed axially between the header ring  62  and the pressure seal(s)  64 . Discussed in more detail later, the inlet port  63  may be provided to receive a pressurized clean fluid (e.g., oil or water) to form or create a pressurized fluid barrier at (e.g., around) the first seal  60 . Providing such pressurized clean fluid may be referred to or characterized as energizing the first seal  60 . 
     The plurality of components can also include an annular second seal  70 , which may be provided at the first end portion  51  of the cylinder assembly  50 , such as shown in  FIG.  3    and  FIG.  4   . The second seal  70  can be disposed circumferentially around an outer cylindrical surface of a first end cap or cover  52  at the first end portion  51  of the cylinder assembly  50 . The second seal  70  may be referred to or characterized as a static seal, for instance, because neither the second seal  70  nor the first end cover  52  may move relative to one another during operation of the hydraulic pump  14 . 
     The second seal  70  may define or otherwise be provided at an inlet port  73 . The inlet port  73 , which may be or include an axial gap or space, can receive a pressurized clean fluid (e.g., oil or water) to form or create a pressurized fluid barrier at (e.g., around) the second seal  70 . Providing such pressurized clean fluid may be referred to or characterized as energizing the second seal  70 . According to one or more embodiments, the second seal  70  can define the axial gap or space. For instance, the second seal  70  may comprise or consist of two seals (e.g., sealing rings, such as gaskets), or two seal portions, spaced axially from each other and disposed circumferentially around the first end cover  52 , such as shown in  FIG.  4   . 
     The plurality of components can also include an annular third seal  75 , which may be provided at the outlet end  35  of the fluid section  30 , such as shown in  FIG.  5   . The third seal  75  can be disposed circumferentially around an outer cylindrical surface of a third end cap or cover  76  coupled to the body  39 . The third end cover  76  may be disposed downstream of the outlet valve  43 . The third end cover  76  may be coaxially aligned with the outlet valve  43 . The third seal  75  may be referred to or characterized as a static seal, for instance, because neither the third seal  75  nor the third end cover  76  may move relative to one another during operation of the hydraulic pump  14 . 
     The third seal  75  may define or otherwise be provided at an inlet port  77 . The inlet port  77 , which may be or include an axial gap or space, can receive a pressurized clean fluid (e.g., oil or water) to form or create a pressurized fluid barrier at (e.g., around) the third seal  75 . Providing such pressurized clean fluid may be referred to or characterized as energizing the third seal  75 . According to one or more embodiments, the third seal  75  can define the axial gap or space. For instance, the third seal  75  may comprise or consist of two seals (e.g., sealing rings, such as gaskets), or two seal portions, spaced axially from each other and disposed circumferentially around the third end cover  76 , such as shown in  FIG.  5   . 
     The plurality of components can also include a valve seat  80 , such as shown in  FIG.  5   . Optionally, as shown in  FIG.  5   , for instance, one or a plurality of annular seals  82  (e.g., gaskets) can be provided circumferentially around the valve seat  80 . Such seal(s)  82  may be referred to or characterized as static seals. The valve seat  80  may define or otherwise be provided at an inlet port  83 . The inlet port  83 , which may be or include an axial gap or space, can receive a pressurized clean fluid (e.g., oil or water) to form or create a pressurized fluid barrier at (e.g., around) the valve seat  80 . Providing such pressurized clean fluid may be referred to or characterized as energizing the valve seat  80 . According to one or more embodiments, the valve seat  80  can define the axial gap or space. 
     Referring to  FIG.  4    and  FIG.  5   , a clean fluid circuit  90  can be provided at least partially within the hydraulic pump  14 . Generally, the clean fluid circuit  90  can comprise one or more channels or conduits to supply the clean fluid to corresponding one or more of the components provided at the distinct different locations along the cylinder assembly  50 , a reservoir  95  to store and supply the clean fluid to the one or more channels, and a pump  97  to pressurize the clean fluid from the reservoir  95  and provide pressurized clean fluid to the one or more channels. Some or all of the clean fluid circuit  90  can be distinct and separate from the fluid circuit of the hydraulic pump  14  associated with pumping the fracking fluid. For instance, at least the one or more channels and the reservoir  95  may be completely distinct and separate from the fluid circuit of the hydraulic pump  14  associated with pumping the fracking fluid. 
     In  FIG.  4    and  FIG.  5    the reservoir  95  and pump  97  are shown diagrammatically, however, such components may be distinct and different components of the clean fluid circuit  90 . Generally, the pressurized clean fluid provided through the one or more channels can be provided at corresponding one or more of the components to create respective pressurized fluid barriers at the one or more components. 
     The one or more channels, which can be provided or formed in the body  39  of the fluid section  30  or the hydraulic pump  14 , can include a first channel  91 . The first channel  91  can extend from the reservoir  95  to the first seal  60 , for instance, to the inlet port  63  associated with or otherwise formed by the first seal  60 . Individual first channels  91 , or portions of the first channel  91 , may be in fluid communication with the first seal  60  of each cylinder assembly  50  (in a case with multiple cylinder assemblies  50 ). For instance,  FIG.  4    shows the first channel  91  extending (e.g., downward) past the first seal  60 , which is meant to indicate that the first channel  91 , or another portion of the first channel  91 , can extend to one or more additional first seals  60  to provide the clean fluid to the additional first seal(s)  60 . 
     Additionally or alternatively, the one or more channels can include a second channel  92 . The second channel  92  can extend from the reservoir  95  to the second seal  70 , for instance, to the inlet port  73  associated with or otherwise formed by the second seal  70 . Individual second channels  92 , or portions of the second channel  92 , may be in fluid communication with the second seal  70  of each cylinder assembly  50  (in a case with multiple cylinder assemblies  50 ). For instance,  FIG.  4    shows the second channel  92  extending (e.g., downward) past the second seal  70 , which is meant to indicate that the second channel  92 , or another portion of the second channel  92 , can extend to one or more additional second seals  70  to provide the clean fluid to the additional second seal(s)  70 . 
     Additionally or alternatively, referring to  FIG.  5   , the one or more channels can include a third channel  93 . The third channel  93  can extend from the reservoir  95  to the valve seat  80 , for instance, to the inlet port  83  associated with or otherwise formed by the valve seat  80 . Individual third channels  93 , or portions of the third channel  93 , may be in fluid communication with the valve seat  80  of each cylinder assembly  50  (in a case with multiple cylinder assemblies  50 ). For instance,  FIG.  5    shows the third channel  93  extending (e.g., downward) past the valve seat  80 , which is meant to indicate that the third channel  93 , or another portion of the third channel  93 , can extend to one or more additional valve seats  80  to provide the clean fluid to the additional valve seat(s)  80 . 
     Thus, according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the clean fluid circuit  90  can include the first channel  91 , the second channel  92 , and/or the third channel  93 . In the case of multiple ones (i.e., some or all) of the first channel  91 , the second channel  92 , and the third channel  93  being implemented, some or all of the first channel  91 , the second channel  92 , and the third channel  93  can be distinct, for instance, completely separate from each other, and extending directly from the reservoir  95  and/or pump  97 . Alternatively, some or all of the first channel  91 , the second channel  92 , and the third channel  93  can be connected to each other. For instance,  FIG.  4    shows the first channel  91  and the second channel  92  being connected via a connecting channel  94 . Optionally, a valve, which may be controlled by the controller  101 , may be between the different channels (e.g., disposed on the connecting channel  94  between the first channel  91  and the second channel  92 ) to selectively fluidly connect the different channels. 
     The reservoir  95 , as noted above, can store the clean fluid for supply to the one or more channels, particularly the first channel  91 , the second channel  92 , and/or the third channel  93 . The clean fluid may be oil or clean water, as examples. According to one or more embodiments, the reservoir  95  may be shared with another system of the pumping system  10 . For instance, the reservoir  95  may be an oil reservoir (e.g., 100 gallons or more) that also provides oil for cooling and to lubricate the gears and bearings of the power end  20  of the hydraulic pump  14 . Alternatively, the reservoir  95  may be dedicated exclusively to the clean fluid circuit  90 . Providing the reservoir  95  that is dedicated exclusively to the clean fluid circuit  90  can prevent or minimize contamination by the fracking fluid compared to a case where the reservoir  95  is shared by multiple fluid systems. 
     The pump  97 , as noted above, can pressurize the clean fluid from the reservoir  95  and provide pressurized clean fluid to the one or more channels, particularly to energize the corresponding one or more components (e.g., the first seal  60 , the second seal  70 , and/or the valve seat  80 ) with the pressurized clean fluid and create respective one or more pressurized fluid barriers. 
     The pressure of the clean fluid can be greater than the pressure associated with the fracking fluid during operation of the hydraulic pump  14 . The pressure associated with the clean fluid may be referred to herein as a second predetermined pressure, whereas the pressure associated with the fracking fluid during operation of the hydraulic pump  14  may be referred to as a first predetermined pressure. The first predetermined pressure may be cyclical in nature, for instance, wherein a maximum pressure of the cycle may be referred to herein as a maximum operation pressure of the hydraulic pump  14 . According to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the second predetermined pressure can be always greater than the first predetermined pressure, even as the first predetermined pressure may fluctuate as the reciprocating element  41  moves within the cylinder  40 . Thus, providing the pressurized clean fluid to one or more of the components (e.g., the first seal  60 , the second seal  70 , and/or the valve seat  80 ) can cause the component(s) to be energized fewer times compared to a number of pressure cycles associated with reciprocation of the reciprocating element  41  within the cylinder  40  of the cylinder assembly  50 . For instance, such energizing may cause the component(s) to flex only once during an operation of the hydraulic pump  14 , even as the first pressure may fluctuate as the reciprocating element  41  moves within the cylinder  40 . 
     The second predetermined pressure associated with the clean fluid may be a predetermined amount above the first predetermined pressure. For instance, the second predetermined pressure may be 20 psi or more above the first predetermined pressure (e.g., 10,020 psi versus 10,000 psi, respectively). According to one or more embodiments, the pressurized clean fluid can be provided to multiple (e.g., all) of the components at a same pressure, i.e., at the same pressure above the first predetermined pressure associated with the fracking fluid during operation of the hydraulic pump  14 . Alternatively, one or more (e.g., all) of the second predetermined pressures may be different for the different components. Thus, the clean fluid can be provided at a pressure at least at the second predetermined pressure, where the second predetermined pressure can be the lowest pressure of the different pressures for the clean fluid provided under pressure to the different components. 
     According to one or more embodiments, the pump  97  may be exclusive to the first channel  91 , the second channel  92 , and the third channel  93 . That is, the pump  97  may not be shared with another fluid system, such as the fluid system associated with providing oil to the power end  20  of the hydraulic pump  14 . According to one or more embodiments, the pump  97  may not be associated with the fluid circuit for processing the fracking fluid. Thus, the pump  97  may be considered to be or characterized as being different from the hydraulic pump  14 . 
     Alternatively, according to one or more embodiments, the discharge pressure from the output of the hydraulic pump  14 , for instance, one or more of the outlet(s)  37  or the outlet conduit  36 , may be used to pressurize the clean fluid at or above the second pressure in order to provide the pressurized clean fluid to the components (e.g., the first seal  60 , the second seal  70 , and/or the valve seat  80 ). As an example, and as shown diagrammatically in  FIG.  4   , an intensifier  98 , for instance, a spool with a differential area can be provided in fluid communication with the output of the hydraulic pump  14  and can be operative to magnify the pressure associated with the fracking fluid, i.e., the first predetermined pressure, by a predetermined amount to create the second predetermined pressure of the clean fluid. Thus, in effect, the intensifier  98  can be the pump  97  and a separate pump to pressurize the clean fluid may not be necessary. This can better ensure that no matter what the discharge pressure is of the hydraulic pump  14  the pressure for the clean fluid can always be greater. In this alternative example, the controller  101  may not be implemented. Here, the discharge pressure from the fluid end, e.g., from the outlet conduit  36 , can be used to control the pump  97  to make the pump  97  output the clean fluid at a pressure above the discharge pressure of the fracking fluid output at the fluid end. Linking the clean fluid circuit to the discharge pressure through the intensifier  98  can set a baseline (or minimum) pressure for the clean fluid at least to the level of the discharge pressure in order to provide positive pressure to the seals with or without the pump  97 . 
     The controller  101  can be operatively coupled to the pump  97  and control components (e.g., valves, etc.) of the clean fluid circuit  90  that control flow of the clean fluid through the one or more channels. The controller  101  can control the clean fluid circuit  90  to provide the pressurized clean fluid to one or more of the components at least at the same time as (e.g., before) the start of a pumping operation of the hydraulic pump  14  to pump fracking fluid. The controller  101  may also continue to control the clean fluid circuit  90  to provide the pressurized clean fluid to one or more of the components at any time when the hydraulic pump  14  is pumping fracking fluid. The controller  101  may control the clean fluid circuit  90  to stop providing the pressurized clean fluid to one or more of the components when the hydraulic pump  14  stops pumping fracking fluid. 
     According to one or more embodiments, the controller  101  may control the clean fluid circuit  90  to provide the pressurized clean fluid to one or more of the components according to a predetermined priority. For instance, the first seal  60  may have the highest priority of the components and may be the only or the first component provided with the pressurized clean fluid. The second seal  70  and/or the valve seat  80  may be assigned priority below the first seal  60 . Of course, according to one or more embodiments, all components (e.g., the first seal  60 , the second seal  70 , and the valve seat  80 ) can have the same priority and hence the pressurized clean fluid can be provided initially at the same time. On the other hand, according to one or more embodiments, the pressurized clean fluid can be provided only to any one of the components at one time. According to one or more embodiments, the controller  101  can stop providing the pressurized clean fluid to one or more of the components (e.g., all of them) even if the engine that may be used to drive the hydraulic pump  14  is still running. Stopping the pressurized clean fluid to the one or more components may depressurize the clean fluid circuit  90 . 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     As noted above, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can relate to systems and methods for maintaining pumps, for instance, fracturing or fracking pumps. Maintaining, in this context, can involve preventing or minimizing wear of components associated with the pump during high cyclic loads. 
     Generally, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can provide a pressurized fluid barrier system for hydraulic fracturing fluid ends of a fracturing pump. For instance, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can use a clean, pressurized fluid to energize components (e.g., seals) to a pressure higher than the cyclical pressure of the fracturing pump, which can energize the components once, regardless of how many cycles are run during a stage. Plus, having the clean fluid on the back side of component(s) (e.g., opposite a front side that is configured to be in contact with the fracking fluid) can create a barrier to prevent or minimize proppant (e.g., including sand) ingression between the component(s) and the housing (e.g., body  39 ), which can prevent the proppant from wearing out the housing (e.g., washboarding). In the case of one of the components being a valve seat (e.g., valve seat  80 ), such barrier may be used to aid in valve closing, particularly dampening valve impact, which may reduce the wear due to impact damage as well as prevent or minimize washing around the seat. The clean fluid may also act as a lubricant for any dynamic seals (e.g., first seal  60 ), which may increase the life of the housing in other ways. 
     Here, the pressure at which the clean fluid is provided can be greater than the pressure of the fracking fluid as the pump operates to pump fracking fluid. This can prevent the fracking fluid (and hence the proppant) from breaching the component (e.g., seal). Moreover, in the event that fracking fluid or at least proppant exists between the component and the housing/body, for instance, the pressurized clean fluid can push the fluid/proppant toward and into the inner volume of the cylinder  40 . 
     According to one or more embodiments, systems and methods can include introducing a clean pressurized fluid, such as oil, using a plurality of channels disposed within a pump housing. The system and method can include utilizing the clean pressurized for energizing one or more components, such as one or more seals. The system and method can include creating a barrier of the clean pressurized fluid between the component(s) and a pump housing. If that clean fluid applied to the back side(s) of the component(s) is pressurized to a pressure greater than the pump operating fluid (i.e., the fluid acting on the opposite side of the seal), the component(s) can be compressed only once rather than during each pumping cycle. 
       FIG.  6    is a flow chart of a method  200  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Some or all of the method  200  may be performed under control of the controller  101 . 
     The method  200 , at  202 , can include energizing one or more components, which can be provided at distinct different locations along a cylinder assembly of a reciprocating pump, to a pressure greater than a cyclical pressure of the reciprocating pump associated with operation of the reciprocating pump using a clean fluid provided to back sides of the component(s). As noted above, the components may be or include the first seal  60 , the second seal  70 , and/or the valve seat  80 . The reciprocating pump may be the hydraulic pump  14 . The energizing using the clean fluid can create a pressurized fluid barrier at each of the components. 
     The method, at  204 , can include, at the same time as or after starting the energizing of the plurality of components, operating the reciprocating pump at the cyclical pressure to output fracking fluid from an output of cylinder assembly. 
     Stopping the energizing of the plurality of components can depressurize the clean fluid system. Deenergizing the system can be performed at the same time as or after stopping the reciprocating pump from outputting the fracking fluid. 
     While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, assemblies, systems, and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof. 
     Unless explicitly excluded, the use of the singular to describe a component, structure, or operation does not exclude the use of plural such components, structures, or operations or their equivalents. The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and “at least one” or the term “one or more,” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The use of the term “at least one” followed by a list of one or more items (for example, “at least one of A and B” or one or more of A and B”) is to be construed to mean one item selected from the listed items (A or B) or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B; A, A and B; A, B and B), unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Similarly, as used herein, the word “or” refers to any possible permutation of a set of items. For example, the phrase “A, B, or C” refers to at least one of A, B, C, or any combination thereof, such as any of: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C; or multiple of any item such as A and A; B, B, and C; A, A, B, C, and C; etc.