Patent Application
20240344512
The present disclosure relates to apparatuses, assemblies, and methods for facilitating assembly and disassembly of high-power pumps and, more particularly, to apparatuses, assemblies, and methods for facilitating assembly and disassembly of high-power fluid pumps.
Hydraulic fracturing is an oilfield operation that stimulates the production of hydrocarbons, such that the hydrocarbons may more easily or readily flow from a subsurface formation to a well. For example, a hydraulic fracturing system may be configured to fracture a formation by pumping a fracturing fluid into a well at high pressure and high flow rates. Some fracturing fluids may take the form of a slurry including water, proppants, and/or other additives, such as thickening agents and gels. The slurry may be forced via operation of one or more pumps into the formation at rates faster than can be accepted by the existing pores, fractures, faults, or other spaces within the formation. As a result, pressure may build rapidly to the point where the formation may fail and may begin to fracture. By continuing to pump the fracturing fluid into the formation, existing fractures in the formation may be caused to expand and extend in directions away from a well bore, thereby creating additional flow paths for hydrocarbons to flow to the well bore. The proppants may serve to prevent the expanded fractures from closing or may reduce the extent to which the expanded fractures contract when pumping of the fracturing fluid is ceased. Once the formation is fractured, large quantities of the injected fracturing fluid are allowed to flow out of the well, and the production stream of hydrocarbons may be obtained from the formation.
To pump the fracturing fluid into the well bore, a hydraulic fracturing system may include a number of hydraulic fracturing units, each including a prime mover to supply mechanical power and a hydraulic fracturing pump driven by the prime mover. The hydraulic fracturing pump may be supplied with fracturing fluid, and the hydraulic fracturing pump, driven by the prime mover, may pump the fracturing fluid at high-pressure and high flow rates into the wellhead during a fracturing operation. In order to facilitate use of the hydraulic fracturing units and other equipment related to a fracturing operation at different locations, the hydraulic fracturing units may often include a mobile platform, such as a trailer, onto which the prime mover, hydraulic fracturing pump, and other components of the hydraulic fracturing unit may be mounted. The hydraulic fracturing unit may be transported to one wellhead location, set-up for operation, used during the fracturing operation, and once the fracturing operation is completed, it may be partially disassembled for transportation and transported to another wellhead location for use in another fracturing operation.
It may be desirable for the hydraulic fracturing units to be capable of increased pumping capacity. For example, by increasing the pumping capacity of the hydraulic fracturing units, it may be possible to successfully complete a fracturing operation using fewer hydraulic fracturing units, which may lead to reduced set-up and tear-down time, the need for fewer operators, more efficient operation, and more cost-effective completion of the fracturing operation. However, increasing the pumping capacity of the hydraulic fracturing units may result in increasing the size of the hydraulic fracturing pumps in order to increase the output of the hydraulic fracturing pumps. Applicant has recognized that increasing the size of the hydraulic fracturing pumps may render it challenging to assemble and disassemble the hydraulic fracturing pump, for example, during manufacturing or maintenance of the hydraulic fracturing pumps. For example, components of high-power fracturing pumps may be very large dimensionally and may be very heavy, thus rendering the components challenging to assemble, disassemble, and maintain.
Accordingly, Applicant has recognized a need for assemblies, apparatuses, and methods for facilitating the assembly and disassembly of high-power pumps, while mitigating or eliminating possible drawbacks. The present disclosure may address one or more of the above-referenced drawbacks, as well as other possible drawbacks.
As referenced above, it may be desirable to provide hydraulic fracturing units having higher pumping capacities. Achieving higher pumping capacities may result in the use of high-power pumps to achieve higher pump outputs. Efforts to provide pumps having higher pump outputs may result in relatively larger and heavier pumps. Larger and heavier pumps may include larger and heavier components. Applicant has recognized that this may render it challenging to assemble, disassemble, and maintain such pumps. For example, it may be difficult to lift, properly orient, and/or position relatively larger and heavier components of the pump during assembly, disassembly, and maintenance.
The present disclosure generally is directed to providing assemblies, apparatuses, and methods for assembly and disassembly of high-power pumps. For example, in some embodiments, assemblies, apparatuses, and methods described herein may facilitate lifting, orienting, and/or positioning large pump components during assembly and disassembly of the high-power pumps.
According to some embodiments, a pivoting support assembly for facilitating assembly and disassembly of a high-power pump may include a base and a first support having a first support proximal end and a first support distal end. The first support proximal end and the first support distal end may define therebetween a first longitudinal support axis. The first support proximal end may be connected to the base via a first pivotable support connector, the first support being configured to be connected to a pump frame of the high-power pump, such that a longitudinal pump axis of the high-power pump is substantially parallel to the first longitudinal support axis. The pivoting support assembly may further include a first actuator having a first actuator proximal end connected to the base via a first proximal pivotable actuator connector and a first actuator distal end connected to the first support between the first support proximal end and the first support distal end via a first distal pivotable actuator connector. The first actuator may be positioned to: (a) extend and cause the first support to pivot from a first orientation through a first pivot angle to a second orientation relative to the base, thereby to re-orient the pump frame for installation of a crankshaft of the high-power pump, and (b) retract and cause the first support to pivot from the second orientation toward the first orientation. The pivoting support assembly also may include a second support having a second support proximal end and a second support distal end, the second support proximal end and the second support distal end defining therebetween a second longitudinal support axis. The second support proximal end may be connected to the first support via a second pivotable support connector, the second support being configured to be connected to the pump frame of the high-power pump, such that the longitudinal pump axis of the high-power pump is substantially perpendicular to the second longitudinal support axis. The pivoting support assembly further may include a second actuator having a second actuator proximal end connected to the first support via a second proximal pivotable actuator connector and a second actuator distal end connected to the second support between the second support proximal end and the second support distal end via a second distal pivotable actuator connector. The second actuator may be positioned to: (a) extend and cause the second support to pivot from a third orientation through a second pivot angle to a fourth orientation relative to the first support, thereby to re-orient the pump frame for installation of a connecting rod of the high-power pump, and (b) retract and cause the second support to pivot from the fourth orientation toward the third orientation.
According to some embodiments, a method of installing components in a power end of a high-power pump may include attaching a pump frame of the high-power pump to a first support of a pivoting support assembly. The method further may include activating a first actuator connected to the first support, and pivoting, via activation of the first actuator, the first support and the pump frame from a first orientation through a first pivot angle to a second orientation, thereby to re-orient the pump frame. The method also may include inserting, while the first support and the pump frame are in the second orientation, a crankshaft of the high-power pump into the pump frame. The method further may include retracting the first actuator, and pivoting, via retraction of the first actuator, the first support and the pump frame from the second orientation toward the first orientation, thereby to re-orient the first support, the pump frame, and the crankshaft. The method also may include re-orienting the pump frame and the crankshaft from a first pump rotational orientation to a second pump rotational orientation transverse relative to the first pump rotational orientation. The method also may include attaching the pump frame to a second support of the pivoting support assembly. The method further may include activating the first actuator, and pivoting, via activation of the first actuator, the first support, the second support, the pump frame, and the crankshaft from the first orientation toward the second orientation, thereby to re-orient the pump frame and the crankshaft. The method also may include activating a second actuator connected to the second support, and pivoting, via activation of the second actuator, the second support, the pump frame, and the crankshaft from a third orientation relative to the first support through a second pivot angle to a fourth orientation, thereby to re-orient the pump frame and the crankshaft. The method further may include inserting, while the pump frame and the crankshaft are in the fourth orientation, a connecting rod into the pump frame, and connecting the connecting rod to the crankshaft. The method also may include retracting the second actuator, and pivoting, via retraction of the second actuator, the second support, the pump frame, the crankshaft, and the connecting rod from the fourth orientation toward the first orientation, thereby to re-orient the second support, the pump frame, the crankshaft, and the connecting rod. The method further may include retracting the first actuator, and pivoting, via retraction of the first actuator, the first support, the second support, the pump frame, the crankshaft, and the connecting rod toward the first orientation, thereby to re-orient the first support, the second support, the pump frame, the crankshaft, and the connecting rod.
According to some embodiments, a connecting rod-crosshead-bushing assembly to enhance assembly of a high-power pump may include a bushing having a crankshaft end and a bushing distal end. The bushing may at least partially define a bushing interior extending between the crankshaft end and the bushing distal end, and the bushing interior may have a substantially cylindrical interior surface at least partially defining a bushing lip extending radially inward adjacent the bushing distal end and at least partially defining an inner radial dimension. The connecting rod-crosshead-bushing assembly may further include a connecting rod having rod body including a rod body proximal end positioned to be connected to a crankshaft and a rod body crosshead end opposite the rod body proximal end. The rod body may be at least partially received in the bushing interior. The connecting rod-crosshead-bushing assembly also may include a crosshead connected to the rod body crosshead end and positioned to reciprocate within the bushing interior. The crosshead may include a crosshead body having a crosshead proximal end and extending from the crosshead proximal end to a crosshead distal end. The crosshead body may at least partially define an exterior radial dimension greater than the inner radial dimension of the bushing lip. The crosshead further may include an attachment boss connected to the crosshead distal end and positioned to be connected to lift hardware, thereby to support the connecting rod-crosshead-bushing assembly via the lift hardware.
According to some embodiments, a pivoting support assembly for facilitating assembly and disassembly of a pump may include a base and a first support configured to be connected to a pump frame of the pump, such that a longitudinal pump axis of the pump is substantially parallel to a first longitudinal support axis of the first support. The pivoting support assembly further may include a first actuator connected to the base and the first support. The first actuator may be positioned to: (a) cause the first support to pivot from a first orientation through a first pivot angle to a second orientation relative to the base, thereby to re-orient the pump frame for installation of a first component of the pump, and (b) cause the first support to pivot from the second orientation toward the first orientation. The pivoting support assembly also may include a second support having a second longitudinal support axis, the second support being connected to the first support and being configured to be connected to the pump frame, such that the longitudinal pump axis is substantially perpendicular to the second longitudinal support axis. The pivoting support assembly further may include a second actuator connected to one of the base or the first support and to the second support. The second actuator may be positioned to: (a) cause the second support to pivot from a third orientation through a second pivot angle to a fourth orientation relative to one of the base or the first support, thereby to re-orient the pump frame for installation of a second component of the pump, and (b) cause the second support to pivot from the fourth orientation toward the third orientation.
According to some embodiments, a method of installing components in a pump may include attaching a pump frame of the pump to a first support of a pivoting support assembly. The method further may include activating a first actuator connected to the first support, and pivoting, via activation of the first actuator, the first support and the pump frame from a first orientation through a first pivot angle to a second orientation, thereby to re-orient the pump frame. The method also may include inserting, while the first support and the pump frame are in the second orientation, a first component of the pump into the pump frame. The method further may include operating the first actuator, and pivoting, via operation of the first actuator, the first support, the pump frame, and the first component from the second orientation toward the first orientation, thereby to re-orient the first support, the pump frame, and the first component. The method also may include re-orienting the pump frame and the first component relative to the pivoting support assembly. The method further may include activating one or more of the first actuator or a second actuator, and pivoting, via activation of the one or more of the first actuator or the second actuator, the pump frame and the first component from a third orientation through a second pivot angle to a fourth orientation, thereby to re-orient the pump frame and the first component. The method also may include inserting, while the pump frame and the first component are in the fourth orientation, a second component into the pump frame, and connecting the second component to one of the first component or a third component. The method further may include operating the one or more of the first actuator or the second actuator, and pivoting, via operation of the one or more of the first actuator or the second actuator, the pump frame, the first component, and the second component from the fourth orientation toward the third orientation, thereby to re-orient the pump frame, the first component, and the second component.
According to some embodiments, a pivoting support assembly for facilitating assembly and disassembly of a pump may include a base and a support configured to be connected to a pump frame of the pump, such that a longitudinal pump axis of the pump is substantially parallel to a first longitudinal support axis of the support. The pivoting support assembly further may include an actuator connected to the base and the support. The actuator may be positioned to: (a) cause the support to pivot from a first orientation through a first pivot angle to a second orientation relative to the base, thereby to re-orient the pump frame for installation of a component of the pump, and (b) cause the support to pivot from the second orientation toward the first orientation.
According to some embodiments, a method of installing a component in a pump may include attaching a pump frame of the pump to a support of a pivoting support assembly. The method further may include activating an actuator connected to the support, and pivoting, via activation of the actuator, the support and the pump frame from a first orientation through a pivot angle to a second orientation, thereby to re-orient the pump frame. The method also may include inserting, while the support and the pump frame are in the second orientation, a component of the pump into the pump frame. The method further may include activating the actuator, and pivoting, via activation of the actuator, the support, the pump frame, and the first component from the second orientation toward the first orientation, thereby to re-orient the support, the pump frame, and the component.
According to some embodiments, a method of installing a component in a pump may include attaching a pump frame of the pump to a first support of a pivoting support assembly. The method further may include activating a first actuator connected to the first support, and pivoting, via activation of the first actuator, the first support and the pump frame from a first orientation through a first pivot angle to a second orientation. The method also may include activating one or more of the first actuator or a second actuator, and pivoting, via activation of the one or more of the first actuator or the second actuator, the pump frame from the second orientation through a second pivot angle to a third orientation. The method further may include inserting, while the pump frame is in the third orientation, a first component into the pump frame. The method also may include connecting the first component to one or more of the pump frame or a second component. The method further may include operating the one or more of the first actuator or the second actuator, and pivoting, via operation of the one or more of the first actuator or the second actuator, the pump frame and the first component from the third orientation toward the first orientation, thereby to re-orient the pump frame and the first component.
According to some embodiments, a method of installing a component in a high-power pump may include attaching a portion of the high-power pump to a support of a pivoting support assembly. The method further may include activating an actuator connected to the support, and pivoting, via activation of the actuator, the support and the portion of the high-power pump from a first orientation through a first pivot angle to a second orientation, thereby to re-orient the portion of the high-power pump. The method also may include inserting, while the support and the portion of the high-power pump are in the second orientation, a component of the high-power pump into the portion the high-power pump.
Still other aspects and advantages of these exemplary embodiments and other embodiments, are discussed in detail herein. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing information and the following detailed description provide merely illustrative examples of various aspects and embodiments, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claimed aspects and embodiments. Accordingly, these and other objects, along with advantages and features of the present disclosure, will become apparent through reference to the following description and the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive and may exist in various combinations and permutations.
The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure, are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure, and together with the detailed description, serve to explain principles of the embodiments discussed herein. No attempt is made to show structural details of this disclosure in more detail than can be necessary for a fundamental understanding of the embodiments discussed herein and the various ways in which they can be practiced. According to common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions of various features and elements in the drawings can be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate embodiments of the disclosure.
The drawings include like numerals to indicate like parts throughout the several views, the following description is provided as an enabling teaching of exemplary embodiments, and those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that many changes may be made to the embodiments described. It also will be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the embodiments described can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the embodiments without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the embodiments described are possible and may even be desirable in certain circumstances. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the embodiments and not in limitation thereof.
The phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. As used herein, the term “plurality” refers to two or more items or components. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” and “involving,” whether in the written description or the claims and the like, are open-ended terms, i.e., to mean “including but not limited to,” unless otherwise stated. Thus, the use of such terms is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter, and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items. The transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of,” are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, with respect to any claims. Use of ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” and the like in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed, but are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish claim elements.
As noted above, it may be desirable to provide hydraulic fracturing units having higher pumping capacities. Achieving higher pumping capacities may result in the use of high-power pumps to achieve higher pump outputs. Efforts to provide pumps having higher pump outputs may result in relatively larger and heavier pumps. Larger and heavier pumps may include larger and heavier components. Applicant has recognized that this may render it challenging to assemble and disassemble such pumps. For example, it may be difficult to lift, properly orient, position, and/or connect or disconnect relatively larger and heavier components of the pump during assembly and disassembly.
The present disclosure generally is directed to providing assemblies, apparatuses, and methods for assembly, disassembly, and maintenance of high-power pumps. For example, in some embodiments, assemblies, apparatuses, and methods described herein may facilitate lifting, orienting, and/or positioning large pump components during assembly and disassembly of the high-power pumps. For example,
As shown in
In some embodiments, one or more of the GTEs may be a dual-fuel or bi-fuel GTE, for example, capable of being operated using of two or more different types of fuel, such as natural gas and diesel fuel, although other types of fuel are contemplated. For example, a dual-fuel or bi-fuel GTE may be capable of being operated using a first type of fuel, a second type of fuel, and/or a combination of the first type of fuel and the second type of fuel. For example, the fuel may include gaseous fuels, such as, for example, compressed natural gas (CNG), natural gas, field gas, pipeline gas, methane, propane, butane, and/or liquid fuels, such as, for example, diesel fuel (e.g., #2 diesel), bio-diesel fuel, bio-fuel, alcohol, gasoline, gasohol, aviation fuel, and other fuels as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Gaseous fuels may be supplied by CNG bulk vessels, a gas compressor, a liquid natural gas vaporizer, line gas, and/or well-gas produced natural gas. Other types and associated fuel supply sources are contemplated. The one or more prime movers 16 may be operated to provide horsepower to drive the transmission 18 connected to one or more of the hydraulic fracturing pumps 11 to safely and successfully fracture a formation during a well stimulation project or fracturing operation.
In some embodiments, the prime mover 16 may include one or more electric motors. The electric motor may be rated for over 2,000 hp over 5,000 hp, or over 10,000 hp, for example, for the hydraulic fracturing pump 11 to generate a desired pressure and flow rate. The electric motor may include a stator having stator windings for generating a rotating magnetic field at a synchronous speed corresponding to a frequency of a voltage applied to the stator windings. The motor may also include a rotor having rotor windings for interacting with the rotating magnetic field to rotate the rotor. The rotor windings may be configured to generate rotating magnetic poles for interacting with the rotating magnetic field. In one or more embodiments, the electric motor may be an induction electric motor in which the rotating magnetic poles in the rotor are induced by the rotating magnetic field in the stator. In one or more embodiments, the electric motor may be a multi-phase electric motor, such as a three-phase motor, for example.
The electric motor may include a single shaft electric motor or a dual shaft electric motor. In some embodiments, the electric motor and two or more hydraulic fracturing pump 11 may be disposed on a single chassis. For example, the electric a motor may be disposed on a single chassis and arranged between two hydraulic fracturing pumps 11, for example, in manner similar to the pump arrangements described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,395,049, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. In some embodiments, two or more electric motors and two or more hydraulic fracturing pumps 11 may be disposed on a single chassis. For example, a first electric motor may be connected to or otherwise mechanically linked with a first hydraulic fracturing pump 11 and a second electric motor may be connected to or otherwise mechanically linked with a second hydraulic fracturing pump 11, and each of the first and second electric motor and the first and second hydraulic fracturing pump 11 may be disposed on a single chassis and may be arranged in a manner similar to the pump arrangements described in U.S. Pat. No. 11,118,438, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. For example, each electric motor and corresponding hydraulic fracturing pump 11 may be contained as a single module, and a plurality of such modules may be disposed on a single chassis.
In some embodiments, the electric motor may be supplied with a voltage having a fixed frequency or a voltage having a variable frequency. For example, a voltage with a fixed frequency may be applied to a stator of the electric motor and hence the electric motor may be referred to as a “fixed-frequency motor.” Electric power to a motor control center may be supplied by an on-site power source, such as on-site diesel generators, natural gas reciprocating engine generators, or turbine generators, or by an off-site power source, such as a utility grid power. In some embodiments, the motor control center may be disposed with the electric motor and the hydraulic fracturing pump 11 on a single chassis. In some embodiments, a voltage with a variable frequency may be applied to a stator of the electric motor. In some such embodiments, a remotely controllable variable frequency drive (VFD) may be disposed, along with the electric motor(s) and the hydraulic fracturing pump(s) 11, on a single chassis. The VFD may be coupled to or otherwise electrically linked with a power source, for example, as described herein. The VFD may be configured to provide electric power to the one or more electric motors.
In some embodiments, a plurality of electric motors may be connected to or otherwise mechanically linked with a single hydraulic fracturing pump 11. For example, the plurality of electric motors may each be connected to a crankshaft of the hydraulic fracturing pump 11. The plurality of electric motors may include any suitable number of electric motors (e.g., from two electric motors to seven or more electric motors). In some embodiments, at least five electric motors may be coupled to the crankshaft in a manner, such that each electric motor may be positioned about the pump crankshaft axis, so that an output shaft of each electric motor is spaced apart from a longitudinal rotation axis of the crankshaft. For example, the plurality of electric motors may be arranged on or connected to the hydraulic fracturing pump 11 in a manner similar to the electric motor arrangement(s) described in U.S. Publication No. US 2021/0095648 A1, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
In some embodiments, the fracturing fluid may include, for example, water, proppants, and/or other additives, such as thickening agents and/or gels. For example, proppants may include grains of sand, ceramic beads or spheres, shells, and/or other particulates, and may be added to the fracturing fluid, along with gelling agents to create a slurry, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. The slurry may be forced via the hydraulic fracturing pumps 11 into the formation at rates faster than may be accepted by the existing pores, fractures, faults, or other spaces within the formation. As a result, pressure in the formation may build rapidly to the point where the formation fails and begins to fracture. By continuing to pump the fracturing fluid into the formation, existing fractures in the formation may be caused to expand and extend in directions away from a well bore, thereby creating additional flow paths for hydrocarbons to flow to the well. The proppants may serve to prevent the expanded fractures from closing or may reduce the extent to which the expanded fractures contract when pumping of the fracturing fluid is ceased. Once the well is fractured, large quantities of the injected fracturing fluid may be allowed to flow out of the well, and the water and any proppants not remaining in the expanded fractures may be separated from hydrocarbons produced by the well to protect downstream equipment from damage and corrosion. In some instances, the production stream of hydrocarbons may be processed to neutralize corrosive agents in the production stream resulting from the fracturing process.
In some embodiments, as shown in
The hydraulic fracturing pumps 11, driven by the respective internal GTEs 16, discharge the slurry (e.g., the fracturing fluid including the water, agents, gels, and/or proppants) at high flow rates and/or high pressures through individual high-pressure discharge lines into two or more high-pressure flow lines, sometimes referred to as “missiles,” on the fracturing manifold 32. The flow from the high-pressure flow lines is combined at the fracturing manifold 32, and one or more of the high-pressure flow lines provide fluid flow to a manifold assembly 34, sometimes referred to as a “goat head.” The manifold assembly 34 delivers the slurry into a wellhead manifold 36. The wellhead manifold 36 may be configured to selectively divert the slurry to, for example, one or more wellheads 38 via operation of one or more valves. Once the fracturing process is ceased or completed, flow returning from the fractured formation discharges into a flowback manifold, and the returned flow may be collected in one or more flowback tanks as will be understood by those skilled in the art.
As schematically depicted in
In some embodiments, two or more hydraulic fracturing pumps 11 may be connected to the chassis 40. For example, the chassis 40 may include the prime mover 16 disposed or situated between two hydraulic fracturing pumps 11. In such examples, the prime mover 16 may be a dual-shaft electric motor, and each output shaft of the motor is connected to one of the hydraulic fracturing pumps 11. In some embodiments, the chassis 40 may include a plurality of prime movers 16 and hydraulic fracturing pumps 11. For example, the chassis 40 may include a first prime mover 16 mechanically linked to a first hydraulic fracturing pump 11 and a second prime mover 16 mechanically linked to a second hydraulic fracturing pump 11.
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
In some embodiments, for example, as shown in
As shown in
As shown in
Each of the of first plungers 84 may be configured to reciprocate and draw-in fracturing fluid at a first pressure and discharge the fracturing fluid at a second pressure greater than the first pressure. Each of the second plungers 88 may be configured to reciprocate and draw-in fracturing fluid at a third pressure and discharge the fracturing fluid at a fourth pressure greater than the third pressure. For example, the first pressure and/or the third pressure may be substantially equal to a pressure associated with the fracturing fluid being supplied to the hydraulic fracturing pump 11 from the blender 28 (see
In some embodiments, for example, as shown in
In some embodiments, providing the first and second plungers 84 and 88 in different planes may result in increasing the pumping capacity of the hydraulic fracturing pump 11, for example, without substantially increasing the physical dimensions of the hydraulic fracturing pump 11, for example, without substantially increasing the pump length L and/or without substantially increasing the pump width W. In some embodiments, providing the first and second plungers 84 and 88 in different planes may result in relatively reducing the level of shock and/or vibration associated with operation of the hydraulic fracturing pump 11, for example, the level of shock and/or vibration associated with torque shock and/or torque vibration generated during operation of the hydraulic fracturing pump 11, for example, as each of the first plungers 84 and/or each of the second plungers 88 discharges fracturing fluid at the second and fourth pressures, respectively. For example, in some embodiments, the shock and/or torque generated by one or more of the first plungers 84 and/or one or more of the second plungers 88 may substantially offset or cancel one another.
As shown in
As shown in
In some embodiments, the crankshaft 78 and/or the crankpins 92 may be configured such that different pairs of the first and second plungers 84 and 88 are in different locations along their respective stroke paths as the crankshaft 78 rotates. In some embodiments, the crankshaft 78 and/or the crankpins 92 may be configured such that different pairs of first and second plungers 84 and 88 of the first and second banks of plungers 86 and 90 and are offset by the crankpins 92, for example, in some embodiments, the plungers of the first and third pairs of plungers shown in the drawings may be offset from each other by the crankpins 92 by about ninety degrees, for example, and may move in different directions, for example, along an intake stroke direction toward the crankshaft 78 for drawing-in fracturing fluid and a discharge stroke direction away from the crankshaft 78 for discharging fracturing fluid. For example, a first pair of plungers may include a first one of the first plungers 84 (e.g., first plunger 84a) and a first one of the second plungers 88 (e.g., second plunger 88a), and a second pair of plungers may include a second one of the first plungers 84 (e.g., first plunger 84b) and a second one of the second plungers 88 (e.g., second plunger 88b), and the crankshaft 78 may be configured such that the first pair of plungers moves in a first direction to discharge at least a portion of the fracturing fluid while the second pair of plungers moves in a second direction to draw-in at least a portion of the fracturing fluid. In some embodiments, each of the pairs of first and second plungers 84 and 88 may be connected to a common crankpin 92 of the crankshaft 78. In some embodiments, different pairs and/or additional pairs of the first and second plungers 84 and 88 may similarly move in different directions. This example movement of plunger pairs in different directions may result in relatively reducing the level of shock and/or vibration associated with operation of the hydraulic fracturing pump 11, for example, the level of shock and/or vibration associated with torque shock and/or torque vibration generated during operation of the hydraulic fracturing pump 11, for example, as each of the first plungers 84 and/or each of the second plungers 88 discharges fracturing fluid at the second and fourth pressures, respectively. For example, in some embodiments, the shock and/or torque generated by one or more of the pairs of first and second plungers 84 and 88 may substantially offset or cancel one another.
As shown in
In some such embodiments, because the crankshaft 78 is driven at both ends, the torque tending to twist the crankshaft 78 may be relatively reduced as compared to a crankshaft that is driven at one end. This may result in an ability to drive the crankshaft 78 with relatively more torque and/or power without damaging the crankshaft 78 (e.g., for a crankshaft of a given strength) and/or adversely affecting operation of the hydraulic fracturing pump 11. In some embodiments, the hydraulic fracturing pump 11 may be configured to be driven by one or more prime movers 16 located at opposite ends of the hydraulic fracturing pump 11. For example, the hydraulic fracturing pump 11 may be driven by one or more prime movers 16 from each of both the first end 100 and the second end 106 of the pump frame 76, for example, via the first pinion gear 96 and the second pinion gear 104. For example, a second prime mover may be connected to the hydraulic fracturing pump 11 at an end of the hydraulic fracturing pump 11 opposite a first prime mover 16, for example, via a second transmission, to supply power to the hydraulic fracturing pump 11.
During operation of the hydraulic fracturing pump 11, the prime mover 16 of the hydraulic fracturing unit 10 may supply power, so as to drive rotation of the crankshaft 78, and as the crankshaft 78 is rotated, the first plungers 84 of the first bank of plungers 86 and the second plungers 88 of the second bank of plungers 90 accordingly will be reciprocated in an alternating fashion in opposite directions toward and away from respective fluid chambers of their respective fluid ends 74a and 74b. For example, one or more of the first plungers 84 of the first bank of plungers 86 may be moved in a first, substantially downward direction along a discharge stroke, so as to discharge at least a portion of fracturing fluid contained within the chamber of the first fluid end 74a. The discharged fluid may be directed out of the respective chamber of the first fluid end 74a and via a fluid output conduit 110a (
As noted above, high-power pumps, such as, for example, those described above with respect to
As shown in
As shown in
In some embodiments, the base 120 may include one or more fixtures 140 for facilitating movement of the pivoting support assembly 12, for example, using a fork truck and/or crane. For example, as shown, in
According to some embodiments, one or more of the first support legs 136 may include a clearance 142 configured to provide space for a pump, for example, when the pump is being pivoted relative to the base 120 into an orientation and/or position for assembly or disassembly of components, for example, as shown in
As shown in, for example,
As shown in, for example,
As shown in, for example,
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
As described herein, for example, with respect to
In some embodiments, the pivoting support assembly 12 may be configured to lift and re-orient a high-power pump to facilitate assembly or disassembly of components of the high-power pump. For example, the first support 120 may be configured to pivot from a first orientation through a first pivot angle, relative to the base 120, to a second orientation relative to the base 120, thereby to re-orient the pump frame for installation of a crankshaft of the high-power pump. In some embodiments, the first pivot angle may range from about 45 degrees to about 100 degrees, from about 45 degrees to about 90 degrees, from about 60 degrees to about 90 degrees, from about 70 degrees to about 90 degrees, or from about 80 degrees to about 90 degrees. This may facilitate inserting a crankshaft into the pump frame, for example, vertically, as described herein. In some embodiments, the second support 128 may be configured to pivot from a third orientation through a second pivot angle, relative to the first support 122, to a fourth orientation relative to the first support 122, thereby to re-orient the pump frame for installation of one or more connecting rods and associated assemblies (e.g., associated bushings and crossheads), which may include connecting the one or more connecting rods to the crankshaft. In some embodiments, the second pivot angle may range from about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees, from about 35 degrees to about 55 degrees, from about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees, for example, about 45 degrees. In some embodiments, a total of the first pivot angle and the second pivot angle may range from about 100 degrees to about 150 degrees. In some embodiments, the second pivot angle may depend on the architecture of the high-power pump. For example, the second pivot angle may depend on the orientation of the axis along which plungers of a bank of plungers of the high-power pump reciprocate. For example, the second pivot angle may correspond to a pivot angle that results in the axis along which plungers of the bank of plungers reciprocate extending substantially vertically, for example, so that connecting rods may be vertically inserted (e.g., raised or lowered) into corresponding pump frame sections that receive the connecting rod and associated assemblies.
As described herein, the pivoting support assembly 12, in some embodiments, may include one or more first actuators 166 and/or one or more second actuators 176. The one or more first actuators 166 may include, for example, one or more linear actuators, one or more motors, one or more hydraulically powered actuators, one or more a pneumatically powered actuators, and/or one or more an electrically powered actuators. In some embodiments, the one or more first actuators 166 may include one or more self-locking actuators, such as, for example, one or more screw jacks. The one or more second actuators 176 may include, for example, one or more self-locking actuators, such as, for example, one or more screw jacks. In some embodiments, the one or more second actuators 176 may include, for example, one or more linear actuators, one or more motors, one or more hydraulically powered actuators, one or more a pneumatically powered actuators, and/or one or more an electrically powered actuators. Self-locking actuators may prevent extension or retraction of the actuator in the absence of pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, and/or motor-driven actuation, thereby to prevent movement of the first support 122 or the second support 128 in the event pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, and/or motor-driven power is lost. In some embodiments, the one or more first actuators 166 and the one or more second actuators 176 may be configured to operate or be activated independently of one another. In some embodiments, the one or more first actuators 166 and the one or more second actuators 176 may be configured to operate or be activated substantially simultaneously and/or substantially concurrently.
In some embodiments, for example, as shown in
In some embodiments, for example, as shown in
In some embodiments, for example, as shown in
As shown in
As shown in
In some embodiments, inserting the component 194 into the pump frame 76 may include orienting the component 194, such that a longitudinal axis of the component 194 (e.g., a longitudinal crankshaft axis CR, see
Once the component 194 is assembled in the pump frame 76 and any associated procedures are completed, the pump frame 76 and the component 194 may be re-oriented, for example, to the orientation shown in
As shown in
As shown in
As schematically depicted in
In some embodiments, pivoting the first support 122 and pivoting the second support 128 may include pivoting the first support 122 and pivoting the second support 128 about respective pivot axes that are substantially horizontal, and, in some embodiments, re-orienting the pump frame 76 from a first pump rotational orientation to a second pump rotational orientation may include re-orienting the pump frame 76 about a substantially vertical axis. In some embodiments, pivoting the second support 128, the pump frame 76, and the first component (e.g., a crankshaft) may include re-orienting the pump frame 76 from a first roll orientation about a longitudinal pump axis PF of the pump frame 76 (e.g., as shown in
In some embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments, the method also may include connecting the second component 196 to the first component 194 (e.g., connecting a connecting rod to a crankshaft). Once one or more second components 196 have been connected to the first component 194, the method further may include retracting the one or more second actuators 176, and pivoting, via retraction of the one or more second actuators 176, the second support 128, the pump frame 76, the first component 194, and the one or more second components 196 from the fourth orientation toward the third orientation, thereby to re-orient the second support 128, the pump frame 76, the first component 194, and the one or more second components 196, for example, similar to the orientation as shown in
In some embodiments, the pump frame 76 may include a first bank 200a of first connecting rod receivers 198a positioned to receive a plurality of first connecting rods (or first connecting rod-crosshead-bushing assemblies), and the first bank 200a of first connecting rod receivers 198a may extend substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the pump frame PF. As described with respect to some embodiments previously herein, the pump frame 76 further may include a second bank 200b of connecting rod receivers 198b positioned to receive a plurality of second connecting rods (or second connecting rod-crosshead-bushing assemblies), and the second bank 200b of connecting rod receivers 198b may extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pump frame PF. In some embodiments, as described herein, the first connecting rods are positioned to reciprocate in a first plane and the second connecting rods are positioned to reciprocate in a second plane forming a bank angle relative to the first plane (see, e.g.,
In some embodiments, the method of installing the second component 196 into the pump frame 76 further may include inserting, while the pump frame 76 and the first component (e.g., a crankshaft) are in the fourth orientation, one or more additional connecting rods of the first connecting rods into one or more additional connecting rod receivers 198a of the first bank of connecting rod receivers 200a, and connecting the one or more additional connecting rods of the first connecting rods to the first component 194 (e.g., the crankshaft).
In some embodiments, the method may include inserting, while the pump frame 76 and the first component 194 (e.g., a crankshaft) are in the fourth orientation, one or more additional second components 196 (e.g., connecting rods of the first connecting rods) into one or more additional connecting rod receivers of the first bank 200a of connecting rod receivers 198a, and connecting the one or more additional second components 196 (e.g., the one or more additional connecting rods of the first connecting rods) to the first component 194 (e.g., the crankshaft).
In some embodiments, the method may include, following pivoting the second support 128, the pump frame 76, the first component 194, and the one or more second components 196 (one or more connecting rods of the first connecting rods) from the fourth orientation toward the first orientation, re-orienting the pump frame 76 from the second pump rotational orientation (see, e.g.,
For example, the method further may include activating the one or more first actuators 166, and pivoting, via activation of the one or more first actuators, the first support 122, the second support 128, the pump frame 76, the first component 194 (e.g., crankshaft), and the one or more second components 196 (e.g., first connecting rods) from the first orientation toward the second orientation, thereby to re-orient the pump frame 76, the first component 194, and the one or more second components 196. The method also may include activating the one or more second actuators 176 connected to the second support 128 and the first support 122, and pivoting, via activation of the one or more second actuators 176, the second support 128, the pump frame 76, the first component 194 (e.g., a crankshaft), and the one or more second components (e.g., one or more first connecting rods) from the third orientation relative to the first support 122 through the second pivot angle to the fourth orientation, thereby to re-orient the pump frame 76, the first component 194, and the one or more second components 196. The method in some embodiments, further may include inserting, while the pump frame 76, the first component 194, and the one or more second components 196 (e.g., the one or more first connecting rod) are in the fourth orientation, one or more third components (e.g., a first one of a second plurality of connecting rods) into one or more corresponding connecting rod receivers of the second bank 200b of connecting rod receivers 198b. The method also may include connecting the one or more third components (e.g., the one or more connecting rods of the second connecting rods) to the first component 194 (e.g., the crankshaft). Thereafter, in some embodiments, the method further may include retracting the one or more second actuators 176, and pivoting, via retraction of the one or more second actuators 176, the second support 128, the pump frame 76, the first component 194 (e.g., the crankshaft), the one or more second components 196 (e.g., connecting rods of the first bank 200a), and the one or more third components (e.g., connecting rods of the second bank 200b) from the fourth orientation toward the first orientation, thereby to re-orient the first support 122, the second support 128, the pump frame 76, the first component 194 (e.g., the crankshaft)), the one or more second components 196 (e.g., connecting rods of the first bank 200a), and the one or more third components (e.g., connecting rods of the second bank 200b).
As shown in
In some embodiments, once the connecting rod-crosshead-bushing assembly 196 is assembled to the crankshaft 78, the lift hardware 232 may be separated from the connecting rod-crosshead-bushing assembly 196 (e.g., from the attachment boss 230), and a plunger may be connected to the crosshead 222 of the corresponding connecting rod-crosshead-bushing assembly 196. For example, the crosshead 222 may be connected to a corresponding plunger via the attachment boss 230 and an intermediate connector, such as, for example, a corresponding pony rod connected to the attachment boss 230 of the crosshead 222 and the plunger.
Some embodiments of the connecting rod-crosshead-bushing assembly 196 may include a rod pin 234 connecting the rod body crosshead end 220 of the connecting rod 214 and the crosshead 222 to one another, for example, as shown in
As shown in
In some embodiments, the bushing 202 may be provided with one or more bushing apertures 248, for example, as shown in
During assembly to the crankshaft 78, in some embodiments, once the connecting rod-crosshead-bushing assembly 196 has been positioned, for example, such that the rod body proximal end 218 engages a crankpin 92 of the crankshaft 78 (
As shown in
At 1304, the example method 1300 may include activating one or more first actuators connected to the first support and a base of the pivoting support assembly, for example, as described herein.
The example method 1300, at 1306, may include pivoting, via activation of the one or more first actuators, the first support and the pump frame from a first orientation through a first pivot angle to a second orientation, thereby to re-orient the pump frame, for example, as described herein.
At 1308, the example method 130 may include determining whether the first support and/or the pump frame have pivoted to the second orientation. In some embodiments, one or more sensors may be provided and positioned to generate one or more pivot sensor signals indicative of the orientation of the pump frame and/or the first support, such as, for example, rotary sensors and/or limit sensors.
If, at 1308, it is determined that the pump frame and/or the first support have not pivoted to the second orientation, at 1310, the example method 1300 may include continuing to pivot the pump frame and the first support and thereafter returning to 1308 to determine whether the pump frame and/or the first support have pivoted to the second orientation, for example, as described herein.
If, at 1308, it is determined that the pump frame and/or the first support have pivoted to the second orientation, the example method 1300, at 1312, may include inserting, while the first support and/or the pump frame are in the second orientation, a crankshaft of the pump into the pump frame, for example, as described herein. In some embodiments, this may include substantially aligning the crankshaft axis of the crankshaft with a longitudinal axis at least partially defined by the crankshaft apertures at least partially defined by one or more frame sections of the pump frame. In some embodiments, this may include orienting the crankshaft, such that the crankshaft axis of the crankshaft is substantially vertical and dropping (or raising) the crankshaft into the crankshaft apertures until it is properly positioned relative to the pump frame, for example, as described herein.
At 1314, the example method 1300 may include retracting the one or more first actuators, for example, as described herein.
The example method 1300, at 1316, may include pivoting, via retraction of the one or more first actuators, the first support and the pump frame from the second orientation toward the first orientation, thereby to re-orient the first support, the pump frame, and the crankshaft, for example, as described herein.
At 1318 (see
If, at 1318, it is determined that the pump frame and/or the first support have not pivoted back to the first orientation, at 1320, the example method 1300 may include continuing to pivot the pump frame and the first support and thereafter returning to 1318 to determine whether the pump frame and/or the first support have pivoted back to the first orientation.
If, at 1318, it is determined that the pump frame and/or the first support have pivoted back to the first orientation, at 1322, the example method 1300 may include re-orienting the pump frame and the crankshaft from a first pump rotational orientation to a second pump rotational orientation transverse relative to the first pump rotational orientation. In some embodiments, this may include disconnecting the pump frame from the first support and re-orienting the pump frame from a first pump rotational orientation 90 degrees relative to the pivoting support assembly, for example, such the longitudinal axis of the pump frame is substantially transverse (e.g., substantially perpendicular) with respect to the pivoting support assembly in the second pump rotational orientation, for example, as described herein. In some embodiments, re-orienting the pump frame may include lifting, for example, via a crane or lifting machine, the pump frame and the crankshaft to separate them from the first support and spinning the pump frame and the crankshaft through 90 degrees (or 270 degrees) in a substantially horizontal plane, for example, as described herein.
At 1324, the example method 1300 may include attaching the pump frame to a second support of the pivoting support assembly in the second pump rotational orientation, for example, as described herein.
The example method 1300, at 1326, may include activating the one or more of the first actuators, for example, as described herein.
At 1328, the example method 1300 may include pivoting, via activation of the one or more first actuators, the first support, the second support, the pump frame, and the crankshaft from the first orientation toward the second orientation, thereby to re-orient the pump frame and the crankshaft, for example, as described herein.
The example method 1300, at 1330, may include activating one or more second actuators connected to the second support and the first support, for example, as described herein.
At 1332 (see
The example method 1300, at 1334, may include determining whether the second support and/or the pump frame have pivoted to the fourth orientation. In some embodiments, one or more sensors may be provided and positioned to generate one or more pivot sensor signals indicative of the orientation of the pump frame and/or the second support, such as, for example, rotary sensors and/or limit sensors.
If, at 1334, it is determined that the pump frame and/or the second support have not pivoted to the fourth orientation, at 1336, the example method 1300 may include continuing to pivot the pump frame and the second support, for example, via operation of one or more of the one or more first actuators or the one or more second actuators, and thereafter returning to 1334 to determine whether the pump frame and/or the second support have pivoted to the fourth orientation.
If, at 1334, it is determined that the pump frame and/or the second support have pivoted to the fourth orientation, at 1338, the example method 1300 may include inserting, while the pump frame, the second support, and the crankshaft are in the fourth orientation, a connecting rod into the pump frame, for example, as described herein. In some embodiments, the connecting rod may be part of a connecting rod-crosshead-bushing assembly, for example, as described herein. In some embodiments, the connecting rod may be inserted into the pump frame by lowering (or raising) the connecting rod into the pump frame, for example, in a substantially vertical direction, for example, as described herein.
At 1340, the example method 1300 may include connecting the connecting rod to the crankshaft, for example, as described herein. In some embodiments, this may include connecting a crankpin end connector to a rod body proximal end of the connecting rod, such that the crankpin end connector and the rod body proximal end surround the crankpin, for example, as described herein.
The example method 1300, at 1342, may include substantially repeating 1338 and 1340 to insert additional connecting rods into the pump frame and connecting the additional connecting rods to crankpins of the crankshaft, for example, as described herein. In some embodiments, the additional connecting rods may be part of a connecting rod-bushing-crosshead assembly, for example, as described herein.
At 1344, the example method 1300 may include retracting the one or more second actuators, for example, as described herein.
The example method 1300, at 1346 (see
At 1348, the example method may include retracting the one or more first actuators, for example, as described herein.
The example method, at 1350, may include pivoting, via retraction of the one or more first actuators, the first support, the second support, the pump frame, the crankshaft, and the one or more connecting rods toward the first orientation, thereby to re-orient the first support, the second support, the pump frame, the crankshaft, and the one or more connecting rods, for example, as described herein.
At 1352, the example method 1300 may include determining whether the first support, the second support, the pump frame, the crankshaft, and the one or more connecting rods have returned to substantially the first orientation. In some embodiments, one or more sensors may be provided and positioned to generate one or more pivot sensor signals indicative of the orientation of the first support, the second support, the pump frame, the crankshaft, and/or the one or more connecting rods, such as, for example, rotary sensors and/or limit sensors.
If, at 1352, it is determined that the first support, the second support, the pump frame, the crankshaft, and/or the one or more connecting rods have not pivoted to back to the first orientation, at 1354, the example method 1300 may include continuing to pivot the pump frame, the first support, and/or the second support, for example, via operation of one or more of the one or more first actuators or the one or more second actuators, and thereafter returning to 1352 to determine whether the first support, the second support, the pump frame, the crankshaft, and/or the one or more connecting rods have pivoted to the first orientation.
If, at 1352, it is determined that that the first support, the second support, the pump frame, the crankshaft, and/or the one or more connecting rods have pivoted to back to the first orientation, in some embodiments, for example, for high-power pumps having two banks of connecting rods and associated plungers, as described herein, the example method 1300, at 1356, may include re-orienting the pump frame, the crankshaft, and the one or more connecting rods from the second pump rotational orientation to a third pump rotational orientation substantially 180 degrees relative to the second pump rotational orientation and such that the pump frame remains transverse relative to the first pump rotational orientation. In some embodiments, this may include disconnecting the pump frame from the second support and re-orienting the pump frame, the crankshaft, and the one or more connecting rods from the second pump rotational orientation 180 degrees relative to the pivoting support assembly and the second support, for example, such the longitudinal axis of the pump frame remains substantially transverse (e.g., substantially perpendicular) with respect to the pivoting support assembly and the second support, for example, as described herein. In some embodiments, re-orienting the pump frame may include lifting, for example, via a crane or lifting machine, the pump frame, the crankshaft, and the one or more connecting rods to separate them from the second support and spinning the pump frame, the crankshaft, and the one or more connecting rods through 180 degrees in a substantially horizontal plane, for example, as described herein.
The example method 1300, at 1358, may include attaching the pump frame to the second support of the pivoting support assembly in the third pump rotational orientation, for example, as described herein.
The example method 1300, at 1360 (see
At 1362, the example method 1300 may include pivoting, via activation of the one or more first actuators, the first support, the second support, the pump frame, the crankshaft, and the one or more connecting rods from the first orientation toward the second orientation, thereby to re-orient the pump frame, the crankshaft, and the one or more connecting rods, for example, as described herein.
The example method 1300, at 1364, may include activating the one or more second actuators connected to the second support and the first support, for example, as described herein.
At 1366, the example method 1300 may include pivoting, via activation of the one or more second actuators, the second support, the pump frame, the crankshaft, and the one or more connecting rods from a third orientation relative to the first support through a second pivot angle to the fourth orientation, thereby to re-orient the pump frame, the crankshaft, and the one or more connecting rods, for example, as described herein. In some embodiments, the third orientation may be substantially the same as the second orientation. In some embodiments, the third orientation may differ from the second orientation.
The example method 1300, at 1368, may include determining whether the second support and/or the pump frame have pivoted to the fourth orientation. In some embodiments, one or more sensors may be provided and positioned to generate one or more pivot sensor signals indicative of the orientation of the pump frame and/or the second support, such as, for example, rotary sensors and/or limit sensors.
If, at 1368, it is determined that the pump frame and/or the second support have not pivoted to the fourth orientation, at 1370, the example method 1300 may include continuing to pivot the pump frame and the second support, for example, via operation of one or more of the one or more first actuators or the one or more second actuators, and thereafter returning to 1368 to determine whether the pump frame and/or the second support have pivoted to the fourth orientation.
If, at 1368, it is determined that the pump frame and/or the second support have pivoted to the fourth orientation, at 1372, the example method 1300 may include inserting, while the pump frame, the second support, and the crankshaft are in the fourth orientation, a connecting rod into the pump frame, for example, as described herein. In some embodiments, the connecting rod may be part of a connecting rod-crosshead-bushing assembly, for example, as described herein. In some embodiments, the connecting rod may be inserted into the pump frame by lowering (or raising) the connecting rod into the pump frame, for example, in a substantially vertical direction, for example, as described herein.
At 1374, the example method 1300 may include connecting the connecting rod to the crankshaft, for example, as described herein. In some embodiments, this may include connecting a crankpin end connector to a rod body proximal end of the connecting rod, such that the crankpin end connector and the rod body proximal end surround the crankpin, for example, as described herein.
The example method 1300, at 1376, may include substantially repeating 1372 and 1374 to insert additional connecting rods into the pump frame and connecting the additional connecting rods to crankpins of the crankshaft, for example, as described herein. In some embodiments, the additional connecting rods may be part of a connecting rod-crosshead-bushing assembly, for example, as described herein.
At 1378, the example method 1300 may include retracting the one or more second actuators, for example, as described herein.
The example method 1300, at 1380, may include pivoting, via retraction of the one or more second actuators, the second support, the pump frame, the crankshaft, and the one or more connecting rods toward the first orientation, thereby to re-orient the second support, the pump frame, the crankshaft, and the one or more connecting rods, for example, as described herein.
At 1382, the example method 1300 may include retracting the one or more first actuators, for example, as described herein.
The example method 1300, at 1384, may include pivoting, via retraction of the one or more first actuators, the first support, the second support, the pump frame, the crankshaft, and the one or more connecting rods toward the first orientation, thereby to re-orient the first support, the second support, the pump frame, the crankshaft, and the one or more connecting rods, for example, as described herein.
At 1386, the example method 1300 may include determining whether the first support, the second support, the pump frame, the crankshaft, and the one or more connecting rods have returned to substantially the first orientation. In some embodiments, one or more sensors may be provided and positioned to generate one or more pivot sensor signals indicative of the orientation of the first support, the second support, the pump frame, the crankshaft, and/or the one or more connecting rods, such as, for example, rotary sensors and/or limit sensors.
If, at 1388, it is determined that the first support, the second support, the pump frame, the crankshaft, and/or the one or more connecting rods have not pivoted to back to the first orientation, at 1390, the example method 1300 may include continuing to pivot the pump frame, the first support, and/or the second support, for example, via operation of one or more of the one or more first actuators or the one or more second actuators, and thereafter returning to 1388 to determine whether the first support, the second support, the pump frame, the crankshaft, and/or the one or more connecting rods have pivoted to the first orientation.
If, at 1388, it is determined that that the first support, the second support, the pump frame, the crankshaft, and/or the one or more connecting rods have pivoted to back to the first orientation, in some embodiments, the example method 1300 may end.
It should be appreciated that at least some subject matter presented herein may be implemented as a computer process, a computer-controlled apparatus, a computing system, or an article of manufacture, such as a computer-readable storage medium. While the subject matter described herein is presented in the general context of program modules that execute on one or more computing devices, those skilled in the art will recognize that other implementations may be performed in combination with other types of program modules. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components, data structures, and other types of structures that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types.
Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that aspects of the subject matter described herein may be practiced on or in conjunction with other computer system configurations beyond those described herein, including multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, minicomputers, mainframe computers, handheld computers, mobile telephone devices, tablet computing devices, special-purposed hardware devices, network appliances, and the like.
The memory 1404 may be used to store program instructions that are loadable and executable by the processor(s) 1402, as well as to store data generated during the execution of these programs. Depending on the configuration and type of the pivoting support assembly controller 1400, the memory 1404 may be volatile (such as random-access memory (RAM)) and/or non-volatile (such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, etc.). In some examples, the memory devices may include additional removable storage 1406 and/or non-removable storage 1408 including, but not limited to, magnetic storage, optical disks, and/or tape storage. The disk drives and their associated computer-readable media may provide non-volatile storage of computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data for the devices. In some implementations, the memory 1404 may include multiple different types of memory, such as static random-access memory (SRAM), dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), or ROM.
The memory 1404, the removable storage 1406, and the non-removable storage 1408 are all examples of computer-readable storage media. For example, computer-readable storage media may include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Additional types of computer storage media that may be present may include, but are not limited to, programmable random access memory (PRAM), SRAM, DRAM, RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, or other memory technology, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile discs (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tapes, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium, which may be used to store the desired information and which may be accessed by the devices. Combinations of any of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.
The pivoting support assembly controller 1400 may also include one or more communication connection(s) 1410 that may facilitate a control device (not shown) to communicate with devices or equipment capable of communicating with the pivoting support assembly controller 1400. The pivoting support assembly controller 1400 may also include a computer system (not shown). Connections may also be established via various data communication channels or ports, such as USB or COM ports to receive cables connecting the pivoting support assembly controller 1400 to various other devices on a network. In some examples, the pivoting support assembly controller 1400 may include Ethernet drivers that enable the pivoting support assembly controller 1400 to communicate with other devices on the network. According to various examples, communication connections 1410 may be established via a wired and/or wireless connection on the network.
The pivoting support assembly controller 1400 may also include one or more input devices 1412, such as a keyboard, mouse, pen, voice input device, gesture input device, and/or touch input device. It may further include one or more output devices 1414, such as a display, printer, and/or speakers. In some examples, computer-readable communication media may include computer-readable instructions, program modules, or other data transmitted within a data signal, such as a carrier wave or other transmission. As used herein, however, computer-readable storage media may not include computer-readable communication media.
Turning to the contents of the memory 1404, the memory 1404 may include, but is not limited to, an operating system (OS) 1416 and one or more application programs or services for implementing the features and embodiments disclosed herein. Such applications or services may include remote terminal units 1418 for executing certain systems and methods for controlling operation of the pivoting support assembly 12 (e.g., semi- or fully-autonomously controlling operation of the pivoting support assembly 12), for example, upon receipt of one or more control signals generated by the pivoting support assembly controller 1400. In some embodiments, one or more remote terminal unit(s) 1418 may be located on one or more components of the pivoting support assembly 12. The remote terminal unit(s) 1418 may reside in the memory 1404 or may be independent of the pivoting support assembly controller 1400. In some examples, the remote terminal unit(s) 1418 may be implemented by software that may be provided in configurable control block language and may be stored in non-volatile memory. When executed by the processor(s) 1402, the remote terminal unit(s) 1418 may implement the various functionalities and features associated with the pivoting support assembly controller 1400 described herein.
As desired, embodiments of the disclosure may include a pivoting support assembly controller 1400 with more or fewer components than are illustrated in
References are made to block diagrams of systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products according to example embodiments. It will be understood that at least some of the blocks of the block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams, may be implemented at least partially by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be loaded onto a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, special purpose hardware-based computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus create means for implementing the functionality of at least some of the blocks of the block diagrams, or combinations of blocks in the block diagrams discussed.
These computer program instructions may also be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means that implement the function specified in the block or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide task, acts, actions, or operations for implementing the functions specified in the block or blocks.
One or more components of the systems and one or more elements of the methods described herein may be implemented through an application program running on an operating system of a computer. They may also be practiced with other computer system configurations, including hand-held devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, mini-computers, mainframe computers, and the like.
Application programs that are components of the systems and methods described herein may include routines, programs, components, data structures, etc., that may implement certain abstract data types and perform certain tasks or actions. In a distributed computing environment, the application program (in whole or in part) may be located in local memory or in other storage. In addition, or alternatively, the application program (in whole or in part) may be located in remote memory or in storage to allow for circumstances where tasks can be performed by remote processing devices linked through a communications network.
This U.S. provisional patent application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/386,289, filed Dec. 6, 2022, titled “CRANKSHAFT AND CONNECTING ROD ASSEMBLIES FOR HYDRAULIC FRACTURING PUMPS TO ENHANCE FLOW OF FRACTURING FLUID INTO WELLHEADS AND RELATED METHODS,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application further claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 17/989,607, filed Nov. 17, 2022, titled “HYDRAULIC FRACTURING PUMPS TO ENHANCE FLOW OF FRACTURING FLUID INTO WELLHEADS AND RELATED METHODS,” which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/664,578, filed May 23, 2022, titled “HYDRAULIC FRACTURING PUMPS TO ENHANCE FLOW OF FRACTURING FLUID INTO WELLHEADS AND RELATED METHODS,” which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/202,031, filed May 24, 2021, the disclosures of all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
Having now described some illustrative embodiments of the disclosure, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the foregoing is merely illustrative and not limiting, having been presented by way of example only. Numerous modifications and other embodiments are within the scope of one of ordinary skill in the art and are contemplated as falling within the scope of the disclosure. In particular, although many of the examples presented herein involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements, it should be understood that those acts and those elements may be combined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that the parameters and configurations described herein are exemplary and that actual parameters and/or configurations will depend on the specific application in which the systems, methods, and/or aspects or techniques of the disclosure are used. Those skilled in the art should also recognize or be able to ascertain, using no more than routine experimentation, equivalents to the specific embodiments of the disclosure. It is, therefore, to be understood that the embodiments described herein are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of any appended claims and equivalents thereto, the disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.
Embodiment 1. A pivoting support assembly for facilitating assembly and disassembly of a high-power pump, the pivoting support assembly comprising: a base; a first support having a first support proximal end and a first support distal end, the first support proximal end and the first support distal end defining therebetween a first longitudinal support axis, the first support proximal end being connected to the base via a first pivotable support connector, the first support being configured to be connected to a pump frame of the high-power pump, such that a longitudinal pump axis of the high-power pump is substantially parallel to the first longitudinal support axis; a first actuator having a first actuator proximal end connected to the base via a first proximal pivotable actuator connector and a first actuator distal end connected to the first support between the first support proximal end and the first support distal end via a first distal pivotable actuator connector, the first actuator being positioned to: (a) extend and cause the first support to pivot from a first orientation through a first pivot angle to a second orientation relative to the base, thereby to re-orient the pump frame for installation of a crankshaft of the high-power pump, and (b) retract and cause the first support to pivot from the second orientation toward the first orientation; a second support having a second support proximal end and a second support distal end, the second support proximal end and the second support distal end defining therebetween a second longitudinal support axis, the second support proximal end being connected to the first support via a second pivotable support connector, the second support being configured to be connected to the pump frame of the high-power pump, such that the longitudinal pump axis of the high-power pump is substantially perpendicular to the second longitudinal support axis; and a second actuator having a second actuator proximal end connected to the first support via a second proximal pivotable actuator connector and a second actuator distal end connected to the second support between the second support proximal end and the second support distal end via a second distal pivotable actuator connector, the second actuator being positioned to: (a) extend and cause the second support to pivot from a third orientation through a second pivot angle to a fourth orientation relative to the first support, thereby to re-orient the pump frame for installation of a connecting rod of the high-power pump, and (b) retract and cause the second support to pivot from the fourth orientation toward the third orientation.
Embodiment 2. The pivoting support assembly of embodiment 1, wherein the first pivot angle ranges from about 45 degrees to about 100 degrees, and the second pivot angle ranges from about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees.
Embodiment 3. The pivoting support assembly of embodiment 1, a total of the first pivot angle and the second pivot angle ranges from about 100 degrees to about 150 degrees.
Embodiment 4. The pivoting support assembly of embodiment 1, wherein the first actuator comprises one or more of a linear actuator or a motor, and the second actuator comprises a self-locking actuator.
Embodiment 5. The pivoting support assembly of embodiment 4, wherein the first actuator comprises one or more of a hydraulically powered actuator, a pneumatically powered actuator, or an electrically powered actuator, and the second actuator comprises a screw jack.
Embodiment 6. The pivoting support assembly of embodiment 1, wherein the first support comprises: a first support proximal cross brace at the first support proximal end; a first support distal cross brace at the first support distal end; and a first support side frame member connected to the first support proximal cross brace and the first support distal cross brace.
Embodiment 7. The pivoting support assembly of embodiment 6, wherein the first support proximal cross brace and the first support distal cross brace each include one or more of (a) a connection aperture configured to receive a fastener to connect the pump frame to the first support, or (b) a fastener configured to connect the pump frame to the first support.
Embodiment 8. The pivoting support assembly of embodiment 6, further comprising a first support stop connected to the first support distal cross brace and positioned to abut the base when the first support is in the first orientation.
Embodiment 9. The pivoting support assembly of embodiment 6, wherein the first support further comprises a first support medial cross brace between the first support proximal cross brace and the first support distal cross brace, and the second proximal pivotable actuator connector is connected to the first support via the first support medial cross brace.
Embodiment 10. The pivoting support assembly of embodiment 6, wherein the second support comprises: a second support proximal cross brace at the second support proximal end; a second support distal end frame member at the second support distal end; and a second support side frame member connected to the second support proximal cross brace and the second support distal end frame member.
Embodiment 11. The pivoting support assembly of embodiment 10, wherein the second distal pivotable actuator connector is connected to: (a) the first support side frame member between the first support proximal cross brace and the first support distal cross brace, and (b) the second support side frame member between the second support proximal cross brace and the second support distal end frame member.
Embodiment 12. The pivoting support assembly of embodiment 10, wherein: the second support side frame member is a first opposing longitudinal member of the second support and the pivoting support assembly further comprises a second opposing longitudinal member of the second support; and the first opposing longitudinal member of the second support and the second opposing longitudinal member of the second support each include one or more of (a) a connection aperture configured to receive a fastener to connect the pump frame to the second support, or (b) a fastener configured to connect the pump frame to the second support.
Embodiment 13. The pivoting support assembly of embodiment 10, wherein the pivoting support assembly further comprises a second support stop connected to the second support distal end frame member and positioned to abut the first support distal cross brace when the second support is in the third orientation.
Embodiment 14. The pivoting support assembly of embodiment 1, wherein: the first actuator comprises two first actuators, each of the two first actuators being connected to the base and the first support; and the second actuator comprises two second actuators, each of the two second actuators being connected to the first support and the second support.
Embodiment 15. The pivoting support assembly of embodiment 1, wherein the first actuator and the second actuator are configured to be activated independently of one another.
Embodiment 16. A method of installing components in a power end of a high-power pump, the method comprising: attaching a pump frame of the high-power pump to a first support of a pivoting support assembly; activating a first actuator connected to the first support; pivoting, via activation of the first actuator, the first support and the pump frame from a first orientation through a first pivot angle to a second orientation, thereby to re-orient the pump frame; inserting, while the first support and the pump frame are in the second orientation, a crankshaft of the high-power pump into the pump frame; retracting the first actuator; pivoting, via retraction of the first actuator, the first support and the pump frame from the second orientation toward the first orientation, thereby to re-orient the first support, the pump frame, and the crankshaft; re-orienting the pump frame and the crankshaft from a first pump rotational orientation to a second pump rotational orientation transverse relative to the first pump rotational orientation; attaching the pump frame to a second support of the pivoting support assembly; activating the first actuator; pivoting, via activation of the first actuator, the first support, the second support, the pump frame, and the crankshaft from the first orientation toward the second orientation, thereby to re-orient the pump frame and the crankshaft; activating a second actuator connected to the second support; pivoting, via activation of the second actuator, the second support, the pump frame, and the crankshaft from a third orientation relative to the first support through a second pivot angle to a fourth orientation, thereby to re-orient the pump frame and the crankshaft; inserting, while the pump frame and the crankshaft are in the fourth orientation, a connecting rod into the pump frame; connecting the connecting rod to the crankshaft; retracting the second actuator; pivoting, via retraction of the second actuator, the second support, the pump frame, the crankshaft, and the connecting rod from the fourth orientation toward the third orientation, thereby to re-orient the second support, the pump frame, the crankshaft, and the connecting rod; retracting the first actuator; and pivoting, via retraction of the first actuator, the first support, the second support, the pump frame, the crankshaft, and the connecting rod the first orientation, thereby to re-orient the first support, the second support, the pump frame, the crankshaft, and the connecting rod.
Embodiment 17. The method of embodiment 16, further comprising separating the pump frame and the crankshaft from the first support prior to re-orienting the pump frame and the crankshaft from the first pump rotational orientation to the second pump rotational orientation.
Embodiment 18. The method of embodiment 16, wherein activating the first actuator comprises activating a linear actuator, and activating the second actuator comprises activating a self-locking actuator.
Embodiment 19. The method of embodiment 16, wherein pivoting the first support and the pump frame through the first pivot angle comprises pivoting the first support and the pump frame through a pivot angle ranging from about 45 degrees to about 100 degrees.
Embodiment 20. The method of embodiment 16, wherein pivoting the second support, the pump frame, and the crankshaft through the second pivot angle comprises pivoting the second support, the pump frame, and the crankshaft through a pivot angle ranging from about from about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees.
Embodiment 21. The method of embodiment 16, wherein: pivoting the first support and pivoting the second support comprise pivoting the first support and pivoting the second support about respective axes that are substantially horizontal; and re-orienting the pump frame from a first pump rotational orientation to a second pump rotational orientation comprises re-orienting the pump frame about a substantially vertical axis.
Embodiment 22. The method of embodiment 16, wherein inserting the crankshaft into the pump frame comprises: orienting the crankshaft such that a crankshaft longitudinal axis of the crankshaft is substantially parallel to a longitudinal pump axis of the pump frame; and inserting the crankshaft through one or more holes at least partially defined by the pump frame.
Embodiment 23. The method of embodiment 22, wherein: orienting the crankshaft comprises orienting the crankshaft such that the crankshaft longitudinal axis is substantially vertical; and inserting the crankshaft comprises one of (a) lowering the crankshaft into the one or more holes or (b) lifting the crankshaft into the one or more holes.
Embodiment 24. The method of embodiment 16, wherein pivoting the second support, the pump frame, and the crankshaft comprises re-orienting the pump frame from a first roll orientation about a longitudinal pump axis of the pump frame through a first roll angle to a second roll orientation relative to the first roll orientation.
Embodiment 25. The method of embodiment 24, wherein inserting the connecting rod into the pump frame comprises: orienting the connecting rod such that a connecting rod longitudinal axis of the connecting rod is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal pump axis of the pump frame; and inserting the connecting rod into a connecting rod receiver at least partially defined by the pump frame.
Embodiment 26. The method of embodiment 25, wherein: orienting the connecting rod comprises orienting the connecting rod such that the connecting rod longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to a longitudinal receiver axis of the connecting rod receiver; and inserting the connecting rod comprises lowering the connecting rod into the connecting rod receiver.
Embodiment 27. The method of embodiment 16, further comprising associating a crosshead and a bushing with the connecting rod, thereby to form a connecting rod-crosshead-bushing assembly, wherein inserting the connecting rod into the pump frame comprises inserting the connecting rod-crosshead-bushing assembly into the pump frame.
Embodiment 28. The method of embodiment 16, wherein: (a) the pump frame comprises: a first bank of connecting rod receivers positioned to receive first connecting rods, the first bank of connecting rod receivers extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal pump axis of the pump frame; and a second bank of connecting rod receivers positioned to receive second connecting rods, the second bank of connecting rod receivers extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal pump axis, and such that the first connecting rods are positioned to reciprocate in a first plane and the second connecting rods are positioned to reciprocate in a second plane forming a bank angle relative to the first plane; (b) the connecting rod is a first connecting rod of the first connecting rods; (c) inserting the connecting rod into the pump frame comprises inserting the first connecting rod of the first connecting rods into a first connecting rod receiver of the first bank of connecting rod receivers; and (d) the method further comprises: inserting, while the pump frame and the crankshaft are in the fourth orientation, one or more additional connecting rods of the first connecting rods into one or more additional connecting rod receivers of the first bank of connecting rod receivers; and connecting the one or more additional connecting rods of the first connecting rods to the crankshaft.
Embodiment 29. The method of embodiment 28, the method further comprising, following re-orienting the pump frame and the crankshaft from the first pump rotational orientation to the second pump rotational orientation transverse relative to the first pump rotational orientation, connecting a first connecting rod of the second connecting rods to the crankshaft.
Embodiment 30. The method of embodiment 29, wherein connecting the first connecting rod of the second connecting rods to the crankshaft comprises: following pivoting the second support, the pump frame, the crankshaft, and the first connecting rod of the first connecting rods from the fourth orientation toward the third orientation, re-orienting the pump frame from the second pump rotational orientation, wherein the first bank of connecting rod receivers is in a first position relative to the second support, to a third pump rotational orientation such that the second bank of connecting rod receivers is in the first position relative to the second support; and attaching the pump frame to the second support of the pivoting support assembly.
Embodiment 31. The method of embodiment 30, wherein connecting the first connecting rod of the second connecting rods to the crankshaft comprises: activating the first actuator; pivoting, via activation of the first actuator, the first support, the second support, the pump frame, the crankshaft, and the first connecting rod of the first connecting rods from the first orientation toward the second orientation, thereby to re-orient the pump frame, the crankshaft, and the first connecting rod of the first connecting rods; activating the second actuator connected to the second support; pivoting, via activation of the second actuator, the second support, the pump frame, the crankshaft, and the first connecting rod of the first connecting rods from the third orientation relative to the first support through the second pivot angle to the fourth orientation, thereby to re-orient the pump frame, the crankshaft, and the first connecting rod of the first connecting rods; inserting, while the pump frame, the crankshaft, and the first connecting rod of the first connecting rods are in the fourth orientation, the first one of the second connecting rods into a first connecting rod receiver of the second bank of connecting rod receivers; connecting the first connecting rod of the second connecting rods to the crankshaft; retracting the second actuator; and pivoting, via retraction of the second actuator, the second support, the pump frame, the crankshaft, the first connecting rod of the first connecting rods, and the first connecting rod of the second connecting rods from the fourth orientation toward the third orientation, thereby to re-orient the second support, the pump frame, the crankshaft, the first connecting rod of the first connecting rods, and the first connecting rod of the second connecting rods.
Embodiment 32. The method of embodiment 31, further comprising: inserting, while the pump frame and the crankshaft are in the fourth orientation, one or more additional connecting rods of the second connecting rods into one or more additional connecting rod receivers of the second bank of connecting rod receivers; and connecting the one or more additional connecting rods of the second connecting rods to the crankshaft.
Embodiment 33. The method of embodiment 16, wherein the high-power pump is a hydraulic fracturing pump.
Embodiment 34. The method of embodiment 33, wherein the pump frame comprises: a first bank of connecting rod receivers positioned to receive first connecting rods, the first bank of connecting rod receivers extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal pump axis of the pump frame; and a second bank of connecting rod receivers positioned to receive second connecting rods, the second bank of connecting rod receivers extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal pump axis, and such that the first connecting rods are positioned to reciprocate in a first plane and the second connecting rods are positioned to reciprocate in a second plane forming a bank angle relative to the first plane.
Embodiment 35. A connecting rod-crosshead-bushing assembly to enhance assembly of a high-power pump, the connecting rod-crosshead-bushing assembly comprising: a bushing having a crankshaft end and a bushing distal end, the bushing at least partially defining a bushing interior extending between the crankshaft end and the bushing distal end, the bushing interior having a substantially cylindrical interior surface at least partially defining a bushing lip extending radially inward adjacent the bushing distal end and at least partially defining an inner radial dimension; a connecting rod having rod body including a rod body proximal end positioned to be connected to a crankshaft and a rod body crosshead end opposite the rod body proximal end, the rod body being at least partially received in the bushing interior; and a crosshead connected to the rod body crosshead end and positioned to reciprocate within the bushing interior, the crosshead comprising: a crosshead body having a crosshead proximal end and extending from the crosshead proximal end to a crosshead distal end, the crosshead body at least partially defining an exterior radial dimension greater than the inner radial dimension of the bushing lip; and an attachment boss connected to the crosshead distal end and positioned to be connected to lift hardware, thereby to support the connecting rod-crosshead-bushing assembly via the lift hardware.
Embodiment 36. The assembly of embodiment 35, further comprising a rod pin connecting the rod body crosshead end of the connecting rod and the crosshead to one another.
Embodiment 37. The assembly of embodiment 35, wherein the attachment boss comprises a cylindrical extension at least partially defining boss threads positioned to engage complimentary threads of the lift hardware.
Embodiment 38. The assembly of embodiment 37, wherein the boss threads are internal threads.
Embodiment 39. The assembly of embodiment 37, wherein the boss threads are external threads.
Embodiment 40. The assembly of embodiment 35, wherein the bushing defines one or more openings between the crankshaft end and the bushing distal end and extending between an exterior surface of the bushing and the bushing interior.
Embodiment 41. The assembly of embodiment 35, wherein: the crosshead body at least partially defines an interior rod pocket, and the crosshead distal end of the connecting rod is at least partially received in the interior rod pocket; and the crosshead body at least partially defines a lubricant passage extending from an exterior surface of the crosshead body to the interior rod pocket.
Embodiment 42. The assembly of embodiment 41, wherein one or more of an exterior surface of the crosshead or the bushing interior at least partially defines a clearance between the exterior surface of the crosshead and the bushing interior, the clearance being in fluid communication with the lubricant passage.
Embodiment 43. A pivoting support assembly for facilitating assembly and disassembly of a pump, the pivoting support assembly comprising: a base; a first support configured to be connected to a pump frame of the pump, such that a longitudinal pump axis of the pump is substantially parallel to a first longitudinal support axis of the first support; a first actuator connected to the base and the first support, the first actuator being positioned to: (a) cause the first support to pivot from a first orientation through a first pivot angle to a second orientation relative to the base, thereby to re-orient the pump frame for installation of a first component of the pump, and (b) cause the first support to pivot from the second orientation toward the first orientation; a second support having a second longitudinal support axis, the second support being connected to the first support and being configured to be connected to the pump frame, such that the longitudinal pump axis is substantially perpendicular to the second longitudinal support axis; and a second actuator connected to one of the base or the first support and to the second support, the second actuator being positioned to: (a) cause the second support to pivot from a third orientation through a second pivot angle to a fourth orientation relative to one of the base or the first support, thereby to re-orient the pump frame for installation of a second component of the pump, and (b) cause the second support to pivot from the fourth orientation toward the third orientation.
Embodiment 44. The pivoting support assembly of embodiment 43, wherein the first pivot angle ranges from about 45 degrees to about 100 degrees, and the second pivot angle ranges from about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees.
Embodiment 45. The pivoting support assembly of embodiment 43, a total of the first pivot angle and the second pivot angle ranges from about 100 degrees to about 150 degrees.
Embodiment 46. The pivoting support assembly of embodiment 43, wherein the first actuator comprises one or more of a linear actuator or a motor, and the second actuator comprises a self-locking actuator.
Embodiment 47. The pivoting support assembly of embodiment 46, wherein the first actuator comprises one or more of a hydraulically powered actuator, a pneumatically powered actuator, or an electrically powered actuator, and the second actuator comprises a screw jack.
Embodiment 48. The pivoting support assembly of embodiment 43, wherein the first support comprises one or more of (a) a connection aperture configured to receive a fastener to connect the pump frame to the first support, or (b) a fastener configured to connect the pump frame to the first support.
Embodiment 49. The pivoting support assembly of embodiment 48, further comprising a first support stop connected to the first support and positioned to abut the base when the first support is in the first orientation.
Embodiment 50. The pivoting support assembly of embodiment 48, wherein the first support further comprises an intermediate member, and the second actuator is connected to the first support via the intermediate member.
Embodiment 51. The pivoting support assembly of embodiment 48, wherein a second proximal pivotable actuator connector is connected to the first support.
Embodiment 52. The pivoting support assembly of embodiment 43, wherein the second support comprises one or more of (a) a connection aperture configured to receive a fastener to connect the pump frame to the second support, or (b) a fastener configured to connect the pump frame to the second support.
Embodiment 53. The pivoting support assembly of embodiment 43, wherein the pivoting support assembly further comprises a second support stop connected to the second support and positioned to abut one of the base or the first support when the second support is in the third orientation.
Embodiment 54. The pivoting support assembly of embodiment 43, wherein: the first actuator comprises two first actuators, each of the two first actuators being connected to the base and the first support; and the second actuator comprises two second actuators, each of the two second actuators being connected to the second support and one of the base or the first support.
Embodiment 55. The pivoting support assembly of embodiment 43, wherein the first actuator and the second actuator are configured to be activated independently of one another.
Embodiment 56. A method of installing components in a pump, the method comprising: attaching a pump frame of the pump to a first support of a pivoting support assembly; activating a first actuator connected to the first support; pivoting, via activation of the first actuator, the first support and the pump frame from a first orientation through a first pivot angle to a second orientation, thereby to re-orient the pump frame; inserting, while the first support and the pump frame are in the second orientation, a first component of the pump into the pump frame; operating the first actuator; pivoting, via operation of the first actuator, the first support, the pump frame, and the first component from the second orientation toward the first orientation, thereby to re-orient the first support, the pump frame, and the first component; re-orienting the pump frame and the first component relative to the pivoting support assembly; activating one or more of the first actuator or a second actuator; pivoting, via activation of the one or more of the first actuator or the second actuator, the pump frame and the first component from a third orientation through a second pivot angle to a fourth orientation, thereby to re-orient the pump frame and the first component; inserting, while the pump frame and the first component are in the fourth orientation, a second component into the pump frame; connecting the second component to one of the first component or a third component; operating the one or more of the first actuator or the second actuator; pivoting, via operation of the one or more of the first actuator or the second actuator, the pump frame, the first component, and the second component from the fourth orientation toward the third orientation, thereby to re-orient the pump frame, the first component, and the second component.
Embodiment 57. The method of embodiment 56, wherein pivoting, via activation of the first actuator, the first support and the pump frame from the first orientation to the second orientation comprises extending the first actuator.
Embodiment 58. The method of embodiment 56, wherein pivoting the first support, the pump frame, and the first component from the second orientation toward the first orientation comprises retracting the first actuator.
Embodiment 59. The method of embodiment 56, wherein re-orienting the pump frame and the first component relative to the pivoting support assembly comprises: separating the pump frame and the first component from the first support; and re-orienting the pump frame and the first component from a first pump rotational orientation to a second pump rotational orientation transverse relative to the first pump rotational orientation.
Embodiment 60. The method of embodiment 59, wherein re-orienting the pump frame and the first component from the first pump rotational orientation to the second pump rotational orientation comprises attaching the pump frame to a second support of the pivoting support assembly.
Embodiment 61. The method of embodiment 60, wherein pivoting the pump frame and the first component from the third orientation to the fourth orientation comprises re-orienting the pump frame and the first component from a first roll orientation about a longitudinal pump axis of the pump frame from a first roll orientation through a first roll angle to a second roll orientation relative to the first roll orientation.
Embodiment 62. The method of embodiment 60, wherein pivoting, via activation of the one or more of the first actuator or the second actuator, the pump frame and the first component from the third orientation to the fourth orientation comprises: activating a second actuator connected to the second support; and pivoting, via activation of the second actuator, the second support, the pump frame, and the first component from the third orientation to the fourth orientation.
Embodiment 63. The method of embodiment 62, wherein activating the second actuator and pivoting the second support, the pump frame, and the first component from the third orientation to the fourth orientation comprises extending the second actuator.
Embodiment 64. The method of embodiment 60, wherein pivoting the pump frame, the first component, and the second component from the fourth orientation toward the third orientation comprises: activating a second actuator connected to the second support; and pivoting, via activation of the second actuator, the second support, the pump frame, the first component, and the second component from the fourth orientation toward the third orientation.
Embodiment 65. The method of embodiment 64, wherein activating the second actuator and pivoting the second support, the pump frame, the first component, and the second component from the third orientation to the fourth orientation comprises retracting the second actuator.
Embodiment 66. The method of embodiment 56, further comprising pivoting, via retraction of the first actuator, the first support, the second support, the pump frame, the first component, and the second component from the second orientation toward the first orientation, thereby to re-orient the first support, the second support, the pump frame, the first component, and the second component.
Embodiment 67. The method of embodiment 56, wherein pivoting the pump frame and the first component from the third orientation to the fourth orientation comprises: activating the first actuator; pivoting, via activation of the first actuator, the first support, a second support, the pump frame, and the first component from the first orientation toward the second orientation; activating a second actuator connected to the second support; and pivoting, via activation of the second actuator, the second support, the pump frame, and the first component from the third orientation relative to the first support through the second pivot angle to the fourth orientation, thereby to re-orient the pump frame and the first component.
Embodiment 68. The method of embodiment 56, wherein activating the first actuator comprises activating a linear actuator.
Embodiment 69. The method of embodiment 56, wherein pivoting, via activation of the one or more of the first actuator or the second actuator, the pump frame and the first component from the third orientation to the fourth orientation comprises activating a second actuator, wherein activating the second actuator comprises activating a self-locking actuator.
Embodiment 70. The method of embodiment 56, wherein pivoting the first support and the pump frame through the first pivot angle comprises pivoting the first support and the pump frame through a pivot angle ranging from about 45 degrees to about 100 degrees.
Embodiment 71. The method of embodiment 56, wherein pivoting the pump frame and the first component through the second pivot angle comprises pivoting the pump frame and the first component through a pivot angle ranging from about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees.
Embodiment 72. The method of embodiment 56, wherein: pivoting the first support and pivoting the second support comprise pivoting the first support and pivoting the second support about respective axes that are substantially horizontal; and re-orienting the pump frame from the first pump rotational orientation to the second pump rotational orientation comprises re-orienting the pump frame about a substantially vertical axis.
Embodiment 73. The method of embodiment 56, wherein inserting the first component into the pump frame comprises: orienting the first component such that a longitudinal axis of the first component is substantially parallel to a longitudinal pump axis of the pump frame; and inserting the first component through one or more holes at least partially defined by the pump frame.
Embodiment 74. The method of embodiment 73, wherein: orienting the first component comprises orienting the first component such that the longitudinal axis of the first component is substantially vertical; and inserting the first component comprises one of (a) lowering the first component into the one or more holes or (b) lifting the first component into the one or more holes.
Embodiment 75. The method of embodiment 56, wherein pivoting the pump frame and the first component from the third orientation to the fourth orientation comprises re-orienting the pump frame from a first roll orientation about a longitudinal pump axis of the pump frame through a first roll angle to a second roll orientation relative to the first roll orientation.
Embodiment 76. The method of embodiment 75, wherein inserting the second component into the pump frame comprises: orienting the second component such that a longitudinal axis of the second component is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal pump axis of the pump frame; and inserting the second component into a receiver at least partially defined by the pump frame.
Embodiment 77. The method of embodiment 76, wherein: orienting the second component comprises orienting the second component such that the longitudinal axis of the second component is substantially parallel to a longitudinal receiver axis of the receiver; and inserting the second component comprises lowering the second component into the receiver.
Embodiment 78. The method of embodiment 56, further comprising associating a third component with the second component, thereby to form an assembly of the second component and the third component, wherein inserting the second component into the pump frame comprises inserting the assembly of the second component and the third component into the pump frame.
Embodiment 79. The method of embodiment 56, wherein: (a) the first component comprises a crankshaft and the second component comprises a connecting rod; (b) the pump frame comprises: a first bank of connecting rod receivers positioned to receive first connecting rods, the first bank of connecting rod receivers extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal pump axis of the pump frame; and a second bank of connecting rod receivers positioned to receive second connecting rods, the second bank of connecting rod receivers extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal pump axis, and such that the first connecting rods are positioned to reciprocate in a first plane and the second connecting rods are positioned to reciprocate in a second plane forming a bank angle relative to the first plane; (c) the connecting rod is a first connecting rod of the first connecting rods; (d) inserting the second component into the pump frame comprises inserting the first connecting rod of the first connecting rods into a first connecting rod receiver of the first bank of connecting rod receivers; and (e) the method further comprises: inserting, while the pump frame and the crankshaft are in the fourth orientation, one or more additional connecting rods of the first connecting rods into one or more additional connecting rod receivers of the first bank of connecting rod receivers; and connecting the one or more additional connecting rods of the first connecting rods to the crankshaft.
Embodiment 80. The method of embodiment 79, the method further comprising, following re-orienting the pump frame and the crankshaft from the first pump rotational orientation to the second pump rotational orientation transverse relative to the first pump rotational orientation, connecting a first connecting rod of the second connecting rods to the crankshaft.
Embodiment 81. The method of embodiment 80, wherein connecting the first connecting rod of the second connecting rods to the crankshaft comprises: following pivoting of the pump frame, the crankshaft, and the first connecting rod of the first connecting rods from the fourth orientation toward the third orientation, re-orienting the pump frame from the second pump rotational orientation, wherein the first bank of connecting rod receivers is in a first position relative to the second support, to a third pump rotational orientation such that the second bank of connecting rod receivers is in the first position relative to the second support; and attaching the pump frame to the pivoting support assembly.
Embodiment 82. The method of embodiment 81, wherein connecting the first connecting rod of the second connecting rods to the crankshaft comprises: activating the first actuator; pivoting, via activation of the first actuator, the first support, a second support connected to the first support, the pump frame, the crankshaft, and the first connecting rod of the first connecting rods from the first orientation toward the second orientation, thereby to re-orient the pump frame, the crankshaft, and the first connecting rod of the first connecting rods; activating the second actuator connected to the second support; pivoting, via activation of the second actuator, the second support, the pump frame, the crankshaft, and the first connecting rod of the first connecting rods from the third orientation relative to the first support through the second pivot angle to the fourth orientation, thereby to re-orient the pump frame, the crankshaft, and the first connecting rod of the first connecting rods; inserting, while the pump frame, the crankshaft, and the first connecting rod of the first connecting rods are in the fourth orientation, the first one of the second connecting rods into a first connecting rod receiver of the second bank of connecting rod receivers; connecting the first connecting rod of the second connecting rods to the crankshaft; retracting the second actuator; and pivoting, via retraction of the second actuator, the second support, the pump frame, the crankshaft, the first connecting rod of the first connecting rods, and the first connecting rod of the second connecting rods from the fourth orientation toward the third orientation, thereby to re-orient the second support, the pump frame, the crankshaft, the first connecting rod of the first connecting rods, and the first connecting rod of the second connecting rods.
Embodiment 83. The method of embodiment 82, further comprising: inserting, while the pump frame and the crankshaft are in the fourth orientation, one or more additional connecting rods of the second connecting rods into one or more additional connecting rod receivers of the second bank of connecting rod receivers; and connecting the one or more additional connecting rods of the second connecting rods to the crankshaft.
Embodiment 84. The method of embodiment 56, wherein the pump is a hydraulic fracturing pump.
Embodiment 85. The method of embodiment 84, wherein the pump frame comprises: a first bank of connecting rod receivers positioned to receive first connecting rods, the first bank of connecting rod receivers extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal pump axis of the pump frame; and a second bank of connecting rod receivers positioned to receive second connecting rods, the second bank of connecting rod receivers extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal pump axis, and such that the first connecting rods are positioned to reciprocate in a first plane and the second connecting rods are positioned to reciprocate in a second plane forming a bank angle relative to the first plane.
Embodiment 86. A pivoting support assembly for facilitating assembly and disassembly of a pump, the pivoting support assembly comprising: a base; a support configured to be connected to a pump frame of the pump, such that a longitudinal pump axis of the pump is substantially parallel to a first longitudinal support axis of the support; and an actuator connected to the base and the support, the actuator being positioned to: (a) cause the support to pivot from a first orientation through a first pivot angle to a second orientation relative to the base, thereby to re-orient the pump frame for installation of a component of the pump, and (b) cause the support to pivot from the second orientation toward the first orientation.
Embodiment 87. The pivoting support assembly of embodiment 86, wherein the first pivot angle ranges from about 45 degrees to about 100 degrees.
Embodiment 88. The pivoting support assembly of embodiment 86, wherein the actuator comprises one or more of a linear actuator or a motor.
Embodiment 89. The pivoting support assembly of embodiment 88, wherein the actuator comprises one or more of a hydraulically powered actuator, a pneumatically powered actuator, or an electrically powered actuator.
Embodiment 90. The pivoting support assembly of embodiment 86, wherein the support comprises one or more of (a) a connection aperture configured to receive a fastener to connect the pump frame to the first support, or (b) a fastener configured to connect the pump frame to the first support.
Embodiment 91. The pivoting support assembly of embodiment 90, further comprising a support stop connected to the support and positioned to abut the base when the support is in the first orientation.
Embodiment 92. The pivoting support assembly of embodiment 90, wherein the support further comprises an intermediate member, and the second actuator is connected to the support via the intermediate member.
Embodiment 93. The pivoting support assembly of embodiment 86, wherein: the actuator comprises two actuators, each of the two actuators being connected to the base and the support.
Embodiment 94. A method of installing a component in a pump, the method comprising: attaching a pump frame of the pump to a support of a pivoting support assembly; activating an actuator connected to the support; pivoting, via activation of the actuator, the support and the pump frame from a first orientation through a pivot angle to a second orientation, thereby to re-orient the pump frame; inserting, while the support and the pump frame are in the second orientation, a component of the pump into the pump frame; activating the actuator; pivoting, via activation of the actuator, the support, the pump frame, and the first component from the second orientation toward the first orientation, thereby to re-orient the support, the pump frame, and the component.
Embodiment 95. The method of embodiment 94, wherein pivoting, via activation of the actuator, the support and the pump frame from the first orientation to the second orientation comprises extending the actuator.
Embodiment 96. The method of embodiment 94, wherein pivoting the support, the pump frame, and the component from the second orientation toward the first orientation comprises retracting the actuator.
Embodiment 97. The method of embodiment 94, wherein activating the actuator comprises activating a linear actuator.
Embodiment 98. The method of embodiment 94, wherein pivoting the support and the pump frame through the first pivot angle comprises pivoting the support and the pump frame through a pivot angle ranging from about 45 degrees to about 100 degrees.
Embodiment 99. The method of embodiment 94, wherein inserting the component into the pump frame comprises: orienting the component such that a longitudinal axis of the component is substantially parallel to a longitudinal pump axis of the pump frame; and inserting the component through one or more holes at least partially defined by the pump frame.
Embodiment 100. The method of embodiment 99, wherein: orienting the component comprises orienting the component such that the longitudinal axis of the component is substantially vertical; and inserting the component comprises one of (a) lowering the component into the one or more holes or (b) lifting the component into the one or more holes.
Embodiment 101. The method of embodiment 94, wherein inserting the component of the pump into the pump frame comprises inserting a crankshaft into the pump frame.
Embodiment 102. A method of installing a component in a pump, the method comprising: attaching a pump frame of the pump to a first support of a pivoting support assembly; activating a first actuator connected to the first support; pivoting, via activation of the first actuator, the first support and the pump frame from a first orientation through a first pivot angle to a second orientation; activating one or more of the first actuator or a second actuator; pivoting, via activation of the one or more of the first actuator or the second actuator, the pump frame from the second orientation through a second pivot angle to a third orientation; inserting, while the pump frame is in the third orientation, a first component into the pump frame; connecting the first component to one or more of the pump frame or a second component; operating the one or more of the first actuator or the second actuator; and pivoting, via operation of the one or more of the first actuator or the second actuator, the pump frame and the first component from the third orientation toward the first orientation, thereby to re-orient the pump frame and the first component.
Embodiment 103. The method of embodiment 102, wherein one or more of: (a) pivoting the first support and the pump frame through the first pivot angle comprises pivoting the first support and the pump frame through a pivot angle ranging from about 45 degrees to about 100 degrees; or (b) pivoting the pump frame through the second pivot angle comprises pivoting the pump frame and the first component through a pivot angle ranging from about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees.
Embodiment 104. The method of embodiment 102, wherein pivoting the pump frame from the second orientation through the second pivot angle to the third orientation comprises activating the second actuator.
Embodiment 105. The method of embodiment 102, wherein connecting the first component to one or more of the pump frame or the second component comprises connecting a connecting rod to a crankshaft.
Embodiment 106. The method of embodiment 102, wherein pivoting the pump frame and the first component from the third orientation toward the first orientation comprises: activating the second actuator; and pivoting, via activation of the second actuator, the pump frame and the first component from the third orientation toward the second orientation.
Embodiment 107. The method of embodiment 106, further comprising activating the first actuator, and pivoting, via activation of the first actuator, the pump frame and the first component from the second orientation toward the first orientation.
Embodiment 108. The method of embodiment 102, wherein: activating the first actuator comprises activating a linear actuator; activating the one or more of the first actuator or the second actuator comprises activating the second actuator; and activating the second actuator comprises activating a self-locking actuator.
Embodiment 109. A method of installing a component in a high-power pump, the method comprising: attaching a portion of the high-power pump to a support of a pivoting support assembly; activating an actuator connected to the support; pivoting, via activation of the actuator, the support and the portion of the high-power pump from a first orientation through a first pivot angle to a second orientation, thereby to re-orient the portion of the high-power pump; and inserting, while the support and the portion of the high-power pump are in the second orientation, a component of the high-power pump into the portion the high-power pump.
Embodiment 110. The method of embodiment 109, further comprising retracting the actuator and pivoting, via retraction of the actuator, the support and the portion of the high-power pump from the second orientation toward the first orientation, thereby to re-orient the support, the portion of the high-power pump, and the component.
Embodiment 111. The method of embodiment 109, wherein attaching the portion of the high-power pump to the support comprises attaching a pump frame of the high-power pump to the support.
Embodiment 112. The method of embodiment 111, wherein: the pump frame defines a pump longitudinal axis; the support defines a support longitudinal axis; and attaching the pump frame to the support comprises attaching the pump frame such that the pump longitudinal axis is transverse to a pivot axis about which the support pivots.
Embodiment 113. The method of embodiment 112, wherein pivoting, via activation of the actuator, the support and the pump frame of the high-power pump from the first orientation through the first pivot angle to the second orientation comprises pivoting the pump frame such that the pump longitudinal axis pivots from a substantially horizontal orientation to a substantially vertical orientation.
Embodiment 114. The method of embodiment 112, wherein pivoting, via activation of the actuator, the support and the pump frame of the high-power pump from the first orientation through the first pivot angle to the second orientation comprises pivoting the support and the pump frame through a pivot angle ranging from about 45 degrees to about 100 degrees.
Embodiment 115. The method of embodiment 109, wherein the component of the high-power pump comprises a crankshaft, and inserting the component into the portion of the high-power pump comprises: orienting the crankshaft such that a crankshaft longitudinal axis of the crankshaft is substantially parallel to a longitudinal pump axis of the high-power pump; and inserting the crankshaft through one or more holes at least partially defined by the portion of the high-power pump.
Embodiment 116. The method of embodiment 115, wherein: orienting the crankshaft comprises orienting the crankshaft such that the crankshaft longitudinal axis is substantially vertical; and inserting the crankshaft comprises one of (a) lowering the crankshaft into the one or more holes or (b) lifting the crankshaft into the one or more holes.
Embodiment 117. The method of embodiment 116, further comprising connecting the crankshaft to the pump frame.
Embodiment 118. The method of embodiment 111, wherein: the pump frame defines a pump longitudinal axis; the support defines a support longitudinal axis; and attaching the pump frame to the support comprises attaching the pump frame such that the pump longitudinal axis is substantially aligned with a pivot axis about which the support pivots.
Embodiment 119. The method of embodiment 118, wherein pivoting, via activation of the actuator, the support and the pump frame of the high-power pump from the first orientation through the first pivot angle to the second orientation comprises pivoting the support and the pump frame through a pivot angle ranging from about 45 degrees to about 160 degrees.
Embodiment 120. The method of embodiment 109, wherein the component of the high-power pump comprises a connecting rod, and inserting the component into the portion of the high-power pump comprises: orienting the connecting rod such that a connecting rod longitudinal axis of the connecting rod is transverse to a longitudinal pump axis of the high-power pump; and inserting the connecting rod into the portion of the high-power pump.
Embodiment 121. The method of embodiment 120, further comprising connecting the connecting rod to a crankshaft of the high-power pump.
Embodiment 122. The method of embodiment 109, wherein: the support comprises a first support, the actuator comprises a first actuator, the component comprises a first component, and the pivoting support assembly further comprises a second support; and the method further comprises: retracting the first actuator and pivoting, via retraction of the first actuator, the first support and the portion of the high-power pump from the second orientation toward the first orientation, thereby to re-orient the first support, the portion of the high-power pump, and the first component; disconnecting the portion of the high-power pump from the first support; attaching the portion of the high-power pump to the second support; activating one or more of the first actuator or a second actuator; pivoting, via activation of the one or more of the first actuator or the second actuator, one or more of the first support or the second support and the portion of the high-power pump from the first orientation through a second pivot angle to a third orientation, thereby to re-orient the portion of the high-power pump.
Embodiment 123. The method of embodiment 122, wherein the second orientation and the third orientation differ from one another.
Embodiment 124. The method of embodiment 122, further comprising inserting a second component into the portion of the high-power pump.
Embodiment 125. The method of embodiment 124, further comprising connecting the second component to the first component.
Embodiment 126. The method of embodiment 124, wherein inserting the second component into the portion of the high-power pump comprises: orienting the second component such that a longitudinal axis of the second component is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal pump axis of the high-power pump; and one of (a) lowering the second component into the portion of the high-power pump or (b) lifting the second component into the portion of the high-power pump.
Embodiment 127. The method of embodiment 122, wherein: the high-power pump defines a pump longitudinal axis; the second support defines a second support longitudinal axis; and attaching the portion of the high-power pump to the second support comprises attaching the portion of the high-power pump, such that the pump longitudinal axis is substantially aligned with a pivot axis about which the second support pivots.
Embodiment 128. The method of embodiment 122, further comprising: retracting the one or more of the first actuator or the second actuator; and pivoting, via retraction of the one or more of the first actuator or the second actuator, the one or more of the first support or the second support and the portion of the high-power pump from the third orientation toward the first orientation, thereby to re-orient the one or more of the first support or the second support, the portion of the high-power pump, the first component, and the second component.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/492,913, filed Mar. 29, 2023, titled “ASSEMBLIES, APPARATUSES, AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING ASSEMBLY AND DISASSEMBLY OF HIGH-POWER PUMPS,” which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. This application is related to the subject matter of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/386,289, filed Dec. 6, 2022, titled “CRANKSHAFT AND CONNECTING ROD ASSEMBLIES FOR HYDRAULIC FRACTURING PUMPS TO ENHANCE FLOW OF FRACTURING FLUID INTO WELLHEADS AND RELATED METHODS,” and U.S. application Ser. No. 17/989,607, filed Nov. 17, 2022, titled “HYDRAULIC FRACTURING PUMPS TO ENHANCE FLOW OF FRACTURING FLUID INTO WELLHEADS AND RELATED METHODS,” which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/664,578, filed May 23, 2022, titled “HYDRAULIC FRACTURING PUMPS TO ENHANCE FLOW OF FRACTURING FLUID INTO WELLHEADS AND RELATED METHODS,” which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/202,031, filed May 24, 2021, which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63492913 | Mar 2023 | US |
