Motion mechanism study on the valve disc of an ultra-high pressure reciprocating pump

Efficiency of reciprocating pumps depends on the performance of their valves. In order to find a breakthrough point of prolonging the valve service life, research on the valve motion mechanism of an ultra-high pressure reciprocating pump has been carried out in this paper. A valve motion mathematical model is firstly established based on the mechanical equilibrium equation and the fluid continuity equation. In order to record the real valve motion in experiments, a detection system specifically designed for valve lift real-time measurement of ultra-high pressure fracturing pumps has been built. Then results of valve lift, velocity and acceleration obtained by the model and the experiment are compared and analysed in detail. Results show that a whole valve motion in a single motion cycle can be divided into four stages. Considering the crank-connecting rod ratio makes the valve motion model predict closer results to the truth in the maximum flow stage. An accurate opening lag angle has the similar benefit in the rapid opening stage. There are three individual motion phases in the rapid opening stage, which will not be found without consideration of inertial force of valve disc and changing spring force. The findings should make an important contribution to understanding the valve motion mechanism of ultra-high pressure reciprocating pumps and further investigation is encouraged. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The efficiency of reciprocating pumps is closely related to the performance of their valves. This study focuses on the valve motion mechanism of ultra-high pressure reciprocating pumps, establishing a mathematical model and conducting experiments to compare and analyze the results. The findings highlight the importance of crank-connecting rod ratio and accurate opening lag angle in predicting valve motion, especially in the rapid opening stage where three individual motion phases were identified.