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Fluid pump drive

Fluid pump drive description/claims

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for powering a fluid pump, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for powering the drive means of a fluid pump.

During drilling operations a number of different types of pumps are used to move and circulate fluids. These pumps all generally operate in the same manner being two or three-cylinder piston pumps whose replaceable pistons travel in replaceable liners that are driven by a crank shaft. In some pumps the crank shaft is itself driven, via gears, by a drive shaft (also sometimes called a pinion shaft). The crank shaft, or the drive shaft as the case may be, is actuated by an engine or a motor. Examples of such pumps used in connection with drilling operations include water pumps, slurry pumps, nitrogen pumps and cement pumps. Another example of such a pump is a mud pump. During drilling operations for oil and gas, a mixture of clays and chemicals and water, is pumped down the drill pipe to lubricate and cool the drilling bit and to flush out the cuttings and to strengthen the sides of the hole. This mixture is commonly referred to as drilling mud. A large reciprocating pump known as a mud pump is used to circulate the drilling mud.

As shown in FIG. 1, conventional fluid pumps such as the mud pump have a power source configured in an indirect drive manner with the power source positioned adjacent to the mud pump. The power source is frequently positioned above or behind the pump. The power source is connected to one or more gearboxes in a variety of ways including the use of shafts, couplings, belts, pulleys, chains, transmissions or clutches. The gearbox in turn is connected to the drive shaft or crank shaft of the fluid pump using belts, chain drives or other conventional drive mechanisms. Such indirect drive fluid pump systems have a number of disadvantages. First, indirect drive power systems occupy a considerable amount of space in an already crowded environment. Further, conventional indirect drive systems are prone to alignment problems and the gearbox of such conventional systems require frequent maintenance and lubrication. Also, during the transmission of power through an indirect drive system, there are material energy losses and a resulting inefficiency associated therewith.

The present invention is directed to apparatus and method of powering the drive means of a fluid pump.

Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention, the invention comprises an apparatus for powering the drive means of a fluid pump, the apparatus comprising: (a) an electric motor having a stator and a rotor, the rotor being releasably attached to the drive means of the fluid pump such that the drive means is directly driven by the rotor; (b) restraint means attached to electric motor to restrain rotational movement of the stator; and (c) means for connecting the electric motor to a source of electricity.

In one embodiment the fluid pump is a mud pump. In another embodiment, the rotor is a hollow rotor, and the drive means of the fluid pump is a drive shaft, and the hollow rotor is adapted to slide onto and attach to the drive shaft. In one embodiment, the rotor is a hollow rotor, and the drive means of the fluid pump is a crank shaft, and the hollow rotor is adapted to slide onto and attach to the crank shaft. In one embodiment, the electric motor is supported by the drive means of the fluid pump.

In one embodiment, the restraint means comprises a torque arm being attached at one end to the electric motor. In another embodiment, there is means for restraining the distal end of the torque arm. In embodiments of the present invention, the motor may be an AC induction electric motor, a DC traction electric motor, DC switch reluctant electric motor or a permanent magnet electric motor. In one embodiment, the rotor is hollow, the interior of the hollow rotor is tapered, and the rotor is attached to the drive means using a taper lock.

In another aspect of the present invention, the invention comprises an apparatus for powering the drive shaft of a fluid pump, the apparatus comprising:

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Industry Class:
Pumps

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