SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CATHODIC PROTECTION OF HYDRAULIC FRACTURING PUMP SYSTEMS
The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to a hydraulic fracturing pump comprising a fluid end assembly, the fluid end assembly comprising a cylinder body configured to receive a respective plunger from a power end; a suction bore configured to house a valve body, a valve seat, and a spring; a suction cap; and a spring retainer, wherein a surface of one or more of the cylinder body, the suction bore, the suction cap, and the spring retaining serves as a cathode, and wherein the fluid end comprises at least one of a plunger anode, a suction cap anode, a spring retainer anode, a valve top anode, a valve seat outer diameter anode, and a valve seat inner diameter anode.
The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to cathodic protection of steel compositions. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to systems and methods using cathodic protection to control corrosion of a metal surface of high pressure pump parts (e.g., a fluid end of a hydraulic fracturing pump) and other fracking fluid transporting components.
BACKGROUNDHydraulic fracturing is an oil well stimulation technique in which bedrock is fractured (i.e., fracked) by the application of a pressurized fracking fluid. The effectiveness of fracking fluid is due not only to pressurization, but also to its composition of one or more proppants (e.g., sand) and chemical additives (e.g., dilute acids, biocides, breakers, pH adjusting agents). The application of pressurized fracking fluid to existing bedrock fissures creates new fractures in the bedrock, as well as, increases the size, extent, and connectivity of existing fractures. This permits more oil and gas to flow out of the rock formations and into the wellbore, from where they can be extracted.
Hydraulic fracturing pumps generally consist of a power end and a fluid end, with the power end pressurizing a fracking fluid and the fluid end directing the pressurized fracking fluid into the wellbore through a series of conduits (e.g., pipes). Hydraulic fracking pump components (e.g., a fluid end) and conduit components (e.g., a check valve) that are exposed to fracking fluid are prone to fluid leakage, failure, and other sustainability issues due to corrosion resulting from their exposure to components of the fracking fluid having corrosive or abrasive properties (e.g., proppant, chemical additives). As a result, hydraulic fracking pump and conduit components require frequent replacement at a substantial cost.
In general, hydraulic pump and conduit components are made of either carbon steel, low alloy steel, or stainless steel. The composition of hydraulic pump and conduit components plays a large role in both the frequency of replacement and cost. While components composed of stainless steel have a life span of around 2000 working hours, the exorbitant cost of stainless steel often makes their use cost prohibitive. By contrast, components composed of low alloy steel and carbon steel offer an inexpensive entry price point, but have a life span of only about 10-15% compared to their stainless steel counterparts (e.g., 200-300 working hours). Accordingly, there is a need for affordable systems and methods for controlling the corrosion rates of low alloy steel and carbon steel components so that they can have an expanded working life span (e.g., more than 400 working hours).
Cathodic protection is a technique used to control corrosion of a metal surface by making the metal surface a cathode of an electrochemical cell. In one embodiment of cathodic protection the anode of the electrochemical cell serves as a sacrificial metal that corrodes while the more precious cathode remains intact. A system could be developed where low alloy steel and carbon steel hydraulic fracturing pump components are coupled with sacrificial anodes so that the low alloy steel and carbon steel hydraulic fracturing components undergo cathodic protection so that they have a life span similar to comparable stainless steel components.
SUMMARYThe present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to a hydraulic fracturing pump including a fluid end assembly. A fluid end assembly may include a cylinder body oriented along a longitudinal axis of the fluid end, including a first end and a second end, and configured to receive a respective plunger from a power end through the first end of the cylinder body. A fluid end assembly may include a suction bore oriented along a vertical axis of the fluid end and connected to a cylinder body through the second end of the cylinder body. A suction bore may be configured to house a valve body, a valve seat, and a spring, wherein the valve body having a top, and the valve seat having an inner diameter and an outer diameter. A suction cap may be located at a second end of cylinder body. A spring retainer may be contained within a suction bore. A surface of one or more of a cylinder body, a suction bore, a suction cap, and a spring retaining may be configured to serve as a cathode. At least one of a plunger, a suction cap, a spring retainer, a valve top, a valve seat outer diameter, and a valve seat inner diameter may be configured to serve as an anode.
A fluid end may include an anode configuration selected from a group consisting of a plunger anode, a suction cap anode, a valve top anode, a valve seat outer diameter anode, and a valve seat inner diameter anode; a valve top anode, a valve seat outer diameter anode, and a valve seat inner diameter anode; a plunger anode, a valve seat outer diameter anode, and a valve seat inner diameter anode; and a suction cap anode, a valve seat outer diameter anode, and a valve seat inner diameter anode. At least one of a plunger anode, a suction cap anode, a spring retainer anode, a valve top anode, a valve seat outer diameter anode, and a valve seat inner diameter anode each may include a sacrificial anode fabricated from one or more metals selected from a group consisting of aluminum, aluminum alloys, zinc, zinc alloys, magnesium, and magnesium alloys. A sacrificial anode may be secured by at least one method selected from a group of a mechanical fastener, an adhesive, and a friction fit.
In some embodiments, a plunger anode may be secured onto an end of a plunger by a plunger bolt. A suction cap anode may be secured onto an end of a suction cap by a suction cap bolt. A spring retainer anode may be secured onto an end of a spring retainer by a spring retainer bolt. A valve top anode may be secured onto an end of a valve top by a retainer ring. A valve seat outer diameter anode that clamps onto an outer diameter of a valve seat. A valve seat inner diameter anode that clamps onto an inner diameter of a valve seat. At least one of a plunger bolt, a suction cap bolt, a spring retainer bolt, and a valve top bolt may include brass, bronze, stainless steel, galvanized steel, gold, platinum, and silver. One or more of a plunger bolt, a suction cap bolt, a spring retainer bolt, and a valve top bolt may be substantially inert to corrosion. At least one of a plunger anode, a suction cap anode, a valve top anode, a valve seat outer diameter anode, and a valve seat inner diameter anode may include a mass from about 0.15 ounces to about 0.5 ounces. At least one of a plunger anode, a suction cap anode, a valve top anode, a valve seat outer diameter anode, and a valve seat inner diameter anode may include a surface area from about 1 in2 to about 7 in2.
In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a system for preventing corrosion of a surface of a conduit. A system may include a conduit including a tubular body; an outer surface; an inner surface configured to contain a fracking fluid; and one or more ports configured to receive a bolt or a valve; and a bolt including an anodic end and an corrosion resistant end. A system furar may include a check valve including a check valve anode. A system furar may include a plug valve including a plug valve anode. A check valve anode has a mass from about 100 g to about 2,000 g. A plug valve anode has a mass from about 100 g to about 2,000 g. A check valve anode has a volume from about 25 cm3 to about 300 cm3. A plug valve anode has a volume from about 100 g to about 2,000 g. An anodic end may include aluminum, aluminum alloys, zinc, zinc alloys, magnesium, magnesium alloys, and combinations thereof. A corrosion resistant end may include brass, bronze, stainless steel, galvanized steel, gold, platinum, and silver.
In some embodiments, a system for preventing corrosion of a surface of a conduit includes a conduit including a tubular body; an outer surface; an inner surface configured to contain a fracking fluid; and one or more ports configured to receive a bolt or a valve; and a valve including an anode. A valve may include a check valve, and wherein a anode may include a check valve anode. A valve may include a plug valve, and wherein a anode may include a plug valve anode.
Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like reference numbers, and wherein:
The present disclosure relates, to cathodic protection systems and methods for controlling corrosion of hydraulic fracking pump and flow iron components. In disclosed cathodic protection systems, the hydraulic fracking pump or flow iron component serves as a cathode that remains protected from corrosion while a sacrificial anode component succumbs to corrosion. Disclosed hydraulic fracking pump components (e.g., a fluid end) and flat iron components (e.g., a check valve) having a cathodic protection system may resist corrosion better than similar component made of carbon steel or an alloy steel that do not have the same cathodic protection system. Additionally, a disclosed cathodic protection system may have a lower overall manufacturing cost than a stainless steel counterpart while having better corrosion resistance properties than carbon steel alone. In some embodiments, a disclosed cathodic protection system may have similar or better corrosion resistance properties than stainless steel alone.
Flow iron components include valves, swivels, integrals, straight lines, pipes, check valves, fittings, adapters, manifolds, and gates. Valves include ball valves, butterfly valves, choke valves, membrane valves, gate valves, globe valves, knife valves, needle valves, pinch valves, piston valves, plug valves, solenoid valves, spool valves, check valves, flow control valves, poppet valves, pressure reducing valves, thermal expansion valves, safety valves, relief valves, and sampling valves.
As disclosed in
As shown in
In general practice, the fluid end of a hydraulic fracturing pump as shown in
A disclosed fluid end having an anode may have enhanced corrosion resistance when compared to a corresponding fluid end not having the anode. In some embodiments, a fluid end having an anode may have an extended life span when compared to a corresponding fluid end not having the anode. For example, a fluid end having an anode when compared to a fluid end not having the anode when exposed to the same conditions may have an average lifespan that is at least about 25% longer, or at least about 50% longer, or at least about 100% longer, or at least about 125% longer, or at least about 150% longer, or at least about 200% longer, or at least about 250% longer, or at least about 300% longer, or at least about 350% longer, or at least about 400% longer, or at least about 450% longer, or at least about 500% longer than that of the fluid end not having the anode, where about includes plus or minus 25%.
Besides increasing the number of anodes, other methods can be used to increase the difference in electrode potential between the anode and the cathode to therefore increase protection of fracking pump components against corrosion. For example, anodes can be made up of different metals having different electrode potential. In general, the more negative the electrode potential of the anode with respect to the electrode potential of the cathode, the greater the cathodic protection. Therefore, disclosed anodes can be made from metals including aluminum alloys, zinc, zinc alloys, magnesium, magnesium alloys, and combinations thereof.
Each of a spring retainer anode fastener 230, a suction cap anode fastener 235, and a plunger anode fastener 240 may be a threaded fastener. For example, a threaded fastener may include a screw and a bolt, each including any type of head including a Phillips, slotted, combination, socket, hex, Allen, one-way, square, torx, quadrex, slotted hex, button, pan, truss, oval, round, flat, 6-lobe pin head, and combinations thereof. Threaded fasteners may include lag bolts, lag screws, through bolts, and through screw. Some disclosed embodiments include lag through bolts and through screws that may be coupled with a nut system. For example, a through bolt may be coupled with a hex nut to secure a sacrificial anode to a fluid end component. Nuts include hex, heavy hex, jam, wing, cap, acorn, flange, tee, square, prevailing torque lock, K-lock, coupling, slotted, castle, and combinations thereof. A threaded fastener can be made from any suitable material, such as metal or other materials capable of electrical conductivity or plastic. For example, disclosed threaded fasteners can be made from stainless steel, steel, brass, titanium, bronze, monel, aluminum, nickel, nylon, zinc, magnesium, polyethylene, and combinations thereof.
In some embodiments, more than one fastener may be used to fasten an anode to a fluid end. An anode may be fastened by one to ten fasteners to a fluid end. For example, an anode may be fastened to a fluid end by one fastener, by two fasteners, by four fasteners, by six fasteners, by eight fasteners, and by ten fasteners.
According to some embodiments, an anode may maintain its position relative to a cathodic fluid end component without a fastener. For example, as shown in
In some embodiments, disclosed anodes may be secured into place via retaining ring as shown in
Disclosed valve seat inner diameter anodes 315 and valve seat outer diameter anodes 310 may be continuous or discontinuous. For example, as shown in
As described above, disclosed fluid ends may include one or more anodes in various locations throughout the fluid end. Both the number and location of anodes may affect the corrosive protection garnered to a metal surface of a fluid end.
As shown in
In some embodiments, as shown in
As described in
In some embodiments, varying the surface area of an anode type may increase or decrease the protection of a fluid end component against corrosion. Varying the mass of an anode type may increase or decrease the protection of a fluid end component against corrosion.
However, even though
In some embodiments, a conduit may be affixed with bolts having anodic ends. An anodic end may be disposable and may degrade in place of a conduit. In some embodiments, an anodic end may be a sacrificial anode. A disclosed conduit may include a bolt having an anodic end that may be affixed to or positioned near an inner surface of the conduit. For example, a through bolt may be threaded into a wall of a conduit so that at least a portion of an anodic end of the through bolt is positioned near an inner surface of the conduit. In some embodiments, a bolt may have an anodic end and an end that is substantially corrosion resistant, rust resistant, or both. As an anodic end of a bolt protects a surface of a conduit from corrosion it may degrade as it corrodes in place of the surface. A bolt may have a substantially corrosion resistant end attached to the anodic end so that once the anodic end substantially degrades, the bolt may be removed through interfacing the corrosion resistant end and a new bolt may replace the initial bolt. For example, a bolt may include a stainless steel nut and a zinc alloy anodic end. An anodic end of a bolt may be made from aluminum, aluminum alloys, zinc, zinc alloys, magnesium, magnesium alloys, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, a corrosion resistant end may be made from brass, bronze, stainless steel, galvanized steel, gold, platinum, and silver.
According to some embodiments, a conduit may include a valve containing an anode. For example, a valve may include a threaded connection into a valve body that may serve as a protection to various conduit components. A valve may include a plug valve, a check valve, a ball valve, a gate valve, a globe valve, a diaphragm valve, a butterfly valve, a needle valve, a pinch valve, a piston valve, and a pressure relief valve. Any component of a valve may either be an anode or have an anode attached to it. For example, a plug valve may include a plug that is an anode or include a lining on the plug where the lining is an anode. In some embodiments, a check valve may include a stem, a ball, a piston, or a plate that is an anode.
Not only do disclosed fluid ends include systems and methods for cathodic protection against corrosion, but other disclosed parts of a hydraulic fracturing process may include similar protection mechanisms. For example, a disclosed conduit may have an anode that protects the conduit from corrosion. A disclosed conduit having an anode may have enhanced corrosion resistance when compared to a corresponding conduit not having the anode. In some embodiments, a conduit having an anode may have an extended life span when compared to a corresponding conduit not having the anode. For example, a conduit having an anode when compared to a conduit not having the anode when exposed to the same conditions may have an average lifespan that is at least 10% longer, at least 25% longer, or at least 50% longer, or at least 100% longer, or at least 125% longer, or at least 150% longer, or at least 200% longer, or at least 250% longer, or at least 300% longer, or at least 350% longer, or at least 400% longer, or at least 450% longer, or at least 500% longer than that of the conduit not having the anode.
Not only may a conduit include an anodic bolt or anode affixed to a surface of the conduit, but the conduit may include a valve that includes an anode that may protect the valve and the conduit from corrosion. A disclosed valve having an anode may have enhanced corrosion resistance when compared to a corresponding valve not having the anode. In some embodiments, a valve having an anode may have an extended life span when compared to a corresponding valve not having the anode. A valve having an anode may have an average lifespan that is from at least 10% longer to at least 500% longer when compared to a valve not having the anode. For example, a valve having an anode when compared to a valve not having the anode when exposed to the same conditions may have an average lifespan that is at least about 10% longer, at least about 25% longer, or at least about 50% longer, or at least about 100% longer, or at least about 125% longer, or at least about 150% longer, or at least about 200% longer, or at least about 250% longer, or at least about 300% longer, or at least about 350% longer, or at least about 400% longer, or at least about 450% longer, or at least about 500% longer than that of the valve not having the anode, where about includes plus or minus 25%.
In some embodiments, a check valve or a plug valve that is not protected by a disclosed cathodic protection system may have a life expectancy of about 12 months in a corrosive environment such as one including exposure to a fracking fluid. In a non-corrosive environment or a less corrosive environment such as one including exposure to a) North Sea water, b) non-recycled water, or c) non-produced water may have a life expectancy of about 5 years. Corrosion may cause pitting on a non-repairable area of a check valve and a plug valve that may lead to component failure. In some embodiments, disclosed cathodic protection systems may protect critical areas of a plug valve and a check valve including a sealing area, a sealing surface, and a wetted surface including one exposed to pressurized fluid. A cathodic protection systems may protect a check valve and a plug valve component from at least about 1 week to at least about 8 weeks. For example, a disclosed cathodic protection systems may protect a check valve and a plug valve component for at least about 1 week, or at least about 2 weeks, or at least about 3 weeks, or at least about 4 weeks, or at least about 5 weeks, or at least about 6 weeks, or at least about 7 weeks, or at least about 8 weeks, where about includes plus or minus 0.5 weeks. Disclosed cathodic protection systems may protect a check valve and a plug valve component for at least about 1 month, or at least about 2 months, or at least about 3 months, or at least about 4 months, or at least about 5 months, or at least about 6 months, or at least about 7 months, or at least about 8 months, or at least about 9 months, or at least about 10 months, or at least about 11 months, or at least about 12 months, where about includes plus or minus 0.5 months. Disclosed cathodic protection systems may protect a check valve and a plug valve each having a diameter of about 1 inch, or of about 2 inches, or of about 3 inches, or of about 4 inches, or of about 5 inches, or of about 6 inches, or of about 7 inches, or of about 8 inches, or of about 9 inches, or of about 10 inches, or of about 11 inches, or of about 12 inches, where about includes plus or minus 0.5 inches. Disclosed cathodic protection systems may protect a conduit having a diameter of about 1 inch, or of about 2 inches, or of about 3 inches, or of about 4 inches, or of about 5 inches, or of about 6 inches, or of about 7 inches, or of about 8 inches, or of about 9 inches, or of about 10 inches, or of about 11 inches, or of about 12 inches, where about includes plus or minus 0.5 inches.
As shown in
In some embodiments, as an anode provides cathodic protection for a check valve against corrosion, the anode may degrade and may need to be replaced. A starting volume and mass of an anode may be changed to provide longer or shorter protection times. A check valve may include an anode having a mass of about 100 g, or of about 200 g, or of about 300 g, or of about 400 g, or of about 500 g, or of about 600 g, or of about 700 g, or of about 800 g, or of about 900 g, or of about 1,000 g, or of about 1,100 g, or of about 1,200 g, or of about 1,300 g, or of about 1,400 g, or of about 1,500 g, or of about 1,600 g, or of about 1,800 g, or of about 1,900 g, or of about 2,000 g, where about includes plus or minus 500 g. A check valve may include an anode having a volume of about 25 cm3, or of about 50 cm3, or of about 75 cm3, or of about 100 cm3, or of about 125 cm3, or of about 150 cm3, or of about 175 cm3, or of about 200 cm3, or of about 225 cm3, or of about 250 cm3, or of about 275 cm3, or of about 300 cm3, where about includes plus or minus 12.5 cm3.
An anode having a mass of about 240 g (0.53 lb) and a volume of about 34 cm3 (2.07 in3) may protect a check valve having a surface area of about 1,400 cm2 for about 4 weeks. An anode having a mass of about 480 g (1.06 lb) and a volume of about 68 cm3 (4.15 in3) may protect a check valve having a surface area of about 1,400 cm2 for about 8 weeks. An anode having a mass of about 1,440 g (3.17 lb) and a volume of about 202 cm3 (12.33 in3) may protect a check valve having a surface area of about 1,400 cm2 for about 6 months. In some embodiments, a mass or a volume of an anode or anodic material may be divided among more than one anode where a similar mass or volume may similarly protect a check of a given surface area. For example, two anodes each having a mass of about 240 g and a volume of about 34 cm3 may protect a check valve having a surface area of about 1,400 cm2 for about 8 weeks.
In some embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments, an anode having a mass of about 300 g (0.66 lb) and a volume of about 42 cm3 (2.56 in3) may protect a plug valve having a surface area of about 1,770 cm2 for about 4 weeks. An anode having a mass of about 600 g (1.32 lb) and a volume of about 84 cm3 (5.12 in3) may protect a plug valve having a surface area of about 1,770 cm2 for about 8 weeks. An anode having a mass of about 1,800 g (3.97 lb) and a volume of about 252 cm3 (15.38 in3) may protect a plug valve having a surface area of about 1,770 cm2 for about 6 months. In some embodiments, a mass or a volume of an anode or anodic material may be divided among more than one anode where a similar mass or volume may similarly protect a plug of a given surface area. For example, two anodes each having a mass of about 300 g and a volume of about 42 cm3 may protect a plug valve having a surface area of about 1,770 cm2 for about 8 weeks.
As will be understood by those skilled in the art who have the benefit of the instant disclosure, other equivalent or alternative compositions, devices, and disclosed systems and methods for cathodic protection of hydraulic fracturing pump systems can be envisioned without departing from the description contained in this application. Accordingly, the manner of carrying out the disclosure as shown and described is to be construed as illustrative only.
Persons skilled in the art can make various changes in the shape, size, number, and/or arrangement of parts without departing from the scope of the instant disclosure. For example, the position and number of anodes can be varied. In some embodiments, valves can be interchangeable. In addition, the size of a device and/or system can be scaled up or down to suit the needs and/or desires of a practitioner. Each disclosed process, system, method, and method step can be performed in association with any other disclosed method or method step and in any order according to some embodiments. Where the verb “may” appears, it is intended to convey an optional and/or permissive condition, but its use is not intended to suggest any lack of operability unless otherwise indicated. Where open terms such as “having” or “comprising” are used, one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the instant disclosure will appreciate that the disclosed features or steps optionally can be combined with additional features or steps. Such option may not be exercised and, indeed, in some embodiments, disclosed systems, compositions, apparatuses, and/or methods can exclude any other features or steps beyond those disclosed in this application. Elements, compositions, devices, systems, methods, and method steps not recited can be included or excluded as desired or required. Persons skilled in the art can make various changes in methods of preparing and using a composition, device, and/or system of the disclosure.
Also, where ranges have been provided, the disclosed endpoints can be treated as exact and/or approximations as desired or demanded by the particular embodiment. Where the endpoints are approximate, the degree of flexibility can vary in proportion to the order of magnitude of the range. For example, on one hand, a range endpoint of about 50 in the context of a range of about 5 to about 50 can include 50.5, but not 52.5 or 55 and, on the other hand, a range endpoint of about 50 in the context of a range of about 0.5 to about 50 can include 55, but not 60 or 75. In addition, it can be desirable, in some embodiments, to mix and match range endpoints. Also, in some embodiments, each figure disclosed (e.g., in one or more of the examples, tables, and/or drawings) can form the basis of a range (e.g., depicted value +/−about 10%, depicted value +/−about 50%, depicted value +/−about 100%) and/or a range endpoint. With respect to the former, a value of 50 depicted in an example, table, and/or drawing can form the basis of a range of, for example, about 45 to about 55, about 25 to about 100, and/or about 0 to about 100. Disclosed percentages are volume percentages except where indicated otherwise.
All or a portion of a disclosed systems and methods for cathodic protection of hydraulic fracturing pump systems can be configured and arranged to be disposable, serviceable, interchangeable, and/or replaceable. These equivalents and alternatives along with obvious changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the foregoing disclosure is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the disclosure as illustrated by the appended claims.
The title, abstract, background, and headings are provided in compliance with regulations and/or for the convenience of the reader. They include no admissions as to the scope and content of prior art and no limitations applicable to all disclosed embodiments.
Claims
1. A hydraulic fracturing pump comprising a fluid end assembly, the fluid end assembly comprising:
- a cylinder body oriented along a longitudinal axis of the fluid end, comprising a first end and a second end, and configured to receive a respective plunger from a power end through the first end of the cylinder body;
- a suction bore oriented along a vertical axis of the fluid end and connected to the cylinder body through the second end of the cylinder body, wherein the suction bore is configured to house a valve body, a valve seat, and a spring, wherein the valve body having a top, and the valve seat having an inner diameter and an outer diameter;
- a suction cap located at the second end of the cylinder body; and
- a spring retainer contained within the suction bore,
- wherein a surface of one or more of the cylinder body, the suction bore, the suction cap, and the spring retaining is configured to serve as a cathode, and
- wherein at least one of the plunger, the suction cap, the spring retainer, the valve top, the valve seat outer diameter, and the valve seat inner diameter is configured to serve as an anode.
2. The hydraulic fracturing pump of claim 1, wherein the fluid end comprises an anode configuration selected from the group consisting of:
- the plunger anode, the suction cap anode, the valve top anode, the valve seat outer diameter anode, and the valve seat inner diameter anode;
- the valve top anode, the valve seat outer diameter anode, and the valve seat inner diameter anode;
- the plunger anode, the valve seat outer diameter anode, and the valve seat inner diameter anode; and
- the suction cap anode, the valve seat outer diameter anode, and the valve seat inner diameter anode.
3. The hydraulic fracturing pump of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plunger anode, the suction cap anode, the spring retainer anode, the valve top anode, the valve seat outer diameter anode, and the valve seat inner diameter anode each comprises a sacrificial anode fabricated from one or more metals selected from the group consisting of aluminum, aluminum alloys, zinc, zinc alloys, magnesium, and magnesium alloys.
4. The hydraulic fracturing pump of claim 3, wherein the sacrificial anode is secured by at least one method selected from the group of a mechanical fastener, an adhesive, and a friction fit.
5. The hydraulic fracturing pump of claim 1, wherein:
- the plunger anode is secured onto an end of the plunger by a plunger bolt,
- the suction cap anode is secured onto an end of the suction cap by a suction cap bolt,
- the spring retainer anode is secured onto an end of the spring retainer by a spring retainer bolt,
- the valve top anode is secured onto an end of a valve top by a retainer ring,
- the valve seat outer diameter anode that clamps onto an outer diameter of the valve seat, and
- the valve seat inner diameter anode that clamps onto an inner diameter of the valve seat.
6. The hydraulic fracturing pump of claim 5, wherein at least one of the plunger bolt, the suction cap bolt, the spring retainer bolt, and the valve top bolt comprises brass, bronze, stainless steel, galvanized steel, gold, platinum, and silver, and wherein one or more of the plunger bolt, the suction cap bolt, the spring retainer bolt, and the valve top bolt is substantially inert to corrosion.
7. The hydraulic fracturing pump of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plunger anode, the suction cap anode, the valve top anode, the valve seat outer diameter anode, and the valve seat inner diameter anode comprises a mass from about 0.15 ounces to about 0.5 ounces.
8. The hydraulic fracturing pump of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plunger anode, the suction cap anode, the valve top anode, the valve seat outer diameter anode, and the valve seat inner diameter anode comprises a surface area from about 1 in2 to about 7 in2.
9. A system for preventing corrosion of a surface of a conduit, the system comprising:
- the conduit comprising a tubular body; an outer surface; an inner surface configured to contain a fracking fluid; and one or more ports configured to receive a bolt or a valve; and
- the bolt comprising an anodic end and a corrosion resistant end.
10. The system of claim 8, wherein the system further comprises a check valve comprising a check valve anode.
11. The system of claim 9, wherein the system further comprises a plug valve comprising a plug valve anode.
12. The system of claim 10, wherein the check valve anode has a mass from about 100 g to about 2,000 g.
13. The system of claim 11, wherein the plug valve anode has a mass from about 100 g to about 2,000 g.
14. The system of claim 10, wherein the check valve anode has a volume from about 25 cm3 to about 300 cm3.
15. The system of claim 11, wherein the plug valve anode has a volume from about 100 g to about 2,000 g.
16. The system according to claim 9, wherein the anodic end comprises aluminum, aluminum alloys, zinc, zinc alloys, magnesium, magnesium alloys, and combinations thereof.
17. The system according to claim 9, wherein the corrosion resistant end comprises brass, bronze, stainless steel, galvanized steel, gold, platinum, and silver.
18. A system for preventing corrosion of a surface of a conduit, the system comprising:
- the conduit comprising a tubular body; an outer surface; an inner surface configured to contain a fracking fluid; and one or more ports configured to receive a bolt or a valve; and
- a valve comprising an anode.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the valve comprises a check valve, and wherein the anode comprises a check valve anode.
20. The system of claim 18, wherein the valve comprises a plug valve, and wherein the anode comprises a plug valve anode.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 21, 2020
Publication Date: Oct 27, 2022
Inventors: Jacob A. Bayyouk (Richardson, TX), Frazer Craig Brownlie (Glasgow), Trevor Hodgkiess (Glasgow, TX), Brian Witkowski (Weatherford, TX), Benjamin David Engstrom (Fort Worth, TX), Collin Garner (Fort Worth, TX)
Application Number: 17/764,079