Product Introduction of Air Inhalation Packs
The intake air tank is a pulsation buffer device in the intake system of the drilling mud pump, also known as the intake pulsation buffer or intake pressure stabilizer. It is usually installed near the suction pipeline or the main suction pipe of the mud pump to reduce the fluctuations in suction flow and pressure generated during the operation of the reciprocating pump and improve the flow stability of the mud when it enters the hydraulic end.
Drilling mud pumps use the reciprocating motion of pistons or plungers for suction and discharge. The instantaneous suction flow rate of a single working chamber will constantly change with the speed of the piston's movement. Therefore, the mud in the suction pipeline does not always maintain a completely uniform flow state and is prone to periodic flow changes and pressure pulsations.
The suction air bag absorbs and releases part of the liquid flow through the internal compressible gas space and the diaphragm, capsule or corresponding elastic isolation structure, buffering the pulsation on the suction side, thereby helping the mud pump achieve more stable suction conditions.
The main function of the inhaled air bag
1. Reduce pulsation in the suction pipeline: Buffer the periodic flow and pressure changes caused by the reciprocating suction of the mud pump, and reduce the amplitude of pulsation in the suction pipeline.
2. Improve the liquid filling conditions of the cylinder liner: When the instantaneous suction demand of the pump increases, the air tank can compensate by utilizing the liquid flow stored inside, which is conducive to the slurry entering the hydraulic end and the working chamber of the cylinder liner more smoothly.
3. Reduce vibration and shock in the suction pipeline: Weakening the flow shock formed during the suction process of the reciprocating pump helps to reduce the vibration of the suction pipeline, joints, main suction pipe and related connecting parts.
4. Improve the operational stability of the mud pump: After the suction conditions become more stable, it is conducive to reducing abnormal impacts caused by suction fluctuations and improving the liquid filling state at the hydraulic end.
Working principle
During the suction stroke of the mud pump, the speed of the piston's movement keeps changing, and the instantaneous flow demand of the mud at the hydraulic end also varies accordingly. When the instantaneous suction demand of the pump is large, the suction air bag can release some liquid to compensate for the suction flow.
When the instantaneous suction demand of the pump decreases, some of the liquid in the suction pipeline enters the air tank again, compressing the internal gas space or the elastic isolation element. Through this periodic storage and release process, the flow changes in the suction pipeline are absorbed, reducing pressure fluctuations.
The key function of the suction air bag is to stabilize the pressure and flow changes in the existing suction system. It cannot replace the correct suction pipeline design, nor can it increase the original effective suction head of the mud pump system by itself.
Main components
Depending on the model of the mud pump and the structure of the air tank, the suction air tank is usually composed of a casing, diaphragm or capsule, pressure cover or end cover, inflation interface, connecting flange, sealing parts and related fastening parts.
Some structures use diaphragms to separate the gas space from the drilling fluid, preventing air or nitrogen from directly mixing with the mud. Diaphragms or capsules are important working components in air packs, and their elastic state and integrity directly affect the pulsation buffering effect.
The internal structure, volume, diaphragm form, interface and inflation method of air intake packs of different brands and models may vary. The specific composition should be subject to the original equipment structure.
The difference from discharging an air bag
Suction air bag: Installed on the low-pressure suction side of the mud pump, it is mainly used to stabilize the suction flow and pressure, improve the liquid filling conditions at the hydraulic end and reduce the pulsation of the suction pipeline.
Air discharge tank: Installed on the high-pressure discharge side of the slurry pump, it mainly absorbs the pressure pulsation of the discharge, reducing the pressure peak and flow fluctuation in the high-pressure manifold.
Although both utilize the compressibility of gas for pulsation buffering, there are significant differences in their installation positions, working pressures, structural designs, connection methods, and charging requirements. They cannot be directly interchanged as the same type of air bag.
Diaphragm and capsule examination
The diaphragm or capsule is an important vulnerable component of the inhalation air bag. After long-term exposure to periodic deformation and the working environment of drilling fluid, aging, cracking, wear, local deformation or damage may occur.
If the diaphragm or capsule is damaged, the gas-liquid isolation and volume compensation capacity of the air bag may decline, which in turn may cause an increase in suction pulsation, enhanced pipeline vibration or a significant decrease in buffering effect.
During maintenance, in addition to inspecting the diaphragm or capsule, the interior of the shell, the sealing surface, the connecting flange, the inflation interface and related sealing parts should also be inspected.
Common Abnormalities and Checks
When the working condition of the suction air bag is abnormal, it may be manifested as a significant increase in the pulsation of the suction pipeline, intensified pipeline vibration, unstable suction state of the mud pump, or abnormal impact at the hydraulic end.
When the above situations occur, a comprehensive inspection should be carried out in combination with factors such as the gas state inside the intake air bag, the integrity of the diaphragm or capsule, the blockage of the intake pipeline, the intake filter screen, the working condition of the perfusion pump, and the slurry level.
All problems of insufficient inhalation cannot be attributed to air packs. Excessive resistance in the suction pipeline, clogged filter screens, air intake in the pipeline, and insufficient slurry level can also affect the suction performance of the slurry pump.
Key points for selection
When purchasing the air intake tank for drilling mud pumps, it is recommended to focus on confirming the following information:
1. Brand, series and specific model of mud pump;
2. Original model and part number of the air intake package;
3. Air bag structure form;
4. Shell specifications and effective volume;
5. Connection method of the suction pipeline;
6. Connection diameter and flange installation dimensions;
7. Diaphragm or capsule model and size;
8. Inflation interface structure;
9. Design pressure and working pressure range;
10. Working medium and temperature conditions;
11. Original equipment nameplate, physical photos or technical drawings.
Installation and Maintenance
The air intake bag should be installed at the designed position corresponding to the slurry pump suction system and ensure a reliable connection with the suction pipeline to avoid additional pipeline stress caused by misaligned interfaces.
Before installation, it is necessary to check whether the interior of the air package and the connection channels are clean, and whether the flange sealing surface and sealing parts are intact to prevent foreign objects from entering the suction system.
For structures that require pre-inflation, the inflation medium, pre-inflation pressure and inspection methods must be carried out in accordance with the corresponding air tank model and equipment technical data. The pre-inflation pressure parameters of the discharged air tank cannot be directly applied.
Before carrying out maintenance on the diaphragm, capsule, end cover, inflation valve or shell, it should be confirmed in accordance with the equipment maintenance procedures that the slurry pump has been shut down, the suction system has been isolated, and the pressure on both the liquid side and the gas side of the air tank has been safely released before disassembly.
Procurement Instructions
Juli Petroleum Drilling and Production Equipment Co., Ltd. provides suction air tanks and drilling mud pump suction system accessories. The intake air bag is mainly used to reduce the flow and pressure pulsation on the suction side of the mud pump, improve the liquid filling conditions at the hydraulic end and reduce the vibration of the suction pipeline. The air tanks used in different mud pumps may vary in volume, shell structure, diaphragm or capsule, connection diameter, flange size and inflation structure. When purchasing, it is recommended to provide the mud pump model, air tank model, original part number, nameplate photo, physical size or technical drawing for matching verification.