Coverplates for Centrifugal Pumps

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention extend the viability of centrifugal pumps commonly used by fracturing blenders by utilizing, for example, a coverplate with an integrated flange. The coverplate is adapted to be attached to the pump and piping of the fracturing blender. The coverplate can include a substantially cylindrical body of a first and second sides having an outer surface with a circumferential outer rim that substantially surrounds the outer surface. The substantially cylindrical body can also surrounding an orifice. The first side of the coverplate side includes, for example, a substantially circular face that at least partially tapers, the second side includes the integral flange with a circumferential groove and extends outwardly away from the first side. Embodiments of the invention also include methods of attaching the coverplate to the pump and the pipe and operating the pump with the coverplate attached thereto.

That claimed is: 
     
         1 . A coverplate for centrifugal pumps comprising:
 a substantially cylindrical body having an outer surface with a circumferential outer rim that substantially surrounds the outer surface;   a first side and a second side, the substantially cylindrical body surrounding an orifice with an at least partially tapered diameter that decreases from the first side to the second side;   the first side having a substantially circular face that at least partially tapers toward the second side, the face of the first side adapted to be positioned at least partially within a centrifugal pump when the coverplate is attached to the centrifugal pump;   the second side having an integral flange extending outwardly therefrom away from the first side, the flange of the second side circumscribed by a circumferential groove adapted to facilitate attachment of the coverplate to a suction pipe using a clamp coupling, the second side facing outwardly from the centrifugal pump when the coverplate is attached to the centrifugal pump;   the outer rim having a plurality of apertures adapted to receive connecting members when the coverplate is attached to the centrifugal pump.   
     
     
         2 . The coverplate as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the coverplate further comprises a flow straightening vane positioned within the orifice adapted to stabilize laminar flow to the pump. 
     
     
         3 . The coverplate as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the pump is mounted on a fracturing truck. 
     
     
         4 . The coverplate as defined in  claim 3 , wherein an outside diameter of the suction pipe is approximately fourteen (14) inches and the pipe is schedule eighty (80) pounds. 
     
     
         5 . The coverplate as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the coverplate is cast from high chrome alloy. 
     
     
         6 . A coverplate for centrifugal pumps comprising:
 a substantially cylindrical body with a circumferential outer rim;   a first side and a second side, the substantially cylindrical body surrounding an orifice with an at least partially tapered diameter;   the first side having a substantially circular face that at least partially tapers, the face of the first side adapted to be positioned at least partially within a centrifugal pump when the coverplate is attached to the centrifugal pump;   the second side having an integral flange extending outwardly therefrom away from the first side, the flange of the second side circumscribed by a circumferential groove adapted to facilitate attachment of the coverplate to a pipe using a clamp coupling, the second side facing outwardly from the centrifugal pump when the coverplate is attached to the centrifugal pump.   
     
     
         7 . The coverplate as defined in  claim 6 , wherein the substantially cylindrical body includes an outer rim having a plurality of apertures adapted to receive connecting members when the coverplate is attached to the centrifugal pump. 
     
     
         8 . The coverplate as defined in  claim 6 , wherein the coverplate further comprises a flow straightening vane positioned within the orifice adapted to stabilize laminar flow to the pump. 
     
     
         9 . The coverplate as defined in  claim 6 , wherein the pump is mounted on a fracturing truck. 
     
     
         10 . The coverplate as defined in  claim 6 , wherein an outside diameter of the pipe is approximately fourteen (14) inches and the pipe is schedule eighty (80) pounds. 
     
     
         11 . The coverplate as defined in  claim 6 , wherein the coverplate is cast from high chrome alloy. 
     
     
         12 . A method attaching a coverplate, the method comprising the steps of:
 positioning a coverplate such that at least part of a first side of the coverplate is positioned within a centrifugal pump, the first side of the coverplate having a substantially circular face that at least partially tapers, and   attaching the coverplate to the centrifugal pump using one or more connection members, the coverplate comprising:
 a substantially cylindrical body surrounding an orifice with an at least partially tapered diameter; 
 a second side of the coverplate having an integral flange extending outwardly therefrom away from the first side, the second side facing outwardly from the centrifugal pump. 
   
     
     
         13 . The method as defined in  claim 12 , wherein the substantially circular face is positioned at least partially within the centrifugal pump. 
     
     
         14 . The method as defined in  claim 12 , wherein the flange of the second side is circumscribed by a circumferential groove adapted to facilitate attachment of the coverplate to a pipe using a clamp coupling. 
     
     
         15 . The method as defined in  claim 14 , wherein the method further comprises the step of:
 attaching a pipe to the flange using a clamp coupling.   
     
     
         16 . The method as defined in  claim 12 , wherein the substantially cylindrical body further includes a circumferential outer rim with a plurality of apertures and the pump is attached to the outer rim of the coverplate. 
     
     
         17 . The method as defined in  claim 12 , wherein a diameter of the orifice decrease from the first side to the second side. 
     
     
         18 . The method as defined in  claim 12 , wherein the coverplate further comprises a flow straightening vane positioned within the orifice adapted to stabilize laminar flow to the pump. 
     
     
         19 . The method as defined in  claim 15 , the method further comprises the steps of:
 mounting the pump to a fracking truck; and   operating the pump.   
     
     
         20 . The method as defined in  claim 19 , wherein the coverplate further comprises a flow straightening vane positioned within the orifice adapted to stabilize laminar flow to the pump.