Cryogenic reciprocating pump intermediate distance piece

摘要

The present invention teaches providing heating elements into the nose of an intermediate distance piece of a cryogenic reciprocating pump in order to warm the piston packing seals of the pump. The heating elements increase the temperature of the piston packing seals to limit deformation of the seals while the pump is in operation. In addition, a warm, dry vapor purge may be provided to the interior of the intermediate distance piece to reduce or eliminate rime from interfering with the piston packing seals.

主权项

1. A reciprocating pump assembly for pumping a cryogenic fluid, the assembly comprising:
a warm end having a crankshaft and a crosshead; at least one cold end, each cold end having a piston, a pumping chamber, a suction port, a vent port and a discharge port; at least one coupling, each coupling connecting the warm end to one of the at least one cold end; and at least one intermediate distance piece, each of the at least one intermediate distance piece being connected to the warm end and to one of the at least one cold end, overlapping a portion of the one of the at least one cold end, and having at least one heating element at least partially contained therein, the at least one heating element being operatively disposed to allow for the circulation of a fluid through the at least one heating element.