Hydraulic cushion
US9534458B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 6, 2013 |
| Grant date | Jan 3, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 25, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF04B53/1022
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Drilling mud is lifted subsea to a drilling vessel with a mud pump having an internal bladder. Applying pressurized water to one side of the bladder urges it against a quantity of the mud to impart a lifting force onto the mud. Mud flow to and from the pump is controlled by valves driven by actuators. The actuators include a piston in a cylinder, a stem that connects the piston to a valve member, and ports for supplying fluid to opposing ends of the piston for selectively reciprocating the piston. Cavities are strategically location in the cylinder for absorbing vibrational forces generated when the piston reaches an end of its stroke.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.