We performed a failure analysis on a fracking pump. The pump is driven by a transmission via a 2700 HP engine which varies in RPM. The transmission is connected to the pump by a universal joint to a flange and shaft assembly.
The assembly is made up of a flanged input hub, key, and pump input shaft. The flanged hub and input shaft has an interference fit reducing the overall load on the key. The original design incorporated a 4 inch diameter shaft, which failed during testing. In addition to determining the fatigue life of the 4 inch shaft, we designed a 5 inch shaft to increase the expected design life of the new pumps.
O’Donnell Consulting performs failure analysis on equipment for clients in industries including energy, mining and oil/gas.
