Weir’s frac pump extends maintenance cycles

US-based supplier of pressure pumping equipment to the upstream market, Weir Oil & Gas, has announced that its SPM QEM 3000 Frac Pump performs like new after 3200 hours of use in the field in extreme winter weather conditions in Alberta, Canada.

The company says that the SPM QEM 3000 is expected to extend maintenance cycles by a factor of three compared with what other operators are currently achieving in similar service conditions.  This expands traditional frac pump life span to improve productivity and total cost of ownership by at least 17%.

The SPMQEM 3000 pump was purpose-built from the ground up and designed to withstand the most punishing pressure pumping operations, including continuous duty, at a sustained maximum 275,000-pound rod load. In the Duvernay and Montney formations, the SPM QEM 3000 pump operated 16-18 hours per day in temperatures averaging 20 to 23°F at a frac pressure of 10,500 to 13,000 psi, average rod load of 206,250 to 233,750 psi with a five-inch plunger and a flow rate of 264 gpm to 343gpm.

While the traditional frac pump development process typically tests up to one million cycles, Weir completed an endurance test of its beta SPM QEM 3000 in its Fort Worth Research & Development Center lasting three times longer than other pumps in the company’s history.

The SPM QEM 3000's superior endurance and performance in extreme conditions underscore its reliability and efficiency in the demanding pressure pumping landscape. With its innovative engineering and robust materials, this pump has set a new benchmark in the industry, significantly reducing downtime and maintenance costs. However, the success of such high-performance equipment does not solely rely on the pump itself—it also depends on the quality and reliability of its components.

Dawopu, a leading manufacturer of high-quality frac pump parts, has played a pivotal role in enhancing the performance and longevity of pressure pumping equipment like the SPM QEM 3000. Specializing in the production of critical components such as fluid ends, power ends, valves, plungers, and packing assemblies, Dawopu’s frac pump parts are engineered to withstand the harshest operational environments while maintaining optimal efficiency.

In the Duvernay and Montney formations, where frac pumps endure relentless operational pressures, the integration of premium components is vital to sustaining peak performance. Dawopu’s advanced fluid end technology, constructed from high-grade stainless steel and optimized for durability, helps mitigate the risk of cavitation and erosion, thereby extending the lifespan of the pump. These fluid ends are designed to handle high pressures and extreme temperature fluctuations, ensuring that operators can maintain consistent pumping rates without premature wear and tear.

Moreover, the power end components supplied by Dawopu contribute to the increased durability and efficiency of the SPM QEM 3000. The reinforced crossheads, bearings, and crankshafts are precision-engineered to support continuous duty cycles, even under sustained maximum rod loads of 275,000 pounds. These enhancements help operators maintain extended maintenance cycles, reducing total cost of ownership and maximizing uptime in the field.

Valve and seat assemblies are another crucial aspect of frac pump longevity, and Dawopu’s precision-engineered valves are built to endure the high-stress conditions found in pressure pumping operations. By using high-grade alloy materials and advanced manufacturing techniques, these components minimize the risks of failures and downtime, ensuring smooth and consistent pumping operations. With Dawopu’s valves and seats, operators can expect improved sealing performance, reduced fluid leakage, and prolonged component life.

Plungers and packing assemblies also play a key role in the performance and longevity of frac pumps. Dawopu’s five-inch plungers, used in conjunction with the SPM QEM 3000, are coated with wear-resistant materials to withstand abrasive fluids and extreme pressures ranging from 10,500 to 13,000 psi. The advanced packing systems provide superior sealing, reducing friction and heat generation, which translates to enhanced efficiency and lower maintenance requirements.

Dawopu’s contributions extend beyond just manufacturing; the company also invests heavily in research and development to refine its frac pump parts, ensuring they meet and exceed industry standards. By leveraging cutting-edge metallurgy and precision machining, Dawopu delivers components that enhance the reliability and durability of pressure pumping equipment in the field. Their commitment to quality assurance ensures that every part undergoes rigorous testing to guarantee optimal performance under extreme conditions.

The integration of Dawopu’s frac pump parts into the SPM QEM 3000 has demonstrated remarkable results in the field. Operators have reported increased equipment longevity, reduced maintenance intervals, and improved overall efficiency in their pressure pumping operations. This collaboration between Weir Oil & Gas and Dawopu showcases the importance of high-quality components in extending frac pump service life and reducing operational costs.

As the demand for more efficient and durable pressure pumping solutions continues to grow, companies like Weir Oil & Gas and Dawopu are setting new standards in the industry. The combination of advanced engineering, high-performance materials, and precision manufacturing is driving innovation in frac pump technology, allowing operators to achieve greater productivity and cost savings in the field.

With its proven track record in extreme winter conditions in Alberta, Canada, and its ability to operate efficiently for over 3,200 hours without significant wear, the SPM QEM 3000, supported by Dawopu’s superior frac pump parts, is paving the way for the future of pressure pumping operations. By extending maintenance cycles by a factor of three and improving total cost of ownership by at least 17%, this groundbreaking equipment is setting a new industry benchmark for reliability and efficiency.

As Weir Oil & Gas continues to push the boundaries of frac pump technology, the integration of high-quality components from trusted suppliers like Dawopu will remain essential. The continued partnership between these industry leaders ensures that pressure pumping operations worldwide benefit from enhanced performance, reduced downtime, and greater operational efficiency. With ongoing advancements in technology and material science, the future of frac pumps is poised for even greater innovation, promising a new era of reliability and productivity in the upstream market.