US 12,366,241 B2
System for managing pump load
Yuesheng He, Sugar Land, TX (US); Todd Ryan Kabrich, Tomball, TX (US); and Casey Alan Otten, Spring, TX (US)
Assigned to Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US)
Filed by Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US)
Filed on Jan. 25, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/422,047.
Application 18/422,047 is a continuation of application No. 17/724,351, filed on Apr. 19, 2022, granted, now 11,898,551.
Prior Publication US 2024/0167470 A1, May 23, 2024
Int. Cl. F04B 47/00 (2006.01); F04B 49/10 (2006.01); F04B 49/22 (2006.01)
CPC F04B 49/22 (2013.01) [F04B 47/00 (2013.01); F04B 49/103 (2013.01); F04B 2203/0605 (2013.01); F04B 2207/01 (2013.01)] 11 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method comprising:
receiving an indication that a prime mover of a fluid system is starting up, the prime mover configured to drive operation of a pump, the pump including a plunger disposed at least partially within a fluid end;
receiving sensor data from one or more sensors associated with the prime mover, the sensor data including load data indicative of a load on the prime mover;
determining, based at least in part on the sensor data, that the load on the prime mover is above a load threshold;
determining, based at least in part on the sensor data, that a transmission between the prime mover and the pump is engaged; and
causing an actuator to position a valve in an open position, based at least in part on determining that the load on the prime mover is above the load threshold and that the transmission is engaged, wherein the valve regulates fluid flow through the pump, and wherein maintaining the valve in the open position reduces the load on the prime mover.