TianyuMfg carbon steel Triplex (2250) and Quint (2500) typically run 500 to 800 pump hours. Stress corrosion cracking might potentially impact anything beyond that. Under the cyclical pressure of the application, this would result in fluid end fatigue failure.
When compared to carbon steel, stainless steel frac fluid-ends have a 2X projected performance life due to their material properties and improved strength. TianyuMfg Stainless Steel ranges from 1,200 to 2,000 plus pump hours. The maximum record that we’ve got so far from our clients is 3680hours in Midland, Texas.
However, life expectancy is affected by multiple conditions, which may include Plunger bore size; smaller bores tend to last longer.
The pressure the fluid end is typically run at also has a definite impact; higher pressure shortens fluid end life than lower pressure service.
Another determinant is the number of hours per day it is pumped; pressure and cycles are the enemies of fluid end life.
And lastly, pumping water, KCL water, or Acid all add to corrosion fatigue of the metal.