TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to devices for use in hydraulic fluid pumping environments. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, this disclosure relates to using a load sense pump as a backup for a pressure-compensated pump in a wellbore operation.

BACKGROUND

A fracturing environment can include a fracturing blender assembly to supply fluid and additives to various pressure-related fracturing operations. An example of pressure-related fracturing operations is flushing a wellbore to prevent proppant from settling and plugging off the wellbore. A fracturing blender assembly can include pressure-compensated hydraulic pumps to provide constant high fluid pressure in order to operate the components in a hydraulic circuit for purposes of flushing a wellbore. The pressure-compensated hydraulic pumps can provide adequate pressure despite the actual load so that the produced pressures stay above a threshold operating level. The pressure-compensated hydraulic pumps, however, can fail, causing cessation of operations within the fracturing environment, possible damage to the pressure-compensated pumps and wellbore equipment, and damage to the structural integrity of the wellbore. Inability to flush a wellbore due to the failure of a pressure-compensated pump can involve maintenance and repair. Maintaining constant high pressure to operate components in a hydraulic circuit for purposes of flushing a wellbore as needed is important to maintain peak operational efficiency and reduce operational costs.

