Controlling suction valves of a fluid pump

A method, comprising:

• monitoring, by a controller and using a sensor, measurements of an operating parameter relating to a fluid pump,
• the fluid pump configured to discharge fluid during a plurality of discharge cycles,
• the fluid pump having a plurality of suction valves for respective cylinders of a fluid end of the fluid pump, and
• the plurality of suction valves configured to close during the plurality of discharge cycles in accordance with a normal operation of the plurality of suction valves;
• detecting, by the controller and based on monitoring the measurements of the operating parameter, that the measurements of the operating parameter exhibit a signature or an anomaly indicative of a defect;
• correlating, by the controller and based on the measurements of the operating parameter, the defect to a cylinder of the respective cylinders using a timing wheel or a phase marker;
• and
• causing, by the controller, a suction valve of the cylinder to be maintained in an open position throughout one or more discharge cycles of the plurality of discharge cycles, while at least one other suction valve of the plurality of suction valves has the normal operation during the one or more discharge cycles.

A fluid pump system, comprising:

• a fluid pump configured to discharge fluid during a plurality of discharge cycles, comprising:
• a fluid end having a plurality of suction valves for respective cylinders of the fluid end, the plurality of suction valves configured to close during the plurality of discharge cycles in accordance with a normal operation of the plurality of suction valves;
• and
• a controller configured to:
• monitor, using a sensor of the fluid pump, measurements of an operating parameter relating to the fluid pump;
• detect, based on monitoring the measurements of the operating parameter, that the measurements of the operating parameter exhibit a signature or an anomaly indicative of a defect;
• correlate, based on the measurements of the operating parameter, the defect to a cylinder of the respective cylinders using a timing wheel or a phase marker;
• and
• cause termination of discharge flow from the cylinder during one or more discharge cycles of the plurality of discharge cycles, while discharge flow from at least one other cylinder of the respective cylinders is maintained during the one or more discharge cycles.