Engine load management in a hydraulic fracturing system using a slip device

A hydraulic fracturing pump system, comprising:

• a hydraulic fracturing pump;
• a gaseous fuel engine configured to drive the hydraulic fracturing pump;
• a slip device selectively coupling the hydraulic fracturing pump with the gaseous fuel engine;
• a gear system mechanically coupled between the hydraulic fracturing pump and the slip device;
• and
• a controller configured to:
• cause, responsive to an initiation of a gear shift for the gear system, a disengagement of the slip device;
• obtain an indication of a completion of the gear shift;
• and
• cause a slip engagement of the slip device with increasing engagement after a time delay following obtaining the indication of the completion of the gear shift.

A method of load management for a gaseous fuel engine selectively coupled to a hydraulic fracturing pump by a slip device, comprising:

• detecting, by a controller, an initiation of a gear shift for a gear system mechanically coupled between the hydraulic fracturing pump and the slip device;
• causing, by the controller and responsive to the initiation of the gear shift, a disengagement of the slip device;
• detecting, by the controller, a completion of the gear shift;
• and
• causing a slip engagement of the slip device with increasing engagement after a time delay following detecting the completion of the gear shift.