US20230407853A1 - Fluid end with non-circular bores and closures for the same - Google Patents
Fluid end with non-circular bores and closures for the same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20230407853A1 US20230407853A1 US18/459,560 US202318459560A US2023407853A1 US 20230407853 A1 US20230407853 A1 US 20230407853A1 US 202318459560 A US202318459560 A US 202318459560A US 2023407853 A1 US2023407853 A1 US 2023407853A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- closure
- closure element
- segment
- assembly
- fluid end
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 189
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 claims description 57
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 68
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 36
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 19
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 16
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 16
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 16
- 238000012856 packing Methods 0.000 description 10
- 230000008439 repair process Effects 0.000 description 9
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 8
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 6
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000007493 shaping process Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 239000000806 elastomer Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000003754 machining Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000013519 translation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229920002943 EPDM rubber Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004433 Thermoplastic polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000005755 formation reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000037361 pathway Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000011435 rock Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920002803 thermoplastic polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920001634 Copolyester Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000459 Nitrile rubber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000003082 abrasive agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000969 carrier Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009795 derivation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001627 detrimental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000004907 gland Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000977 initiatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011900 installation process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003475 lamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004576 sand Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920006395 saturated elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 229920006344 thermoplastic copolyester Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B15/00—Pumps adapted to handle specific fluids, e.g. by selection of specific materials for pumps or pump parts
- F04B15/02—Pumps adapted to handle specific fluids, e.g. by selection of specific materials for pumps or pump parts the fluids being viscous or non-homogeneous
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B1/00—Multi-cylinder machines or pumps characterised by number or arrangement of cylinders
- F04B1/12—Multi-cylinder machines or pumps characterised by number or arrangement of cylinders having cylinder axes coaxial with, or parallel or inclined to, main shaft axis
- F04B1/122—Details or component parts, e.g. valves, sealings or lubrication means
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B17/00—Pumps characterised by combination with, or adaptation to, specific driving engines or motors
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B47/00—Pumps or pumping installations specially adapted for raising fluids from great depths, e.g. well pumps
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B49/00—Control, e.g. of pump delivery, or pump pressure of, or safety measures for, machines, pumps, or pumping installations, not otherwise provided for, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B47/00
- F04B49/02—Stopping, starting, unloading or idling control
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B53/00—Component parts, details or accessories not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B23/00 or F04B39/00 - F04B47/00
- F04B53/16—Casings; Cylinders; Cylinder liners or heads; Fluid connections
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B53/00—Component parts, details or accessories not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B23/00 or F04B39/00 - F04B47/00
- F04B53/22—Arrangements for enabling ready assembly or disassembly
Definitions
- the present invention relates to the field of high pressure reciprocating pumps and, in particular, to fluid ends of high pressure reciprocating pumps and closure and/or sealing assemblies for the same.
- High pressure reciprocating pumps are often used to deliver high pressure fluids during earth drilling operations.
- One or more sealing arrangements are typically provided in the fluid end to seal conduits formed in the fluid end and prevent, or at least discourage, leakage.
- the fluid end may define one or more internal pumping chambers and conduits may define pathways between the one or more internal pumping chambers and external surfaces of the fluid end. At least some segments of these conduits may be sealed with a closure assembly that may include a closure element (e.g., a cover, plug, and/or sleeve), a seal element, and a retaining element.
- a closure assembly may include some subset of these elements.
- seals in a fluid end segment may prevent, or at least discourage, leakage through the conduits of a fluid end.
- the present application relates to techniques for closing a segment of a fluid end of a high pressure reciprocating pump.
- the techniques may be embodied as a closure element and/or a closure assembly, either of which may be provided independent of any other elements or as part of a fluid end, a kit, and/or a reciprocating pump. Additionally, the techniques may be embodied as a fluid end and as a method for closing a segment of a fluid end of a high pressure reciprocating pump.
- the present application is directed to a closure element for a fluid end of a reciprocating pump.
- the closure element is installable within a segment of a casing of the fluid end to substantially close the segment and includes a main body that extends from an interior surface to an exterior surface. At least a portion of the main body has a non-circular cross-sectional shape.
- the non-circular shape creates sealing and retaining options that may be advantageous as compared to traditional sealing and retaining techniques.
- the closure element may be self-retaining and/or may be retained within a bore without threading, which is often a high-stress point that is prone to failure.
- closure elements are often secured in a segment with a retaining element that is secured to a fluid end via a threaded connection formed between threads machined into the fluid end and threads of the retaining element. These threads are typically subject to high levels of cyclical stress and, thus, if the retaining element is not installed or preloaded correctly, the threads may experience fatigue failure.
- non-circular cross-sectional shape allows a sealing location to move inwards, adjacent a pumping chamber, or outwards, adjacent an exterior of the fluid end, each of which may provide additional life span advantages for the closure element and/or the fluid end within which the closure element is installed.
- a closure element with a non-circular cross-sectional shape may be retained adjacent the pumping chamber of a fluid end and may protect the interior edges of a fluid end segment, which are often a point of failure, from wear.
- the closure element when the closure element is retained adjacent the pumping chamber or external surface, the closure element can define a corner for a corner seal, which may avoid traditional pitfalls associated with radial seals (i.e., outer diameter seals) used on closure elements for fluid ends.
- radial seals i.e., outer diameter seals
- the sealing area can be located on a removable piece. Then, if the sealing surface becomes damaged (which typically happens over time during normal pumping operation), the sealing area can be repaired via a part replacement instead of via an invasive repair (e.g., a weld repair).
- the non-circular cross-sectional shape is an extended ovular shape. This shape may ensure that the closure element is removable from, but also securable within, a bore segment of a fluid end.
- the main body may include a seating section proximate the interior surface and a closure section proximate the exterior surface, one or both of which may have the non-circular cross-sectional shape.
- the seating section may extend radially beyond the closure section, the seating section may have a first non-circular cross-sectional shape, and the closure section may have a second non-circular cross-sectional shape that is smaller than the first non-circular cross-sectional shape.
- the seating section may extend radially beyond the closure section and only one of the seating section and the closure section may include the non-circular cross-sectional shape.
- the two sections may allow the closure element to be secured within the fluid end, e.g., against the fluid end and/or a retaining element, and/or to form a corner seal when secured within a fluid end bore segment.
- the seating section may define a non-circular shoulder between the seating section and the closure section.
- the closure section defines a seal channel adjacent or proximate to the non-circular shoulder. Either way, this allows some flexibility for the sealing area and may, advantageously, move the sealing area away from locations that are hard to repair.
- the closure element includes one or more installation elements disposed on and extending away from the exterior surface so that that the one or more installation elements are accessible from an exterior of the segment of the casing of the fluid end when the closure element is installed within the segment. Such elements may enable a user to easily install or remove the closure element from a fluid end bore segment.
- the present application is directed to a closure assembly.
- the closure assembly may be formed with the foregoing closure element embodiments, as well as variations thereof.
- the closure assembly may realize any of the foregoing advantages.
- the closure assembly may include a retaining assembly that is coupleable to the exterior surface of the closure element.
- the retaining assembly may prevent, or at least discourage, the closure element from being blown out (i.e., removed) of a bore segment, e.g., by pressure in a pumping chamber.
- the retaining assembly may also prevent, or at least discourage, the closure element from being sucked into a pumping chamber of the fluid end (e.g., during an intake stroke of a reciprocating component operating in or adjacent the fluid end).
- the retaining assembly also includes couplers that removably couple a retaining element to the closure element.
- the retaining assembly may be configured to be disposed entirely within the segment of the casing of the fluid end when the closure element is installed within the segment of the casing of the fluid end.
- the retaining assembly may appear to be part of the closure element and, thus, such embodiments may sometimes be referred to as “two-part closure element” embodiments.
- such embodiments may allow a closure element to seal adjacent a pumping chamber, potentially reducing the size of the pumping chamber, which is advantageous for pumping compressible fluids.
- a retaining assembly disposed within a fluid end bore may reduce the overall footprint of a fluid end (since the retaining assembly does not extend therefrom), potentially reducing snag/trip hazards around the fluid end (e.g., as compared to retaining assemblies that protrude from a fluid end).
- the retaining assembly is configured to be disposed at least partially exteriorly of the casing of the fluid end when the closure element is installed within the segment of the casing of the fluid end.
- the retaining assembly may include a retainer, such as an annular retaining ring with a non-circular cross section, disposed exteriorly of the casing of the fluid end.
- the retainer can define a seat on which a shoulder of the portion of the main body of the closure element with the non-circular cross-sectional shape may sit. Then, the sealing area for the closure element may be formed against this annular ring, which can be easily repaired or replaced (e.g., without invasive repairs).
- the retainer may be secured to a fluid end with a plurality of couplers, but need not be removed to replace the closure element.
- the non-circular cross-sectional shape of the closure element may allow the closure element to be replaced or serviced quickly, without removing plurality of couplers (e.g., by rotating the closure element into an installation/removal orientation while the retainer remains in place).
- the present application is directed to a fluid end of a reciprocating pump including a casing with intersecting conduits that collectively define a plurality of segments extending from an external surface of the casing to a pumping chamber defined within the casing. At least a portion of at least one segment of the plurality of segments has a non-circular cross-sectional shape configured to receive and secure a closure element with a non-circular cross-sectional shape. At least because of the non-circular cross-sectional shape, this fluid end may realize many of the advantages discussed above in connection with the closure elements and/or the closure assemblies presented herein.
- the plurality of segments include an intake segment that provides a fluid inlet for the pumping chamber, a discharge segment that that provides a fluid outlet for the pumping chamber, a reciprocation segment, and an access segment.
- the reciprocation segment is configured to operably couple a reciprocating component to the pumping chamber so that the reciprocating component can draw fluid into the pumping chamber via the intake segment and discharge fluid from the pumping chamber via the discharge segment.
- the access segment provides access to at least the pumping chamber. In some instances, the access segment has the non-circular cross-sectional shape. Additionally or alternatively, the discharge segment may have the non-circular cross-sectional shape.
- the portion of the at least one segment of the plurality of segments that has the non-circular cross-sectional shape may comprise a segment portion adjacent to the pumping chamber.
- the portion of the at least one segment of the plurality of segments that has the non-circular cross-sectional shape may comprise a segment portion adjacent to the external surface of the casing.
- the present application is directed to a method of closing an externally open segment of a fluid end of a reciprocating pump with a closure assembly.
- the method includes inserting a non-circular closure element into a segment of a fluid casing in a first direction while the non-circular closure element is disposed in a first orientation. Then, the non-circular closure element is rotated to a second orientation that is angularly offset from the first orientation with respect to at least one axis of rotation. After and/or during the rotation, the non-circular closure element is moved within the segment of a fluid casing in a second direction. The second direction is opposite the first direction and, thus, causes the non-circular closure element to seat within the segment.
- the rotating occurs in a pumping chamber of the fluid end and involves a first rotation of approximately ninety degrees about a first axis of rotation and a second rotation of approximately ninety degrees about a second axis of rotation.
- the closure element can be seated into a bore segment without a retaining element and/or without threading. At least because this method utilizes a non-circular closure element, this method may also realize any advantages described above. This method may also be executed with any variations of closure elements or closure assemblies described herein.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art reciprocating pump including a fluid end.
- FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of another prior art fluid end.
- FIG. 3 is a front view of a fluid end with a non-circular bore that has non-circular closure assemblies installed therein.
- the fluid end and closure assemblies are each formed according to example embodiments of the present application.
- FIG. 4 is a side, sectional view of the fluid end of FIG. 3 taken along line “A-A” of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one of the closure assemblies installed in the fluid end of FIGS. 3 and 4 .
- FIG. 6 is a front, sectional view of the fluid end of FIG. 3 taken along line “A-A” of FIG. 4 , with the closure assembly removed from the fluid end.
- FIG. 7 is a detail view of a portion of the sectional view of FIG. 4 with the closure assembly removed from the fluid end.
- FIG. 8 A is a detail view of portion “B” of the sectional view of FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 8 B is a front perspective view of a retaining element that may be used with at least a closure element of the closure assembly of FIG. 3 , according to an example embodiment.
- FIG. 8 C is a schematic, sectional view of the retaining element of FIG. 8 B while installed on the closure element of the closure assembly of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 8 D is a front perspective view of another example embodiment of a closure element that may be used with at least a retaining element of the closure assembly of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 8 E is a rear perspective view of the closure element of FIG. 8 D .
- FIG. 8 F is a side, sectional view of the closure element of FIG. 8 D , taken along line A-A of FIG. 8 E .
- FIG. 8 G is a front perspective view of yet another example embodiment of a closure element that may be used with at least a retaining element of the closure assembly of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 8 H is a side perspective view of the closure element of FIG. 8 G assembled with a retaining element to form at least a portion of a closure assembly.
- FIG. 8 I is a schematic, front sectional view of a fluid end embodiment with the closure assembly removed from the fluid end.
- FIG. 9 is a side, sectional view of a portion of another example embodiment of a fluid end with a non-circular bore formed in accordance with the present application.
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a closure assembly formed in accordance with the present application.
- FIG. 11 A is a front view of a portion of the fluid end of FIG. 3 with a third embodiment of the closure assembly presented herein installed therein.
- FIG. 11 B is a side, sectional view of the fluid end and closure assembly of FIG. 11 A .
- FIG. 12 A is a front view of a portion of the fluid end of FIG. 3 with a variation of the third embodiment of the closure assembly presented herein installed therein.
- FIG. 12 B is a side, sectional view of the fluid end and closure assembly of FIG. 12 A .
- FIG. 13 is a side, sectional view of another example embodiment of a fluid end with a non-circular bore including a fourth embodiment of the closure assembly installed therein.
- the fluid end and closure assembly are each formed according to example embodiments of the present application.
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the closure assembly shown in FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 15 is a detail view of portion “B” of the sectional view of FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 16 A is a side perspective, sectional view of yet another example embodiment of a fluid end with a non-circular bore including a fifth embodiment of the closure assembly presented herein installed therein.
- the fluid end and closure assembly are each formed according to example embodiments of the present application.
- FIG. 16 B is a front view of the fluid end of FIG. 16 A , with a closure element of the closure assembly for the fluid end being shown in an installation orientation.
- FIG. 17 A is a front perspective view of yet another example embodiment of a fluid end with a non-circular bore including a variant of the fifth embodiment of the closure assembly presented herein installed therein.
- the fluid end and closure assembly are each formed according to example embodiments of the present application.
- FIG. 17 B is a sectional view of the fluid end and closure assembly of FIG. 17 A taken along line A-A of FIG. 17 A .
- FIGS. 18 A- 18 E depict a method of closing an externally open segment of a fluid end of a reciprocating pump with a non-circular closure assembly, according to an example embodiment of the present application.
- FIG. 19 depicts a final assembly formed when executing the method of FIGS. 18 A- 18 E in accordance with an example embodiment of the present application.
- the present application is directed to a fluid end of a reciprocating pump, closure assemblies for the fluid end, and/or portions thereof.
- the fluid end presented herein has at least one bore with a non-circular cross-sectional shape while the closure assemblies presented herein include least some components or sections with non-circular cross-sectional shapes.
- fluid ends for reciprocating pumps have bores with circular cross-sectional shapes (e.g., cylindrical bores) while closure elements therefor (e.g., valve covers, plugs, sleeves, etc.) have corresponding circular/cylindrical shapes to allow the closure elements to close and/or seal the bore.
- a cylindrical closure element secured in a cylindrical bore can define sealing areas on the inner surface of the bore. This surface is often defined by the fluid end and, thus, can be very difficult to repair (e.g., repair may require an invasive weld repair).
- the threads on the retaining element are subject to high levels of cyclical stress. Thus, if the retaining element is not preloaded correctly, the threads may experience fatigue failure.
- closure assemblies and/or the fluid end presented herein resolve these issues and, thus, can extend the lifespan of both the fluid end and the closure element.
- a closure element with a non-circular cross-sectional shape can be secured within a fluid end bore without a threaded retaining element, thereby eliminating a potential point of failure.
- the closure element can be retained directly on a fluid end and/or on a retaining element that is fixed in place on a fluid end (e.g., the retaining element need not be removed for installation or removal of the closure element). This may also make the closure assembly easy to install, decreasing the amount of time required for installation and/or removal which, in turn, decreases downtime.
- the fluid end will not define a sealing area and, thus, will not experience wear associated with the sealing area.
- the non-circular cross-sectional shapes of the present application may allow the seals to be/provide bore or corner seals, which may be more robust than radial seals (e.g., seals between nested components of different radial dimensions).
- the reciprocating pump 100 includes a power end 102 and a fluid end 104 .
- the power end 102 includes a crankshaft that drives a plurality of reciprocating plungers within the fluid end 104 to pump fluid at high pressure.
- the power end 102 is capable of generating forces sufficient to cause the fluid end 104 to deliver high pressure fluids to earth drilling operations.
- the power end 102 may be configured to support hydraulic fracturing (i.e., fracking) operations, where fracking liquid (e.g., a mixture of water and sand) is injected into rock formations at high pressures to allow natural oil and gas to be extracted from the rock formations.
- fracking liquid e.g., a mixture of water and sand
- the reciprocating pump 100 may be quite large and may, for example, be supported by a semi-tractor truck (“semi”) that can move the reciprocating pump 100 to and from a well.
- a semi may move the reciprocating pump 100 off a well when the reciprocating pump 100 requires maintenance.
- a reciprocating pump 100 is typically moved off a well only when a replacement pump (and an associated semi) is available to move into place at the well, which may be rare.
- the reciprocating pump is taken offline at a well and maintenance is performed while the reciprocating pump 100 remains on the well. If not for this maintenance, the reciprocating pump 100 could operate continuously to extract natural oil and gas (or conduct any other operation). Consequently, any improvements that extend the lifespan of components of the reciprocating pump 100 , especially typical “wear” components, and extend the time between maintenance operations (i.e., between downtime) are highly desirable.
- the fluid end 104 may be shaped differently and/or have different features, but may still generally perform the same functions, define similar structures, and house similar components.
- FIG. 2 shows a side, sectional view of a fluid end 104 ′ with different internal and external shaping as compared to fluid end 104 .
- FIGS. 1 and 2 are labeled with the same reference numerals and are both described with respect to these common reference labels.
- FIG. 2 depicts a single pumping chamber 208 , it should be understood that a fluid end 104 can include multiple pumping chambers 208 arranged side-by-side.
- a casing 206 of the fluid end 104 forms a plurality of pumping chambers 208 and each chamber 208 includes a plunger 202 that reciprocates within the casing 206 .
- side-by-side pumping chambers 208 need not be defined by a single casing 206 .
- the fluid end 104 may be modular and different casing segments may house one or more pumping chambers 208 .
- the one or more pumping chambers 208 are arranged side-by-side so that corresponding conduits are positioned adjacent each other and generate substantially parallel pumping action. Specifically, with each stroke of the plunger 202 , low pressure fluid is drawn into the pumping chamber 208 and high pressure fluid is discharged. But, often, the fluid within the pumping chamber 208 contains abrasive material (i.e., “debris”) that can damage seals formed in the reciprocating pump 100 .
- abrasive material i.e., “debris”
- the pumping paths and pumping chamber 208 of the fluid end 104 are formed by conduits that extend through the casing 206 to define openings at an external surface 210 of the casing 206 . More specifically, a first conduit 212 extends longitudinally (e.g., vertically) through the casing 206 while a second conduit 222 extends laterally (e.g., horizontally) through the casing 206 . Thus, conduit 212 intersects conduit 222 to at least partially (and collectively) define the pumping chamber 208 .
- conduits 212 and 222 are substantially cylindrical, but the diameters of conduit 212 and conduit 222 may vary throughout the casing 206 so that conduits 212 and 222 can receive various structures, such as sealing assemblies or components thereof.
- each conduit may include two segments, each of which extend from the pumping chamber 208 to the external surface 210 of the casing 206 .
- conduit 212 includes a first segment 2124 and a second segment 2126 that opposes the first segment 2124 .
- conduit 222 includes a third segment 2224 and a fourth segment 2226 that opposes the third segment 2224 .
- the segments of a conduit e.g., segments 2124 and 2126 or segments 2224 and 2226
- are substantially coaxial while the segments of different conduits are substantially orthogonal.
- segments 2124 , 2126 , 2224 , and 2226 may be arranged along any desired angle or angles, for example, to intersect pumping chamber 208 at one or more non-straight angles.
- conduit 212 defines a fluid path through the fluid end 104 .
- Segment 2126 is an intake segment that connects the pumping chamber to a piping system 106 delivering fluid to the fluid end 104 .
- segment 2124 is an outlet or discharge segment that allows compressed fluid to exit the fluid end 104 .
- segments 2126 and 2124 may include valve components 51 and 52 , respectively, (e.g., one-way valves) that allow segments 2126 and 2124 to selectively open.
- valve components 51 in the inlet segment 2126 may be secured therein by a piping system 106 .
- valve components 52 in outlet segment 2124 may be secured therein by a closure assembly 53 that, in the prior art example depicted in FIG.
- a closure element 251 also referred to as a discharge plug
- a retaining assembly 252 is coupled to segment 2124 via threads 2128 defined by an interior wall of segment 2124 .
- segment 2226 defines, at least in part, a cylinder for plunger 202 , and/or connects the casing 206 to a cylinder for plunger 202 .
- a casing segment 35 is secured to segment 2226 and houses a packing assembly 36 configured to seal against a plunger 202 disposed interiorly of the packing assembly 36 .
- reciprocation of a plunger 202 in or adjacent to segment 2226 which may be referred to as a reciprocation segment, draws fluid into the pumping chamber 208 via inlet segment 2126 and pumps the fluid out of the pumping chamber 208 via outlet segment 2124 .
- the packing assembly 36 is retained within casing segment 35 with a retaining element 37 that is threadably coupled to casing segment 35 .
- Segment 2224 is an access segment that can be opened to access to parts disposed within casing 206 and/or surfaces defined within casing 206 .
- access segment 2224 may be closed by a closure assembly 54 that, in the prior art example depicted in FIG. 2 , includes a closure element 254 (also referred to as a suction plug) that is secured in the segment 2224 by a retaining assembly 256 .
- the prior art retaining assembly 256 is coupled to segment 2224 via threads 2228 defined by an interior wall of segment 2224 .
- conduit 222 need not include segment 2224 and conduit 222 may be formed from a single segment (segment 2226 ) that extends from the pumping chamber 208 to the external surface 210 of casing 206 .
- fluid may enter fluid end 104 (or fluid end 104 ′) via multiple openings, as represented by opening 216 in FIG. 2 , and exit fluid end 104 (or fluid end 104 ′) via multiple openings, as represented by opening 214 in FIG. 2 .
- fluid enters openings 216 via pipes of piping system 106 , flows through pumping chamber 208 (due to reciprocation of a plunger 202 ), and then flows through openings 214 into a channel 108 .
- piping system 106 and channel 108 are merely example conduits and, in various embodiments, fluid end 104 may receive and discharge fluid via any number of pipes and/or conduits, along pathways of any desirable size or shape.
- the first segment 2124 (of conduit 212 ), the third segment 2224 (of conduit 222 ), and the fourth segment 2226 (of conduit 222 ) may each be “closed” segments.
- the second segment 2126 (of conduit 212 ) may be an “open” segment that allows fluid to flow from the external surface 210 to the pumping chamber 208 . That is, for the purposes of this application, a “closed” segment may prevent, or at least substantially prevent, direct fluid flow between the pumping chamber 208 and the external surface 210 of the casing 206 while an “open” segment may allow fluid flow between the pumping chamber 208 and the external surface 210 .
- “direct fluid flow” requires flow along only the segment so that, for example, fluid flowing from pumping chamber 208 to the external surface 210 along segment 2124 and channel 108 does not flow directly to the external surface 210 via segment 2124 .
- FIGS. 3 and 4 depict a front view and a side, sectional view, respectively, of an example embodiment of a fluid end 304 formed in accordance with the present application. Additionally, in these Figures, an example embodiment of a closure assembly 400 formed in accordance with the present application is shown installed in the fluid end 304 . For simplicity and clarity, these Figures continue to use some reference numerals from the prior art illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 ; however, such continuity should not be construed as limiting in any manner and, instead, is only utilized for ease of understanding.
- FIGS. 3 and 4 should not be construed as limiting in any manner.
- FIGS. 3 and 4 depict a fluid end 304 with non-circular access segments 3224 that are sealed by non-circular closure assemblies 400
- any desirable segments of a fluid end formed in accordance with the present application may be non-circular. That is, segments 2124 , 2126 , and/or 2226 could be non-circular, either in addition to or instead of non-circular access segments 3224 . Additionally or alternatively, only some segments of a particular type of segment could be non-circular (e.g., a subset of the access segments 3224 depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4 ). Still further, while FIGS.
- segment 2124 , segment 3224 , and segment 2226 are each be completely capped, sealed, plugged, or otherwise closed to prevent fluid from passing through one of these segments to the external surface 310 of casing 306 .
- the closure assembly 400 depicted in these Figures includes at least a sealing assembly 401 formed by a closure element 402 and a seal 461 and/or seal assembly 460 (e.g., a seal 461 and a seal carrier 462 ).
- the sealing assembly 401 is self-retaining and, thus, can be installed within a non-circular segment 3224 without any additional components.
- the closure assembly 400 also includes a retaining assembly 470 that retains the assembly 401 within a non-circular segment 3224 .
- the retaining assembly 470 is removably coupleable to the closure element 402 and, when coupled thereto, retains the seal 461 adjacent the closure element 402 .
- the retaining assembly 470 may also serve to retain the closure element 402 within the non-circular segment 3224 .
- the retaining assembly 470 may retain the closure element 402 in the non-circular segment 3224 when a suction stroke of a reciprocating component (e.g., plunger 202 ) urges the closure element 402 into the pumping chamber 308 of the fluid end 304 .
- the closure element 402 includes a main body that extends from an interior surface 406 to an exterior surface 410 .
- the interior surface 406 is disposed closer to the pumping chamber 308 than the exterior surface 410 . That is, the interior surface 406 may be “upstream” (i.e., closer to the pumping chamber 308 ) of the exterior surface 410 . Or, from another perspective, the exterior surface 410 may be “downstream” of the interior surface 406 .
- the interior surface 406 may be “upstream” (i.e., closer to the pumping chamber 308 ) of the exterior surface 410 .
- the exterior surface 410 may be “downstream” of the interior surface 406 .
- the interior surface 406 of the closure element 402 is disposed in or adjacent to the pumping chamber 308 when the closure element 402 is installed in the non-circular segment 3224 .
- This position may be advantageous not only because it allows the closure assembly 400 to be secured in place without threads, but also because it reduces the overall size of the pumping chamber 308 , which is typically advantageous when pumping compressible fluids (i.e., fluids for which the reciprocating pump 100 is intended).
- the interior surface 406 may include tapered edges 408 .
- the closure element 402 it is possible to install the closure element 402 in or adjacent the pumping chamber 308 because the overall shape (e.g., the largest dimension) of the closure element 402 is non-circular so that the closure element 402 has an elongated overall dimension 442 and a narrow overall dimension 444 , which is smaller than the elongated overall dimension 442 .
- dimensions 442 and 444 allow the closure element 402 to be easily inserted into and seated against a non-circular portion of the non-circular segment 3224 .
- the closure element 402 moves from the exterior surface 410 to the interior surface 406 , the closure element 402 includes a closure section 430 and a seating section 438 . That is, the closure element 402 includes a closure section 430 adjacent, or at least proximate, to the exterior surface 410 and a seating section 438 adjacent, or at least proximate, to the interior surface 406 .
- the seating section 438 extends radially beyond the closure section 430 and, thus, defines a shoulder 436 between the closure section 430 and the seating section 438 .
- shoulder 436 can engage (e.g. sit on) a seat of the non-circular segment 3224 to secure, or at least orient/align, the closure element 402 within the non-circular segment 3224 .
- the closure section 430 has a radial surface 432 that has a non-circular cross-sectional shape.
- the seating section 438 has a radial surface 439 that has a non-circular cross-sectional shape.
- the radial surface 439 of the seating section 438 and the radial surface 432 of the closure section 430 have non-circular cross-sectional shapes that are substantially the same. That is, the closure section 430 has a first non-circular cross-sectional shape and the seating section 438 has a second non-circular cross-sectional shape that is smaller than, but similarly proportioned to, the first non-circular cross-sectional shape.
- the closure section 430 and the seating section 438 define a shoulder 436 with a face 437 of substantially constant width and of substantially the same shape as the radial surface 439 and the radial surface 432 .
- the non-circular shape of these various sections or features is an elongated oval, insofar as “elongated oval” or variations thereof, such as “elongated ovular shape,” are used to denote a shape formed from two semi-circular lines connected by straight lines.
- this is just an example and other non-circular shapes, including one or more ellipses, can be used to achieve a non-circular shape.
- the closure element 402 and the overall assembly 401 , should have dimensions and shaping that correspond with the dimensions and shaping of the non-circular segment 3224 .
- the seating section 438 might have a non-circular shape and the closure section 430 might have a different non-circular shape or even a circular shape.
- the non-circular segment 3224 may also include a corresponding circular section. Consequently, a circular closure section 430 may decrease the amount of complex machining required to manufacture the closure element 402 and non-circular segment 3224 , which may lower the costs associated with manufacturing the fluid end 304 and the closure assembly 400 presented herein.
- the overall dimensions of the closure section 430 should not extend beyond the narrow overall dimension 444 of the closure element 402 . Any extension beyond the narrow overall dimension 444 might restrict or prevent the closure element 402 from being installed in the non-circular segment 3224 .
- the shoulder 436 may have a different shape than both of these sections. This is because an inner boundary of the shoulder 436 is defined by the closure section 430 and the outer boundary of the shoulder 436 is defined by the seating section 438 .
- the closure assembly 400 includes a retaining assembly 470 that is coupled directed to the exterior surface 410 of the closure element 402 and inserted into the non-circular segment 3224 with the closure element 402 . That is, the retaining assembly 470 , which includes a retaining element 472 and couplers 495 , is configured to be disposed entirely within the non-circular segment 3224 of the casing 306 of the fluid end 304 when the closure element 402 is installed within the non-circular segment 3224 to substantially close the non-circular segment 3224 . Accordingly, the exterior surface 410 includes a variety of features to securely mount and couple the retaining assembly 470 to the closure element 402 .
- the exterior surface 410 includes a central protrusion 414 that defines a bore 416 and that is surrounded by a plurality of receivers 412 (e.g., bores).
- the retaining element 472 which extends from an interior surface 474 to an exterior surface 476 , defines bores 478 configured to align with the receivers 412 and a central bore 479 that aligns with the protrusion 414 .
- the bores 478 of the depicted embodiment are countersunk to minimize the distance that couplers 495 installed therein extend beyond the exterior surface 476 .
- the central bore 479 can sit on the protrusion 414 of the closure element 402 to center the retaining element 472 on the exterior surface 410 of the closure element 402 while the couplers 495 are installed through bores 478 and into receivers 412 .
- the closure element 402 has a first surface hardness and the retaining assembly 470 , or at least portions thereof, such as a retaining element 472 of the retaining assembly 470 , have a second surface hardness that is less hard than the first surface hardness.
- the increased hardness of the closure element 402 will respond to higher loads between the closure element 402 and the fluid end 304 during pumping operations and, thus, will prolong the life of a closure assembly including the closure element 402 .
- the entire closure element 402 need not have this increased hardness and, for example, the interior surface 406 and/or tapered edges 408 might have increased hardness as compared to a remainder of the closure element 402 .
- the closure element 402 might have a coating on the tapered edges 408 to provide the increased hardness.
- the coating might provide corrosion resistance, friction resistance, and/or improved sealing, either instead of or in addition to providing increased hardness.
- the inner wall of the fluid end bore, or at least a portion thereof, may be coated with such a coating, perhaps instead of coating the closure element 402 .
- the interior surface 474 of the retaining element 472 bounds a channel 434 defined by the closure section 430 when the retaining assembly 470 is installed on the closure element 402 . More specifically, in the depicted embodiment, when the retaining assembly 470 is coupled to the closure element 402 , the seating section 438 provides an upstream wall of a channel 434 and the interior surface 474 of the retaining assembly 470 provides a downstream wall for channel 434 .
- coupling the retaining assembly 470 to the closure element 402 may retain or secure a seal 461 , either alone or with a seal carrier 462 (i.e., a spacer), within channel 434 , as is shown best in FIG. 8 A .
- a seal carrier 462 i.e., a spacer
- different seals 461 and/or seal carriers 462 may be utilized to extend the lifespan of the closure assembly 400 and/or the fluid end within which it is installed.
- the seal carrier 462 may be positioned upstream of the seal 461 (such an arrangement is also illustrated in FIGS. 8 C and 8 H ).
- the seal carrier 462 may be a single-piece element (again, such an arrangement is also illustrated in FIGS. 8 C and 8 H ). This arrangement and single piece construction may provide sturdy support for the seal 461 , which may improve and/or maintain seal integrity during installation and/or during pumping operations. That is, the seal carrier 462 may backstop the seal 461 and serve as an upstream gland wall for the seal 461 during pumping operations.
- a sealing assembly 401 i.e., a closure element 402 and a seal assembly 460
- a seal carrier 462 may help ensure the sealing assembly 401 is properly installed in a non-circular segment 3224 .
- FIGS. 8 B and 8 C illustrate another embodiment of a retaining element 472 ′ that may be used to form another embodiment of a retaining assembly 470 ′.
- the retaining assembly 470 ′ may operate and/or function in a similar manner to retaining assembly 470 .
- retaining element 472 ′ and retaining element 472 are labeled with many like reference numerals and, for brevity, the description of retaining element 472 ′ included herein focuses on differences between the two embodiments.
- retaining element 472 ′ is similar to retaining element 472 because it extends from an interior surface 474 to an exterior surface 476 and includes bores 478 and a central bore 479 .
- any description of these parts included herein should be understood to apply to retaining element 472 ′.
- retaining element 472 ′ includes various features that allow a flexible installation elements 485 to be coupled to the closure assembly 400 ′.
- the retaining element 472 ′ includes holes 481 that extend from the interior surface 474 to the exterior surface 476 , or vice versa, so that flexible installation elements 485 can be installed through a main body of the retaining element 472 ′.
- a connecting passageway 482 is formed on the interior surface 474 .
- the connecting passageway 482 allows a single flexible installation element 485 to be fed through two holes 481 while also extending across a portion of the interior surface 474 . This creates a leverage or grip point that a user can use to manipulate the closure assembly 400 ′, e.g., during installation of the closure assembly 400 ′ into a fluid end 304 .
- the connecting passageway 482 allows the flexible installation elements 485 to extend along the interior surface 474 without protruding therefrom.
- the flexible installation elements 485 will not impact the interface between the interior surface 474 of the retaining assembly 470 ′ and the exterior surface 410 of the closure element 402 when couplers 495 couple the retaining assembly 470 ′ to the closure element 402 (e.g., to secure a seal 461 and seal carrier 462 in place therebetween).
- This placement also ensures that the flexible installation elements 485 do not wear, change the geometry, or otherwise negatively affect the closure element 402 while still enabling easy installation and/or removal of the flexible installation elements 485 .
- the flexible installation elements 485 may be installed onto a retaining element 472 ′ prior to coupling the retaining element 472 ′ to a closure element 402 , while the interior surface 474 of the retaining element 472 ′ is still easily accessible.
- the flexible installation elements 485 can be fed through one hole 481 , routed to a second hole 481 via the connecting passageway 482 , and fed back out of the retaining element 472 ′ via the second hole. Then, retaining element 472 ′ can be coupled to closure element 402 while the flexible installation elements 485 are disposed between the retaining element 472 ′ and the closure element 402 .
- the retaining element 472 ′ includes two pairs of holes 481 and each pair of holes 481 is connected by a connecting passageway 482 .
- the pairs of holes 481 are located above and below the central bore 479 , but within the elongated, ovular arrangement of bores 478 .
- the holes 481 and/or connecting passageway 482 may be disposed in any desirable location.
- the closure element 402 need not include holes 481 and may include any other features that allow flexible handles 485 to the closure element, such as eye bolts, connected blind holes, etc.
- flexible handles 485 may be coupled to the closure element 402 , it may be beneficial to arrange flexible handles 485 symmetrically and/or evenly with respect to a center of the retaining element 472 ′ (e.g., around and/or with respect to bore 479 ) because symmetrically or evenly spaced flexible installation elements 485 may allow for linear translation that avoids tilting or rotation.
- the flexible installation elements 485 are wires, but other embodiments may utilize any elongate, flexible material as flexible installation elements 485 .
- the flexible installation elements 485 will allow a user/operator to manipulate the retaining assembly 470 ′ from a location that is exterior of the fluid end 304 . This, in turn, reduces the amount of time that operators will need to have their hands inside of a non-circular segment 3224 of the fluid end 304 .
- the flexible installation elements 485 may also make it easier for an operator/user to retrieve the retaining assembly 470 ′ and/or closure assembly 400 ′ if the retaining assembly 470 ′ and/or closure assembly 400 ′ falls into an unwanted location, such as into the pumping chamber 308 .
- FIGS. 8 D, 8 E, and 8 F illustrate another embodiment of a closure element 420 that may be used to form a closure assembly.
- the closure element 420 may operate and/or function in a similar manner to closure element 402 .
- closure element 420 and closure element 402 are labeled with many like reference numerals and, for brevity, the description of closure element 420 included herein focuses on differences between the two embodiments. Perhaps the most notable difference is that a pressure relief conduit 423 extends through closure element 420 .
- closure element 420 extends from an interior surface 406 to an exterior surface 410 that has receivers 412 and a protrusion 414 with a bore 416 , like closure element 402 , and also has a seating section 438 and closure section 430 like closure element 402 .
- the pressure relief conduit 423 is a passageway that extends through the main body of the closure element 420 , initiating at entrance 421 and terminating at exit 422 .
- the entrance 421 is disposed on the interior surface 406 and the exit 422 is disposed on the radial surface 432 of the closure section 430 , intersecting the channel 434 of the closure section 430 that receives a seal assembly.
- the exit 422 is configured to intersect the channel 434 at a location that is upstream (e.g. closer to a pumping chamber) of a seal 461 positioned in channel 434 .
- fluid flowing through the pressure relief conduit 423 may enter the channel 434 but the seal 461 will prevent the fluid from bypassing the closure element 420 to exit the segment.
- the closure element 420 and/or a retaining assembly coupled thereto might include other sealing features that ensure fluid exiting the pressure relief conduit 423 at exit 422 does not escape a fluid end segment in which the closure element 420 is installed. In any case, the pressure relief conduit 423 will not prevent the closure element 420 from closing a segment in which it is installed.
- the pressure relief conduit 423 provides a flow path along which fluid may flow past the seating section 438 without contacting the tapered edges 408 of the interior surface 406 or the shoulder 436 defined by the seating section 438 . This prevents, or at least discourages, high pressure fluid from seeping past shoulder 436 and/or creating localized pressure increases at the tapered edges 408 and/or shoulder 436 . This diminishment of pressure is important because during pumping operations, the tapered edges 408 and/or the shoulder 436 act as load bearing surfaces and wear of these surfaces past a certain point will cause the closure element 420 to fail. Testing has shown that the pressure relief conduit 423 can reduce or relieve wear generated from localized pressure acting on these surfaces and/or from fluid flowing directly over these surfaces.
- the pressure relief conduit 423 can allow fluid to flow freely past the seating section 438 and tapered edges 408 , which may reduce wear on the seating section 438 and/or tapered edges 408 .
- the diminishment of pressure provided by pressure relief conduit 423 may also help ensure that the closure element 420 remains properly positioned in a fluid end segment. This is because reducing the pressure acting on the bearing surfaces of the closure element 420 (e.g., via interior surface 406 and/or tapered edges 408 ) will reduce the risk of pressure moving the closure element 420 out of alignment in its segment and/or causing micromovements of the closure element 420 .
- the closure element 420 includes a single pressure relief conduit 423 that is generally aligned with a straight section of the elongated ovular shape of the closure element 420 .
- the pressure relief conduit 423 is comprised of two straight bores: one bore extending from the entrance 421 in a depth dimension of the closure element 420 ; and one bore extending from the first bore to the exit 422 along the narrow overall dimension 444 (see FIG. 5 ) of the closure element 420 .
- pressure relief conduit 423 is merely an example and other embodiments may include one or more pressure relief conduits 423 of any dimension, shape, or form (e.g., formed from any number of bores) positioned in any desirable location on the closure element 420 , provided that the pressure relief conduit 423 provide pressure relief for wear/bearing surfaces of the closure element 420 .
- pressure relief conduit 423 might comprise a diagonal bore extending directly from entrance 421 to exit 422 .
- a closure element 420 might include two or more pressure relief conduits 423 distributed evenly around the closure element 420 (e.g., aligned with both straight sections of an overall elongated, ovular shape).
- the fluid end might define all or some of a pressure relief conduit, an example of which is discussed below in connection with FIG. 8 H .
- FIGS. 8 G and 8 H depict a closure element 420 ′ that is a slight variation of closure element 420 .
- Closure element 420 ′ includes pressure relief conduits 425 in the form of grooves on both sides of the closure element 420 ′, e.g., in alignment with both straight sections of an elongated, ovular shape. While pressure relief conduits 425 do not extend through the closure element 420 to create a flow path that completely avoids the tapered edges 408 and the seating section 438 , the pressure relief conduits 425 serve a similar purpose and achieve the same advantages discussed above in connection with pressure relief conduit 423 . That is, the pressure relief conduits 425 help reduce pressure on the closure element 420 ′, which reduces wear and helps preserve or extend the lifespan of the closure element 420 ′.
- non-circular closure assembly 400 as a plug-style closure assembly
- the same principles, structures, and/or features may also be applicable to a sleeve-style/type closure element and could be used to close and/or seal other non-circular segments of a fluid end, such as a non-circular version of segment 2226 . That is, although not shown herein, a sleeve-style, non-circular closure assembly 400 may extend between casing 206 and a packing arrangement. Thus, in some instances, non-circular closure assembly 400 disposed in segment 2226 may be referred to as a packing sleeve.
- a sleeve- or plug-style closer element may be referred to as a stationary closure element.
- the techniques presented herein need not be limited to stationary closure elements and may also be used in combination with plungers or other movable closure elements, which, for the purposes of this application, may be referred to as movable closure elements. That is, the non-circular concepts presented herein could also be applied to and/or utilized with packing elements.
- a sleeve-style, non-circular closure assembly may embodied as a packing arrangement and plunger.
- the plunger 202 acts as a closure element and the packing acts as a seal element to form a sealing assembly for the closure assembly presented herein.
- a sealing assembly formed from a packing arrangement and plunger may be referred to as a sealing assembly for a movable closure element.
- sealing assemblies embodied as plug-style or sleeve-style closure elements may be referred to as sealing assemblies for stationary closure elements.
- the non-circular segment 3224 is generally configured to mate with the various portions of the closure assembly 400 . In the depicted embodiment, this is achieved with a non-circular segment 3224 that is entirely non-circular. More specifically, the non-circular segment 3224 includes an access section 320 , a sealing section 330 , and a seat 332 that are each non-circular. In fact, the access section 320 , the sealing section 330 , and the seat 332 of the depicted embodiment each have an elongated oval shape, matching the closure assembly.
- a fluid end segment may be “non-circular” when one or more portions of the segment is/are non-circular.
- the seat 332 may be non-circular and the sealing section 330 and/or the access section 320 may be circular.
- the access section 320 could have any shape provided that a radius (or major dimension) of the access section 320 is larger than the narrow overall dimension 444 of the closure assembly 400 . This will ensure that the closure assembly 400 can be inserted through the sealing section 330 and into the seat 332 (or into the pumping chamber 308 , at least temporarily, as is explained in further detail below).
- the sealing section 330 can have any shape configured to mate with the channel 434 of the closure assembly 400 so that a seal 461 disposed in the channel 434 can seal against the sealing section 330 .
- the non-circular segment 3224 is dimensioned to allow the closure assembly 400 to be inserted through the non-circular segment 3224 . More specifically, overall, the non-circular segment 3224 includes a minimal narrow dimension 342 and a minimal elongated dimension 344 . Each of these dimensions is configured to allow the closure assembly 400 to be inserted through the non-circular segment 3224 when the closure assembly 400 is disposed in an installation orientation O 1 (see FIGS. 18 A- 18 E ).
- the minimal narrow dimension 342 is larger than a depth of the closure assembly 400 , or at least the depth of the closure element 402 (insofar as “depth” is a dimension perpendicular to both narrow overall dimension 444 and elongated overall dimension 442 ). Meanwhile, the minimal elongated dimension 344 is larger than the narrow overall dimension 444 of the closure assembly 400 , or at least a narrow dimension of the closure element 402 .
- the closure assembly 400 may be inserted through the non-circular segment 3224 . That is, when the closure assembly 400 (or the closure element 402 ) is in an installation orientation O 1 , the closure assembly 400 (or the closure element 402 ) may be inserted into and through the non-circular segment 3224 .
- the seat 332 is configured to support the closure element 402 and, more specifically, to support the seating section 438 of the closure element 402 . At the same time, the seat 332 forms a fluid barrier that is essentially in the pumping chamber 308 and, thus, the seat 332 may experience a large amount of wear. Accordingly, the seat 332 includes contoured edges 334 that are designed to smooth the transitions from the pumping chamber 308 and/or from the inlet segment 2126 to the seat 332 and reduce or prevent wear on the casing 306 . Notably, the contoured edges 334 eliminate corners, which can be susceptible to wear, between the inlet segment 2126 , the pumping chamber 308 , and the seat 332 . This may be particularly important since the seat 332 may be hard to access for repairs.
- the non-circular segment 3224 may also define one or more pressure relief features.
- such features may be defined entirely by the fluid end 304 , e.g., with holes or passages formed through the casing 306 of the fluid end 304 .
- the pressure relief features 425 ′ are grooves formed in alignment with the minimal narrow dimension 342 of the non-circular segment 3224 . These passages may have a similar effect, and achieve similar advantages to the pressure relief features 425 of FIGS. 8 G and 8 H .
- pressure relief features 425 ′ may enhance the effectiveness of pressure relief features, such as pressure relief features 425 of FIGS. 8 G and 8 H , included on and/or in a closure element.
- the non-circular segment 3224 may—but need not—include pressure relief features 425 ′ when the closure element includes corresponding pressure relief features.
- FIGS. 9 - 17 these Figures generally depict variations and/or modifications of a non-circular bore and/or a non-circular closure assembly, as compared to the embodiments of FIGS. 3 - 8 C .
- FIGS. 9 - 17 are labeled with like reference numerals where applicable and any description of like parts or components included in this application should be understood to apply to like numbered parts.
- the variations and modifications depicted in FIGS. 9 - 17 should not be interpreted to limit the present application to certain modifications or variations in any manner.
- this omission should not be interpreted to require that certain parts, components or features must be the same across different embodiments.
- a modified non-circular segment 3224 ′ is depicted from a side, sectional view.
- the non-circular segment 3224 ′ is substantially similar to non-circular segment 3224 , except that the non-circular segment 3224 includes an access section 321 that is counter-bored instead of tapered (like access section 320 ).
- This counter-bored access section 321 may be advantageous because it may provide easier access to the sealing section 330 and/or seat 332 , which may ease servicing and/or manufacturing.
- manufacturing non-circular bores may be somewhat complicated and, thus, the access afforded by access section 321 may be particularly advantageous for the techniques presented herein.
- closure assembly 400 ′′ is shaped substantially similar to the closure assembly 400 , but is now only formed from a closure element 402 ′. That is, closure assembly 400 ′′ includes a closure element 402 ′ that is self-retaining and does not include a retaining assembly (like retaining assembly 470 ). To compensate for this, the closure element 402 ′ includes an exterior surface 410 ′ with a radial surface 411 that extends radially beyond the closure section 430 . Thus, channel 434 ′ is defined between the shoulder 436 and the radial surface 411 of the exterior surface 410 ′.
- the closure element 402 ′ includes installation elements 450 extending outwardly, away from the exterior surface 410 ′.
- the installation elements 450 provide a grip point on the exterior surface 410 ′ that can be used during installation and/or removal of the closure element 402 from a non-circular segment 3224 (e.g., like flexible installation elements 485 ).
- the installation elements 450 comprise two U-shaped bars that extend along the narrow overall dimension 444 of the closure element 402 ′, on either side of a central bore 416 ′.
- the installation elements 450 may have any shape and/or may extend in any direction, across any portion of the exterior surface 410 ′.
- installation elements 450 may be beneficial to arrange the installation elements 450 symmetrically and/or evenly with respect to a center of the exterior surface 410 (e.g., around and/or with respect to bore 416 ′ because symmetrically or evenly spaced installation elements 450 may allow for linear translation that avoids tilting or rotation.
- the bore 416 ′ may also be helpful for installation, removal, and/or securing the closure element 402 ′ within a non-circular segment 3224 .
- FIGS. 11 A and 11 B depict yet another embodiment of the non-circular closure assembly presented herein.
- the closure assembly 500 includes the closure element 402 and the retaining element 472 of FIGS. 3 - 8 A , but now the retaining assembly 470 also includes a crossbar 502 and an extended coupler 504 .
- the crossbar 502 extends across the non-circular segment 3224 (e.g., across the access section 320 ), so that the crossbar 502 can sit outside the external surface 310 of the casing 306 . Then, the crossbar 502 can support an extended coupler 504 that stretches from the external surface 310 to the closure element 402 .
- the crossbar 502 and extended coupler 504 can further secure the closure element 402 in place in the non-circular segment 3224 (e.g., on a seat 332 ) and, among other advantages, prevent the closure element 402 from being pushed into or sucked out of the non-circular segment 3224 (or more specifically of the seat 332 ).
- FIGS. 12 A and 12 B depict a closure assembly 500 ′ that is a variant of the closure assembly 500 of FIGS. 11 A and 11 B ; but now the closure assembly 500 ′ incorporates retaining assembly 470 ′ of FIGS. 8 B and 8 C .
- the embodiment of FIGS. 12 A and 12 B includes certain advantageous features, including: (1) a collar 505 disposed on an upstream end of the extended coupler 504 ; (2) handle extensions 506 that extend from a downstream end of the extended coupler 504 ; and (3) a crossbar 502 with a slightly modified geometry.
- Each of these features may help keep the closure element 402 stable during pumping operations (e.g., during fracking or drilling operations) and/or may help ensure that the closure element 402 is properly installed into the fluid end 304 .
- Testing has revealed that a misalignment between the closure element 402 and its non-circular segment 3224 can lead to micromovements (or larger movements if the misalignment is more pronounced) that cause galling damage of the fluid end 304 that is detrimental to lifespan and/or difficult to repair.
- the collar 505 and the extensions 506 may both help prevent or discourage a user from improperly installing the non-circular closure element 402 , e.g., in a manner that damages the closure element 402 .
- the collar 505 may allow the extended coupler 504 to be coupled to the retaining element 472 ′ and/or closure element 402 (e.g., via threading), but may limit the depth the extended coupler 504 can extend into the retaining element 472 ′ and/or closure element 402 . This may prevent the extended coupler 504 from damaging the closure element 402 during installation.
- the extensions 506 may prevent, or at least discourage, a user from engaging the hex-shaped head of the extended coupler 504 with impact drills or other such torquing tools to drive installation of the extended coupler 504 during installation of closure assembly 500 ′. This may discourage a user from over-torquing the extended coupler 504 and damaging closure element 402 .
- the crossbar 502 may include a slot 503 extending inwards from a side of the crossbar 502 and may include stepped inner surfaces 508 at its top and bottom end.
- the side slot 503 may ease installation while still ensuring that the crossbar 502 securely supports the extended coupler 504 .
- the stepped inner surfaces 508 may help securely seat the crossbar 502 in the non-circular segment 3224 and against the external surface 310 of the fluid end 304 .
- stepped inner surfaces 508 may help securely seat the crossbar 502 on a retainer (see, e.g., the retainer 602 of FIG. 16 ) coupled to an external surface 310 of the fluid end 304 .
- stepped inner surfaces 508 may help the crossbar 502 securely support the closure element 402 during installation and during pumping operations of the fluid end 304 (e.g., during fracking or drilling).
- FIGS. 13 - 15 depict an embodiment that is similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 11 A, 11 B, 12 A, and 12 B ; however, now closure assembly 600 includes retaining assembly with a crossbar 502 ′ and extended coupler 504 ′ that are supported by a retainer 602 in the form of an annular ring on the external surface 310 of the casing 306 (i.e., disposed exteriorly of casing 306 ).
- the retainer 602 extends from an interior surface 606 to an exterior surface 608 .
- the interior surface 606 abuts the external surface 310 of casing 306 when the retainer 602 is installed thereon.
- the retainer 602 is an annular ring so that it extends from an internal surface 604 that surrounds and/or defines the exterior opening of the non-circular segment 3224 ′′ to an external surface 610 .
- both the internal surface 604 and the external surface 610 are non-circular.
- the retainer 602 need not include a non-circular internal surface 604 and a non-circular external surface 610 .
- the external surface 610 might be circular or the overall retainer 602 might have any desirable shape that can secure the crossbar 502 ′ to the external surface 310 .
- the key, for at least some embodiments, is that the internal surface 604 extends at least partially over/within the exterior opening of the non-circular segment 3224 ′′ so that the interior surface 606 can define a shoulder at a proximal end of the non-circular segment 3224 ′′. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS.
- the non-circular segment 3224 ′′ has substantially constant dimensions (e.g., a single non-circular shape) and, thus, the interior surface 606 may be sized based off of a single non-circular shape.
- this non-circular segment 3224 ′′ is merely an example provided for simplicity and, in other embodiments, the retainer 602 can be used with any desirable non-circular segment.
- the retainer 602 may be sized to mate with, and extend partially over, a proximal end of an access section of a non-circular bore (e.g., access section 320 or 321 ).
- the closure assembly 600 includes a closure element 402 ′′ that does not include a fully bounded seal channel (e.g., like channel 434 ). Instead, closure element 402 ′′ defines a channel 434 ′ that is defined by the closure section 430 , bounded on an upstream side by the seating section 438 , and open on a downstream side. Then, as can be seen best in FIG. 15 , a seal carrier 660 extends between the interior surface 606 of the retainer 602 and the shoulder 436 of the closure element 402 ′′ to support a seal 461 between the closure element 402 ′′ and the non-circular segment 3224 ′′. In different embodiments, the seal carrier 660 may support the seal 461 in any desirable location between the shoulder 436 and the interior surface 606 of the retainer 602 .
- FIGS. 16 A and 16 B depict another embodiment that utilizes a retainer 602 as part of the retaining assembly; however, now, the closure assembly 700 includes a closure element 402 ′′′ that is secured adjacent the external surface 310 of the casing 306 .
- the closure element 402 ′′′ is configured to seal against the retainer 602 and, thus, any wear from this seal occurs on a replaceable part (retainer 602 ). More specifically, the closure element 402 ′′′ resembles the self-retaining closure element 402 ′ of FIG. 10 , but without the installation elements 450 , and thus, defines channel 434 ′ between its seating section 438 and its exterior surface 410 .
- the retainer 602 is configured to extend at least partially within the lateral bounds of the non-circular segment 3224 ′′ so that the channel 434 ′ can sit against the internal surface 604 of the retainer 602 , sealing there against.
- the closure element 402 ′′ need not define the channel 434 ′ and, for example, the channel 434 ′ could be defined by the retainer 602 . That is, the retainer 602 might define a channel for a seal assembly 460 which could transfer wear to the closure element 402 ′′. This might increase the lifespan of the retainer 602 , reducing the number of times that the retainer 602 needs to be removed or serviced during pumping operations. Notably, removing the retainer 602 from the fluid end 304 requires multiple bolts/couplers to be removed. By comparison, the closure element 402 ′′ might be able to be removed from the fluid end 304 without removing any bolts/couplers.
- FIG. 17 B One example of such a channel is depicted in FIG. 17 B .
- the seating section 438 of the closure element 402 ′′′ may sit against the interior surface 606 of the retainer 602 , which may secure/retain the closure element 402 ′′′ within the non-circular segment 3224 ′′ when the closure element 402 ′′′ is disposed in an operation orientation O 2 .
- the coupler 504 ′′ need not be extended. This may also be advantageous because it may reduce the chances that the coupler 504 experiences stresses or torques (e.g., due to misalignment).
- this embodiment is again depicted with a relatively straight/constant, non-circular segment 3224 ′′, but the non-circular segment 3224 ′′ is, again, only provided as a example and the concepts of this embodiment need not be limited to such bores.
- FIGS. 17 A and 17 B depict yet another embodiment of a closure assembly 701 that utilizes a retainer 603 as part of the retaining assembly; however, now, the retainer 603 is provided in the form of a plate (as opposed to a ring, like retainer 602 ). Aside from its shape, the retainer 603 is similar to retainer 602 .
- retainer 603 extends from an interior surface 606 that abuts the external surface 310 of the casing 306 to an exterior surface 608 and also extends from internal surfaces 604 (which define holes 609 ) to an external surface 610 that defines a radial boundary of the retainer 603 .
- the retainer 603 covers multiple non-circular segments 3224 ′′ and provides separate holes 609 for each of these segments.
- the retainer 603 includes multiple, disconnected and discrete internal surfaces 604 .
- a single internal surface 604 might span multiple non-circular segments 3224 ′′ or a retainer 603 might only span a single bore segment.
- the closure assembly 701 includes a closure element that is substantially similar to closure element 402 ′′′ and, thus, the closure element is labeled with like numerals.
- the closure element 402 ′′′ is again (as compared to FIGS. 16 A and 16 B ) secured adjacent the external surface 310 of the casing 306 and thus, realizes similar advantages, but as mentioned above, does not include channel 434 ′. Instead, the channel 434 ′ is provided in the casing 306 and/or the retainer 603 to achieve the advantages discussed above.
- the closure element 402 ′′′ is shown retained in the fluid end 304 by the retainer 603 alone. While this is one option, further components, such as a crossbar and an extended coupler might also be used in combination with retainer 603 if desired.
- FIGS. 18 A- 18 E diagrammatically depict a method of closing an externally open segment of a fluid end of a reciprocating pump with a closure assembly.
- a first step 802 involves orienting a closure element 402 in an installation orientation O 1 and arranging the closure element 402 for insertion into a non-circular segment 3224 .
- the installation orientation O 1 aligns a depth of the closure element 402 with a narrow dimension of the non-circular segment 3224 and aligns a narrow dimension of the closure element 402 with an enlarged dimension of the non-circular segment 3224 .
- the closure element 402 can be translated along a lateral axis A 1 in a first lateral direction D 1 .
- This translational movement moves the closure element 402 through the non-circular segment 3224 , from the external surface 310 of the casing 306 to the pumping chamber 308 of the casing 306 .
- a second step the closure element 402 is rotated from its installation orientation O 1 to an operational orientation O 2 that is angularly offset from the installation orientation O 1 .
- this step is depicted in two sub-steps: sub-step 804 ( 1 ) and sub-step 804 ( 2 ); however, in other embodiments, this step can be accomplished in one or more operations.
- the closure element 402 may be rotated about two axes at one time. That said, in FIGS. 18 B and 18 C , two rotations are shown.
- the closure element 402 is rotated about lateral axis A 1 in a first rotational direction D 2 .
- the closure element 402 may rotate approximately ninety degrees. This may align the narrow dimension of the closure element 402 with the narrow dimension of the non-circular segment 3224 and, thus, in at least some embodiments, it might not be easy to remove the closure element 402 from the pumping chamber 308 via the non-circular segment 3224 after this first rotation. But, since the depth of the closure element 402 may now be aligned with the enlarged dimension of the non-circular segment 3224 , it may still be possible to remove the closure element 402 from the pumping chamber 308 .
- sub-step 804 ( 2 ) the closure element 402 is rotated about depth axis A 3 in second rotational direction D 3 .
- the closure element 402 may rotate approximately ninety degrees. This rotates the enlarged dimension of the closure element 402 into alignment with the enlarged dimension of the non-circular segment 3224 and, thus, orients the closure element 402 for seating in the non-circular segment 3224 . That is, after rotating the closure element 402 about two axes, the closure element 402 may be disposed in an operational orientation O 2 .
- step 806 the closure element 402 is translated is translated along lateral axis A 1 in a second lateral direction D 4 , as is shown in FIG. 18 D .
- the second lateral direction D 4 is opposite to the first lateral direction D 1 and, thus, this translation moves the closure element 402 towards and/or further into the non-circular segment 3224 , causing the closure element 402 to seat in the non-circular segment 3224 , eventually moving into installation position P 1 (see FIG. 18 E ).
- the final seating may also require some lateral adjustments along a longitudinal axis A 2 , depending on the position of the closure element 402 after the rotation(s).
- the closure element 402 is installed by itself.
- the closure element 402 may be able to retain a seal on its own and, thus, may define an assembly 401 without any further components.
- This sealing assembly 401 may also be self-retaining (e.g., like the embodiment of FIG. 10 ) and, thus, installation of the closure assembly 400 may, in some instances, be complete after step 806 .
- the closure assembly 400 may include a retaining assembly 470 that secures and/or retains the closure element 402 and/or a seal 461 within the non-circular segment 3224 .
- step 808 may involve installing a seal 461 and/or a retaining assembly 470 onto a closure element 402 positioned/seated in the installation position P 1 to secure the closure element 402 within the 3224 .
- any of the other retaining assemblies depicted herein, or variations thereof, might be installed on a fluid end casing after the sure element 402 positioned/seated in the installation position P 1 .
- annular ring e.g., retainer 602
- annular ring might be installed on external surface 310 and left in place before installation and subsequent to removal of a closure element, if desired.
- this could reduce downtime during servicing if, for example, the annular ring includes a large number of couplers while the closure element 402 can be installed or removed without removing any couplers (or a single extended coupler 504 ).
- the installation process may be suitable for, or can be slightly modified for, any embodiment, variation, or modification presented herein. For example, in FIGS.
- closure element 402 may be closure assembly that comprises a retaining element 472 and a closure element 402 . These two parts may be coupled together prior to step 802 , e.g., to capture a seal assembly 460 . Then, the closure assembly (or this portion of the closure assembly) may be inserted into the fluid end 304 , rotated, and translated, e.g., in accordance with the method of FIGS. 18 A- 18 E .
- FIG. 19 provides a specific example of how, in some embodiments, at least some of the method of FIGS. 18 A- 18 E might be completed by way of additional features.
- some steps might be completed by manipulating the closure element 402 , with or without retaining element 472 (as well as any seal 461 and/or seal carrier 462 retained therein), with flexible handles 485 .
- hand positioning the closure element 402 in the non-circular segment 3224 by way of flexible installation elements 485 may help properly position the closure element 402 in alignment with a seat of the non-circular segment 3224 .
- an extended coupler 504 may coupled to a retaining element 472 , as is generally depicted in FIG. 19 .
- the extended coupler 504 is then retained by a crossbar 502 , e.g., at step 810 .
- a collar 505 of the extended coupler 504 and/or handle extensions 506 of the extended coupler 504 may prevent, or at least discourage, a user from over-torquing the extended coupler 504 . In turn, this may prevent misalignment of the closure element 402 in the non-circular segment 3224 .
- the extended coupler 504 might also pull or “suck” the closure assembly into a proper seating alignment.
- sealing assembly described herein, or portions thereof may be fabricated from any commonly used seal materials, such as homogeneous elastomers, filled elastomers, partially fabric reinforced elastomers, and full fabric reinforced elastomers.
- Suitable resilient elastomeric materials includes, but re not limited to, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic copolyester (COPE), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), highly saturated nitrile rubber (HNBR), reinforced versions of the foregoing materials, such as versions reinforced with fibers or laminations of woven material, as well as combinations of any of the foregoing materials.
- the term “comprises” and its derivations should not be understood in an excluding sense, that is, these terms should not be interpreted as excluding the possibility that what is described and defined may include further elements, steps, etc.
- the term “approximately” and terms of its family should be understood as indicating values very near to those which accompany the aforementioned term. That is to say, a deviation within reasonable limits from an exact value should be accepted, because a skilled person in the art will understand that such a deviation from the values indicated is inevitable due to measurement inaccuracies, etc. The same applies to the terms “about” and “around” and “substantially.”
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Details Of Reciprocating Pumps (AREA)
Abstract
A closure element for a fluid end of a reciprocating pump is installable within a segment of a casing of the fluid end to substantially close the segment. The closure element includes a main body that extends from an interior surface to an exterior surface, and at least a portion of the main body has a non-circular cross-sectional shape. A fluid end for the closure element may include a plurality of segments and at least a portion of at least one segment of the plurality of segments may have a non-circular cross-sectional shape configured to receive and secure a closure element with a non-circular cross-sectional shape.
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/725,929, filed on Apr. 21, 2022, and entitled “Fluid End with Non-Circular Bores and Closures For The Same,” the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in entirety.
- The present invention relates to the field of high pressure reciprocating pumps and, in particular, to fluid ends of high pressure reciprocating pumps and closure and/or sealing assemblies for the same.
- High pressure reciprocating pumps are often used to deliver high pressure fluids during earth drilling operations. One or more sealing arrangements are typically provided in the fluid end to seal conduits formed in the fluid end and prevent, or at least discourage, leakage. More specifically, the fluid end may define one or more internal pumping chambers and conduits may define pathways between the one or more internal pumping chambers and external surfaces of the fluid end. At least some segments of these conduits may be sealed with a closure assembly that may include a closure element (e.g., a cover, plug, and/or sleeve), a seal element, and a retaining element. Alternatively, a closure assembly may include some subset of these elements. In any case, seals in a fluid end segment may prevent, or at least discourage, leakage through the conduits of a fluid end.
- The present application relates to techniques for closing a segment of a fluid end of a high pressure reciprocating pump. The techniques may be embodied as a closure element and/or a closure assembly, either of which may be provided independent of any other elements or as part of a fluid end, a kit, and/or a reciprocating pump. Additionally, the techniques may be embodied as a fluid end and as a method for closing a segment of a fluid end of a high pressure reciprocating pump.
- More specifically, in accordance with at least one embodiment, the present application is directed to a closure element for a fluid end of a reciprocating pump. The closure element is installable within a segment of a casing of the fluid end to substantially close the segment and includes a main body that extends from an interior surface to an exterior surface. At least a portion of the main body has a non-circular cross-sectional shape.
- Among other advantages, the non-circular shape creates sealing and retaining options that may be advantageous as compared to traditional sealing and retaining techniques. For example, the closure element may be self-retaining and/or may be retained within a bore without threading, which is often a high-stress point that is prone to failure. More specifically, closure elements are often secured in a segment with a retaining element that is secured to a fluid end via a threaded connection formed between threads machined into the fluid end and threads of the retaining element. These threads are typically subject to high levels of cyclical stress and, thus, if the retaining element is not installed or preloaded correctly, the threads may experience fatigue failure.
- Still further, the non-circular cross-sectional shape allows a sealing location to move inwards, adjacent a pumping chamber, or outwards, adjacent an exterior of the fluid end, each of which may provide additional life span advantages for the closure element and/or the fluid end within which the closure element is installed. For example, a closure element with a non-circular cross-sectional shape may be retained adjacent the pumping chamber of a fluid end and may protect the interior edges of a fluid end segment, which are often a point of failure, from wear. Additionally or alternatively, when the closure element is retained adjacent the pumping chamber or external surface, the closure element can define a corner for a corner seal, which may avoid traditional pitfalls associated with radial seals (i.e., outer diameter seals) used on closure elements for fluid ends. For example, when a closure element has a non-circular cross-sectional shape, a bore or corner seal may be used to seal around the closure element. Still further, in some instances, the sealing area can be located on a removable piece. Then, if the sealing surface becomes damaged (which typically happens over time during normal pumping operation), the sealing area can be repaired via a part replacement instead of via an invasive repair (e.g., a weld repair).
- In at least some embodiments, the non-circular cross-sectional shape is an extended ovular shape. This shape may ensure that the closure element is removable from, but also securable within, a bore segment of a fluid end. Additionally or alternatively, the main body may include a seating section proximate the interior surface and a closure section proximate the exterior surface, one or both of which may have the non-circular cross-sectional shape. For example, the seating section may extend radially beyond the closure section, the seating section may have a first non-circular cross-sectional shape, and the closure section may have a second non-circular cross-sectional shape that is smaller than the first non-circular cross-sectional shape. Alternatively, the seating section may extend radially beyond the closure section and only one of the seating section and the closure section may include the non-circular cross-sectional shape. In either case, the two sections may allow the closure element to be secured within the fluid end, e.g., against the fluid end and/or a retaining element, and/or to form a corner seal when secured within a fluid end bore segment.
- In at least some instances where the seating section extends radially beyond the closure section, the seating section may define a non-circular shoulder between the seating section and the closure section. In some of these embodiments, the closure section defines a seal channel adjacent or proximate to the non-circular shoulder. Either way, this allows some flexibility for the sealing area and may, advantageously, move the sealing area away from locations that are hard to repair. Still further, in some embodiments, the closure element includes one or more installation elements disposed on and extending away from the exterior surface so that that the one or more installation elements are accessible from an exterior of the segment of the casing of the fluid end when the closure element is installed within the segment. Such elements may enable a user to easily install or remove the closure element from a fluid end bore segment.
- In accordance with additional embodiments, the present application is directed to a closure assembly. The closure assembly may be formed with the foregoing closure element embodiments, as well as variations thereof. Thus, the closure assembly may realize any of the foregoing advantages. Additionally, the closure assembly may include a retaining assembly that is coupleable to the exterior surface of the closure element. Generally, the retaining assembly may prevent, or at least discourage, the closure element from being blown out (i.e., removed) of a bore segment, e.g., by pressure in a pumping chamber. In some embodiments, the retaining assembly may also prevent, or at least discourage, the closure element from being sucked into a pumping chamber of the fluid end (e.g., during an intake stroke of a reciprocating component operating in or adjacent the fluid end).
- In at least some embodiments, the retaining assembly also includes couplers that removably couple a retaining element to the closure element. Additionally or alternatively, the retaining assembly may be configured to be disposed entirely within the segment of the casing of the fluid end when the closure element is installed within the segment of the casing of the fluid end. In fact, in such embodiments, the retaining assembly may appear to be part of the closure element and, thus, such embodiments may sometimes be referred to as “two-part closure element” embodiments. Among other advantages, such embodiments may allow a closure element to seal adjacent a pumping chamber, potentially reducing the size of the pumping chamber, which is advantageous for pumping compressible fluids. Additionally or alternatively, a retaining assembly disposed within a fluid end bore may reduce the overall footprint of a fluid end (since the retaining assembly does not extend therefrom), potentially reducing snag/trip hazards around the fluid end (e.g., as compared to retaining assemblies that protrude from a fluid end).
- Alternatively, in some instances, at least a portion of the retaining assembly is configured to be disposed at least partially exteriorly of the casing of the fluid end when the closure element is installed within the segment of the casing of the fluid end. For example, the retaining assembly may include a retainer, such as an annular retaining ring with a non-circular cross section, disposed exteriorly of the casing of the fluid end. The retainer can define a seat on which a shoulder of the portion of the main body of the closure element with the non-circular cross-sectional shape may sit. Then, the sealing area for the closure element may be formed against this annular ring, which can be easily repaired or replaced (e.g., without invasive repairs). Moreover, in at least some embodiments, the retainer may be secured to a fluid end with a plurality of couplers, but need not be removed to replace the closure element. Instead, the non-circular cross-sectional shape of the closure element may allow the closure element to be replaced or serviced quickly, without removing plurality of couplers (e.g., by rotating the closure element into an installation/removal orientation while the retainer remains in place).
- In accordance with additional embodiments, the present application is directed to a fluid end of a reciprocating pump including a casing with intersecting conduits that collectively define a plurality of segments extending from an external surface of the casing to a pumping chamber defined within the casing. At least a portion of at least one segment of the plurality of segments has a non-circular cross-sectional shape configured to receive and secure a closure element with a non-circular cross-sectional shape. At least because of the non-circular cross-sectional shape, this fluid end may realize many of the advantages discussed above in connection with the closure elements and/or the closure assemblies presented herein.
- In some embodiments, the plurality of segments include an intake segment that provides a fluid inlet for the pumping chamber, a discharge segment that that provides a fluid outlet for the pumping chamber, a reciprocation segment, and an access segment. The reciprocation segment is configured to operably couple a reciprocating component to the pumping chamber so that the reciprocating component can draw fluid into the pumping chamber via the intake segment and discharge fluid from the pumping chamber via the discharge segment. The access segment provides access to at least the pumping chamber. In some instances, the access segment has the non-circular cross-sectional shape. Additionally or alternatively, the discharge segment may have the non-circular cross-sectional shape.
- Regardless of the segments included in a fluid end, the portion of the at least one segment of the plurality of segments that has the non-circular cross-sectional shape may comprise a segment portion adjacent to the pumping chamber. Alternatively, the portion of the at least one segment of the plurality of segments that has the non-circular cross-sectional shape may comprise a segment portion adjacent to the external surface of the casing.
- In accordance with additional embodiments, the present application is directed to a method of closing an externally open segment of a fluid end of a reciprocating pump with a closure assembly. The method includes inserting a non-circular closure element into a segment of a fluid casing in a first direction while the non-circular closure element is disposed in a first orientation. Then, the non-circular closure element is rotated to a second orientation that is angularly offset from the first orientation with respect to at least one axis of rotation. After and/or during the rotation, the non-circular closure element is moved within the segment of a fluid casing in a second direction. The second direction is opposite the first direction and, thus, causes the non-circular closure element to seat within the segment. In some of these embodiments, the rotating occurs in a pumping chamber of the fluid end and involves a first rotation of approximately ninety degrees about a first axis of rotation and a second rotation of approximately ninety degrees about a second axis of rotation.
- Notably, among other advantages, the closure element can be seated into a bore segment without a retaining element and/or without threading. At least because this method utilizes a non-circular closure element, this method may also realize any advantages described above. This method may also be executed with any variations of closure elements or closure assemblies described herein.
- The foregoing advantages and features will become evident in view of the drawings and detailed description.
- To complete the description and in order to provide for a better understanding of the present application, a set of drawings is provided. The drawings form an integral part of the description and illustrate embodiments of the present application, which should not be interpreted as restricting the scope of the invention, but just as examples. The drawings comprise the following figures:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art reciprocating pump including a fluid end. -
FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of another prior art fluid end. -
FIG. 3 is a front view of a fluid end with a non-circular bore that has non-circular closure assemblies installed therein. The fluid end and closure assemblies are each formed according to example embodiments of the present application. -
FIG. 4 is a side, sectional view of the fluid end ofFIG. 3 taken along line “A-A” ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one of the closure assemblies installed in the fluid end ofFIGS. 3 and 4 . -
FIG. 6 is a front, sectional view of the fluid end ofFIG. 3 taken along line “A-A” ofFIG. 4 , with the closure assembly removed from the fluid end. -
FIG. 7 is a detail view of a portion of the sectional view ofFIG. 4 with the closure assembly removed from the fluid end. -
FIG. 8A is a detail view of portion “B” of the sectional view ofFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 8B is a front perspective view of a retaining element that may be used with at least a closure element of the closure assembly ofFIG. 3 , according to an example embodiment. -
FIG. 8C is a schematic, sectional view of the retaining element ofFIG. 8B while installed on the closure element of the closure assembly ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 8D is a front perspective view of another example embodiment of a closure element that may be used with at least a retaining element of the closure assembly ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 8E is a rear perspective view of the closure element ofFIG. 8D . -
FIG. 8F is a side, sectional view of the closure element ofFIG. 8D , taken along line A-A ofFIG. 8E . -
FIG. 8G is a front perspective view of yet another example embodiment of a closure element that may be used with at least a retaining element of the closure assembly ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 8H is a side perspective view of the closure element ofFIG. 8G assembled with a retaining element to form at least a portion of a closure assembly. -
FIG. 8I is a schematic, front sectional view of a fluid end embodiment with the closure assembly removed from the fluid end. -
FIG. 9 is a side, sectional view of a portion of another example embodiment of a fluid end with a non-circular bore formed in accordance with the present application. -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a closure assembly formed in accordance with the present application. -
FIG. 11A is a front view of a portion of the fluid end ofFIG. 3 with a third embodiment of the closure assembly presented herein installed therein. -
FIG. 11B is a side, sectional view of the fluid end and closure assembly ofFIG. 11A . -
FIG. 12A is a front view of a portion of the fluid end ofFIG. 3 with a variation of the third embodiment of the closure assembly presented herein installed therein. -
FIG. 12B is a side, sectional view of the fluid end and closure assembly ofFIG. 12A . -
FIG. 13 is a side, sectional view of another example embodiment of a fluid end with a non-circular bore including a fourth embodiment of the closure assembly installed therein. The fluid end and closure assembly are each formed according to example embodiments of the present application. -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the closure assembly shown inFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 15 is a detail view of portion “B” of the sectional view ofFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 16A is a side perspective, sectional view of yet another example embodiment of a fluid end with a non-circular bore including a fifth embodiment of the closure assembly presented herein installed therein. The fluid end and closure assembly are each formed according to example embodiments of the present application. -
FIG. 16B is a front view of the fluid end ofFIG. 16A , with a closure element of the closure assembly for the fluid end being shown in an installation orientation. -
FIG. 17A is a front perspective view of yet another example embodiment of a fluid end with a non-circular bore including a variant of the fifth embodiment of the closure assembly presented herein installed therein. The fluid end and closure assembly are each formed according to example embodiments of the present application. -
FIG. 17B is a sectional view of the fluid end and closure assembly ofFIG. 17A taken along line A-A ofFIG. 17A . -
FIGS. 18A-18E depict a method of closing an externally open segment of a fluid end of a reciprocating pump with a non-circular closure assembly, according to an example embodiment of the present application. -
FIG. 19 depicts a final assembly formed when executing the method ofFIGS. 18A-18E in accordance with an example embodiment of the present application. - Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements throughout this disclosure.
- The following description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is given solely for the purpose of describing the broad principles of the invention. Embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example, with reference to the above-mentioned drawings showing elements and results according to the present invention.
- Generally, the present application is directed to a fluid end of a reciprocating pump, closure assemblies for the fluid end, and/or portions thereof. The fluid end presented herein has at least one bore with a non-circular cross-sectional shape while the closure assemblies presented herein include least some components or sections with non-circular cross-sectional shapes. Typically, fluid ends for reciprocating pumps have bores with circular cross-sectional shapes (e.g., cylindrical bores) while closure elements therefor (e.g., valve covers, plugs, sleeves, etc.) have corresponding circular/cylindrical shapes to allow the closure elements to close and/or seal the bore.
- These circular/cylindrical closure elements are typically secured in a bore segment with a threaded retaining element that engages threads machined into the fluid end. Such an arrangement creates at least two issues. First, a cylindrical closure element secured in a cylindrical bore can define sealing areas on the inner surface of the bore. This surface is often defined by the fluid end and, thus, can be very difficult to repair (e.g., repair may require an invasive weld repair). Second, with such an arrangement, the threads on the retaining element are subject to high levels of cyclical stress. Thus, if the retaining element is not preloaded correctly, the threads may experience fatigue failure.
- The closure assemblies and/or the fluid end presented herein resolve these issues and, thus, can extend the lifespan of both the fluid end and the closure element. Initially, in at least some embodiments, a closure element with a non-circular cross-sectional shape can be secured within a fluid end bore without a threaded retaining element, thereby eliminating a potential point of failure. Instead, the closure element can be retained directly on a fluid end and/or on a retaining element that is fixed in place on a fluid end (e.g., the retaining element need not be removed for installation or removal of the closure element). This may also make the closure assembly easy to install, decreasing the amount of time required for installation and/or removal which, in turn, decreases downtime. Moreover, in at least some embodiments where a seal disposed around a closure element seals against a retaining element, the fluid end will not define a sealing area and, thus, will not experience wear associated with the sealing area. Additionally or alternatively, the non-circular cross-sectional shapes of the present application may allow the seals to be/provide bore or corner seals, which may be more robust than radial seals (e.g., seals between nested components of different radial dimensions).
- Now referring to
FIG. 1 for a description of a priorart reciprocating pump 100. Thereciprocating pump 100 includes apower end 102 and afluid end 104. Thepower end 102 includes a crankshaft that drives a plurality of reciprocating plungers within thefluid end 104 to pump fluid at high pressure. Generally, thepower end 102 is capable of generating forces sufficient to cause thefluid end 104 to deliver high pressure fluids to earth drilling operations. For example, thepower end 102 may be configured to support hydraulic fracturing (i.e., fracking) operations, where fracking liquid (e.g., a mixture of water and sand) is injected into rock formations at high pressures to allow natural oil and gas to be extracted from the rock formations. However, to be clear, this example is not intended to be limiting and the present application may be applicable to both fracking and drilling operations. - Often, the
reciprocating pump 100 may be quite large and may, for example, be supported by a semi-tractor truck (“semi”) that can move thereciprocating pump 100 to and from a well. Specifically, in some instances, a semi may move thereciprocating pump 100 off a well when thereciprocating pump 100 requires maintenance. However, areciprocating pump 100 is typically moved off a well only when a replacement pump (and an associated semi) is available to move into place at the well, which may be rare. Thus, often, the reciprocating pump is taken offline at a well and maintenance is performed while thereciprocating pump 100 remains on the well. If not for this maintenance, thereciprocating pump 100 could operate continuously to extract natural oil and gas (or conduct any other operation). Consequently, any improvements that extend the lifespan of components of thereciprocating pump 100, especially typical “wear” components, and extend the time between maintenance operations (i.e., between downtime) are highly desirable. - Still referring to
FIG. 1 , but now in combination withFIG. 2 , in various embodiments, thefluid end 104 may be shaped differently and/or have different features, but may still generally perform the same functions, define similar structures, and house similar components. To illustrate potential shape variations,FIG. 2 shows a side, sectional view of afluid end 104′ with different internal and external shaping as compared tofluid end 104. However, sincefluid end 104 andfluid end 104′ have many operational similarities,FIGS. 1 and 2 are labeled with the same reference numerals and are both described with respect to these common reference labels. - The sectional view of
FIG. 2 is taken along a central or plunger axis of one of theplungers 202 included in areciprocating pump 100. Thus, althoughFIG. 2 depicts asingle pumping chamber 208, it should be understood that afluid end 104 can includemultiple pumping chambers 208 arranged side-by-side. In fact, in at least some embodiments (e.g., the embodiment ofFIG. 1 ), acasing 206 of thefluid end 104 forms a plurality of pumpingchambers 208 and eachchamber 208 includes aplunger 202 that reciprocates within thecasing 206. However, side-by-side pumping chambers 208 need not be defined by asingle casing 206. For example, in some embodiments, thefluid end 104 may be modular and different casing segments may house one ormore pumping chambers 208. In any case, the one ormore pumping chambers 208 are arranged side-by-side so that corresponding conduits are positioned adjacent each other and generate substantially parallel pumping action. Specifically, with each stroke of theplunger 202, low pressure fluid is drawn into thepumping chamber 208 and high pressure fluid is discharged. But, often, the fluid within thepumping chamber 208 contains abrasive material (i.e., “debris”) that can damage seals formed in thereciprocating pump 100. - As can be seen in
FIG. 2 , the pumping paths and pumpingchamber 208 of thefluid end 104 are formed by conduits that extend through thecasing 206 to define openings at anexternal surface 210 of thecasing 206. More specifically, afirst conduit 212 extends longitudinally (e.g., vertically) through thecasing 206 while asecond conduit 222 extends laterally (e.g., horizontally) through thecasing 206. Thus,conduit 212 intersectsconduit 222 to at least partially (and collectively) define thepumping chamber 208. In the prior artfluid end 104 and prior artfluid end 104′,conduits conduit 212 andconduit 222 may vary throughout thecasing 206 so thatconduits - Regardless of the diameters of
conduit 212 andconduit 222, each conduit may include two segments, each of which extend from thepumping chamber 208 to theexternal surface 210 of thecasing 206. Specifically,conduit 212 includes afirst segment 2124 and asecond segment 2126 that opposes thefirst segment 2124. Likewise,conduit 222 includes athird segment 2224 and afourth segment 2226 that opposes thethird segment 2224. In the depicted embodiment, the segments of a conduit (e.g.,segments segments 2224 and 2226) are substantially coaxial while the segments of different conduits are substantially orthogonal. However, in other embodiments,segments chamber 208 at one or more non-straight angles. - In the depicted embodiment,
conduit 212 defines a fluid path through thefluid end 104.Segment 2126 is an intake segment that connects the pumping chamber to apiping system 106 delivering fluid to thefluid end 104. Meanwhile,segment 2124 is an outlet or discharge segment that allows compressed fluid to exit thefluid end 104. Thus, in operation,segments valve components segments valve components 51 in theinlet segment 2126 may be secured therein by apiping system 106. Meanwhilevalve components 52 inoutlet segment 2124 may be secured therein by aclosure assembly 53 that, in the prior art example depicted inFIG. 2 , includes a closure element 251 (also referred to as a discharge plug) that is secured in thesegment 2124 by a retainingassembly 252. Notably, the priorart retaining assembly 252 is coupled tosegment 2124 viathreads 2128 defined by an interior wall ofsegment 2124. - On the other hand,
segment 2226 defines, at least in part, a cylinder forplunger 202, and/or connects thecasing 206 to a cylinder forplunger 202. For example, in the depicted embodiment, acasing segment 35 is secured tosegment 2226 and houses a packingassembly 36 configured to seal against aplunger 202 disposed interiorly of the packingassembly 36. In any case, reciprocation of aplunger 202 in or adjacent tosegment 2226, which may be referred to as a reciprocation segment, draws fluid into thepumping chamber 208 viainlet segment 2126 and pumps the fluid out of thepumping chamber 208 viaoutlet segment 2124. Notably, in the depicted prior art arrangement, the packingassembly 36 is retained withincasing segment 35 with a retainingelement 37 that is threadably coupled tocasing segment 35. -
Segment 2224 is an access segment that can be opened to access to parts disposed withincasing 206 and/or surfaces defined withincasing 206. During operation,access segment 2224 may be closed by aclosure assembly 54 that, in the prior art example depicted inFIG. 2 , includes a closure element 254 (also referred to as a suction plug) that is secured in thesegment 2224 by a retainingassembly 256. Notably, the priorart retaining assembly 256 is coupled tosegment 2224 viathreads 2228 defined by an interior wall ofsegment 2224. However, in some embodiments,conduit 222 need not includesegment 2224 andconduit 222 may be formed from a single segment (segment 2226) that extends from thepumping chamber 208 to theexternal surface 210 ofcasing 206. - Overall, in operation, fluid may enter fluid end 104 (or
fluid end 104′) via multiple openings, as represented by opening 216 inFIG. 2 , and exit fluid end 104 (orfluid end 104′) via multiple openings, as represented by opening 214 inFIG. 2 . In at least some embodiments, fluid entersopenings 216 via pipes ofpiping system 106, flows through pumping chamber 208 (due to reciprocation of a plunger 202), and then flows throughopenings 214 into achannel 108. However,piping system 106 andchannel 108 are merely example conduits and, in various embodiments,fluid end 104 may receive and discharge fluid via any number of pipes and/or conduits, along pathways of any desirable size or shape. - Also, during operation of
pump 100, the first segment 2124 (of conduit 212), the third segment 2224 (of conduit 222), and the fourth segment 2226 (of conduit 222) may each be “closed” segments. By comparison, the second segment 2126 (of conduit 212) may be an “open” segment that allows fluid to flow from theexternal surface 210 to thepumping chamber 208. That is, for the purposes of this application, a “closed” segment may prevent, or at least substantially prevent, direct fluid flow between the pumpingchamber 208 and theexternal surface 210 of thecasing 206 while an “open” segment may allow fluid flow between the pumpingchamber 208 and theexternal surface 210. To be clear, “direct fluid flow” requires flow along only the segment so that, for example, fluid flowing from pumpingchamber 208 to theexternal surface 210 alongsegment 2124 andchannel 108 does not flow directly to theexternal surface 210 viasegment 2124. - Now turning to
FIGS. 3 and 4 , these Figures depict a front view and a side, sectional view, respectively, of an example embodiment of afluid end 304 formed in accordance with the present application. Additionally, in these Figures, an example embodiment of aclosure assembly 400 formed in accordance with the present application is shown installed in thefluid end 304. For simplicity and clarity, these Figures continue to use some reference numerals from the prior art illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2 ; however, such continuity should not be construed as limiting in any manner and, instead, is only utilized for ease of understanding. - In fact,
FIGS. 3 and 4 should not be construed as limiting in any manner. For example, whileFIGS. 3 and 4 depict afluid end 304 withnon-circular access segments 3224 that are sealed bynon-circular closure assemblies 400, any desirable segments of a fluid end formed in accordance with the present application may be non-circular. That is,segments non-circular access segments 3224. Additionally or alternatively, only some segments of a particular type of segment could be non-circular (e.g., a subset of theaccess segments 3224 depicted inFIGS. 3 and 4 ). Still further, whileFIGS. 3 and 4 only depictclosure assemblies 400 innon-circular access segments 3224, as mentioned, in operation,segment 2124,segment 3224, andsegment 2226 are each be completely capped, sealed, plugged, or otherwise closed to prevent fluid from passing through one of these segments to theexternal surface 310 ofcasing 306. - Still referring to
FIGS. 3 and 4 , but now in combination withFIG. 5 , theclosure assembly 400 depicted in these Figures includes at least a sealingassembly 401 formed by aclosure element 402 and aseal 461 and/or seal assembly 460 (e.g., aseal 461 and a seal carrier 462). In some embodiments (an example of which is described below), the sealingassembly 401 is self-retaining and, thus, can be installed within anon-circular segment 3224 without any additional components. However, in the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 3-5 , theclosure assembly 400 also includes a retainingassembly 470 that retains theassembly 401 within anon-circular segment 3224. More specifically, the retainingassembly 470 is removably coupleable to theclosure element 402 and, when coupled thereto, retains theseal 461 adjacent theclosure element 402. However, the retainingassembly 470 may also serve to retain theclosure element 402 within thenon-circular segment 3224. For example, in some embodiments, the retainingassembly 470 may retain theclosure element 402 in thenon-circular segment 3224 when a suction stroke of a reciprocating component (e.g., plunger 202) urges theclosure element 402 into thepumping chamber 308 of thefluid end 304. - As can be seen in
FIGS. 4 and 5 , theclosure element 402 includes a main body that extends from aninterior surface 406 to anexterior surface 410. When theclosure element 402 is installed in thenon-circular segment 3224, theinterior surface 406 is disposed closer to thepumping chamber 308 than theexterior surface 410. That is, theinterior surface 406 may be “upstream” (i.e., closer to the pumping chamber 308) of theexterior surface 410. Or, from another perspective, theexterior surface 410 may be “downstream” of theinterior surface 406. In fact, in the particular embodiment of at leastFIGS. 3-5 , theinterior surface 406 of theclosure element 402 is disposed in or adjacent to thepumping chamber 308 when theclosure element 402 is installed in thenon-circular segment 3224. This position may be advantageous not only because it allows theclosure assembly 400 to be secured in place without threads, but also because it reduces the overall size of thepumping chamber 308, which is typically advantageous when pumping compressible fluids (i.e., fluids for which thereciprocating pump 100 is intended). To help smooth pressure gradients across the interior surface 406 (e.g., created by fluid moving through the pumping chamber 308), theinterior surface 406 may include taperededges 408. - It is possible to install the
closure element 402 in or adjacent thepumping chamber 308 because the overall shape (e.g., the largest dimension) of theclosure element 402 is non-circular so that theclosure element 402 has an elongatedoverall dimension 442 and a narrowoverall dimension 444, which is smaller than the elongatedoverall dimension 442. As is described in detail below,dimensions closure element 402 to be easily inserted into and seated against a non-circular portion of thenon-circular segment 3224. - The features of the
closure element 402 also facilitate this positioning and installation. More specifically, moving from theexterior surface 410 to theinterior surface 406, theclosure element 402 includes aclosure section 430 and aseating section 438. That is, theclosure element 402 includes aclosure section 430 adjacent, or at least proximate, to theexterior surface 410 and aseating section 438 adjacent, or at least proximate, to theinterior surface 406. Theseating section 438 extends radially beyond theclosure section 430 and, thus, defines ashoulder 436 between theclosure section 430 and theseating section 438. As is described in further detail below,shoulder 436 can engage (e.g. sit on) a seat of thenon-circular segment 3224 to secure, or at least orient/align, theclosure element 402 within thenon-circular segment 3224. - In the depicted embodiment, the
closure section 430 has aradial surface 432 that has a non-circular cross-sectional shape. Similarly, theseating section 438 has aradial surface 439 that has a non-circular cross-sectional shape. In fact, theradial surface 439 of theseating section 438 and theradial surface 432 of theclosure section 430 have non-circular cross-sectional shapes that are substantially the same. That is, theclosure section 430 has a first non-circular cross-sectional shape and theseating section 438 has a second non-circular cross-sectional shape that is smaller than, but similarly proportioned to, the first non-circular cross-sectional shape. Consequently, theclosure section 430 and theseating section 438 define ashoulder 436 with aface 437 of substantially constant width and of substantially the same shape as theradial surface 439 and theradial surface 432. In the depicted embodiment, the non-circular shape of these various sections or features is an elongated oval, insofar as “elongated oval” or variations thereof, such as “elongated ovular shape,” are used to denote a shape formed from two semi-circular lines connected by straight lines. However, this is just an example and other non-circular shapes, including one or more ellipses, can be used to achieve a non-circular shape. - In fact, all of the depicted shaping and dimensioning is provided as an example and other embodiments need not have such dimensions and/or shaping. Instead, the
closure element 402, and theoverall assembly 401, should have dimensions and shaping that correspond with the dimensions and shaping of thenon-circular segment 3224. For example, in some embodiments, theseating section 438 might have a non-circular shape and theclosure section 430 might have a different non-circular shape or even a circular shape. In fact, in some embodiments, it may be advantageous to have acircular closure section 430. This is because machining non-circular shapes may be more difficult than machining circular shapes. When theclosure element 402 includes acircular closure section 430, thenon-circular segment 3224 may also include a corresponding circular section. Consequently, acircular closure section 430 may decrease the amount of complex machining required to manufacture theclosure element 402 andnon-circular segment 3224, which may lower the costs associated with manufacturing thefluid end 304 and theclosure assembly 400 presented herein. - However, to preserve the advantages of the non-circular overall shape of the
closure assembly 400, when theclosure section 430 has a circular shape or a non-circular shape that differs from the non-circular shape of theseating section 438, the overall dimensions of theclosure section 430 should not extend beyond the narrowoverall dimension 444 of theclosure element 402. Any extension beyond the narrowoverall dimension 444 might restrict or prevent theclosure element 402 from being installed in thenon-circular segment 3224. In any case, if only one of theclosure section 430 and theseating section 438 includes a non-circular cross-sectional shape, theshoulder 436 may have a different shape than both of these sections. This is because an inner boundary of theshoulder 436 is defined by theclosure section 430 and the outer boundary of theshoulder 436 is defined by theseating section 438. - Still referring to
FIGS. 4 and 5 , in this embodiment, theclosure assembly 400 includes a retainingassembly 470 that is coupled directed to theexterior surface 410 of theclosure element 402 and inserted into thenon-circular segment 3224 with theclosure element 402. That is, the retainingassembly 470, which includes a retainingelement 472 andcouplers 495, is configured to be disposed entirely within thenon-circular segment 3224 of thecasing 306 of thefluid end 304 when theclosure element 402 is installed within thenon-circular segment 3224 to substantially close thenon-circular segment 3224. Accordingly, theexterior surface 410 includes a variety of features to securely mount and couple the retainingassembly 470 to theclosure element 402. - Specifically, the
exterior surface 410 includes acentral protrusion 414 that defines abore 416 and that is surrounded by a plurality of receivers 412 (e.g., bores). Correspondingly, the retainingelement 472, which extends from aninterior surface 474 to anexterior surface 476, definesbores 478 configured to align with thereceivers 412 and acentral bore 479 that aligns with theprotrusion 414. As can be seen, thebores 478 of the depicted embodiment are countersunk to minimize the distance that couplers 495 installed therein extend beyond theexterior surface 476. Meanwhile, thecentral bore 479 can sit on theprotrusion 414 of theclosure element 402 to center the retainingelement 472 on theexterior surface 410 of theclosure element 402 while thecouplers 495 are installed throughbores 478 and intoreceivers 412. - In at least some embodiments, the
closure element 402 has a first surface hardness and the retainingassembly 470, or at least portions thereof, such as a retainingelement 472 of the retainingassembly 470, have a second surface hardness that is less hard than the first surface hardness. The increased hardness of theclosure element 402 will respond to higher loads between theclosure element 402 and thefluid end 304 during pumping operations and, thus, will prolong the life of a closure assembly including theclosure element 402. However, theentire closure element 402 need not have this increased hardness and, for example, theinterior surface 406 and/or taperededges 408 might have increased hardness as compared to a remainder of theclosure element 402. For example, theclosure element 402 might have a coating on the taperededges 408 to provide the increased hardness. In some instances, the coating might provide corrosion resistance, friction resistance, and/or improved sealing, either instead of or in addition to providing increased hardness. Moreover, in some embodiments, the inner wall of the fluid end bore, or at least a portion thereof, may be coated with such a coating, perhaps instead of coating theclosure element 402. - Still referring to
FIGS. 4 and 5 , but now in combination withFIG. 8A , perhaps the most important aspect of the retainingassembly 470 is that theinterior surface 474 of the retainingelement 472 bounds achannel 434 defined by theclosure section 430 when the retainingassembly 470 is installed on theclosure element 402. More specifically, in the depicted embodiment, when the retainingassembly 470 is coupled to theclosure element 402, theseating section 438 provides an upstream wall of achannel 434 and theinterior surface 474 of the retainingassembly 470 provides a downstream wall forchannel 434. Thus, coupling the retainingassembly 470 to theclosure element 402 may retain or secure aseal 461, either alone or with a seal carrier 462 (i.e., a spacer), withinchannel 434, as is shown best inFIG. 8A . In different embodiments,different seals 461 and/or sealcarriers 462 may be utilized to extend the lifespan of theclosure assembly 400 and/or the fluid end within which it is installed. - Notably, in the depicted embodiment, the
seal carrier 462 may be positioned upstream of the seal 461 (such an arrangement is also illustrated inFIGS. 8C and 8H ). Additionally, theseal carrier 462 may be a single-piece element (again, such an arrangement is also illustrated inFIGS. 8C and 8H ). This arrangement and single piece construction may provide sturdy support for theseal 461, which may improve and/or maintain seal integrity during installation and/or during pumping operations. That is, theseal carrier 462 may backstop theseal 461 and serve as an upstream gland wall for theseal 461 during pumping operations. Testing has found that installing a sealing assembly 401 (i.e., aclosure element 402 and a seal assembly 460) without aseal carrier 462 can sometimes cause theseal 461 to warp and/or twist. For example, rolling forces created by translating theseal 461 along anon-circular segment 3224 may twist or warp theseal 461 if theseal 461 is not supported by aseal carrier 462. Thus, theseal carrier 462 may help ensure the sealingassembly 401 is properly installed in anon-circular segment 3224. -
FIGS. 8B and 8C illustrate another embodiment of a retainingelement 472′ that may be used to form another embodiment of a retainingassembly 470′. The retainingassembly 470′ may operate and/or function in a similar manner to retainingassembly 470. Thus, retainingelement 472′ and retainingelement 472 are labeled with many like reference numerals and, for brevity, the description of retainingelement 472′ included herein focuses on differences between the two embodiments. For example, retainingelement 472′ is similar to retainingelement 472 because it extends from aninterior surface 474 to anexterior surface 476 and includesbores 478 and acentral bore 479. Thus, any description of these parts included herein should be understood to apply to retainingelement 472′. In contrast, retainingelement 472′ includes various features that allow aflexible installation elements 485 to be coupled to theclosure assembly 400′. - More specifically, the retaining
element 472′ includesholes 481 that extend from theinterior surface 474 to theexterior surface 476, or vice versa, so thatflexible installation elements 485 can be installed through a main body of the retainingelement 472′. Additionally, a connectingpassageway 482 is formed on theinterior surface 474. The connectingpassageway 482 allows a singleflexible installation element 485 to be fed through twoholes 481 while also extending across a portion of theinterior surface 474. This creates a leverage or grip point that a user can use to manipulate theclosure assembly 400′, e.g., during installation of theclosure assembly 400′ into afluid end 304. Also, the connectingpassageway 482 allows theflexible installation elements 485 to extend along theinterior surface 474 without protruding therefrom. Thus, theflexible installation elements 485 will not impact the interface between theinterior surface 474 of the retainingassembly 470′ and theexterior surface 410 of theclosure element 402 whencouplers 495 couple the retainingassembly 470′ to the closure element 402 (e.g., to secure aseal 461 andseal carrier 462 in place therebetween). This placement also ensures that theflexible installation elements 485 do not wear, change the geometry, or otherwise negatively affect theclosure element 402 while still enabling easy installation and/or removal of theflexible installation elements 485. - With the
holes 481 and connectingpassageway 482, theflexible installation elements 485 may be installed onto a retainingelement 472′ prior to coupling the retainingelement 472′ to aclosure element 402, while theinterior surface 474 of the retainingelement 472′ is still easily accessible. Theflexible installation elements 485 can be fed through onehole 481, routed to asecond hole 481 via the connectingpassageway 482, and fed back out of the retainingelement 472′ via the second hole. Then, retainingelement 472′ can be coupled toclosure element 402 while theflexible installation elements 485 are disposed between the retainingelement 472′ and theclosure element 402. - In the depicted embodiment, the retaining
element 472′ includes two pairs ofholes 481 and each pair ofholes 481 is connected by a connectingpassageway 482. The pairs ofholes 481 are located above and below thecentral bore 479, but within the elongated, ovular arrangement ofbores 478. In other embodiments, theholes 481 and/or connectingpassageway 482 may be disposed in any desirable location. In fact, in other embodiments, theclosure element 402 need not includeholes 481 and may include any other features that allowflexible handles 485 to the closure element, such as eye bolts, connected blind holes, etc. However, regardless of how theflexible handles 485 are coupled to theclosure element 402, it may be beneficial to arrangeflexible handles 485 symmetrically and/or evenly with respect to a center of the retainingelement 472′ (e.g., around and/or with respect to bore 479) because symmetrically or evenly spacedflexible installation elements 485 may allow for linear translation that avoids tilting or rotation. - Additionally, in the depicted embodiment, the
flexible installation elements 485 are wires, but other embodiments may utilize any elongate, flexible material asflexible installation elements 485. In any case, theflexible installation elements 485 will allow a user/operator to manipulate the retainingassembly 470′ from a location that is exterior of thefluid end 304. This, in turn, reduces the amount of time that operators will need to have their hands inside of anon-circular segment 3224 of thefluid end 304. In some instances, theflexible installation elements 485 may also make it easier for an operator/user to retrieve the retainingassembly 470′ and/orclosure assembly 400′ if the retainingassembly 470′ and/orclosure assembly 400′ falls into an unwanted location, such as into thepumping chamber 308. -
FIGS. 8D, 8E, and 8F illustrate another embodiment of aclosure element 420 that may be used to form a closure assembly. Theclosure element 420 may operate and/or function in a similar manner toclosure element 402. Thus,closure element 420 andclosure element 402 are labeled with many like reference numerals and, for brevity, the description ofclosure element 420 included herein focuses on differences between the two embodiments. Perhaps the most notable difference is that apressure relief conduit 423 extends throughclosure element 420. Otherwise,closure element 420 extends from aninterior surface 406 to anexterior surface 410 that hasreceivers 412 and aprotrusion 414 with abore 416, likeclosure element 402, and also has aseating section 438 andclosure section 430 likeclosure element 402. - In the depicted embodiment, the
pressure relief conduit 423 is a passageway that extends through the main body of theclosure element 420, initiating atentrance 421 and terminating atexit 422. Theentrance 421 is disposed on theinterior surface 406 and theexit 422 is disposed on theradial surface 432 of theclosure section 430, intersecting thechannel 434 of theclosure section 430 that receives a seal assembly. More specifically, in the depicted embodiment theexit 422 is configured to intersect thechannel 434 at a location that is upstream (e.g. closer to a pumping chamber) of aseal 461 positioned inchannel 434. Thus, fluid flowing through thepressure relief conduit 423 may enter thechannel 434 but theseal 461 will prevent the fluid from bypassing theclosure element 420 to exit the segment. Alternatively, theclosure element 420 and/or a retaining assembly coupled thereto might include other sealing features that ensure fluid exiting thepressure relief conduit 423 atexit 422 does not escape a fluid end segment in which theclosure element 420 is installed. In any case, thepressure relief conduit 423 will not prevent theclosure element 420 from closing a segment in which it is installed. - Overall, the
pressure relief conduit 423 provides a flow path along which fluid may flow past theseating section 438 without contacting the taperededges 408 of theinterior surface 406 or theshoulder 436 defined by theseating section 438. This prevents, or at least discourages, high pressure fluid from seepingpast shoulder 436 and/or creating localized pressure increases at the taperededges 408 and/orshoulder 436. This diminishment of pressure is important because during pumping operations, the taperededges 408 and/or theshoulder 436 act as load bearing surfaces and wear of these surfaces past a certain point will cause theclosure element 420 to fail. Testing has shown that thepressure relief conduit 423 can reduce or relieve wear generated from localized pressure acting on these surfaces and/or from fluid flowing directly over these surfaces. That is, thepressure relief conduit 423 can allow fluid to flow freely past theseating section 438 and taperededges 408, which may reduce wear on theseating section 438 and/or taperededges 408. The diminishment of pressure provided bypressure relief conduit 423 may also help ensure that theclosure element 420 remains properly positioned in a fluid end segment. This is because reducing the pressure acting on the bearing surfaces of the closure element 420 (e.g., viainterior surface 406 and/or tapered edges 408) will reduce the risk of pressure moving theclosure element 420 out of alignment in its segment and/or causing micromovements of theclosure element 420. - In the depicted embodiment, the
closure element 420 includes a singlepressure relief conduit 423 that is generally aligned with a straight section of the elongated ovular shape of theclosure element 420. Additionally, thepressure relief conduit 423 is comprised of two straight bores: one bore extending from theentrance 421 in a depth dimension of theclosure element 420; and one bore extending from the first bore to theexit 422 along the narrow overall dimension 444 (seeFIG. 5 ) of theclosure element 420. However,pressure relief conduit 423 is merely an example and other embodiments may include one or morepressure relief conduits 423 of any dimension, shape, or form (e.g., formed from any number of bores) positioned in any desirable location on theclosure element 420, provided that thepressure relief conduit 423 provide pressure relief for wear/bearing surfaces of theclosure element 420. For example,pressure relief conduit 423 might comprise a diagonal bore extending directly fromentrance 421 to exit 422. Additionally or alternatively, aclosure element 420 might include two or morepressure relief conduits 423 distributed evenly around the closure element 420 (e.g., aligned with both straight sections of an overall elongated, ovular shape). Still further, in some embodiments, the fluid end might define all or some of a pressure relief conduit, an example of which is discussed below in connection withFIG. 8H . - As one example of how the
pressure relief conduit 423 may vary in different embodiments,FIGS. 8G and 8H depict aclosure element 420′ that is a slight variation ofclosure element 420.Closure element 420′ includespressure relief conduits 425 in the form of grooves on both sides of theclosure element 420′, e.g., in alignment with both straight sections of an elongated, ovular shape. Whilepressure relief conduits 425 do not extend through theclosure element 420 to create a flow path that completely avoids the taperededges 408 and theseating section 438, thepressure relief conduits 425 serve a similar purpose and achieve the same advantages discussed above in connection withpressure relief conduit 423. That is, thepressure relief conduits 425 help reduce pressure on theclosure element 420′, which reduces wear and helps preserve or extend the lifespan of theclosure element 420′. - To be clear, while the Figures described thus far depict a
non-circular closure assembly 400 as a plug-style closure assembly, the same principles, structures, and/or features may also be applicable to a sleeve-style/type closure element and could be used to close and/or seal other non-circular segments of a fluid end, such as a non-circular version ofsegment 2226. That is, although not shown herein, a sleeve-style,non-circular closure assembly 400 may extend betweencasing 206 and a packing arrangement. Thus, in some instances,non-circular closure assembly 400 disposed insegment 2226 may be referred to as a packing sleeve. For the purposes of this application, a sleeve- or plug-style closer element may be referred to as a stationary closure element. However, the techniques presented herein need not be limited to stationary closure elements and may also be used in combination with plungers or other movable closure elements, which, for the purposes of this application, may be referred to as movable closure elements. That is, the non-circular concepts presented herein could also be applied to and/or utilized with packing elements. - More specifically, the concepts presented herein (e.g., in connection with closure assembly 400) may be applied to a packing arrangement and a movable closure element. That is, a sleeve-style, non-circular closure assembly may embodied as a packing arrangement and plunger. In such instances, the
plunger 202 acts as a closure element and the packing acts as a seal element to form a sealing assembly for the closure assembly presented herein. To be clear, for the purposes of this application, a sealing assembly formed from a packing arrangement and plunger may be referred to as a sealing assembly for a movable closure element. By comparison, sealing assemblies embodied as plug-style or sleeve-style closure elements (with seal elements disposed around a stationary closure element) may be referred to as sealing assemblies for stationary closure elements. - Now turning to
FIGS. 6 and 7 , but with continued reference toFIG. 4 as well, thenon-circular segment 3224 is generally configured to mate with the various portions of theclosure assembly 400. In the depicted embodiment, this is achieved with anon-circular segment 3224 that is entirely non-circular. More specifically, thenon-circular segment 3224 includes anaccess section 320, asealing section 330, and aseat 332 that are each non-circular. In fact, theaccess section 320, thesealing section 330, and theseat 332 of the depicted embodiment each have an elongated oval shape, matching the closure assembly. - However, to be clear, for the purposes of this application a fluid end segment may be “non-circular” when one or more portions of the segment is/are non-circular. For example, in some embodiments, the
seat 332 may be non-circular and thesealing section 330 and/or theaccess section 320 may be circular. As a specific example, theaccess section 320 could have any shape provided that a radius (or major dimension) of theaccess section 320 is larger than the narrowoverall dimension 444 of theclosure assembly 400. This will ensure that theclosure assembly 400 can be inserted through thesealing section 330 and into the seat 332 (or into thepumping chamber 308, at least temporarily, as is explained in further detail below). Meanwhile, thesealing section 330 can have any shape configured to mate with thechannel 434 of theclosure assembly 400 so that aseal 461 disposed in thechannel 434 can seal against thesealing section 330. - Regardless of which sections of
non-circular segment 3224 are non-circular, overall, thenon-circular segment 3224 is dimensioned to allow theclosure assembly 400 to be inserted through thenon-circular segment 3224. More specifically, overall, thenon-circular segment 3224 includes a minimalnarrow dimension 342 and a minimalelongated dimension 344. Each of these dimensions is configured to allow theclosure assembly 400 to be inserted through thenon-circular segment 3224 when theclosure assembly 400 is disposed in an installation orientation O1 (seeFIGS. 18A-18E ). - To achieve this, the minimal
narrow dimension 342 is larger than a depth of theclosure assembly 400, or at least the depth of the closure element 402 (insofar as “depth” is a dimension perpendicular to both narrowoverall dimension 444 and elongated overall dimension 442). Meanwhile, the minimalelongated dimension 344 is larger than the narrowoverall dimension 444 of theclosure assembly 400, or at least a narrow dimension of theclosure element 402. Thus, when the narrowoverall dimension 444 of theclosure assembly 400 is aligned with the minimalelongated dimension 344 of thenon-circular segment 3224 and the depth of theclosure assembly 400 is aligned with the minimalnarrow dimension 342non-circular segment 3224, the closure assembly 400 (or the closure element 402) may be inserted through thenon-circular segment 3224. That is, when the closure assembly 400 (or the closure element 402) is in an installation orientation O1, the closure assembly 400 (or the closure element 402) may be inserted into and through thenon-circular segment 3224. - Another important aspect of the
non-circular segment 3224 is itsseat 332. Theseat 332 is configured to support theclosure element 402 and, more specifically, to support theseating section 438 of theclosure element 402. At the same time, theseat 332 forms a fluid barrier that is essentially in thepumping chamber 308 and, thus, theseat 332 may experience a large amount of wear. Accordingly, theseat 332 includes contourededges 334 that are designed to smooth the transitions from thepumping chamber 308 and/or from theinlet segment 2126 to theseat 332 and reduce or prevent wear on thecasing 306. Notably, the contourededges 334 eliminate corners, which can be susceptible to wear, between theinlet segment 2126, thepumping chamber 308, and theseat 332. This may be particularly important since theseat 332 may be hard to access for repairs. - Now turning to
FIG. 8I , as mentioned above, in some embodiments, thenon-circular segment 3224 may also define one or more pressure relief features. In some instances, such features may be defined entirely by thefluid end 304, e.g., with holes or passages formed through thecasing 306 of thefluid end 304. In the depicted example, however, the pressure relief features 425′ are grooves formed in alignment with the minimalnarrow dimension 342 of thenon-circular segment 3224. These passages may have a similar effect, and achieve similar advantages to the pressure relief features 425 ofFIGS. 8G and 8H . Additionally or alternatively, pressure relief features 425′ may enhance the effectiveness of pressure relief features, such as pressure relief features 425 ofFIGS. 8G and 8H , included on and/or in a closure element. Thus, in at least some instances, thenon-circular segment 3224 may—but need not—include pressure relief features 425′ when the closure element includes corresponding pressure relief features. - Now turning to
FIGS. 9-17 , these Figures generally depict variations and/or modifications of a non-circular bore and/or a non-circular closure assembly, as compared to the embodiments ofFIGS. 3-8C . For brevity, the description ofFIGS. 9-17 focuses on differences between the embodiments and does not reiterate descriptions of like components. Instead,FIGS. 9-17 are labeled with like reference numerals where applicable and any description of like parts or components included in this application should be understood to apply to like numbered parts. However, to be clear, the variations and modifications depicted inFIGS. 9-17 should not be interpreted to limit the present application to certain modifications or variations in any manner. Likewise, if a certain difference is not described in detail, this omission should not be interpreted to require that certain parts, components or features must be the same across different embodiments. - That all said, in
FIG. 9 , a modifiednon-circular segment 3224′ is depicted from a side, sectional view. As can be seen, thenon-circular segment 3224′ is substantially similar tonon-circular segment 3224, except that thenon-circular segment 3224 includes anaccess section 321 that is counter-bored instead of tapered (like access section 320). Thiscounter-bored access section 321 may be advantageous because it may provide easier access to thesealing section 330 and/orseat 332, which may ease servicing and/or manufacturing. As mentioned, manufacturing non-circular bores may be somewhat complicated and, thus, the access afforded byaccess section 321 may be particularly advantageous for the techniques presented herein. - Next, in
FIG. 10 , theclosure assembly 400″ is shaped substantially similar to theclosure assembly 400, but is now only formed from aclosure element 402′. That is,closure assembly 400″ includes aclosure element 402′ that is self-retaining and does not include a retaining assembly (like retaining assembly 470). To compensate for this, theclosure element 402′ includes anexterior surface 410′ with aradial surface 411 that extends radially beyond theclosure section 430. Thus,channel 434′ is defined between theshoulder 436 and theradial surface 411 of theexterior surface 410′. - One other notable difference is that the
closure element 402′ includesinstallation elements 450 extending outwardly, away from theexterior surface 410′. Theinstallation elements 450 provide a grip point on theexterior surface 410′ that can be used during installation and/or removal of theclosure element 402 from a non-circular segment 3224 (e.g., like flexible installation elements 485). In the depicted embodiment, theinstallation elements 450 comprise two U-shaped bars that extend along the narrowoverall dimension 444 of theclosure element 402′, on either side of acentral bore 416′. However, in other embodiments, theinstallation elements 450 may have any shape and/or may extend in any direction, across any portion of theexterior surface 410′. But, at the same time, it may be beneficial to arrange theinstallation elements 450 symmetrically and/or evenly with respect to a center of the exterior surface 410 (e.g., around and/or with respect to bore 416′ because symmetrically or evenly spacedinstallation elements 450 may allow for linear translation that avoids tilting or rotation. Thebore 416′ may also be helpful for installation, removal, and/or securing theclosure element 402′ within anon-circular segment 3224. -
FIGS. 11A and 11B depict yet another embodiment of the non-circular closure assembly presented herein. In this embodiment, theclosure assembly 500 includes theclosure element 402 and the retainingelement 472 ofFIGS. 3-8A , but now the retainingassembly 470 also includes acrossbar 502 and anextended coupler 504. As can be seen inFIG. 11A , thecrossbar 502 extends across the non-circular segment 3224 (e.g., across the access section 320), so that thecrossbar 502 can sit outside theexternal surface 310 of thecasing 306. Then, thecrossbar 502 can support anextended coupler 504 that stretches from theexternal surface 310 to theclosure element 402. Thus, thecrossbar 502 andextended coupler 504 can further secure theclosure element 402 in place in the non-circular segment 3224 (e.g., on a seat 332) and, among other advantages, prevent theclosure element 402 from being pushed into or sucked out of the non-circular segment 3224 (or more specifically of the seat 332). -
FIGS. 12A and 12B depict aclosure assembly 500′ that is a variant of theclosure assembly 500 ofFIGS. 11A and 11B ; but now theclosure assembly 500′ incorporates retainingassembly 470′ ofFIGS. 8B and 8C . Also, the embodiment ofFIGS. 12A and 12B includes certain advantageous features, including: (1) acollar 505 disposed on an upstream end of theextended coupler 504; (2) handleextensions 506 that extend from a downstream end of theextended coupler 504; and (3) acrossbar 502 with a slightly modified geometry. Each of these features may help keep theclosure element 402 stable during pumping operations (e.g., during fracking or drilling operations) and/or may help ensure that theclosure element 402 is properly installed into thefluid end 304. Testing has revealed that a misalignment between theclosure element 402 and itsnon-circular segment 3224 can lead to micromovements (or larger movements if the misalignment is more pronounced) that cause galling damage of thefluid end 304 that is detrimental to lifespan and/or difficult to repair. Thus, it is important to install aclosure element 402 in anon-circular segment 3224 in an aligned position and to maintain theclosure element 402 in such a position during pumping operations. - The
collar 505 and theextensions 506 may both help prevent or discourage a user from improperly installing thenon-circular closure element 402, e.g., in a manner that damages theclosure element 402. First, thecollar 505 may allow theextended coupler 504 to be coupled to the retainingelement 472′ and/or closure element 402 (e.g., via threading), but may limit the depth theextended coupler 504 can extend into the retainingelement 472′ and/orclosure element 402. This may prevent theextended coupler 504 from damaging theclosure element 402 during installation. Meanwhile, theextensions 506 may prevent, or at least discourage, a user from engaging the hex-shaped head of theextended coupler 504 with impact drills or other such torquing tools to drive installation of theextended coupler 504 during installation ofclosure assembly 500′. This may discourage a user from over-torquing theextended coupler 504 anddamaging closure element 402. - The
crossbar 502 may include aslot 503 extending inwards from a side of thecrossbar 502 and may include steppedinner surfaces 508 at its top and bottom end. Theside slot 503 may ease installation while still ensuring that thecrossbar 502 securely supports theextended coupler 504. Meanwhile, the steppedinner surfaces 508 may help securely seat thecrossbar 502 in thenon-circular segment 3224 and against theexternal surface 310 of thefluid end 304. Or, in other embodiments, steppedinner surfaces 508 may help securely seat thecrossbar 502 on a retainer (see, e.g., theretainer 602 ofFIG. 16 ) coupled to anexternal surface 310 of thefluid end 304. In any case, steppedinner surfaces 508 may help thecrossbar 502 securely support theclosure element 402 during installation and during pumping operations of the fluid end 304 (e.g., during fracking or drilling). -
FIGS. 13-15 depict an embodiment that is similar to the embodiments ofFIGS. 11A, 11B, 12A, and 12B ; however, nowclosure assembly 600 includes retaining assembly with acrossbar 502′ andextended coupler 504′ that are supported by aretainer 602 in the form of an annular ring on theexternal surface 310 of the casing 306 (i.e., disposed exteriorly of casing 306). Theretainer 602 extends from aninterior surface 606 to anexterior surface 608. Theinterior surface 606 abuts theexternal surface 310 ofcasing 306 when theretainer 602 is installed thereon. Additionally, in the depicted embodiment theretainer 602 is an annular ring so that it extends from aninternal surface 604 that surrounds and/or defines the exterior opening of thenon-circular segment 3224″ to anexternal surface 610. - More specifically, in the depicted embodiment, both the
internal surface 604 and theexternal surface 610 are non-circular. However, in other embodiments, theretainer 602 need not include a non-circularinternal surface 604 and a non-circularexternal surface 610. For example, theexternal surface 610 might be circular or theoverall retainer 602 might have any desirable shape that can secure thecrossbar 502′ to theexternal surface 310. The key, for at least some embodiments, is that theinternal surface 604 extends at least partially over/within the exterior opening of thenon-circular segment 3224″ so that theinterior surface 606 can define a shoulder at a proximal end of thenon-circular segment 3224″. In the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 13-15 , thenon-circular segment 3224″ has substantially constant dimensions (e.g., a single non-circular shape) and, thus, theinterior surface 606 may be sized based off of a single non-circular shape. However, thisnon-circular segment 3224″ is merely an example provided for simplicity and, in other embodiments, theretainer 602 can be used with any desirable non-circular segment. For example, in other embodiments, theretainer 602 may be sized to mate with, and extend partially over, a proximal end of an access section of a non-circular bore (e.g.,access section 320 or 321). - Additionally, in the embodiment of
FIGS. 13-15 , theclosure assembly 600 includes aclosure element 402″ that does not include a fully bounded seal channel (e.g., like channel 434). Instead,closure element 402″ defines achannel 434′ that is defined by theclosure section 430, bounded on an upstream side by theseating section 438, and open on a downstream side. Then, as can be seen best inFIG. 15 , aseal carrier 660 extends between theinterior surface 606 of theretainer 602 and theshoulder 436 of theclosure element 402″ to support aseal 461 between theclosure element 402″ and thenon-circular segment 3224″. In different embodiments, theseal carrier 660 may support theseal 461 in any desirable location between theshoulder 436 and theinterior surface 606 of theretainer 602. -
FIGS. 16A and 16B depict another embodiment that utilizes aretainer 602 as part of the retaining assembly; however, now, theclosure assembly 700 includes aclosure element 402′″ that is secured adjacent theexternal surface 310 of thecasing 306. One notable advantage of this embodiment is that theclosure element 402′″ is configured to seal against theretainer 602 and, thus, any wear from this seal occurs on a replaceable part (retainer 602). More specifically, theclosure element 402′″ resembles the self-retainingclosure element 402′ ofFIG. 10 , but without theinstallation elements 450, and thus, defineschannel 434′ between itsseating section 438 and itsexterior surface 410. Meanwhile, theretainer 602 is configured to extend at least partially within the lateral bounds of thenon-circular segment 3224″ so that thechannel 434′ can sit against theinternal surface 604 of theretainer 602, sealing there against. - In still other embodiments, however, the
closure element 402″ need not define thechannel 434′ and, for example, thechannel 434′ could be defined by theretainer 602. That is, theretainer 602 might define a channel for aseal assembly 460 which could transfer wear to theclosure element 402″. This might increase the lifespan of theretainer 602, reducing the number of times that theretainer 602 needs to be removed or serviced during pumping operations. Notably, removing theretainer 602 from thefluid end 304 requires multiple bolts/couplers to be removed. By comparison, theclosure element 402″ might be able to be removed from thefluid end 304 without removing any bolts/couplers. Thus, it might be easier and/or quicker to service or replace theclosure element 402″ than theretainer 602. That is, moving thechannel 434′ to theretainer 602 might provide servicing advantages (e.g., less down time). One example of such a channel is depicted inFIG. 17B . - More specifically, the
seating section 438 of theclosure element 402′″ may sit against theinterior surface 606 of theretainer 602, which may secure/retain theclosure element 402′″ within thenon-circular segment 3224″ when theclosure element 402′″ is disposed in an operation orientation O2. At least because theclosure element 402″ is secured within thenon-circular segment 3224″ adjacent the external surface 310 (and the retainer 602), thecoupler 504″ need not be extended. This may also be advantageous because it may reduce the chances that thecoupler 504 experiences stresses or torques (e.g., due to misalignment). Also, to be clear, this embodiment is again depicted with a relatively straight/constant,non-circular segment 3224″, but thenon-circular segment 3224″ is, again, only provided as a example and the concepts of this embodiment need not be limited to such bores. -
FIGS. 17A and 17B depict yet another embodiment of aclosure assembly 701 that utilizes aretainer 603 as part of the retaining assembly; however, now, theretainer 603 is provided in the form of a plate (as opposed to a ring, like retainer 602). Aside from its shape, theretainer 603 is similar toretainer 602. For example,retainer 603 extends from aninterior surface 606 that abuts theexternal surface 310 of thecasing 306 to anexterior surface 608 and also extends from internal surfaces 604 (which define holes 609) to anexternal surface 610 that defines a radial boundary of theretainer 603. In the depicted embodiment, theretainer 603 covers multiplenon-circular segments 3224″ and providesseparate holes 609 for each of these segments. Thus, theretainer 603 includes multiple, disconnected and discreteinternal surfaces 604. In other embodiments, however, a singleinternal surface 604 might span multiplenon-circular segments 3224″ or aretainer 603 might only span a single bore segment. - Moreover, in
FIGS. 17A and 17B , theclosure assembly 701 includes a closure element that is substantially similar toclosure element 402′″ and, thus, the closure element is labeled with like numerals. Theclosure element 402′″ is again (as compared toFIGS. 16A and 16B ) secured adjacent theexternal surface 310 of thecasing 306 and thus, realizes similar advantages, but as mentioned above, does not includechannel 434′. Instead, thechannel 434′ is provided in thecasing 306 and/or theretainer 603 to achieve the advantages discussed above. Still further, inFIGS. 17A and 17B , theclosure element 402′″ is shown retained in thefluid end 304 by theretainer 603 alone. While this is one option, further components, such as a crossbar and an extended coupler might also be used in combination withretainer 603 if desired. - Now turning to
FIGS. 18A-18E , these Figures diagrammatically depict a method of closing an externally open segment of a fluid end of a reciprocating pump with a closure assembly. Initially, as is shown inFIG. 18A , afirst step 802 involves orienting aclosure element 402 in an installation orientation O1 and arranging theclosure element 402 for insertion into anon-circular segment 3224. As mentioned, in at least some embodiment, the installation orientation O1 aligns a depth of theclosure element 402 with a narrow dimension of thenon-circular segment 3224 and aligns a narrow dimension of theclosure element 402 with an enlarged dimension of thenon-circular segment 3224. Thus, once orientated in the installation orientation O1, theclosure element 402 can be translated along a lateral axis A1 in a first lateral direction D1. This translational movement moves theclosure element 402 through thenon-circular segment 3224, from theexternal surface 310 of thecasing 306 to thepumping chamber 308 of thecasing 306. - In a second step, the
closure element 402 is rotated from its installation orientation O1 to an operational orientation O2 that is angularly offset from the installation orientation O1. For simplicity, this step is depicted in two sub-steps: sub-step 804(1) and sub-step 804(2); however, in other embodiments, this step can be accomplished in one or more operations. For example, theclosure element 402 may be rotated about two axes at one time. That said, inFIGS. 18B and 18C , two rotations are shown. - First, in sub-step 804(1), the
closure element 402 is rotated about lateral axis A1 in a first rotational direction D2. For example, theclosure element 402 may rotate approximately ninety degrees. This may align the narrow dimension of theclosure element 402 with the narrow dimension of thenon-circular segment 3224 and, thus, in at least some embodiments, it might not be easy to remove theclosure element 402 from thepumping chamber 308 via thenon-circular segment 3224 after this first rotation. But, since the depth of theclosure element 402 may now be aligned with the enlarged dimension of thenon-circular segment 3224, it may still be possible to remove theclosure element 402 from thepumping chamber 308. - Then, in sub-step 804(2), the
closure element 402 is rotated about depth axis A3 in second rotational direction D3. For example, theclosure element 402 may rotate approximately ninety degrees. This rotates the enlarged dimension of theclosure element 402 into alignment with the enlarged dimension of thenon-circular segment 3224 and, thus, orients theclosure element 402 for seating in thenon-circular segment 3224. That is, after rotating theclosure element 402 about two axes, theclosure element 402 may be disposed in an operational orientation O2. - Next, in
step 806, theclosure element 402 is translated is translated along lateral axis A1 in a second lateral direction D4, as is shown inFIG. 18D . The second lateral direction D4 is opposite to the first lateral direction D1 and, thus, this translation moves theclosure element 402 towards and/or further into thenon-circular segment 3224, causing theclosure element 402 to seat in thenon-circular segment 3224, eventually moving into installation position P1 (seeFIG. 18E ). The final seating may also require some lateral adjustments along a longitudinal axis A2, depending on the position of theclosure element 402 after the rotation(s). - Notably, in
FIGS. 18A-18E , theclosure element 402 is installed by itself. In some embodiments (e.g., the embodiment ofFIG. 10 ), theclosure element 402 may be able to retain a seal on its own and, thus, may define anassembly 401 without any further components. This sealingassembly 401 may also be self-retaining (e.g., like the embodiment ofFIG. 10 ) and, thus, installation of theclosure assembly 400 may, in some instances, be complete afterstep 806. However, in other embodiments, theclosure assembly 400 may include a retainingassembly 470 that secures and/or retains theclosure element 402 and/or aseal 461 within thenon-circular segment 3224. For example, step 808 may involve installing aseal 461 and/or a retainingassembly 470 onto aclosure element 402 positioned/seated in the installation position P1 to secure theclosure element 402 within the 3224. Alternatively, any of the other retaining assemblies depicted herein, or variations thereof, might be installed on a fluid end casing after thesure element 402 positioned/seated in the installation position P1. - Still further, some components of a closure assembly formed in accordance with the present application might be installed prior to completing the method of
FIGS. 18A-18E . For example, an annular ring (e.g., retainer 602) might be installed onexternal surface 310 and left in place before installation and subsequent to removal of a closure element, if desired. In some embodiments, this could reduce downtime during servicing if, for example, the annular ring includes a large number of couplers while theclosure element 402 can be installed or removed without removing any couplers (or a single extended coupler 504). To be clear, the installation process may be suitable for, or can be slightly modified for, any embodiment, variation, or modification presented herein. For example, inFIGS. 18A-18E , the part labeled asclosure element 402 may be closure assembly that comprises a retainingelement 472 and aclosure element 402. These two parts may be coupled together prior to step 802, e.g., to capture aseal assembly 460. Then, the closure assembly (or this portion of the closure assembly) may be inserted into thefluid end 304, rotated, and translated, e.g., in accordance with the method ofFIGS. 18A-18E . -
FIG. 19 provides a specific example of how, in some embodiments, at least some of the method ofFIGS. 18A-18E might be completed by way of additional features. First, some steps might be completed by manipulating theclosure element 402, with or without retaining element 472 (as well as anyseal 461 and/orseal carrier 462 retained therein), withflexible handles 485. As mentioned, hand positioning theclosure element 402 in thenon-circular segment 3224 by way offlexible installation elements 485 may help properly position theclosure element 402 in alignment with a seat of thenon-circular segment 3224. Also, before, after, or duringstep 806 of the method ofFIGS. 18A-18E , anextended coupler 504 may coupled to a retainingelement 472, as is generally depicted inFIG. 19 . Theextended coupler 504 is then retained by acrossbar 502, e.g., atstep 810. As mentioned in connection withFIGS. 12A and 12B above, in some instances acollar 505 of theextended coupler 504 and/or handleextensions 506 of theextended coupler 504 may prevent, or at least discourage, a user from over-torquing theextended coupler 504. In turn, this may prevent misalignment of theclosure element 402 in thenon-circular segment 3224. Theextended coupler 504 might also pull or “suck” the closure assembly into a proper seating alignment. - While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since it will be apparent that various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the inventions and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. In addition, various features from one of the embodiments may be incorporated into another of the embodiments. For example, a retainer, such as a retaining ring, or any other component of a retaining assembly shown with one embodiment of a closure element can be used with any desirable closure element to forma closure assembly of the present application. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the following claims.
- It is also to be understood that the sealing assembly described herein, or portions thereof may be fabricated from any commonly used seal materials, such as homogeneous elastomers, filled elastomers, partially fabric reinforced elastomers, and full fabric reinforced elastomers. Suitable resilient elastomeric materials includes, but re not limited to, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic copolyester (COPE), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), highly saturated nitrile rubber (HNBR), reinforced versions of the foregoing materials, such as versions reinforced with fibers or laminations of woven material, as well as combinations of any of the foregoing materials.
- Similarly, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention that come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. For example, it is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Further, the term “exemplary” is used herein to describe an example or illustration. Any embodiment described herein as exemplary is not to be construed as a preferred or advantageous embodiment, but rather as one example or illustration of a possible embodiment of the invention.
- Finally, when used herein, the term “comprises” and its derivations (such as “comprising”, etc.) should not be understood in an excluding sense, that is, these terms should not be interpreted as excluding the possibility that what is described and defined may include further elements, steps, etc. Meanwhile, when used herein, the term “approximately” and terms of its family (such as “approximate,” etc.) should be understood as indicating values very near to those which accompany the aforementioned term. That is to say, a deviation within reasonable limits from an exact value should be accepted, because a skilled person in the art will understand that such a deviation from the values indicated is inevitable due to measurement inaccuracies, etc. The same applies to the terms “about” and “around” and “substantially.”
Claims (20)
1. A closure element for a fluid end of a reciprocating pump, the closure element being installable within a segment of a casing of the fluid end to substantially close the segment, the closure element comprising:
a main body that extends from an interior surface to an exterior surface, wherein at least a portion of the main body has a non-circular cross-sectional shape.
2. The closure element of claim 1 , wherein the non-circular cross-sectional shape is an extended ovular shape.
3. The closure element of claim 1 , wherein the main body comprises:
a seating section proximate the interior surface; and
a closure section proximate the exterior surface.
4. The closure element of claim 3 , wherein the seating section extends radially beyond the closure section.
5. The closure element of claim 4 , wherein the seating section has a first non-circular cross-sectional shape and the closure section has a second non-circular cross-sectional shape that is smaller than the first non-circular cross-sectional shape.
6. The closure element of claim 4 , wherein only one of the seating section and the closure section includes the non-circular cross-sectional shape.
7. The closure element of claim 4 , wherein the seating section defines a non-circular shoulder between the seating section and the closure section.
8. The closure element of claim 7 , wherein the closure section defines a seal channel adjacent or proximate to the non-circular shoulder.
9. The closure element of claim 3 , further comprising:
one or more pressure relief conduits configured to allow fluid to bypass the seating section of the main body and flow to the closure section of the main body.
10. The closure element of claim 9 , wherein the non-circular cross-sectional shape is an extended ovular shape and the one or more pressure relief conduits are aligned with one or more straight portions of the extended ovular shape.
11. The closure element of claim 1 , further comprising:
one or more installation elements extending away from the exterior surface so that that the one or more installation elements are accessible from an exterior of the segment of the casing of the fluid end when the closure element is installed within the segment.
12. A closure assembly formed with the closure element of claim 1 , the closure assembly further comprising:
a retaining assembly that is coupleable to the exterior surface of the closure element.
13. The closure assembly of claim 12 , wherein the retaining assembly is configured to be disposed entirely within the segment of the casing of the fluid end when the closure element is installed within the segment of the casing of the fluid end to substantially close the segment.
14. The closure assembly of claim 12 , wherein at least a portion of the retaining assembly is configured to be disposed at least partially exteriorly of the casing of the fluid end when the closure element is installed within the segment of the casing of the fluid end to substantially close the segment.
15. A closure assembly for a fluid end of a reciprocating pump, at least a portion of the closure assembly being installable within a segment of a casing of the fluid end to substantially close the segment, the closure assembly comprising:
a closure element that extends from an interior surface to an exterior surface, wherein at least a portion of the closure element has a non-circular cross-sectional shape;
a retaining element that is coupleable to the exterior surface of the closure element; and
a seal assembly that is positionable between the closure element and the retaining element, proximate the closure element, wherein coupling the retaining element to the closure element retains the seal assembly therebetween.
16. The closure assembly of claim 15 , wherein the closure element has a first surface hardness, the retaining element has a second surface hardness, and the first surface hardness is different than the second surface hardness.
17. The closure assembly of claim 15 , wherein the seal assembly comprises a seal and a single seal carrier, the seal being proximate the closure element and the single seal carrier being positioned between the seal and the retaining element.
18. The closure assembly of claim 15 , wherein the retaining element is part of a retaining assembly that further comprises:
a crossbar configured to span the segment proximate an exterior end of the segment; and
an extended coupler, wherein an upstream end of the extended coupler is configured to be coupled to the retaining element and a downstream end of the extended coupler is configured to be secured to the crossbar.
19. The closure assembly of claim 15 , wherein the retaining element comprises one or more installation elements extending away from an exterior surface of the retaining element so that that the one or more installation elements are accessible from an exterior of the segment of the casing of the fluid end when the closure element is installed within the segment.
20. The closure assembly of claim 15 , wherein the retaining element is part of a retaining assembly that further comprises:
a retainer disposed exteriorly of the casing of the fluid end and defining one or more seats on which the closure element, a portion of the retaining assembly, or both the closure element and the portion of the retaining assembly may sit.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US18/459,560 US20230407853A1 (en) | 2022-04-21 | 2023-09-01 | Fluid end with non-circular bores and closures for the same |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17/725,929 US20230340953A1 (en) | 2022-04-21 | 2022-04-21 | Fluid end with non-circular bores and closures for the same |
US18/459,560 US20230407853A1 (en) | 2022-04-21 | 2023-09-01 | Fluid end with non-circular bores and closures for the same |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US17/725,929 Continuation-In-Part US20230340953A1 (en) | 2022-04-21 | 2022-04-21 | Fluid end with non-circular bores and closures for the same |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20230407853A1 true US20230407853A1 (en) | 2023-12-21 |
Family
ID=89169485
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US18/459,560 Pending US20230407853A1 (en) | 2022-04-21 | 2023-09-01 | Fluid end with non-circular bores and closures for the same |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20230407853A1 (en) |
-
2023
- 2023-09-01 US US18/459,560 patent/US20230407853A1/en active Pending
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20220282725A1 (en) | High pressure pump | |
US11828282B2 (en) | Suction cover assembly for reciprocating pumps | |
US20230407852A1 (en) | Fluid end with non-circular bores and closures for the same | |
US8365754B2 (en) | Valve cover assembly and method of using the same | |
US20220349399A1 (en) | Fluid end plug with bore clearance | |
US20230407853A1 (en) | Fluid end with non-circular bores and closures for the same | |
US20230340953A1 (en) | Fluid end with non-circular bores and closures for the same | |
US20220389916A1 (en) | High pressure pump | |
US20240102460A1 (en) | Multi-part sealing assembly | |
US11815088B1 (en) | Tension applying assembly for fluid end | |
US20240200656A1 (en) | Modular stuffing box | |
US12018759B1 (en) | Valve seat assembly | |
US20240133375A1 (en) | Fluid cylinder with wedge flanges | |
US20240133371A1 (en) | Cradle plate for high pressure reciprocating pumps | |
US20140305518A1 (en) | Oilfield Safety Valve | |
US11255139B2 (en) | Sealing/locking rod safety clamp and ram system | |
WO2018032098A1 (en) | Blowout preventer with integrated flow tee, stuffing box bottom, and grease fitting | |
US20240110562A1 (en) | Power end mount plate |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GD ENERGY PRODUCTS, LLC, OKLAHOMA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:AVEY, ADAM BRADLEY;CARY, PAUL D.;KACHKOVSKIY, VADIM;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20230824 TO 20230831;REEL/FRAME:064792/0626 |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |