U.S. patent application number 13/755884 was filed with the patent office on 2018-03-01 for pump fluid end with integrated web portion.
This patent application is currently assigned to S.P.M. Flow Control. Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is S.P.M. FLOW CONTROL. INC.. Invention is credited to Jacob A. Bayyouk, Johnny E. DeLeon, Scott Skurdalsvold.
Application Number | 20180058430 13/755884 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48870389 |
Filed Date | 2018-03-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180058430 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Skurdalsvold; Scott ; et
al. |
March 1, 2018 |
Pump Fluid End with Integrated Web Portion
Abstract
A fluid end block for attachment to a power end of a high
pressure reciprocating pump includes a main body portion having an
outwardly facing body forward face, an outwardly facing body rear
face opposite the body forward face, and opposing side surfaces. A
web portion protrudes outwardly from the outwardly facing body
forward face. The web portion may have an outwardly facing web
forward face and a curvilinear side surface. The web portion may be
integral with the main body portion. A plurality of bosses protrude
from the web forward face and having a forward facing end. The
plurality of bosses may be integral with the main body portion and
the web portion. A plunger bore extends through one of the
plurality of bosses configured to receive a reciprocating
plunger.
Inventors: |
Skurdalsvold; Scott; (Shinan
Qu,, CN) ; Bayyouk; Jacob A.; (Richardson, TX)
; DeLeon; Johnny E.; (Arlington, TX) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
S.P.M. FLOW CONTROL. INC. |
Fort Worth |
TX |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
S.P.M. Flow Control. Inc.
Fort Worth
TX
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20130195701 A1 |
|
|
US 20170114780 A9 |
April 27, 2017 |
|
|
Family ID: |
48870389 |
Appl. No.: |
13/755884 |
Filed: |
January 31, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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29419425 |
Apr 27, 2012 |
D679293 |
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13755884 |
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29411974 |
Jan 27, 2012 |
D679290 |
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29419425 |
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61593710 |
Feb 1, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B23P 15/00 20130101;
F04B 1/00 20130101; F04B 53/16 20130101; F04B 39/122 20130101; Y10T
29/49236 20150115; F04B 53/007 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F04B 1/00 20060101
F04B001/00; B23P 15/00 20060101 B23P015/00 |
Claims
1. A fluid end block for attachment to a power end of a high
pressure reciprocating pump, comprising: a main body portion having
a plurality of chambers therein, the main body portion having an
outwardly facing body forward face, an outwardly facing body rear
face opposite the body forward face, and opposing side surfaces
connecting the forward face and the rear face; a web portion
protruding outwardly from the outwardly facing body forward face,
the web portion having an outwardly facing web forward face and a
curvilinear side surface, the web portion being integral with the
main body portion; a plurality of bosses protruding from the web
forward face and having a forward facing end, the plurality of
bosses being integral with the main body portion and the web
portion; and a plunger bore extending through one of the plurality
of bosses configured to receive a reciprocating plunger, the
plunger bore extending from the end of said one of the plurality of
bosses to one of the plurality of chambers in the main body
portion.
2. The fluid end block of claim 1, wherein the curvilinear side
surface comprises a convex portion concentric with each of the
plurality of bosses.
3. The fluid end block of claim 2, wherein the convex portion has a
radius greater than a radius of each of the plurality of
bosses.
4. The fluid end block of claim 1, wherein the main body portion
comprises a tie rod hole disposed adjacent the web portion, the tie
rod hole being disposed between undulating portions of the web
portion.
5. The fluid end block of claim 4, wherein the curvilinear side
surface comprises a concave portion concentric with a diameter of
the tie rod hole.
6. The fluid end block of claim 4, wherein the undulating portions
are a portion of the curvilinear side surface.
7. The fluid end block of claim 4, wherein the undulating portions
is a part of a fillet connecting the curvilinear side surface of
the web portion to the body forward face.
8. The fluid end block of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of
bosses has a first length measured from the web forward face to the
end of the boss, and wherein the web portion has a second length
measured from the body forward face to the web forward face, the
first length being greater than the second length.
9. The fluid end block of claim 1, wherein the web portion extends
across the body forward face from one of the opposing side surfaces
to the other.
10. The fluid end block of claim 1, wherein the plurality of bosses
are aligned in a row so that a single plane passes through a
central axis formed by each of the plurality of bosses.
11. The fluid end block of claim 1, wherein the curvilinear side
surface of the web portion is perpendicular to the body forward
face and perpendicular to the web forward face.
12. The fluid end block of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality
of bosses comprises an outer surface portion having a first
diameter adjacent the forward facing end and having a second
diameter adjacent the web portion, the second diameter being
greater than the first diameter.
13. The fluid end block of claim 1, wherein the curvilinear side
surface is an upper side surface, the fluid end block comprising a
curvilinear lower side surface, wherein the curvilinear upper side
surface mirrors the curvilinear lower side surface.
14. A pump assembly comprising: the fluid end block of claim 1; and
a power end including a reciprocating plunger extending into the
plunger bore.
15. The pump assembly of claim 14, comprising tie rods extending
from the power end, past the plurality of bosses, past the web
portion, and into tie rod holes in the forward face of the main
body portion.
16. A fluid end block for attachment to a power end of a high
pressure reciprocating pump, comprising: a main body portion having
a plurality of chambers therein, the main body portion having an
outwardly facing body forward face, an outwardly facing rear face
opposite the body forward face, and opposing side surfaces
connecting the body forward face and the rear face; a plurality of
bosses supported by the main body portion and having a forward
facing end, the plurality of bosses being integral with the main
body portion and having an outer diameter at the forward facing
end; a web portion protruding outwardly from the outwardly facing
body forward face of the main body portion, the web portion having
a longitudinal length and a transverse height, the web portion
joining each of the plurality of bosses to each other, the
transverse height of the web portion being greater than the outer
diameter of the plurality of bosses; and a plunger bore extending
through one of the plurality of bosses configured to receive a
reciprocating plunger, the plunger bore extending from the end of
said one of the plurality of bosses to one of the plurality of
chambers in the main body portion.
17. The fluid end block of claim 16, wherein the web portion
comprises a curvilinear side surface comprising a convex portion
concentric with each of the plurality of bosses.
18. The fluid end block of claim 17, wherein the convex portion of
the web portion has a radius greater than a radius of each of the
plurality of bosses.
19. The fluid end block of claim 16, wherein the main body portion
comprises a tie rod hole disposed adjacent the web portion, the tie
rod hole being disposed between undulating portions of the web
portion.
20. The fluid end block of claim 19, wherein the undulating
portions are formed of a curvilinear side portion comprising a
concave portion concentric with a diameter of the tie rod hole.
21. The fluid end block of claim 19, wherein the undulating
portions are a curvilinear side surfaces.
22. The fluid end block of claim 19, wherein the undulating
portions is a part of a fillet connecting a curvilinear side
surface of the web to the body forward face.
23. The fluid end block of claim 16, wherein each of the plurality
of bosses has a first length measured from the web forward face to
the end of the boss, and wherein the web portion has a second
length measured from the body forward face to the web forward face,
the first length being greater than the second length.
24. The fluid end block of claim 16, wherein the web portion
extends entirely across the body forward face from one of the
opposing side surfaces to the other.
25. The fluid end block of claim 16, wherein the plurality of
bosses are aligned in a row so that a single plane passes through a
central axis formed by each of the plurality of bosses.
26. The fluid end block of claim 16, wherein the web portion
comprises upper and lower side surfaces and a web forward face, the
upper and lower side surfaces being perpendicular to the body
forward face and perpendicular to the web forward face.
27. The fluid end block of claim 16, wherein each of the plurality
of bosses comprises an outer surface portion having a first
diameter adjacent the forward facing end and a second diameter
adjacent the web portion, the second diameter being greater than
the first diameter.
28. The fluid end block of claim 16, wherein the web portion
comprises curvilinear upper and lower side surfaces and a web
forward face, wherein the curvilinear upper side surface mirrors
the curvilinear lower side surface.
29. A pump assembly comprising: the fluid end block of claim 16;
and a power end including a reciprocating plunger extending into
the plunger bore.
30. The pump assembly of claim 29, comprising tie rods extending
from the power end, past the plurality of bosses, past the web
portion, and into tie rod holes in the forward face of the main
body portion.
31. A fluid end block for attachment to a power end of a high
pressure reciprocating pump, comprising: a main body portion having
an outwardly facing body forward face, an outwardly facing rear
face opposite the body forward face, and opposing side surfaces
connecting the body forward face and the rear face, the main body
portion comprising a plurality of tie rod holes configured to
receive tie rods connecting the fluid end block to the power end of
a high pressure reciprocating pump; a web portion protruding
outwardly from the body forward face of the main body portion, the
web portion having an curvilinear portion adjacent the tie rod
holes, the curvilinear portion being shaped and disposed so that at
least one of the tie rod holes is disposed between peaks of the
curvilinear portion, the web portion being integrally formed with
the main body portion; a plurality of bosses on the web portion,
the plurality of bosses being integrally formed with the web
portion and the main body portion; and a plunger bore extending
through one of the plurality of bosses configured to receive a
reciprocating plunger.
32. The fluid end block of claim 31, wherein the curvilinear
portion comprises a convex portion concentric with each of the
plurality of bosses.
33. The fluid end block of claim 32, wherein the convex portion has
a radius greater than a radius of each of the plurality of
bosses.
34. The fluid end block of claim 31, wherein the curvilinear
portion comprises a concave portion concentric with a diameter of
the tie rod hole.
35. The fluid end block of claim 31, wherein the curvilinear
portion comprises a curvilinear side surface.
36. The fluid end block of claim 31, wherein the curvilinear
portion comprises a fillet connecting a side surface of the web
portion to the body forward face.
37. The fluid end block of claim 31, wherein each of the plurality
of bosses has an end and the web portion has a forward face, each
of the plurality of bosses having a first length measured from the
web forward face to the end of the boss, and the web portion having
a second length measured from the body forward face to the web
forward face, the first length being greater than the second
length.
38. The fluid end block of claim 31, wherein the web portion
extends entirely across the body forward face from one of the
opposing side surfaces to the other.
39. The fluid end block of claim 31, wherein the plurality of
bosses are aligned in a row so that a single plane passes through a
central axis formed by each of the plurality of bosses.
40. The fluid end block of claim 31, wherein the curvilinear
portion comprises a side surface of the web portion perpendicular
to the body forward face.
41. The fluid end block of claim 31, wherein each of the plurality
of bosses comprises an outer surface portion having a first
diameter adjacent the forward facing end and a second diameter
adjacent the web portion, the second diameter being greater than
the first diameter.
42. The fluid end block of claim 31, wherein the curvilinear
portion comprises a curvilinear upper side surface and a
curvilinear lower side surface, wherein the curvilinear upper side
surface mirrors the curvilinear lower side surface.
43. The fluid end block of claim 31, wherein the web portion is
devoid of tie rod receiving holes.
44. A fluid pump comprising: the fluid end block of claim 31; and
tie rods extending to the main body so that the bosses are not held
in tension.
45. A method of manufacturing a fluid end for a pump, comprising:
forming from a monolith material, a main body portion having an
outwardly facing body forward face, an outwardly facing body rear
face opposite the body forward face, and opposing side surfaces
connecting the forward face and the rear face; forming from the
monolith material, a web portion protruding outwardly from the
outwardly facing body forward face, the web portion having an
outwardly facing web forward face and a curvilinear side surface;
forming from the monolith material, a plurality of bosses
protruding from the web forward face and having a forward facing
end; and forming a plunger bore extending through one of the
plurality of bosses configured to receive a reciprocating
plunger.
46. The method of claim 45, wherein forming the web portion
comprises shaping the curvilinear side surface to have a convex
portion concentric with each of the plurality of bosses.
47. The method of claim 45, comprising forming a tie rod hole in a
location adjacent the web portion so that the tie rod hole is
disposed between undulating portions of the web portion.
48. A fluid end block for attachment to a power end of a high
pressure reciprocating pump, comprising: a main body portion having
a plurality of chambers therein, the main body portion having an
outwardly facing body forward face, an outwardly facing rear face
opposite the body forward face, and opposing side surfaces
connecting the body forward face and the rear face, the main body
portion comprising a plurality of tie rod holes configured to
receive tie rods connecting the fluid end block to a power end of a
high pressure reciprocating pump; a web portion protruding
outwardly from the outwardly facing body forward face, the web
portion having an outwardly facing web forward face, an upper
curvilinear side surface, and a lower curvilinear side surface
mirroring the upper curvilinear side surface, the upper and lower
curvilinear side surfaces having convex and concave portions, the
web portion extending continuously from one of the opposing side
surfaces of the main body portion to the other, and being
integrally formed with the main body portion; a plurality of bosses
protruding from the web forward face and having a forward facing
end, each of the plurality of bosses having an end, a first region
of a first diameter adjacent the end, and a second region of a
second diameter adjacent the web portion, the second diameter being
greater than the first diameter, the plurality of bosses being
integral with the main body portion and the web portion, and
wherein the convex portions of the upper and lower curvilinear side
surfaces are concentric with the second region of each of the
plurality of bosses, and wherein the concave portions of the upper
and lower curvilinear side surfaces accommodate the tie rod holes
so that the tie rod holes are disposed between portions of the web
portion; and a plunger bore extending through one of the plurality
of bosses configured to receive a reciprocating plunger, the
plunger bore extending from the end of one of the plurality of
bosses to one of the plurality of chambers in the main body
portion.
49. The fluid end block of claim 48, wherein the tie rod holes are
disposed between portions of a fillet connecting the curvilinear
side surface of the web portion to the body forward face.
50. The fluid end block of claim 49, wherein the tie rod holes are
disposed between portions of the curvilinear upper side surface of
the web portion.
51. The fluid end block of claim 48, wherein the concave portions
of the curvilinear upper and lower side surfaces are concentric
with a diameter of the tie rod holes.
52. The fluid end block of claim 48, wherein each of the plurality
of bosses has a first length measured from the web forward face to
the end of the boss, and wherein the web portion has a second
length measured from the body forward face to the web forward face,
the first length being greater than the second length.
53. The fluid end block of claim 48, wherein the curvilinear side
surface of the web portion is perpendicular to the body forward
face and perpendicular to the web forward face.
54. A pump assembly comprising: the fluid end block of claim 45;
and a power end including a reciprocating plunger extending into
the plunger bore.
55. The pump assembly of claim 54, comprising tie rods extending
from the power end, past the plurality of bosses and past the web
portion and into tie rod holes in the forward face of the main body
portion.
56. A pump subassembly, comprising: a fluid end block having
forward and rearward sides; a plurality of bosses protruding in a
forward direction from the forward side, the fluid end block and
the bosses being a single-piece steel alloy member; a plunger bore
extending into the fluid end block from each of the bosses for
receiving a reciprocating plunger, each of the plunger bores having
a forward end with a set of internal threads; and a plurality of
webs protruding from the forward side and joining adjacent ones of
the bosses to each other.
57. The pump subassembly according to claim 56, wherein the webs
are an integral part of the single-piece steel alloy member along
with the bosses and the fluid end block; and wherein each of the
webs having an upper side and a lower side and a dimension between
the upper and lower sides that is no greater than an outer diameter
of each of the bosses.
58. The pump subassembly according to claim 57, wherein a
horizontal line bisecting each of the webs also intersects an axis
of each of the plunger bores.
59. The pump subassembly according to claim 56, further comprising:
a fillet joining a base of each of each of the bosses with the
forward side of the fluid end block; wherein a wall thickness of
each of the bases from the base to the counter bore over the radius
of each of the fillets is in a range of from about 1.0 to about
2.25.
60. The pump subassembly according to claim 57, further comprising:
a web upper fillet joining the upper side of each of the webs with
the forward side of the fluid end block; a web lower fillet joining
the lower side of each of the webs with the forward side of the
fluid end block; a boss upper fillet extending partially around
each of the bosses and joining an upper circumferential portion of
each of the bosses with the forward side of the fluid end block,
each of the boss upper fillets having an end that joins an end of
one of the web upper fillets, such that the web upper fillets and
the boss upper fillets define a continuous upper fillet extending
across the bosses; and a boss lower fillet extending partially
around each of the bosses and joining a lower circumferential
portion of each of the bosses with the forward side of the fluid
end block, each of the boss lower fillets having an end that joins
an end of one of the web lower fillets, such that the web lower
fillets and the boss lower fillets define a continuous lower fillet
extending across the bosses.
61. The pump subassembly according to claim 57, wherein each of the
webs has a forward side that is a distance from the forward side of
the fluid end block that is less than a distance from a forward end
of each of the bosses to the forward side of the fluid end
block.
62. The pump subassembly according to claim 57, wherein: each of
the bosses has a cylindrical forward end portion extending from a
cylindrical base having a diameter greater than a diameter of the
forward end portion; and a distance from a forward end of each of
the bosses. to the forward side of the fluid end block over a width
of the base is in the range of from about 1.750 to about 1.944.
63. The pump subassembly according to claim 56, wherein: the bosses
comprise an outboard boss adjacent to each outboard side of the
fluid end block and at least one intermediate boss located between
the outboard bosses; and the fluid end. block further comprises: a
pair of outboard webs, each outboard web extending from one of the
outboard bosses to one of the outboard sides of the fluid end; and
each of the outboard webs having an upper side and a lower side and
a dimension between the upper and lower sides that is no greater
than an outer diameter of each of the outboard bosses.
64. The pump subassembly according to claim 56, further comprising:
a plurality of stay rod threaded holes extending into the fluid end
block from the forward side; and wherein the forward end of each of
the bosses is located forward from an entrance of each of the stay
rod threaded holes.
65. A pump subassembly, comprising: a fluid end block having
forward and rearward sides, two outboard sides, a bottom, and a
top; a plurality of bosses protruding in a forward direction from
the forward side, the bosses comprising an outboard boss adjacent
each of the outboard sides, and at least one intermediate boss
located between the outboard bosses; a plunger bore extending into
the fluid end block from each of the bosses for receiving a
reciprocating plunger, each of the plunger bores having a forward
end with internal threads; a web extending from the forward side of
the fluid end block, the web having an outboard portion extending
from each of the outboard sides to each of the outboard bosses, the
web having an intermediate portion extending between adjacent ones
of the bosses; the web having an upper side and a lower side, with
a dimension between the upper and lower sides that is less than an
outer diameter of any one of the bosses; and wherein the fluid end
block, the bosses and the webs are integrally joined to each other
and comprise a single-piece member formed of a steel alloy.
66. The subassembly according to claim 65, wherein: the web has a
forward face that is located forward from the forward side of the
fluid end block a distance that is less than a distance from the
forward end of each of the bosses to the forward side of the fluid
end block.
67. The subassembly according to claim 65, further comprising: a
continuous upper fillet extending without interruption from one of
the outboard sides to the other of the outboard sides, the upper
fillet joining the upper sides of the web to the forward side of
the fluid end block and joining upper circumferential portions of
the bosses to the forward side; and a continuous lower fillet
extending without interruption from one of the outboard sides to
the other of the outboard sides, the lower fillet joining the tower
sides of the web to the forward side of the fluid end block and
joining lower circumferential portions of the bosses to the forward
side.
68. The subassembly according to claim 65, wherein: each of the
plunger bores has a counter bore for receiving a packing; each of
the bosses has a wall thickness measured from a base of the boss to
the counter bore; and a ratio of the wall thickness over a radius
of each of the fillets is in a range of from about 1.0 to about
2.25.
69. A well service pump, comprising: a power end having a
crankshaft and a plurality of connecting rods; a fluid end block
having forward and rearward sides, two outboard sides, a bottom,
and a top; a plurality of bosses protruding in a forward direction
from the forward side of the fluid end block, the bosses comprising
an outboard boss adjacent each of the outboard sides, and at least
one intermediate boss located between the outboard bosses; a web
extending from the forward side of the fluid end block, the web
having an outboard portion extending from each of the outboard
sides to each of the outboard bosses, the web having an
intermediate portion extending between adjacent ones of the bosses;
a plunger bore extending into the fluid end block from each of the
bosses, each of the plunger bores having a forward end with
internal threads; a plurality of plungers, each of the plungers
being operably coupled to one of the connecting rods for stroking
movement within one of the plunger bores; a packing surrounding
each of the plungers within each of the plunger bores; an
externally threaded retainer nut that engages the internal threads
of each of the plunger bores for energizing each of the packings; a
plurality of stay rods extending from the power end to threaded
holes foamed in the forward side of the fluid end block, the
threaded holes having entrances spaced a distance rearward from
forward ends of the bosses; and wherein the fluid end block and the
bosses are integrally joined to each other and comprise a
single-piece member formed of a steel alloy.
70. The pump according to claim 69, wherein the web has an upper
side and a lower side with a dimension between the upper and lower
sides that is less than an outer diameter of any one of the bosses;
and wherein the web is integrally joined to the fluid end block and
the bosses and forms a part of the single-piece member formed of a
steel alloy.
71. The pump according to claim 69, further comprising: a
continuous upper fillet extending without interruption from one of
the outboard sides to the other of the outboard sides, the upper
fillet joining the upper sides of the web to the forward side of
the fluid end block and joining upper circumferential portions of
the bosses to the forward side of the fluid end block; and a
continuous lower fillet extending without interruption from one of
the outboard sides to the other of the outboard sides, the lower
fillet joining the lower sides of the web to the forward side and
joining lower circumferential portions of the bosses to the forward
side of the fluid end block.
72. A method of manufacturing a fluid end assembly of a
reciprocating well service pump, comprising: (a) providing a
single-piece forging of a steel alloy with a plurality of bosses
protruding from a forward side of the single-piece forging, and
providing a web in the single-piece forging extending between
adjacent ones of the bosses and from outboard ones of the bosses to
outboard sides of the single-piece forging, and (b) machining the
single-piece forging into a configuration of a fluid-end block with
a plunger bore having internal threads in each of the bosses.
73. The method according to claim 72, wherein each of the webs
having an upper side and a lower side with a distance between the
upper and lower sides being less than an outer diameter of each of
the bosses.
74. The method according to claim 73, wherein step (a) further
comprises: providing the single-piece forging with a continuous
upper fillet extending without interruption from one of the
outboard sides to the other of the outboard sides of the
single-piece forging, the upper fillet joining the upper sides of
the web to the forward side of the single-piece forging and joining
upper circumferential portions of the bosses to the forward side of
the single-piece forging; and providing the single-piece forging
with a continuous lower fillet extending without interruption from
one of the outboard sides to the other of the outboard sides, the
lower fillet joining the lower sides of the web to the forward side
of the single-piece forging and joining lower circumferential
portions of the bosses to the forward side of the single-piece
forging.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of
U.S. patent application No. 61/593,710, filed Feb. 1, 2012, titled
"Pump Fluid End with Integrated Packing Glands," the entire
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates in general to oil field well service
pumps, and, in particular, to a high pressure reciprocating pump
having integrated web support.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] Well service pumps are employed for pumping fluids into
wells for treatment, such as hydraulic fracturing. The flow rates
and the pressures are often high; pressures may exceed 10,000 psi.
A typical well service pump has a power end that connects to a
separate fluid end block with stay rods. The power end reciprocates
plungers that stroke within plunger bores in the fluid end block. A
packing gland member is used to seal the interface between the
plunger and the fluid end block.
[0004] Packing gland members come in a range of standard sizes and
are used for different plunger diameters with the same fluid end
block. The packing gland member is bolted to the fluid end block.
However, a bolt-on packing gland requires a seal that can create
problems. Also, the bolt-on arrangement may create higher stresses
in certain areas, leading to stress fractures. Often, the packing
gland is held to the power end via tie rods. This too can lead to
higher stresses in certain areas.
SUMMARY
[0005] In a first exemplary aspect, this disclosure is directed to
a fluid end block for attachment to a power end of a high pressure
reciprocating pump. The fluid end block may include a main body
portion having a plurality of chambers therein, the main body
portion having an outwardly facing body forward face, an outwardly
facing body rear face opposite the body forward face, and opposing
side surfaces connecting the forward face and the rear face; a web
portion protruding outwardly from the outwardly facing body forward
face, the web portion having an outwardly facing web forward face
and a curvilinear side surface, the web portion being integral with
the main body portion; a plurality of bosses protruding from the
web forward face and having a forward facing end, the plurality of
bosses being integral with the main body portion and the web
portion; and a plunger bore extending through one of the plurality
of bosses configured to receive a reciprocating plunger, the
plunger bore extending from the end of said one of the plurality of
bosses to one of the plurality of chambers in the main body
portion.
[0006] In an exemplary embodiment, the curvilinear side surface
comprises a convex portion concentric with each of the plurality of
bosses.
[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, the convex portion has a radius
greater than a radius of each of the plurality of bosses.
[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, the main body portion comprises
a tie rod hole disposed adjacent the web portion, the tie rod hole
being disposed between undulating portions of the web portion.
[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the curvilinear side surface
comprises a concave portion concentric with a diameter of the tie
rod hole.
[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the undulating portions are a
portion of the curvilinear side surface.
[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the undulating portions are
fillets connecting the curvilinear side surface of the web portion
to the body forward face.
[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of bosses
has a first length measured from the web forward face to the end of
the boss, and wherein the web portion has a second length measured
from the body forward face to the web forward face, the first
length being greater than the second length.
[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the web portion extends entirely
across the body forward face from one of the opposing side surfaces
to the other.
[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of bosses is
aligned in a row so that a single plane passes through a central
axis formed by each of the plurality of bosses.
[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the curvilinear side surface of
the web portion is perpendicular to the body forward face and
perpendicular to the web forward face.
[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, wherein each of the plurality of
bosses comprises an outer surface portion having a first diameter
adjacent the forward facing end and having a second diameter
adjacent the web portion, the second diameter being greater than
the first diameter.
[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, wherein the curvilinear side
surface is an upper side surface, the fluid end block comprising a
curvilinear lower side surface, wherein the curvilinear upper side
surface mirrors the curvilinear lower side surface.
[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure is
directed to pump assembly including the fluid end block and a power
end including a reciprocating plunger extending into the plunger
bore.
[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the pump assembly includes tie
rods extending from the power end, past the plurality of bosses,
past the web portion, and into tie rod holes in the forward face of
the main body portion.
[0020] In a second exemplary aspect, this disclosure is directed to
a fluid end block for attachment to a power end of a high pressure
reciprocating pump. The fluid end block may include a main body
portion having a plurality of chambers therein, the main body
portion having an outwardly facing body forward face, an outwardly
facing rear face opposite the body forward face, and opposing side
surfaces connecting the body forward face and the rear face; a
plurality of bosses supported by the main body portion and having a
forward facing end, the plurality of bosses being integral with the
main body portion and having an outer diameter at the forward
facing end; a web portion protruding outwardly from the outwardly
facing body forward face of the main body portion, the web portion
having a longitudinal length and a transverse height, the web
portion joining each of the plurality of bosses to each other, the
transverse height of the web portion being greater than the outer
diameter of the plurality of bosses; and a plunger bore extending
through one of the plurality of bosses configured to receive a
reciprocating plunger, the plunger bore extending from the end of
said one of the plurality of bosses to one of the plurality of
chambers in the main body portion.
[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the web portion comprises a
curvilinear side surface comprising a convex portion concentric
with each of the plurality of bosses.
[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the convex portion of the web
portion has a radius greater than a radius of each of the plurality
of bosses.
[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the main body portion comprises
a tie rod hole disposed adjacent the web portion, the tie rod hole
being disposed between undulating portions of the web portion.
[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the undulating portions are
formed of a curvilinear side portion comprising a concave portion
concentric with a diameter of the tie rod hole.
[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the undulating portions are a
curvilinear side surfaces.
[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the undulating portions are
fillets connecting a curvilinear side surface of the web to the
body forward face.
[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of bosses
has a first length measured from the web forward face to the end of
the boss, and wherein the web portion has a second length measured
from the body forward face to the web forward face, the first
length being greater than the second length.
[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the web portion extends entirely
across the body forward face from one of the opposing side surfaces
to the other.
[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of bosses is
aligned in a row so that a single plane passes through a central
axis formed by each of the plurality of bosses.
[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, the web portion comprises upper
and lower side surfaces and a web forward face, the upper and lower
side surfaces being perpendicular to the body forward face and
perpendicular to the web forward face.
[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of bosses
comprises an outer surface portion having a first diameter adjacent
the forward facing end and a second diameter adjacent the web
portion, the second diameter being greater than the first
diameter.
[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the web portion comprises
curvilinear upper and lower side surfaces and a web forward face,
wherein the curvilinear upper side surface mirrors the curvilinear
lower side surface.
[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, a pump assembly includes the
fluid end block and a power end including a reciprocating plunger
extending into the plunger bore.
[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, the pump assembly includes tie
rods extending from the power end, past the plurality of bosses,
past the web portion, and into tie rod holes in the forward face of
the main body portion.
[0035] In a third exemplary aspect, this disclosure is directed to
a fluid end block for attachment to a power end of a high pressure
reciprocating pump. The fluid end block may include a main body
portion having an outwardly facing body forward face, an outwardly
facing rear face opposite the body forward face, and opposing side
surfaces connecting the body forward face and the rear face, the
main body portion comprising a plurality of tie rod holes
configured to receive tie rods connecting the fluid end block to
the power end of a high pressure reciprocating pump; a web portion
protruding outwardly from the body forward face of the main body
portion, the web portion having an curvilinear portion adjacent the
tie rod holes, the curvilinear portion being shaped and disposed so
that at least one of the tie rod holes is disposed between peaks of
the curvilinear portion, the web portion being integrally formed
with the main body portion; a plurality of bosses on the web
portion, the plurality of bosses being integrally formed with the
web portion and the main body portion; and a plunger bore extending
through one of the plurality of bosses configured to receive a
reciprocating plunger.
[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, the curvilinear portion
comprises a convex portion concentric with each of the plurality of
bosses.
[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the convex portion has a radius
greater than a radius of each of the plurality of bosses.
[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, the curvilinear portion
comprises a concave portion concentric with a diameter of the tie
rod hole.
[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, the curvilinear portion
comprises a curvilinear side surface.
[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, wherein the curvilinear portion
comprises a fillet connecting a side surface of the web portion to
the body forward face.
[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of bosses
has an end and the web portion has a forward face, each of the
plurality of bosses having a first length measured from the web
forward face to the end of the boss, and the web portion having a
second length measured from the body forward face to the web
forward face, the first length being greater than the second
length.
[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, the web portion extends entirely
across the body forward face from one of the opposing side surfaces
to the other.
[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of bosses is
aligned in a row so that a single plane passes through a central
axis formed by each of the plurality of bosses.
[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, the curvilinear portion
comprises a side surface of the web portion perpendicular to the
body forward face.
[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of bosses
comprises an outer surface portion having a first diameter adjacent
the forward facing end and a second diameter adjacent the web
portion, the second diameter being greater than the first
diameter.
[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the curvilinear portion
comprises a curvilinear upper side surface and a curvilinear lower
side surface, wherein the curvilinear upper side surface mirrors
the curvilinear lower side surface.
[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, the web portion is devoid of tie
rod receiving holes.
[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, a fluid pump includes the fluid
end block and tie rods extending to the main body so that the
bosses are not held in tension.
[0049] In a fourth exemplary aspect, this disclosure is directed to
a method of manufacturing a fluid end for a pump, including forming
from a monolith material, a main body portion having an outwardly
facing body forward face, an outwardly facing body rear face
opposite the body forward face, and opposing side surfaces
connecting the forward face and the rear face; forming from the
monolith material, a web portion protruding outwardly from the
outwardly facing body forward face, the web portion having an
outwardly facing web forward face and a curvilinear side surface;
forming from the monolith material, a plurality of bosses
protruding from the web forward face and having a forward facing
end; and forming a plunger bore extending through one of the
plurality of bosses configured to receive a reciprocating
plunger.
[0050] In an exemplary aspect, forming the web portion comprises
shaping the curvilinear side surface to have a convex portion
concentric with each of the plurality of bosses.
[0051] In an exemplary aspect, forming a tie rod hole in a location
adjacent the web portion so that the tie rod hole is disposed
between undulating portions of the web portion.
[0052] In a fifth exemplary aspect, this disclosure is directed to
a fluid end block for attachment to a power end of a high pressure
reciprocating pump. The fluid end block may include a main body
portion having a plurality of chambers therein, the main body
portion having an outwardly facing body forward face, an outwardly
facing rear face opposite the body forward face, and opposing side
surfaces connecting the body forward face and the rear face, the
main body portion comprising a plurality of tie rod holes
configured to receive tie rods connecting the fluid end block to a
power end of a high pressure reciprocating pump; a web portion
protruding outwardly from the outwardly facing body forward face,
the web portion having an outwardly facing web forward face, an
upper curvilinear side surface, and a lower curvilinear side
surface mirroring the upper curvilinear side surface, the upper and
lower curvilinear side surfaces having convex and concave portions,
the web portion extending continuously from one of the opposing
side surfaces of the main body portion to the other, and being
integrally formed with the main body portion; a plurality of bosses
protruding from the web forward face and having a forward facing
end, each of the plurality of bosses having an end, a first region
of a first diameter adjacent the end, and a second region of a
second diameter adjacent the web portion, the second diameter being
greater than the first diameter, the plurality of bosses being
integral with the main body portion and the web portion, and
wherein the convex portions of the upper and lower curvilinear side
surfaces are concentric with the second region of each of the
plurality of bosses, and wherein the concave portions of the upper
and lower curvilinear side surfaces accommodate the tie rod holes
so that the tie rod holes are disposed between portions of the web
portion; and a plunger bore extending through one of the plurality
of bosses configured to receive a reciprocating plunger, the
plunger bore extending from the end of one of the plurality of
bosses to one of the plurality of chambers in the main body
portion.
[0053] In an exemplary embodiment, the tie rod holes are disposed
between portions of a fillet connecting the curvilinear side
surface of the web portion to the body forward face.
[0054] In an exemplary embodiment, the tie rod holes are disposed
between portions of the curvilinear upper side surface of the web
portion.
[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, the concave portions of the
curvilinear upper and lower side surfaces are concentric with a
diameter of the tie rod holes.
[0056] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of bosses
has a first length measured from the web forward face to the end of
the boss, and wherein the web portion has a second length measured
from the body forward face to the web forward face, the first
length being greater than the second length.
[0057] In an exemplary embodiment, the curvilinear side surface of
the web portion is perpendicular to the body forward face and
perpendicular to the web forward face.
[0058] In an exemplary embodiment, a pump assembly includes the
fluid end block and a power end including a reciprocating plunger
extending into the plunger bore.
[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, the pump assembly includes tie
rods extending from the power end, past the plurality of bosses and
past the web portion and into tie rod holes in the forward face of
the main body portion.
[0060] In a sixth exemplary aspect, this disclosure is directed to
a pump subassembly that includes a fluid end block having forward
and rearward sides; a plurality of bosses protruding in a forward
direction from the forward side, the fluid end block and the bosses
being a single-piece steel alloy member; a plunger bore extending
into the fluid end block from each of the bosses for receiving a
reciprocating plunger, each of the plunger bores having a forward
end with a set of internal threads; and a plurality of webs
protruding from the forward side and joining adjacent ones of the
bosses to each other.
[0061] In an exemplary embodiment, the webs are an integral part of
the single-piece steel alloy member along with the bosses and the
fluid end block; and wherein each of the webs having an upper side
and a lower side and a dimension between the upper and lower sides
that is no greater than an outer diameter of each of the
bosses.
[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, wherein a horizontal line
bisecting each of the webs also intersects an axis of each of the
plunger bores.
[0063] In an exemplary embodiment, the pump subassembly includes a
fillet joining a base of each of each of the bosses with the
forward side of the fluid end block; wherein a wall thickness of
each of the bases from the base to the counter bore over the radius
of each of the fillets is in a range of from about 1.0 to about
2.25.
[0064] In an exemplary embodiment, the pump subassembly includes a
web upper fillet joining the upper side of each of the webs with
the forward side of the fluid end block; a web lower fillet joining
the lower side of each of the webs with the forward side of the
fluid end block; a boss upper fillet extending partially around
each of the bosses and joining an upper circumferential portion of
each of the bosses with the forward side of the fluid end block,
each of the boss upper fillets having an end that joins an end of
one of the web upper fillets, such that the web upper fillets and
the boss upper fillets define a continuous upper fillet extending
across the bosses; and a boss lower fillet extending partially
around each of the bosses and joining a lower circumferential
portion of each of the bosses with the forward side of the fluid
end block, each of the boss lower fillets having an end that joins
an end of one of the web lower fillets, such that the web lower
fillets and the boss lower fillets define a continuous lower fillet
extending across the bosses.
[0065] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the webs has a forward
side that is a distance from the forward side of the fluid end
block that is less than a distance from a forward end of each of
the bosses to the forward side of the fluid end block.
[0066] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the bosses has a
cylindrical forward end portion extending from a cylindrical base
having a diameter greater than a diameter of the forward end
portion; and a distance from a forward end of each of the bosses to
the forward side of the fluid end block over a width of the base is
in the range of from about 1.750 to about 1.944.
[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, the bosses comprise an outboard
boss adjacent to each outboard side of the fluid end block and at
least one intermediate boss located between the outboard bosses;
and the fluid end block further comprises: a pair of outboard webs,
each outboard web extending from one of the outboard bosses to one
of the outboard sides of the fluid end; and each of the outboard
webs having an upper side and a lower side and a dimension between
the upper and lower sides that is no greater than an outer diameter
of each of the outboard bosses.
[0068] In an exemplary embodiment, the pump subassembly includes a
plurality of stay rod threaded holes extending into the fluid end
block from the forward side; and wherein the forward end of each of
the bosses is located forward from an entrance of each of the stay
rod threaded holes.
[0069] In a sixth exemplary aspect, this disclosure is directed to
a pump subassembly that includes a fluid end block having forward
and rearward sides, two outboard sides, a bottom, and a top; a
plurality of bosses protruding in a forward direction from the
forward side, the bosses comprising an outboard boss adjacent each
of the outboard sides, and at least one intermediate boss located
between the outboard bosses; a plunger bore extending into the
fluid end block from each of the bosses for receiving a
reciprocating plunger, each of the plunger bores having a forward
end with internal threads; a web extending from the forward side of
the fluid end block, the web having an outboard portion extending
from each of the outboard sides to each of the outboard bosses, the
web having an intermediate portion extending between adjacent ones
of the bosses; the web having an upper side and a lower side, with
a dimension between the upper and lower sides that is less than an
outer diameter of any one of the bosses; and wherein the fluid end
block, the bosses and the webs are integrally joined to each other
and comprise a single-piece member formed of a steel alloy.
[0070] In an exemplary embodiment the web has a forward face that
is located forward from the forward side of the fluid end block a
distance that is less than a distance from the forward end of each
of the bosses to the forward side of the fluid end block.
[0071] In an exemplary embodiment, the subassembly includes a
continuous upper fillet extending without interruption from one of
the outboard sides to the other of the outboard sides, the upper
fillet joining the upper sides of the web to the forward side of
the fluid end block and joining upper circumferential portions of
the bosses to the forward side; and a continuous lower fillet
extending without interruption from one of the outboard sides to
the other of the outboard sides, the lower fillet joining the tower
sides of the web to the forward side of the fluid end block and
joining lower circumferential portions of the bosses to the forward
side.
[0072] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plunger bores has a
counter bore for receiving a packing; each of the bosses has a wall
thickness measured from a base of the boss to the counter bore; and
a ratio of the wall thickness over a radius of each of the fillets
is in a range of from about 1.0 to about 2.25.
[0073] In a seventh exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is
directed to a well service pump including a power end having a
crankshaft and a plurality of connecting rods; a fluid end block
having forward and rearward sides, two outboard sides, a bottom,
and a top; a plurality of bosses protruding in a forward direction
from the forward side of the fluid end block, the bosses comprising
an outboard boss adjacent each of the outboard sides, and at least
one intermediate boss located between the outboard bosses; a web
extending from the forward side of the fluid end block, the web
having an outboard portion extending from each of the outboard
sides to each of the outboard bosses, the web having an
intermediate portion extending between adjacent ones of the bosses;
a plunger bore extending into the fluid end block from each of the
bosses, each of the plunger bores having a forward end with
internal threads; a plurality of plungers, each of the plungers
being operably coupled to one of the connecting rods for stroking
movement within one of the plunger bores; a packing surrounding
each of the plungers within each of the plunger bores; an
externally threaded retainer nut that engages the internal threads
of each of the plunger bores for energizing each of the packings; a
plurality of stay rods extending from the power end to threaded
holes foamed in the forward side of the fluid end block, the
threaded holes having entrances spaced a distance rearward from
forward ends of the bosses; and wherein the fluid end block and the
bosses are integrally joined to each other and comprise a
single-piece member formed of a steel alloy.
[0074] In an exemplary embodiment, the web has an upper side and a
lower side with a dimension between the upper and lower sides that
is less than an outer diameter of any one of the bosses; and
wherein the web is integrally joined to the fluid end block and the
bosses and forms a part of the single-piece member formed of a
steel alloy.
[0075] In an exemplary embodiment, the pump includes a continuous
upper fillet extending without interruption from one of the
outboard sides to the other of the outboard sides, the upper fillet
joining the upper sides of the web to the forward side of the fluid
end block and joining upper circumferential portions of the bosses
to the forward side of the fluid end block; and a continuous lower
fillet extending without interruption from one of the outboard
sides to the other of the outboard sides, the lower fillet joining
the lower sides of the web to the forward side and joining lower
circumferential portions of the bosses to the forward side of the
fluid end block.
[0076] In a seventh exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is
directed to a method of manufacturing a fluid end assembly of a
reciprocating well service pump. The method may include (a)
providing a single-piece forging of a steel alloy with a plurality
of bosses protruding from a forward side of the single-piece
forging, and providing a web in the single-piece forging extending
between adjacent ones of the bosses and from outboard ones of the
bosses to outboard sides of the single-piece forging, and (b)
machining the single-piece forging into a configuration of a
fluid-end block with a plunger bore having internal threads in each
of the bosses.
[0077] In an exemplary aspect, each of the webs having an upper
side and a lower side with a distance between the upper and lower
sides being less than an outer diameter of each of the bosses.
[0078] In an exemplary aspect, step (a) further comprises:
providing the single-piece forging with a continuous upper fillet
extending without interruption from one of the outboard sides to
the other of the outboard sides of the single-piece forging, the
upper fillet joining the upper sides of the web to the forward side
of the single-piece forging and joining upper circumferential
portions of the bosses to the forward side of the single-piece
forging; and providing the single-piece forging with a continuous
lower fillet extending without interruption from one of the
outboard sides to the other of the outboard sides, the lower fillet
joining the lower sides of the web to the forward side of the
single-piece forging and joining lower circumferential portions of
the bosses to the forward side of the single-piece forging.
[0079] Other aspects, features, and advantages will become apparent
from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings, which are a part of this disclosure
and which illustrate, by way of example, principles of the
inventions disclosed.
DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0080] The accompanying drawings facilitate an understanding of the
various embodiments.
[0081] FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a reciprocating well
service pump assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, the
pump assembly including a fluid end block.
[0082] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fluid end block of the
well service pump of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0083] FIG. 3 is a front view of the fluid end block of the well
service pump of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0084] FIG. 4 is a side view of the fluid end block of the well
service pump of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0085] FIG. 5 is a top view of the fluid end block of the well
service pump of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0086] FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the
fluid end of the well service pump of FIG. 1 according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0087] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
fluid end block usable on the well service pump of FIG. 1 according
to an exemplary embodiment.
[0088] FIG. 8 is a front view of the fluid end block of the well
service pump of FIG. 7 according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0089] FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a portion of the fluid end of
the well service pump of FIG. 7 according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0090] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
fluid end block usable on the well service pump of FIG. 1 according
to an exemplary embodiment.
[0091] FIG. 11 is a front view of the fluid end block of the well
service pump of FIG. 10 according to an exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0092] FIG. 1 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a high
pressure reciprocating pump 100 according to an exemplary
embodiment consistent with the principles disclosed herein. The
high pressure reciprocating pump 100 may be a suitable pump for
performing high pressure fracing operations, and may be used to
obtain pressures of 15000 psi or more. The high pressure
reciprocating pump 100 includes a power end 102 and a fluid end 103
having a fluid end block 104. Stay rods 106 connect the power end
102 to a forward facing side of the fluid end block 104. The fluid
end block 104 has a plurality of chambers formed therein, including
a plurality of cylinder chambers 108 (only one shown in FIG. 1).
Each of the cylinder chambers 108 is in communication with a
suction manifold 110 and a discharge port 112. A suction cover
plate 114 connects to an end of each cylinder chamber 108 on a
rearward side of the fluid-end 104 opposite the stay rods 106. A
suction valve 116 opens the cylinder chamber 108 to the suction
manifold 110 during the intake stroke. A discharge valve 118 opens
the discharge port 112 of the cylinder chamber 108 during the
discharge stroke.
[0093] The pump 100 can be free-standing on the ground, can be
mounted to a trailer that can be towed between operational sites,
or mounted to a skid such as for offshore operations. The power end
102 includes a crankshaft 122, which is rotated by a bull gear 124.
A pinion gear 126 engages the bull gear 124. A power source such as
an engine (not shown) connects to the pinion gear 126 to cause the
bull gear 124 to rotate. A connecting rod 128 rotatably connects to
the crankshaft 122. The connecting rod 128 has a wrist pin end 130
opposite from a bearing end, which connects to the crankshaft 122.
The wrist pin end 130 pivotally connects to a crosshead 132. The
crosshead 132 is constrained to linear movement due to being
mounted within a stationary crosshead housing 134. The rotation of
crankshaft 122 thus causes crosshead 132 to reciprocate. A pony rod
136 connects to the crosshead 132. The pony rod 136 has an opposite
end connected to a plunger 138. In some instances, the plunger 138
will connect directly to the crosshead 132, eliminating the pony
rod 136.
[0094] The plunger 138 extends through a plunger bore 150 in the
fluid end block 104 that leads to the cylinder chamber 108. The
suction and discharge valves 116 and 118 in the fluid end block 104
are usually actuated by a predetermined differential pressure. The
suction valve 116 as an inlet valve actuates to control fluid flow
through the suction manifold 110 into the cylinder chamber 108, and
the discharge valve 118 as an outlet valve actuates to control
fluid flow through the discharge port 112 from the cylinder chamber
108. The plunger 138 may be one of a plurality of plungers.
Depending upon the embodiment, three or five plungers 138 may be
utilized depending on the size of the pump 100. Other embodiments
have a different number of plunger bores 150 and a corresponding
number of plungers 138. A packing 152 is mounted within the plunger
bore 150 to seal against the outer diameter of plunger 138. In the
exemplary embodiment disclosed, the packing 152 is retained in
position by a threaded retainer nut 154.
[0095] FIGS. 2-5 show an exemplary embodiment of the fluid end
block 104 that forms a part of the fluid end 103 in FIG. 1. In this
embodiment, the fluid end block 104 has three bores, and may be
referred to as a triplex fluid end. In alternate embodiments, the
fluid end block can have five bores and is called a "quint" or a
quintuplex fluid end. Other fluid end blocks have other numbers of
bores.
[0096] Referring to FIG. 2 the fluid end block 104 is shown in more
detail than the schematic representation in FIG. 1. The fluid end
block 104 has a main body portion 156 having a forward face or
forward side 160, a rearward side 162, outboard sides 164, a bottom
166, and a top 168. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the forward
side 160 is generally flat and optionally may have at least two
stepped recessed portions 160a and 160b on its upper section. The
stepped upper portions 160a and 160b may also be flat. The first
stepped upper portion 160a is located in a plane parallel and
rearward of a plane containing the forward side 160. The second
stepped upper portion 160b extends upward from the first stepped
upper portion 160a and is located in a plane parallel and rearward
of the plane containing the first stepped upper portion 160a. The
forward side 160 may also have a stepped lower portion 160c, which
is in a plane parallel with and recessed from forward side 160. The
fluid end block 104 also has the rearward side 162 facing in a
direction opposite the forward side 160. The fluid end block 104
has the two outboard sides 164 that are orthogonal to the forward
side 160 and face in opposite directions. The bottom 166 and the
top 168 join the forward and rearward sides 160, 162. Access ports
170 are provided for installing and removing valves 116, 118 (FIG.
1) and extend through the top 168. The discharge port 112 is
located on one of the outboard sides 164. Threaded stay rod holes
172 for securing stay rods 106 (FIG. 1) are located on the forward
side 160.
[0097] Bosses 176 are integrally formed with fluid end block 104
and protrude from the forward side 160. The bosses 176 include an
outboard boss 176a near each outboard side 164 and at least one
intermediate boss 176b located between the two outboard bosses
176a. In this example, there is only one intermediate boss 176b. In
other embodiments, there are more than one intermediate bosses such
as, but not limited to two, three, four, or more intermediate
bosses. Each boss 176 is a generally cylindrical member having a
forward end 178 that is forward of the fluid end forward side 160.
Each boss 176 has one of the plunger bores 150 extending into the
fluid end block 104 from the forward end 178. A set of threads 180,
preferably internal, is formed in each plunger bore 150 at the
forward end 178. Optionally, each boss 176 may have a cylindrical
base portion 182 that has a larger outer diameter than a
cylindrical forward portion 184.
[0098] Referring also to FIG. 3, a web 190 is integrally formed on
the fluid end forward side 160 and joins the bosses 176. The web
190 is a band that extends from one outboard side 164 to the other,
except for intersections with bosses 176, and which protrudes from
the fluid end block forward side 160. The web 190 includes two
outboard portions 190a, each of which extends from one of the
outboard bosses 176a to one of the outboard sides 164. The web 190
also has two intermediate portions 190b, each of which extends from
intermediate boss 176b to one of the outboard bosses 176a. The web
190 has an upper side 192 and a lower side 194 that have straight
as well as curvilinear portions. A plane 196 is shown in FIG. 3.
The plane 196 passes through the web 190 from one outboard side 164
to the other outboard side and equidistant between the upper and
lower sides 192, 194 and also passes through each axis 198 of each
plunger bore 150. The web 190 has a forward face 200 that in this
embodiment is flat and parallel with the boss forward ends 178 and
the fluid end block forward side 160.
[0099] The upper side 192 and the lower side 194 each form
curvilinear surfaces undulating between tie rod holes 172 and the
bosses 176. As such, the web 190 is devoid of tie rod holes. These
upper and lower sides 192, 194 of the web 190 are formed to be
substantially perpendicular to the face of the forward side 160.
The upper side 192 includes two outboard portions 192a, each having
an end joining one of the outboard sides 164, includes
circumferential portions 192b extending convexly partially around
an upper portion of each boss 176, and includes intermediate
portions 192c each extending concavely between the upper
circumferential portions 192b. In the embodiment shown, the convex
portions form peaks and the concave portions form valleys. In the
embodiment shown, the lower side 194 is a mirror image of the upper
side and includes two outboard portions 194a, each having an end
joining one of the outboard sides 164, includes circumferential
portions 194b extending convexly partially around an upper portion
of each boss 176, and includes intermediate portions 194c each
extending concavely between the upper circumferential portions
194b.
[0100] In some embodiments, the upper and lower circumferential
portions 192b, 194b are convexly curved surfaces concentric with
the diameter of the bosses 176. In the embodiment disclosed herein,
the intermediate portions 192c, 194c are concavely curved surfaces
are non-concentric with the diameter of the tie rod holes 172, but
smoothly connect the concavely curved surfaces of the
circumferential portions 192b, 194b. In other embodiments, the
profile of the upper and lower sides 192, 194 varies to be either
greater or less than that described herein, depending upon the size
and positions of the bosses 176 and tie rods holes 172.
Furthermore, in some embodiments, the upper and lower sides 192,
194 are not mirror images of each other.
[0101] An upper fillet 204 joins the web upper side 192 to the
fluid end forward side 160. The upper fillet 204 is a curved
surface extending continuously from one outboard side 164 to the
other. The upper fillet 204 has two outboard portions 204a, each
having an end joining one of the outboard sides 164. Each fillet
outboard portion 204a joins the upper side 192 of the outboard web
portion 190a to the fluid end block forward side 160, which is in a
plane 90 degrees relative to a plane containing the upper sides 192
of the web outboard portions 190a. An upper fillet circumferential
portion 204b extends partially around an upper portion of each boss
176. The upper fillet circumferential portion 204b is a curved
surface joining an upper portion of the outer diameter of each boss
176 to the fluid end block forward side 160. In this example, the
upper fillet circumferential portion 204b extends about 115 degrees
about the plunger axis 198, but the extent may vary. In this
exemplary embodiment, there are two upper intermediate fillet
portions 204c, each extending from an end of the upper
circumferential fillet portions 204b to an end of the adjacent
upper circumferential fillet portion. The upper intermediate fillet
portions 204c are generally U-shaped, with the legs of the "U"
extending upward. The upper intermediate fillet portions 204c are
curved surfaces joining the intermediate web portions 190b to the
forward side 160 of the fluid end block. Accordingly, in the
embodiment shown, the upper circumferential portions form peaks and
the intermediate fillet portions form valleys. The outboard
portions 204a, circumferential portions 204b, and intermediate
portions 204c form the continuous upper fillet 204 extending from
one fluid end outboard side 164 to the other.
[0102] A lower fillet 210 is an inverted image of the upper fillet
204 and joins the lower side 194 of the web 190 to the forward side
160 of the fluid end block 104. The lower fillet 210 is a curved
surface extending continuously from one outboard side 164 to the
other. The lower fillet 210 has two outboard portions 210a, each
having an end joining one of the outboard sides 164. Each fillet
outboard portion 210a joins the lower side 194 of the outboard web
portion 190a to the fluid end block forward side 160, which is in a
plane 90 degrees relative to a plane containing the lower sides 194
of the outboard portions 190a. A lower fillet circumferential
portion 210b extends partially around a lower portion of each boss
176. The lower fillet circumferential portion 210b is a curved
surface joining a lower portion of the outer diameter of each boss
176 to the forward side 160 of the fluid end block. In this
example, the lower fillet circumferential portion 210b extends
about 115 degrees about plunger axis 198, but the extent may vary.
There are two lower intermediate fillet portions 210c, each
extending from an end of the lower circumferential fillet portions
210b to an end of the adjacent lower circumferential fillet
portion.
[0103] The lower intermediate fillet portions 210c are generally
U-shaped, with the legs of the "U" extending downward. The lower
intermediate fillet portions 210c are curved surfaces joining
intermediate web portions 190b to the fluid end block forward side
160. The outboard portions 210a, circumferential portions 210b, and
intermediate portions 210c form the continuous lower fillet 210
extending from one fluid end block outboard side 164 to the other.
The upper and lower fillets 204, 210 do not contact each other.
[0104] Referring to FIG. 4, the forward end 178 of each boss 176 is
located a distance L from the forward side 160 of the fluid end
block 104. The distance L may vary, but will typically be greater
than one half of the outer diameter D of the forward portion 184 of
each boss 176. In this example, distance L is about 80% of the
outer diameter D. In some embodiments, the distance L may be a
distance within a range of about 5 in. to 15 in., while in other
embodiments, the distance L may be a distance within a range of
about 6 in. to 8 in. In one embodiment, the dimension L is about 7
in. Other distances are contemplated. The distance L is also
proportional to a length of the stroke of plunger 138 (FIG. 1). A
long stroke for plunger 138 will result in a greater distance L.
The forward face 200 of the web 190 is located a distance W from
the forward side 160 of the fluid end block 104. The distance W is
less than the distance L and in another embodiment the distance W
is less than one-half of the distance L. In this example, the
distance W is about 35% of the distance L, but it may vary. The
distance W, which can be the width of the web 190, is preferably
the same in the web outboard portions 190a and the intermediate
portions 190b. In some embodiments, the distance W may be a
distance within a range of about 1 in. to 6 in., while in other
embodiments, the distance W may be a distance within a range of
about 1.5 in. to 3 in. In one embodiment, the distance W is about
2.25 in. Other distances are contemplated. The distance H is the
distance from the web upper side 192 to the web lower side 194 and
is less than the boss outer diameter D when measured between the
intermediate portions 190b and the outboard portions 190a on the
web 190. Preferably, the distance H is less than one-half of the
boss outer diameter D. In this embodiment, distance H is about 40%
of distance D, but it may vary. Distance H, which may be considered
to be a vertical dimension of the forward face 200 of the web 190,
may be the same in the web outboard portions 190a and the
intermediate portions 190b. FIG. 5 illustrates the constant width
of the web portions 190a and 190b.
[0105] Referring still to FIG. 4, the width P of the cylindrical
base portion 182 may be compared to the length of the protrusion L
of each boss 178 from the fluid end block forward face 160 to the
boss forward end 178. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the ratio
of L/P is about 1.867. In other embodiments, the ratio of L/P is in
the range of from about 1.750 to about 1.944. In some embodiments,
the width P may be a width within a range of about 0.5 in to 4 in.,
while in other embodiments, the width P may be a width within a
range of about 1 in. to 2 in. In one embodiment, the width P is
about 1.5 in. Other widths are contemplated.
[0106] In this embodiment, the upper fillet 204 and the lower
fillet 210 have a constant radius R from one outboard side 164 to
the other. Preferably, the radius R is a dimension that is greater
than one-half of the distance W from the fluid end block forward
side 160 to the web forward face 200. In the exemplary embodiment,
the radius R is about 60% of distance W, but the radius may vary.
In some embodiments, the radius R may be a radius within a range of
about 0 to 3 in., while in other embodiments, the radius R may be a
radius within a range of about 0 to 1.38 in. In one embodiment, the
radius R is about 0.38 in. Other radiuses are contemplated.
[0107] Referring to FIG. 6, each boss 176 has a wall thickness T
measured from a counterbore 212, which receives the packing 152, to
base portion 182. In the embodiment shown, the thickness T over
radius R is about 1.5. In another embodiment, the ratio T/R is in
the range of from about 1.0 to about 2.25.
[0108] Referring to FIG. 6, each plunger bore 150 has a counterbore
212 formed therein for receiving the packing 152. The counterbore
212 results in a forward facing shoulder 214 that is abutted by a
rearward end of the packing 152. In this embodiment, the forward
facing shoulder 214 is located within the boss 176 and in a plane
forward from the forward side 160 of the fluid end block 104. The
packing 152 may be a variety of types and contain a variety of
different rings. As an example only, the packing 152 may have a
trash ring 216 at its rearward end that abuts the shoulder 214. The
trash ring 216 does not seal pressure; rather it serves to exclude
large particle debris from the remainder of the packing 152. An
energizing ring 218 may abut the forward side of the trash ring
214. The energizing ring 218 also does not seal to the plunger 138;
rather it energizes or deforms a main seal ring 220 into sealing
engagement with the side wall of the counterbore 212 and the outer
diameter of plunger 138. The main seal 220 is typically formed of a
rubber type of material softer than the energizing ring 218, and it
may have a concave rearward side and convex forward side. A hard
plastic ring 222 is located on the forward side of the main seal
ring 220. A lantern ring 224, typically formed of brass, has a
lubricant port (not shown) extending from its outer diameter to its
inner diameter for dispensing lubricant to the plunger 138.
Lubricant is supplied from a lubricant passage (not shown)
extending through the boss 176. One or more forward rings 226 may
be located on the forward side of the lantern ring 224 to
accommodate the rotation of the retainer nut 154 as it is being
installed and to retard lubricant leaking out the forward end of
the counterbore 212.
[0109] The retainer nut 154 has external threads 230 that engage
the plunger bore threads 180. The retainer nut 154 has a rearward
end 232 that abuts the forward ring 226. Tightening the retainer
nut 154 applies an axial compressive force on the packing 152,
which causes the main seal 220 to sealingly engage the outer
diameter of the plunger 138. The outer diameter of the plunger 138
does not slide against the bore of the retainer nut 154 or the
plunger bore 150 because of the clearances being provided.
[0110] FIGS. 7-9 show another exemplary fluid end block referenced
herein by the numeral 300 consistent with the principles of the
present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a perspective view, FIG. 8 is a front
elevation view, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken through
the lines 9-9 in FIG. 8. Referring to all three of these Figures,
the fluid end block 300, like the fluid end block 104 discussed
above, may form a part of the fluid end 103 of the reciprocating
pump 100 in FIG. 1. The fluid end block 300 has many features
similar to the fluid end block 104 described above, and much of the
description above applies to the fluid end block 300. To avoid
repetition, not all the features will be re-described. In this
exemplary embodiment, the fluid end block 300 includes a main body
portion 302, a plurality of bosses 304, and a web portion 306.
[0111] The main body portion 302 includes a forward face or forward
side 310, a rearward side 312, outboard sides 314, a bottom 316,
and a top 318. The forward side 310 forms a relatively flat planar
surface and as described above, includes two planar stepped recess
portions 310a, 310b along the upper section, includes a curvilinear
stepped recess portion 310c, and includes a planar stepped recess
portion 310d along a bottom section. In this embodiment, the
stepped recess portions 310a, 310b, 310d are generally flat and may
form planes parallel to the plane formed by the forward side 310.
The curvilinear stepped recess portion 310c has an undulating
profile 320 with an outboard portion 320a, a circumferential
portion 320b, and an intermediate portion 320c.
[0112] Still referring to FIG. 7, as can be seen the rearward side
312 also includes a curvilinear portion 312a that mirrors the
curvilinear stepped recess portion 310c. As such, it includes an
undulating profile 322 with an outboard portion 322a, a
circumferential portion 322b, and an intermediate portion 322c. The
top surface 318 between the front curvilinear portion 310a and the
rearward curvilinear portion 312a therefore has a width that
increases and decreases along the length of the top surface
318.
[0113] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the top 318 has a
plurality of access ports 326 formed therein that provide access to
an internal cylinder chamber (described below). The access ports
326 enable communication with a high pressure tube extending from
the pump to a manifold truck for feeding to a well bore.
[0114] In this embodiment, the curvilinear portions 310c, 312a are
in part concentric with the access ports 326. More particularly, in
the embodiments disclosed, the circumferential portions 320b, 322b
are concentric with the inner diameter of the access ports 324, and
the intermediate portions 320c, 322c connect the respective
circumferential portions. The undulating profiles 320, 322 are
smoothly curved to limit stress risers while still providing
suitable strength for operation. They may also reduce the overall
weight of the fluid end block and may reduce material costs by
removing unnecessary or over-engineered material.
[0115] As described above, the forward side 310 includes a
plurality of tie rod holes 328 formed therein to receive tie rods
(shown in FIG. 1) connecting the fluid end block to the power end
102 of the reciprocating pump. In this embodiment the tie rod holes
328 are threaded and are configured to connect the main body
portion 302 to the power end 102. As such, as the tie rods are
tightened in place, the main body portion 302 is pulled toward the
power end of the reciprocating pump. Because the applied loading is
on the main body portion instead of the bosses or web, the bosses
and the web may be subject to less stress than when the plurality
of bosses has flanges at their distal ends that connect to tie
rods.
[0116] The bosses 304 and the web portion 306 protrude from the
forward side 310 in the manner described above. Like the bosses 176
described above, the bosses 304 in FIGS. 7-9 are integrally formed
with the main body portion 302 and include two outboard bosses and
at least one intermediate boss located between the two outboard
bosses. Each boss 304 is generally cylindrical in shape and
includes a forward end 332 that is forward of the main body forward
side 310. Each boss 304 has a plunger bore 334 extending into the
main body portion 302 from the forward end 332. In this embodiment,
each boss 304 includes an optional cylindrical base portion 336
that has a larger outer diameter than a cylindrical forward portion
338.
[0117] Referring to FIGS. 7-9, the web portion 306 is integrally
formed on the fluid end forward side 310 and joins the bosses 304.
Like the web 190 described herein, the web 306 is a band that
extends from one outboard side 314 to the other, and which
protrudes from the fluid end block forward side 310. The web 306
includes two outboard portions 306a, each of which extends from one
of the outboard bosses to one of the outboard sides 314. The web
306 also has two intermediate portions 306b, each of which extends
between the intermediate boss and the outboard bosses. The web 306
has an upper side 350 and a lower side 352 that have straight as
well as curvilinear portions. The web 306 has a forward face 354
that in this embodiment is flat and parallel with the boss forward
ends 332 and the fluid end block forward side 310.
[0118] The upper side 350 and the lower side 352 each form
curvilinear surfaces undulating between the tie rod holes 328 and
the bosses 304. These upper and lower sides 350, 352 of the web 306
are formed to be substantially perpendicular to the face of the
forward side 310. The upper side 350 includes two outboard portions
350a, each having an end joining one of the outboard sides 314,
includes circumferential portions 350b extending convexly partially
around an upper portion of each boss 304, and includes intermediate
portions 350c each extending concavely between the upper
circumferential portions 350b. In the embodiment shown, the lower
side 352 is a mirror image of the upper side and includes two
outboard portions 352a, each having an end joining one of the
outboard sides 314, includes circumferential portions 352b
extending convexly partially around an upper portion of each boss
304, and includes intermediate portions 352c each extending
concavely between the upper circumferential portions 350b.
[0119] In some embodiments, the upper and lower circumferential
portions 350b, 352b are convexly curved surfaces concentric with
the diameter of the bosses 304. In some embodiments, the
intermediate portions 350c, 352c are concavely curved surfaces
concentric with the diameter of the tie rod holes 328. In this
example, the intermediate portions 350b, 352b extend about 90
degrees about a plunger axis 360, and the circumferential portions
350c, 352c extend about 90 degrees about a tie rod axis 362. In
other embodiments, the profile of the upper and lower sides 350,
352 varies to be either greater or less than that described herein,
depending upon the size and positions of the bosses 304 and the tie
rods holes 328. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the upper and
lower sides 350, 352 are not mirror images of each other. In the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 7-9, there are two upper intermediate
portions 350c, each extending from an end of the upper
circumferential portions 350b to an end of the adjacent upper
circumferential portion 350b.
[0120] In a manner similar to that described above with reference
to the fluid end block 104, the fluid end block 300 includes an
upper fillet 356 that joins the web upper side 350 to the fluid end
forward side 310. The upper fillet 356 is a curved surface
extending continuously from one outboard side 314 to the other. The
upper fillet 356 has two outboard portions 356a, two
circumferential portions 356b, and two intermediate portions 356c,
formed in the manner described above. Likewise, the fluid end block
300 includes a lower fillet 358 joining the web lower side 352 to
the fluid end forward side 310. The lower fillet 358 includes
outboard portions 358a, circumferential portions 358b, and
intermediate portions 358c as described above.
[0121] In the example shown, the undulating design of the web
portion 306 provides stress relief and support to the bosses 304,
while enabling the tie rods rod holes 328 to be disposed close in
proximity to the bosses 304 while still being formed in the forward
face of the main body, rather than in a face of a surface offset
from the forward face 310 of the main body portion 304. Attaching
the tie rods to the main forward surface 310 of the main body
portion 304 may reduce stress that might otherwise be on the bosses
because the bosses 304 are no longer the attachment elements of the
fluid end to the power end of the pump.
[0122] The fluid end block 300 may be sized differently than the
fluid end block 104, but includes a distance L between the forward
side 332 of each boss 304 and the forward surface 310, includes an
outer diameter D of the forward portion 338 of each boss 304, a web
distance W between the forward face 354 of the web 306 and the
forward face 310 of the main body portion 302, a distance H from
the web upper side 350 to the web lower side 352 and in the
embodiments shown is less than the boss outer diameter D at the
intermediate portions 306b of the web 306 and at the outboard
portions 306a of the web 306. In addition, the fluid end block 300
includes a length P representing the length of the cylindrical base
portion 336. The radius of the fillets 356, 358 may have a constant
radius R and the bosses 304 have a wall thickness T. Dimensions for
the variables are discussed above with reference to the fluid end
block 104.
[0123] The cross-section view in FIG. 9, taken along lines 9-9 in
FIG. 8, shows chambers and entrance and exit ports of the fluid end
block 300 in greater detail. For example, FIG. 9 shows a cylinder
chamber 366, the plunger bore 334, a suction valve port 368, the
access port 326 as a discharge port, and a second access port 370.
In use, the suction valve port 368 communicates with a manifold and
the access port 326 communicates with a high pressure fluid line.
The second access port 370 receives a suction cover plate as shown
in FIG. 1.
[0124] FIGS. 10 and 11 show another exemplary fluid end block
referenced herein by the numeral 400 consistent with the principles
of the present disclosure. The fluid end block 400, like the fluid
end blocks 104 and 300 discussed above, may form a part of the
fluid end 103 of the reciprocating pump 100 in FIG. 1. The fluid
end block 400 has many features similar to the fluid end blocks 104
and 300 described above, and much of the description above applies
to the fluid end block 400. Again, to avoid repetition, not all the
features will be re-described. A primary difference between the
fluid end block 400 and the fluid end block 300 is that the fluid
end block 300 has a triplex fluid end, as it has three bosses with
three bores, while the fluid end block 400 has a quint or a
quintuplex fluid end, as it has five bosses with five bores.
[0125] As can be seen, the fluid end block 400 includes a main body
portion 402, a plurality of bosses 404, and a web portion 406. In
all respects except for the number of bosses and its impact on the
sizes of various features of the fluid block, the discussion above
applies to the fluid end block 400 in all respects.
[0126] In each of the embodiments described herein, the fluid end
block main body portion, the bosses, and web are integrally formed
with each other. That is, there are no welds or fasteners securing
bosses and the portions of web to the fluid end block and each
other. Accordingly, they are formed from a monolithic material. The
fluid end block, bosses, and the portions of web are formed from a
single-piece steel alloy forging, which remains a single piece
after machining. Preferably, a single-piece steel alloy forging is
made having approximate dimensions for the fluid end block,
including the main body, the bosses, and the web. The single piece
forging may also have cavities with approximate dimensions for the
plunger bores. Alternately, some of these features may be entirely
machined from the single-piece forging. The manufacturer then
machines the single-piece forging into a single-piece member with
the shape shown in the Figures herein. The machining operations
will normally provide the final dimensions of the bosses, plunger
bores, web, and fillets. The plunger bore threads will also be
formed. Then the packing and the plunger are inserted into each
plunger bore and the separately machined retainer nut is secured to
the threads.
[0127] With the fluid end block now properly sized and shaped for
installation on reciprocating pump, the fluid end may be
transported to a power end of a reciprocation pump. The fluid end
blocks described herein may be used to build a new pump or may be
used to refurbish or repair a used reciprocating pump. The fluid
end block may be connected to a power end by inserting a plunger
into the plunger bore of the pump so that the plunger passes
through the retainer nut and the packing. With the plunger in
place, tie rods may be used to connect to the tie rod holes in the
forward side of the fluid end block. To do this, the tie rods may
be placed to extend past the bosses and past the web on the fluid
face to be received in the tie rod holes formed in the main body.
They may be aligned to pass between the peaks or between the
fillets on the web and into the tie rod holes in the forward side,
extending beyond the web and the bosses, with the web being
entirely devoid of tie rod holes. With the tie rods connected to
the fluid end block, the tie rods may be tightened to secure the
fluid end block in place relative to the power end. Since the tie
rods bypass the bosses and bypass the web, the tie rods do not
apply direct tension loads on the web or bosses, reducing the
overall stress on the bosses and potentially increasing the useful
life of the fluid end block. At the same time, since the tie rods
extend between parts of the web, either between peaks of the upper
and lower surface or between fillets on the web, the tie rods can
be disposed in close proximity to the web and bosses to provide
stabilizing support as the plunger pumps fluid to providing
sufficient holding force to maintain the fluid end block in place.
With the fluid end block now secured to the power end of the
reciprocating pump, the suction manifold may be connected to the
fluid end block and the pump may be connected to the manifold or
additional tubing for use in a pumping application.
[0128] Operation is described below referring to FIG. 1. However,
it should be understood that the discussion applies to any of the
fluid end blocks described herein. During operation, the plunger
138 reciprocates, or moves longitudinally toward and away from the
cylinder chamber 108, as the crankshaft 122 rotates. As the plunger
138 moves longitudinally away from the cylinder chamber 108, the
pressure of the fluid inside the chamber 108 decreases, creating a
differential pressure across the inlet valve 116, which actuates
the valve 116 and allows the fluid to enter the cylinder chamber
108 from the suction manifold 110. The fluid being pumped enters
the chamber 108 as the plunger 138 continues to move longitudinally
away from the cylinder chamber 108 until the pressure difference
between the fluid inside the cylinder chamber 108 and the fluid in
the suction manifold 110 is small enough for the inlet valve 116 to
actuate to its closed position. As the plunger 138 begins to move
longitudinally towards the cylinder chamber 108, the pressure on
the fluid inside the cylinder chamber 108 begins to increase. The
fluid pressure inside the chamber 108 continues to increase as the
plunger 138 approaches the cylinder chamber 108 until the
differential pressure across the outlet valve 118 is large enough
to actuate the valve 118 and allow the fluid to exit the cylinder
chamber 108 through the discharge port 112. In one embodiment,
fluid is only pumped across one side of the plunger 138, therefore
the reciprocating pump 100 is a single-acting reciprocating pump.
Since the fluid end block main body, bosses and web are integrally
formed with each other, there is a reduction of failure points and
overall lower stress in the fluid end during operation as compared
to the conventional two part design requiring seals and packing
glands. Moreover, the abrasion in the plunger bore is reduced using
the integrally formed fluid end block main body, bosses, and web as
compared to a conventional two part design.
[0129] In some exemplary embodiments, variations may be made to the
fluid end blocks. In several exemplary embodiments, instead of, or
in addition to being used in high pressure reciprocating pumps, the
fluid end blocks or the components thereof may be used in other
types of pumps and fluid systems.
[0130] In the foregoing description of certain embodiments,
specific terminology has been resorted to for the sake of clarity.
However, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the
specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each
specific term includes other technical equivalents which operate in
a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms
such as "left" and right", "front" and "rear", "above" and "below"
and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference
points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.
[0131] In this specification, the word "comprising" is to be
understood in its "open" sense, that is, in the sense of
"including", and thus not limited to its "closed" sense, that is
the sense of "consisting only of". A corresponding meaning is to be
attributed to the corresponding words "comprise", "comprised" and
"comprises" where they appear.
[0132] In addition, the foregoing describes only some embodiments
of the invention(s), and alterations, modifications, additions
and/or changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope
and spirit of the disclosed embodiments, the embodiments being
illustrative and not restrictive.
[0133] Furthermore, invention(s) have described in connection with
what are presently considered to be the most practical and
preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is
not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the
contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent
arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the
invention(s). Also, the various embodiments described above may be
implemented in conjunction with other embodiments, e.g., aspects of
one embodiment may be combined with aspects of another embodiment
to realize yet other embodiments. Further, each independent feature
or component of any given assembly may constitute an additional
embodiment.
* * * * *