Segmented fluid end

A method of replacing a pressure head in a segmented fluid end is provided, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a segmented fluid end comprising a plurality of fluid end segments, the fluid end segments each comprising a plunger manifold, and a pressure head, the pressure head being removably coupled to the plunger manifold;
• selecting a pressure head from a selected fluid end segment;
• uncoupling the selected pressure head from one or more adjacent pressure heads;
• uncoupling the selected pressure head from the plunger manifold of the selected fluid end segment;
• removing the selected pressure head;
• providing a replacement pressure head;
• coupling the replacement pressure head to the one or more adjacent pressure heads;
• and
• coupling the replacement pressure head to the plunger manifold of the selected fluid end segment.

A method of replacing an intake head in a segmented fluid end is provided, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a segmented fluid end comprising a plurality of fluid end segments, the fluid end segments each comprising a plunger manifold and an intake head, the intake head being removably coupled to the plunger manifold;
• selecting an intake head from a selected fluid end segment;
• uncoupling the selected intake head from the plunger manifold of the selected fluid end segment;
• removing the selected intake head;
• providing a replacement intake head;
• and
• coupling the replacement intake head to the plunger manifold of the selected fluid end segment.

A method of replacing a plunger manifold in a segmented fluid end is provided, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a segmented fluid end comprising a plurality of fluid end segments, the fluid end segments each comprising a plunger manifold, a pressure head, and an intake head, the pressure and intake heads being removably coupled to the plunger manifold;
• selecting a plunger manifold from a selected fluid end segment;
• uncoupling the selected plunger manifold from the intake head and pressure head of the selected fluid end segment;
• removing the selected plunger manifold from the selected fluid end segment;
• providing a replacement plunger manifold;
• and
• coupling the intake head and pressure head of the selected fluid end segment to the replacement plunger manifold.

A method of repairing a segmented fluid end is provided, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a segmented fluid end comprising a plurality of fluid end segments, the fluid end segments each comprising a plunger manifold, an intake head, and a pressure head, the intake and pressure heads being removably coupled to the plunger manifold;
• selecting a fluid end segment;
• uncoupling the pressure head of the selected fluid end segment from one or more adjacent pressure heads;
• uncoupling the plunger manifold of the selected fluid end segment from one or more coupling members, said one or more coupling members spanning from the selected fluid end segment to an adjacent fluid end segment;
• and
• removing the selected fluid end segment.

A fluid end comprising a plurality of fluid end segments;

• three or more of the fluid end segments each comprising a plunger manifold, an intake head, and a pressure head;
• the plunger manifold comprising first and second mounting surfaces, each of said mounting surfaces comprising a fluid opening;
• the intake head and pressure head each comprising a mounting flange;
• the intake head mounting flange being removably coupled to the first mounting surface, the pressure head mounting flange being removably coupled to the second mounting surface;
• the plunger manifold being symmetrical, such that the intake head mounting flange is adapted to be removably coupled to the second mounting surface and the pressure head mounting flange is adapted to be removably coupled to the first mounting surface;
• the plunger manifold further comprising a plunger mounting member comprising a plunger opening adapted to receive a plunger;
• the three or more fluid end segments further comprising first, second, and third fluid end segments;
• each of the first, second, and third fluid end segment pressure heads comprising first and second sides;
• the second side of the first fluid end segment pressure head being removably coupled to the first side of the second fluid end segment pressure head, such that the first and second fluid end segments are in fluid communication with one another;
• the first side of the third fluid end segment pressure head being removably coupled to the second side of the second fluid end segment pressure head, such that the second and third fluid end segments are in fluid communication with one another;
• the fluid end further comprising a coupling member, the coupling member comprising an elongated bar adapted to be coupled to external surfaces of each of the first, second, and third fluid end segment plunger manifolds such that a first end of the coupling member is coupled to the first fluid end segment manifold, a second end of the coupling member is coupled to the third fluid end segment plunger manifold, and a mid-portion of the coupling member is coupled to the second fluid end segment plunger manifold;
• the first, second, and third fluid end segment pressure heads each being symmetrical, such that the first side of the first fluid end segment pressure head is adapted for cooperative coupling to either the first side or second side of the second and third fluid end segment pressure heads;
• the first, second, and third pressure heads each comprising forward and rearward sides, each forward and rearward side comprising a recessed area comprising through openings adapted to receive a fastener;
• and
• the first and second pressure head sides of the first, second, and third fluid ends each comprising a pressure fluid opening comprising a recessed shelf adapted to receive a seal ring, the seal ring, when inserted within said pressure fluid opening, being flush with an outer surface of the respective side.