Modular gland arrangements for a fluid end assembly
AssigneeKerr Machine Co.
InventorKelcy Jake Foster
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A closure element for a fluid end assembly that has two or more recessed grooves formed in its outer surface. The grooves are axially offset. A seal is placed in one and only one of the grooves. As wear occurs, the seal is relocated to one of the other grooves. Instead of a series of axially offset grooves in a single closure element, a kit may be formed from two or more otherwise identical closure elements, each with a single recessed groove at a different axial position. Another closure element has a series of ledge-like surfaces defining spaces within which a seal may be received. One outer surface surrounds one or more of the other surfaces. A seal is placed in one and only one of the spaces. As wear occurs, the seal is relocated to one of the other spaces.
Claims20
A fluid end assembly, comprising:
- a housing having an external surface, an internal chamber, and at least two conduits independently interconnecting the external surface and the internal chamber;
- a closure element received within one of the conduits and comprising:
- a body having at least two axially spaced and circumferential grooves formed therein;
- and
- one and only one annular seal, the seal positioned within one of the grooves of the body.
A fluid end kit, comprising:
- a housing having an external surface, an internal chamber, and at least two conduits independently interconnecting the external surface and the internal chamber;
- a closure element receivable within one of the conduits and comprising:
- a body having a stairstep profile, the stairstep profile being formed by at least two axially spaced and circumferential structural features;
- and
- at least one annular seal, the seal positionable around any of the structural features.
A fluid end kit, comprising:
- a housing having an external surface, an internal chamber, and at least two conduits independently interconnecting the external surface and the internal chamber;
- a first closure element receivable within at least one of the conduits and comprising a body having one and only one circumferential recess formed therein;
- a second closure element receivable within one of the conduits as the first closure element and comprising a body having one and only one circumferential recess formed therein;
- and
- at least one annular seal positionable in the recess formed in the first or second closure element;
- in which the respective recesses would be axially setoff if the first and second closure elements were superimposed.
A fluid end kit, comprising:
- a housing having an external surface, an internal chamber, and at least two conduits independently interconnecting the external surface and the internal chamber;
- a closure element receivable within one of the conduits and comprising:
- a body having at least two axially-spaced circumferential recesses formed in its external surface, each recess following a path having an axial footprint, the axial footprint of one of the recesses wholly surrounding the axial footprint of another one of the recesses;
- and
- at least one annular seal, the seal positionable within one of the recesses.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.