Modular gland arrangements for a fluid end assembly
AssigneeKerr Machine Co.
InventorKelcy Jake Foster
Life of this patent
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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
An apparatus comprising:
- a closure element configured to be received within a conduit formed in a fluid end housing, the closure element comprising:
- a body having at least two axially spaced and circumferential grooves formed therein, each groove configured for receiving an annular seal;
- and
- one and only one annular seal, the seal positioned within one of the grooves of the body.
An apparatus comprising:
- a closure element configured to be received within a conduit formed in a fluid end housing, the closure element comprising:
- a body having a stairstep profile, the stairstep profile being formed by at least two axially spaced and circumferential structural features, each structural feature configured to be surrounded by an annular seal;
- and
- one and only one annular seal, the seal positionable around any of the structural features.
A kit, comprising:
- a first closure element configured to be received within a conduit formed in a fluid end housing, the closure element comprising:
- a body having one and only one circumferential recess formed therein;
- a second closure element configured to be received within the conduit formed in the fluid end housing, the closure element 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.
An apparatus, comprising:
- a closure element configured to be received within the conduit formed in the fluid end housing, the closure element comprising:
- a body having at least two axially-spaced circumferential recesses formed in its external surface, each recess following a path having a radial footprint, the radial footprint of one of the recesses wholly surrounding the radial footprint of another one of the recesses, and each recess configured to receive an annular seal;
- and
- one and only one annular seal, the seal positionable within one of the recesses.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.