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.
Claims18
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, each conduit comprising a longitudinal axis;
- a first plug configured to be closely received within a selected one of the conduits and configured to block the flow of fluid within such conduit, the first plug comprising:
- a body, comprising:
- an axis that is configured to be colinear with the longitudinal axis;
- and
- one and only one circumferential recess formed therein;
- and
- a second plug configured to be closely received within the same selected one of the conduits as the first plug and configured to block the flow of fluid within such conduit, the second plug comprising:
- a body, comprising:
- an axis that is configured to be colinear with the longitudinal axis;
- and
- one and only one circumferential recess formed therein;
- in which the respective recesses would be axially offset if the first and second plugs were superimposed.
A fluid end assembly, comprising:
- a fluid end body having at least two conduits, each conduit comprising a longitudinal axis;
- a closure element installed within a selected one of the conduits, the closure element comprising:
- a body having an axis configured to be colinear with the longitudinal axis and at least two axially spaced and circumferential steps formed therein, each step configured for receiving an annular seal;
- and
- an annular seal positioned within one and only one of the steps formed in the body;
- in which the annular seal is configured to block the flow of fluid within such conduit.
An assembly, comprising:
- a fluid end, comprising:
- a housing, comprising:
- an external surface;
- an internal chamber;
- and
- at least two independent conduits, each conduit having a longitudinal axis and interconnecting the external surface and the internal chamber;
- and
- a replacement part kit, comprising:
- a first plug configured to be closely received within a selected one of the conduits and configured to block the flow of fluid within such conduit, the first plug comprising:
- a body having an axis configured to be colinear with the longitudinal axis of the selected conduit and one and only one circumferential recess formed therein;
- and
- a second plug configured to be closely received within the same selected one of the conduits and configured to block the flow of fluid within such conduit, the second plug comprising:
- a body having an axis configured to be colinear with the longitudinal axis of the selected conduit and one and only one circumferential recess formed therein;
- in which the bodies of the plugs are identically shaped and sized apart from the recesses, with the recesses of the respective plugs being axially offset but otherwise identical.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.