Fluid ends for pumps and related methods

A discharge manifold assembly for a fluid end of a pump, the discharge manifold assembly comprising:

• a single piece monolithic body having a first end and a second end;
• a plurality of discharge bores defined in the body that are configured to receive fluid discharged from the fluid end when the body is connected to thereto, the plurality of discharge bores being spaced apart from one another between the first end and the second end;
• a manifold bore defined in the body that extends between the first end and the second end;
• and
• a plurality of connecting passages each extending from a corresponding one of the plurality of discharge bores to the manifold bore.

A method of pumping a fluid with a pump, the method comprising:

• reciprocating a plurality of plungers in a plurality of pumping chambers defined in a housing to pressurize the fluid;
• discharging the fluid out of the plurality of pumping chambers via a plurality of outlet ports defined in the housing, through a plurality of discharge valve assemblies and into a plurality of discharge bores defined in a body of a discharge manifold assembly connected to and separate from the housing, the plurality of discharge valve assemblies being at least partially positioned in the plurality of discharge bores of the body;
• and
• directing the fluid out of the plurality of discharge bores and into a manifold bore through a plurality of connecting passages, the manifold bore and the plurality of connecting passages also being defined within the body, and the manifold bore being spaced from the plurality of discharge bores, thereby to reduce fluid contact with the plurality of discharge valve assemblies.

A pump comprising:

• a power end including a driver;
• a plurality of plungers operatively connected to the driver;
• and
• a fluid end connected to the power end, the fluid end including:
• a housing comprising a first material and including a plurality of pumping chambers configured to receive the plurality of plungers therein and a plurality of outlet ports in fluid communication with the plurality of pumping chambers, and
• a discharge manifold assembly connected to a top side of the housing, the discharge manifold assembly including a body comprising a second material that is different from the first material and defining a plurality of discharge bores and a discharge manifold therein such that the discharge manifold is spaced from each of the plurality of discharge bores within the body, and the plurality of discharge bores being aligned with the plurality of outlet ports so as to receive fluid discharged from the plurality of pumping chambers.