Discharge valve for downhole pumps

A discharge valve comprising:

• a one-piece cylindrical valve body having a first end, a second end, and a central axis therebetween, the valve body further having an inlet, a single flow channel, a valve channel, and at least one discharge port, the inlet formed through the first end of the valve body, the single flow channel in fluid communication with the inlet and extending from the inlet to the second end of the valve body, the valve channel and at least a portion of the single flow channel offset from the central axis of the valve body, the valve channel having a first end in fluid communication with the single flow channel, and a second end disposed within the valve body, the at least one discharge port extending from the valve channel to an exterior surface of the valve body;
• a substantially-spherical valve member disposed within the valve channel of the valve body, the valve member sized to be movable within the valve channel while being prevented from passing through the at least one discharge port;
• and,
• a valve seat disposed within the valve body and adjacent to the first end of the valve channel, the valve seat having an orifice defined therethrough, the orifice sized to prevent the valve member from passing therethrough;
• and,
• wherein the valve member is movable between a first position engaging the valve seat and a second position adjacent the second end of the valve channel, and wherein the valve member in the first position substantially seals the orifice in the valve seat so as to substantially prevent fluid from flowing out of the valve body through the at least one discharge port, and wherein the valve member in the second position permits fluid to flow out of the valve body through the at least one discharge port.