US009605767B2
`
`(12) United States Patent
`Chhabra
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 9,605,767 B2
`Mar. 28, 2017
`
`(54) SYSTEMS AND METHODS UTILIZING A
`GROOVELESS FLUID END FOR HIGH
`PRESSURE PUMPING
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`(71) Applicant: Shivrat Chhabra, Houston, TX (US)
`(72) Inventor: Shivrat Chhabra, Houston, TX (US)
`(73) Assignee: Strom, Inc., Houston, TX (US)
`(*) Notice:
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`(21) Appl. No.: 14/736,312
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Jun. 11, 2015
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2015/0362113 A1
`Dec. 17, 2015
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(60) Provisional application No. 62/011,009, filed on Jun.
`11, 2014.
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`FI6K 27/02
`FI6K L/36
`F04B 5/02
`F04B 53/10
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`CPC .............. FI6K 27/02 (2013.01); F04B 15/02
`(2013.01); F04B 53/1032 (2013.01); F16K
`I/36 (2013.01); Y10T 137/6065 (2015.04)
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`CPC ............. F16K 1/36; F16K 27/02; F04B 15/02
`USPC ................... 138/31, 43, 45, 46, 89: 73/49.8;
`137/543.32: 417/454
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`
`
`1,320,306 A * 10/1919 Aldrich ...................... 137,513.5
`1443,675 A *
`1/1923 Bowler ................. F04B 39,102
`119,725
`2.933,356 A * 4/1960 Cunningham ........... F16J 13.10
`220,378
`3,277,837 A * 10/1966 Pangburn ............ FO4B 53/1022
`220,203.23
`3,542,057 A * 1 1/1970 Staiano ................... EO3F 5,042
`137,328
`4,140,240 A * 2/1979 Platts ....................... F16J 13.10
`138.89
`4,249,566 A * 2/1981 Deane ..................... F16K 17.24
`137,498
`5/1985 Lewis ..................... FO4B 53.00
`417/454
`1/1987 Huperz ................... FO4B 37,12
`417.564
`4,817,671 A * 4, 1989 Mathison .............. F16L 55,132
`138.89
`5,516,077 A * 5/1996 Roberts ............... F16K 27/0209
`251 148
`6,843,108 B1* 1/2005 Hunt ..................... GO1M3,022
`138.89
`
`4,634,353 A *
`
`4,516,477 A *
`
`(Continued)
`Primary Examiner — Craig Schneider
`Assistant Examiner — Daniel P Donegan
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Pierson IP, PLLC
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and meth
`ods for a spring retainer configuration without Suction bore
`grooves, wherein the spring retainer may be secured in place
`via a keeper. By eliminating the grooves, embodiments may
`reduce the surface area of the bore intersection, which may
`slow the rate of material erosion. Accordingly, embodiments
`may extend the life of a fluid end in high pressure environ
`mentS.
`
`10 Claims, 5 Drawing Sheets
`
`Page 1 of 11
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`

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`US 9,605,767 B2
`Page 2
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`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`7.335,002 B2 * 2/2008 Vicars ................... FO4B 53,007
`137,512
`7.364.412 B2 * 4/2008 Kugelev ............... FO4B 53,007
`417/454
`7,506,574 B2 * 3/2009 Jensen .................. FO4B 53,007
`417/454
`7,513,759 B1 * 4/2009 Blume .................. FO4B 53,007
`137,512
`7,681.589 B2 * 3/2010 Schwegman ......... F16K 15,063
`137/15.17
`7,896,187 B2 * 3/2011 Haibel ..................... F16J 13/08
`220,233
`8,251.243 B2 * 8/2012 Haibel ................... B65D 90/10
`220,213
`8,402,880 B2 * 3/2013 Patel ....................... F04B 53/16
`411/120
`8.430.260 B2 * 4/2013 Guidry, Jr. ................. B013/03
`220,212
`8,915,722 B1* 12/2014 Blume .................. FO4B 53,007
`137,543.23
`F16J 13,22
`9,297,196 B2 * 3/2016 Yang ...
`2007/0023096 A1* 2/2007 Buckley ............ F16L 55,132
`138/89
`2010/0175770 A1* 7/2010 Huynh .............. F16L 37,088
`138/89
`2/2011 Biro ........................ EO3C 1.298
`4,256.1
`2015,0362113 A1* 12/2015 Chhabra ................. F04B 15/02
`137,315.27
`
`2011/003 0132 A1
`
`
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Page 2 of 11
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
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`Mar. 28, 2017
`Mar. 28, 2017
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`Sheet 1 of 5
`Sheet 1 of 5
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`US 9,605,767 B2
`US 9,605,767 B2
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`FIG. 1
`FIG. 1
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`Page 3 of 11
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`Page 3 of 11
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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
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`Mar. 28, 2017.
`Mar. 28, 2017
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`Sheet 2 of 5
`Sheet 2 of 5
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`US 9,605,767 B2
`US 9,605,767 B2
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`FIG. 2
`FIG. 2
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`Page 4 of 11
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`Page 4 of 11
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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
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`Mar. 28, 2017
`Mar. 28, 2017
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`Sheet 3 of 5
`Sheet 3 of 5
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`US 9,605,767 B2
`US 9,605,767 B2
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`FIG. 3
`FIG. 3
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`166
`166
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`Page 5 of 11
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`Page 5 of 11
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`U.S. Patent
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`Mar. 28, 2017.
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`Sheet 4 of 5
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`US 9,605,767 B2
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`400
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`FGURE 4.
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`Page 6 of 11
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`U.S. Patent
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`Mar. 28, 2017
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`Sheet S of 5
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`US 9,605,767 B2
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`500 y
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`POSION CYNEER HEAE). AGAINSE KEEPER
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`530
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`FIGURE 5
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`Page 7 of 11
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`1.
`SYSTEMS AND METHODS UTILIZING A
`GROOVELESS FLUID END FOR HIGH
`PRESSURE PUMPING
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`This application claims a benefit of priority under 35
`U.S.C. S 119 to Provisional Application No. 62/011,009 filed
`on Jun. 11, 2014 which is fully incorporated herein by
`reference in its entirety.
`
`10
`
`BACKGROUND INFORMATION
`
`Field of the Disclosure
`Examples of the present disclosure are related to systems
`and methods associated with a grooveless fluid end for high
`pressure pumping. More particularly, embodiments relate to
`a keeper that is coupled with a stem of a spring retainer and
`positioned adjacent to a face of a cylinder head, wherein the
`keeper is configured to allow visual verification of the spring
`retainer alignment within the Suction bore prior to position
`ing the cylinder head.
`Background
`Conventionally, high pressure pumps are designed with
`two main Sub-assemblies, a power end and a fluid end. The
`power end drives reciprocating motion of plungers, and the
`fluid end directs the flow of fluid from the pump. In use, the
`fluid ends are subject to rapid wear because of harsh
`conditions involved in the pumping process, including high
`temperatures, high pressures, corrosion, and abrasion from
`drilling fluids. Due to this rapid wear, conventional pumps
`require fluids ends to be replaced frequently.
`Legacy fluid ends in high pressure pumps have wing style
`valve stop configurations. In wing style valve stops, projec
`tions on the valve stops are inserted into grooves in a Suction
`bore. However, these grooves require material to be
`removed from the bore intersections, the highest stress areas
`in the fluid end. Since they increase the surface area of the
`intersecting bore area, and circumferential stress increases
`with Surface area, these grooves often serve as initiation
`points for stress cracks. Furthermore, the grooves are subject
`to erosion, which results in a further loss of material from the
`high stress areas. As erosion occurs, the valve stop may no
`longer be locked in place, because the fit of the grooves
`become wider and less exact.
`Accordingly, needs exist for more effective and efficient
`systems and methods for a spring retainer configuration
`without Suction bore grooves, wherein the spring retainer
`may be aligned and held in place via a keeper.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and
`methods for a spring retainer configuration without Suction
`bore grooves, wherein the spring retainer may be secured in
`place via a keeper. By eliminating the grooves, embodiments
`may reduce or maintain the Surface area of the bore inter
`section, which may slow the rate of material erosion.
`Accordingly, embodiments may extend the life of a fluid end
`in high pressure environments.
`In embodiments, a spring retainer may be positioned
`under a ridge at the top of a Suction bore, wherein the ridges
`may be projections that decrease the circumference of the
`top Surface of the Suction bore. The ridges may be config
`ured to decrease the surface area that is susceptible to
`erosion in comparison to conventional wing style designs,
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`thereby reducing the rate and extent of washout caused to the
`fluid end. Accordingly, a lower circumference of the Suction
`bore may be greater than a circumference of the portion of
`the suction bore that includes the ridges. The suction valve
`retainer or spring retainer is composed of a vertical portion
`(referred to collectively and individually as “stem’’) and a
`horizontal portion (referred to collectively and individually
`as “valve stop'. The stem may be configured to aid in
`alignment stem, and the valve stop may be configured to
`retain the spring and Suction valve.
`Additionally, the ridges allow for a maximum amount of
`material to be positioned at the bore intersection. This may
`bolster the strength of the bore intersection, which may slow
`the rate of formation of stress cracks.
`Embodiments may also include a keeper. The keeper may
`be configured to secure the spring retainer in place and
`maintain alignment during pump operation. The keeper may
`be an independent piece from the cylinder head and the
`spring retainer, wherein the keeper may be configured to
`ensure alignment with the spring retainer before a bore is
`closed via the cylinder head. Based on the geometry of the
`keeper, the keeper may be configured to be positioned
`adjacent to a solid face of the cylinder head and the stem
`when a face of the cylinder head is parallel with the stem.
`Responsive to positioning the keeper adjacent to a face of
`the cylinder head and inserting the keeper into the stem, the
`correct positioning of the valve stem may be verified,
`additionally, when the keeper is coupled with the cylinder
`head and stem, the spring retainer may not be able to be
`rotated.
`In embodiments, the keeper may be a removable element,
`which may be removed and positioned adjacent to the the
`cylinder head and removed and inserted into the stem.
`Accordingly, the alignment of the keeper in relation to the
`spring retainer may be completed before sealing the fluid
`end with the cylinder head, allowing for visual verification.
`These, and other, aspects of the invention will be better
`appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction
`with the following description and the accompanying draw
`ings. The following description, while indicating various
`embodiments of the invention and numerous specific details
`thereof, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation.
`Many Substitutions, modifications, additions or rearrange
`ments may be made within the scope of the invention, and
`the invention includes all such substitutions, modifications,
`additions or rearrangements.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the
`present invention are described with reference to the fol
`lowing figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like
`parts throughout the various views unless otherwise speci
`fied.
`FIG. 1 depicts a cross section of the suction bore of a
`grooveless fluid end for high pressure pumping, according to
`an embodiment.
`FIG. 2 depicts a cross section of the suction bore of a
`grooveless fluid end for high pressure pumping, according to
`an embodiment.
`FIG.3 depicts a spring retainer, keeper, and cylinder head
`that fit in a grooveless fluid end for high pressure pumping,
`according to an embodiment.
`FIG. 4 depicts a cross section of a fluid end block,
`according to an embodiment.
`FIG. 5 depicts a method utilizing a grooveless fluid end
`for high pressure pumping, according to an embodiment.
`
`Page 8 of 11
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`US 9,605,767 B2
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`3
`Corresponding reference characters indicate correspond
`ing components throughout the several views of the draw
`ings. Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the
`figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not
`necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimen
`sions of Some of the elements in the figures may be exag
`gerated relative to other elements to help to improve under
`standing of various embodiments of the present disclosure.
`Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful
`or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are
`often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view
`of these various embodiments of the present disclosure.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`10
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`15
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`4
`120 may have a first circumference, and the portion of
`suction bore 120 including ridge 130 may have a second
`circumferences.
`In embodiments, a top surface of spring retainer 140 may
`be configured to be positioned adjacent to a lower Surface of
`ridges 130. Responsive to spring 115 applying force to
`spring retainer 140, spring retainer 140 may apply force
`against ridges 130. However, because the circumference of
`ridges 130 may be smaller than the circumference of spring
`retainer 140 and the upward force applied against Spring
`retainer 140 by spring 115, spring retainer 140 may be
`secured in place against ridges 130.
`Spring retainer 140 may be a device that is configured to
`stop the fluid flow within system 100. In embodiments, a
`lower surface of spring retainer 140 may be configured to
`receive force from spring 115, wherein the force received
`from spring 115 may push an upper Surface of spring retainer
`140 against ridges 130. When spring 115 pushes spring
`retainer 140 against ridges 130, spring retainer 140 may
`have an upper Surface that is below an upper Surface of
`ridges 130. The sides of spring retainer 140 may be angled
`to correspond with the tapering of ridges 130. Accordingly,
`spring retainer 140 may be shaped and/or sized correspond
`ing to the slope of ridges 130. Spring retainer 140 may have
`a length that is greater than the diameter between ridges 130
`but less than a diameter of suction bore 120. Therefore,
`spring retainer 140 may completely cover the lower Surfaces
`of ridges 130, wherein a lower surface of ridges 130 may not
`be exposed. Accordingly, spring retainer 140 may be held in
`place within suction bore 120 via ridges 130 without
`grooves being disposed within suction bore.
`Stem 150 may be a stem that projects away from a top
`surface of spring retainer 140. Stem 150 may project away
`from spring retainer 140 in a direction that is perpendicular
`to spring retainer 140. In embodiments, stem 150 may be
`positioned proximate to but not on an end of spring retainer
`140. More specifically, when spring retainer 140 is posi
`tioned adjacent to a lower surface of ridges 130, stem 150
`may be positioned adjacent to a sidewall of a ridge 130.
`Stem 150 may include a hollow bore extending from a first
`side of stem 150 to a second side of stem 150, wherein the
`hollow bore is configured to receive a portion of keeper 160.
`Keeper 160 may be a stabilizing and alignment device
`that is configured to be removably coupled to stem 150, and
`be positioned adjacent to cylinder head 170. Keeper 160
`may have rounded ends 166, wherein rounded ends 166 have
`a curvature that is substantially similar to the curvature of
`the bore which keeper 160 is within. Keeper 160 may also
`include a cylindrical projection 164, wherein cylindrical
`projection 164 extends in a direction perpendicular to a
`longitudinal axis of keeper 160. In embodiments, cylindrical
`projection 164 may be configured to be inserted in the
`hollow bore that extends through stem 150.
`Responsive to coupling keeper 160 with stem 150, a
`sidewall of keeper 160 may be positioned in a direction
`parallel to stem 150. Due to the positioning of the sidewall
`of keeper 160, it may be verified that keeper 160 is inserted
`into stem before sealing the bore with cylinder head.
`Accordingly, when keeper 160 is coupled with stem 150,
`cylindrical projection 164 is parallel with but not coaxial to
`the bore keeper 160 is confined in. Thus, both keeper 160
`and spring retainer 150 may be secured in place and may be
`unable to rotate. To this end, erosion to spring retainer 150
`and suction bore 120 may be reduced, limited, prevented,
`etc. wherein cylindrical projection 164 does not have the
`same axis of rotation as cylinder head 170.
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`In the following description, numerous specific details are
`set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the
`present embodiments. It will be apparent, however, to one
`having ordinary skill in the art that the specific detail need
`not be employed to practice the present embodiments. In
`other instances, well-known materials or methods have not
`been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the
`present embodiments.
`Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and
`methods for a spring retainer configuration without Suction
`bore grooves, wherein the spring retainer may be secured in
`place via a keeper and ridges present in a Suction bore of a
`grooveless fluid end. By eliminating the grooves, embodi
`ments may reduce the Surface area of a bore intersection,
`which may slow the rate of material erosion. Accordingly,
`embodiments may extend the life of a spring retainer in high
`pressure environments.
`FIG. 1 depicts a cross section of a suction bore of a
`grooveless fluid end 100 for high pressure pumping, accord
`ing to an embodiment. Grooveless fluid end 100 may be
`configured to be utilized in hydraulic fracturing applications,
`and have the ruggedness required for continuous operation
`in the harshest environments. Grooveless fluid end 100 may
`40
`include a valve 110, spring 115, a suction bore 120, ridges
`130, spring retainer 140, stem 150, keeper 160, and cylinder
`head 170.
`Valve 110 may be a device that regulates, directs, or
`controls the flow of a fluid, gas, liquid, etc. by opening,
`45
`closing, or obstructing various passageways. Valve 110 may
`be utilized in high-horsepower pumps, wherein grooveless
`fluid end may operate in a harsh pumping environment, Such
`as shale fracturing operations.
`Spring 115 may be coupled with valve 110 and a lower
`surface of spring retainer 140. Spring 115 may be configured
`to extend and contract to allow valve 110 to open and close.
`Responsive to spring 115 extending and contracting, spring
`115 may apply force against spring retainer 140.
`Suction bore 120 may be a portion of a grooveless fluid
`end configured to house valve 110, spring 115, and spring
`retainer 140. Suction bore 120 may have a hollow interior
`that is configured to allow spring retainer 140 to move
`vertically within a circumference of suction bore 120 via
`spring 115. A proximal end of suction bore 120 may include
`ridges 130.
`Ridges 130 may be projections that decrease the circum
`ference of suction bore 120, wherein ridges 130 are posi
`tioned at an upper surface of suction bore 120. Ridges 130
`include a top shelf 132 and a depression 134. In embodi
`ments, ridges 130 may be formed by tapering or angling the
`sidewalls of suction bore 120. Thus, a body of suction bore
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`Cylinder head 170 may have an external surface that is
`configured to couple with rounded edges of a bore, and
`cylinder head 170 may have a flat external face. Responsive
`to positioning cylinder head 170 into the bore, the bore may
`be sealed. Furthermore, and the portion of the circumference
`of cylinder head 170 may be positioned vertically higher
`than an upper Surface of spring retainer 140.
`FIG. 2 depicts a cross section of a suction bore of a
`grooveless fluid end 200 for high pressure pumping, accord
`ing to an embodiment. Elements depicted in FIG. 2 are
`described above. For the sake of brevity, an additional
`description of these elements is omitted.
`As depicted in FIG. 2, keeper 160 may be configured to
`be inserted into cylinder head 170 and stem 150. Keeper 160
`may have a first portion, projection 162, which is configured
`to extend perpendicularly away from a second portion 164
`of keeper 160.
`Projection 164 of keeper may include a first cylinder and
`a second cylinder, wherein the first cylinder includes a first
`diameter and the second cylinder includes a second diam
`eter. The first cylinder may be configured to project away
`from the second portion 164 of keeper 160, and have a face
`with portions positioned adjacent to a first side of stem 150.
`The second cylinder may be configured to extend through a
`hole within stem 150, such that a second end of the second
`cylinder forms a continuous, planar Surface with a second
`side of stem 150.
`The second portion 162 of keeper 160 may include a
`planar sidewall that is disposed at a location that is outside
`of the inner sidewalls of suction bore 120 and the outer
`surfaces of spring retainer 140. The planar sidewall of
`keeper 160 may be configured to be positioned adjacent to
`a face of cylinder head 170.
`FIG.3 depicts a spring retainer, keeper, and cylinder head
`that fit in a grooveless fluid end 300 for high pressure
`pumping, according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in
`FIG. 3 are described above. For the sake of brevity, an
`additional description of these elements is omitted.
`As depicted in FIG. 3, spring retainer 140, keeper 160,
`and cylinder head 170 may all be independent parts, which
`can be separated from each other. As further depicted in FIG.
`3, keeper 160 has ends with rounded edges 166. The
`curvature of rounded edges 166 may correspond to the
`curvature of a bore. In embodiments, keeper 160 may be
`configured to be positioned adjacent to a face of cylinder
`head 170.
`FIG. 4 depicts one embodiment of a fluid end block 400.
`As depicted in FIG. 4, the ridges 410 are configured to allow
`a spring retainer to be positioned under ridges 410. Accord
`ingly, ridges 410 allow the spring retainer to be coupled
`within fluid end block 400 without additional grooves,
`cutouts, channels in the intersecting bore area. Thus, fluid
`end block 400 may not include any additional cutouts,
`grooves, channels, etc.
`FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of a method 500 utilizing
`a grooveless fluid end for high pressure pumping. The
`operations of method 500 presented below are intended to be
`illustrative. In some embodiments, method 500 may be
`accomplished with one or more additional operations not
`described, and/or without one or more of the operations
`discussed. Additionally, the order in which the operations of
`method 500 are illustrated in FIG. 5 and described below is
`not intended to be limiting.
`At operation 510, a spring retainer may be inserted below
`tapered ridges of a Suction bore. The spring retainer may
`have tapered ends that correspond to the tapering of the
`ridges. The ridges may be positioned on an upper Surface of
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`the suction bore, wherein the circumference at the ridges is
`smaller than the circumference at the suction bore.
`At operation 520, a projection of the keeper may be
`inserted into a stem of the spring retainer. Accordingly, the
`keeper may be inserted into a bore and coupled with the
`spring retainer before the bore is sealed by the
`At operation 530, a first side of a keeper may be posi
`tioned adjacent to a face of the cylinder head. When the
`projection of the keeper is inserted into the bore through the
`stem, it may be determined that the sidewall of the keeper is
`perpendicular to the upper Surface of the spring retainer.
`Thus, when the cylinder head is inserted into the bore, the
`face of the cylinder head is in perpendicularly aligned with
`the spring retainer.
`Although the present technology has been described in
`detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is
`currently considered to be the most practical and preferred
`implementations, it is to be understood that Such detail is
`solely for that purpose and that the technology is not limited
`to the disclosed implementations, but, on the contrary, is
`intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrange
`ments that are within the spirit and scope of the appended
`claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present
`technology contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or
`more features of any implementation can be combined with
`one or more features of any other implementation.
`Reference throughout this specification to “one embodi
`ment”, “an embodiment”, “one example' or “an example'
`means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic
`described in connection with the embodiment or example is
`included in at least one embodiment of the present invention.
`Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment”, “in
`an embodiment”, “one example' or “an example' in various
`places throughout this specification are not necessarily all
`referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore,
`the particular features, structures or characteristics may be
`combined in any suitable combinations and/or Sub-combi
`nations in one or more embodiments or examples. In addi
`tion, it is appreciated that the figures provided herewith are
`for explanation purposes to persons ordinarily skilled in the
`art and that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.
`What is claimed is:
`1. A system for a fluid end block of a high pressure
`pumping system, the system comprising:
`a Suction bore configured to house a valve, the Suction
`bore including ridges positioned on an upper Surface of
`the suction bore, wherein a first portion of the suction
`bore housing the valve has a first circumference and a
`second portion of the Suction bore including the ridges
`has a second circumference, the first circumference
`being larger than the second circumference, the ridges
`including a top shelf and a depression;
`a spring retainer configured to be inserted into the Suction
`bore and be positioned adjacent to the ridges;
`a stem positioned on the spring retainer, the stem project
`ing away from the spring retainer in a direction that is
`perpendicular to the spring retainer, the stem including
`a first side and a second side, the first side and the
`second side being planar Surfaces extending from an
`upper Surface of the spring retainer to an upper Surface
`of the stem, the stem including a hollow channel
`extending through the first side of the stem to the
`second side of the stem, wherein the stem and the
`spring retainer are a unified piece;
`a keeper being configured to be positioned adjacent to a
`cylinder head and couple with the stem, the keeper
`including rounded ends and a projection, the projection
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`7
`being positioned more proximate to a base of the
`keeper than a top surface of the keeper, wherein the
`projection extends in a direction in parallel to the spring
`retainer and is configured to be inserted into the hollow
`channel extending through the stem, wherein an
`entirety of the base of the keeper is positioned with the
`depression associated with a first ridge of the ridges,
`wherein the projection on the keeper includes a first
`portion having a first circumference and a second
`portion having a second circumference, wherein the
`second circumference associated with the second por
`tion is Smaller than the first circumference associated
`with the first portion, the first portion having a length
`that is at least as long as the top shelf of the first ridge,
`a first axis of rotation associated with the keeper being
`different than a second axis of rotation of the cylinder
`head.
`2. The system of claim 1, wherein the second portion of
`the keeper is configured to be inserted into the hollow
`channel of the stem.
`3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first circumference 20
`associated with the first portion is larger than a circumfer
`ence of the hollow channel of the stem.
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`15
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`US 9,605,767 B2
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`8
`4. The system of claim 1, wherein the ridges include
`tapered sidewalls.
`5. The system of claim 4, wherein the spring retainer
`includes tapered sidewalls.
`6. The system of claim 5, wherein the tapered sidewalls of
`the ridges correspond to the tapered sidewalls of the spring
`retainer.
`7. The system of claim 1, wherein the top shelf of the
`ridges is vertically offset from an upper Surface of the spring
`retainer.
`8. The system of claim 1, wherein a sidewall of the keeper
`is perpendicular to an upper Surface of the spring retainer
`and parallel to the stem.
`9. The system of claim 1, wherein when the keeper is
`positioned adjacent to the cylinder head and the stem, the
`spring retainer is unable to rotate.
`10. The system of claim 1, wherein the cylinder head and
`the keeper are independent and separable elements.
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`k
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`k
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