| HAO HATA KAMA WA TAI MAI MULTE ORI MAI MULT MATTI
`
`US009732746B2
`
`( 12 ) United States Patent
`Chandrasekaran et al .
`
`( 10 ) Patent No . :
`( 45 ) Date of Patent :
`
`US 9 , 732 , 746 B2
`Aug . 15 , 2017
`
`( 72 )
`
`( 54 ) FLUID END OF A HIGH PRESSURE
`PLUNGER PUMP
`( 71 ) Applicant : GARDNER DENVER , INC . ,
`Milwaukee , WI ( US )
`Inventors : Arun Nahendra Raj Chandrasekaran ,
`Broken Arrow , OK ( US ) ; Christopher
`Douglas Degginger , Broken Arrow , OK
`( US ) ; Gregory David Hash , Broken
`Arrow , OK ( US )
`( 73 ) Assignee : GARDNER DENVER , INC . ,
`Milwaukee , WI ( US )
`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 . : 15 / 155 , 540
`May 16 , 2016
`( 22 ) Filed :
`Prior Publication Data
`( 65 )
`US 2016 / 0258432 A1
`Sep . 8 , 2016
`
`( * ) Notice :
`
`Related U . S . Application Data
`( 63 ) Continuation of application No . 13 / 773 , 271 , filed on
`Feb . 21 , 2013 , now abandoned , which is
`a
`( Continued )
`
`( 51 )
`
`( 52 )
`
`Int . Ci .
`F04B 53 / 16
`F04B 53 / 00
`
`( 2006 . 01 )
`( 2006 . 01 )
`( Continued )
`U . S . CI .
`CPC . . . . . . . F04B 53 / 007 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; F04B 39 / 125
`( 2013 . 01 ) ; F04B 53 / 1032 ( 2013 . 01 ) ;
`( Continued )
`
`( 58 )
`
`( 56 )
`( 56 )
`
`Field of Classification Search
`CPC . . F16K 15 / 026 ; Y10T 137 / 7934 ; F04B 53 / 16 ;
`F04B 53 / 007 ; F04B 53 / 1032 ; F04B
`39 / 125
`See application file for complete search history .
`References Cited
`U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
`4 , 520 , 837 A
`6 / 1985 Cole et al .
`4 , 520 , 842 A
`6 / 1985 Elliott
`( Continued )
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Item A ( 1 page ) , a prior art section of a fluid end with a prior art
`twist - in springretainer , previously erroneously submitted as “ twist
`twist in pipe spring retainer " , publicly available prior to Oct . 5 ,
`2012 , 1 page . *
`( Continued )
`Primary Examiner — Bryan Lettman
`( 74 ) Attorney , Agent , or Firm — Michael Best &
`Friedrich LLP
`( 57 )
`ABSTRACT
`A fluid end of a pump includes a casing defining a plurality
`of working spaces that each include an inlet bore , an outlet
`bore , a plunger bore , and a valve cover bore . The bores
`define a cross bore intersection space , and an inlet bore
`transition area at the intersection of the inlet bore and the
`cross bore intersection space . A first V - shaped groove and a
`second V - shaped groove are formed adjacent the inlet bore
`transition area with each extending partially around the inlet
`bore axis . An inlet spring retainer includes first and second
`engagement portions and is orientable in a first orientation in
`which the retainer is movable from the inlet bore to the
`plunger bore and a second orientation in which the retainer
`engages the first and second V - shaped grooves to inhibit
`movement of the retainer from the inlet bore to the cross
`bore intersection space .
`8 Claims , 9 Drawing Sheets
`
`46
`
`I
`
`goa
`
`28 100
`
`?????? ?
`
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`
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`Page 1 of 18
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`

`

`US 9 , 732 , 746 B2
`Page 2
`
`Related U . S . Application Data
`continuation - in - part of application No . 13 / 646 , 170 ,
`filed on Oct . 5 , 2012 , now abandoned .
`( 60 ) Provisional application No . 61 / 704 , 905 , filed on Sep .
`24 , 2012 .
`Int . Cl .
`F04B 39 / 12
`F16K 15 / 02
`F04B 53 / 10
`U . S . CI .
`CPC . . . . . . . . . . . .
`
`( 51 )
`
`( 52 )
`
`( 56 )
`
`NNNNN
`
`3 / 2009 Jensen et al .
`7 , 506 , 574 B2
`4 / 2009 Blume
`7 , 513 , 759 B1 .
`3 / 2010 Schwegman
`7 , 681 , 589 B2
`6 / 2011 Schwegman
`7 , 954 , 510 B2
`7 / 2011 Jensen et al .
`7 , 984 , 671 B2
`12 / 2011 Jensen et al .
`8 , 074 , 679 B2
`2007 / 0295411 A1 * 12 / 2007 Schwegman . . . . . . . . . F16K 15 / 063
`137 / 542
`2008 / 0152523 Al
`6 / 2008 Jensen et al .
`2010 / 0288958 AL 11 / 2010 Vicars
`2011 / 0206546 AL
`8 / 2011 Vicars
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`" Item A ( 1 page ) , a prior art section of a fluid end with a prior art
`twist - in springretainer , previously erroneously submitted as twist
`twist in pipe spring retainer ” , publicly available prior to Oct . 5 ,
`2012 , 1 page .
`“ Item B ( 2 pages ) sectional views of a prior art fluid end with prior
`art piloted - gunsight spring retainer " , publicly available prior to Oct .
`5 , 2012
`“ Item C ( 2 pages ) , sectional views of a prior art fluid end with prior
`art cage stylespring retainer ” , publicly available prior to Oct . 5 ,
`2012 .
`“ Limited Statement of Prior Art Regarding Figures 1 - 9 ( 1page ) ” .
`Office Action from the United States Patent and Trademark Office
`for U . S . Appl . No . 13 / 646 , 170 dated Jun . 30 , 2015 ( 16 pages ) .
`* cited by examiner
`
`( 2006 . 01 )
`( 2006 . 01 )
`( 2006 . 01 )
`
`F04B 53 / 16 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; F16K 15 / 026
`( 2013 . 01 ) ; Y1OT 137 / 7934 ( 2015 . 04 )
`References Cited
`U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
`6 , 241 , 492 B1
`6 / 2001 Pacht
`6 , 382 , 940 B1
`5 / 2002 Blume
`6 , 544 , 012 B1
`4 / 2003 Blume
`9 / 2003 Blume
`6 , 623 , 259 B1
`6 / 2005 Blume
`6 , 910 , 871 B1
`3 / 2007 Blume
`7 , 186 , 097 B1
`2 / 2008 Vicars
`7 , 335 , 002 B2
`7 , 341 , 435 B2
`3 / 2008 Vicars
`4 / 2008 Kugelev et al .
`7 , 364 , 412 B2
`
`.
`
`Page 2 of 18
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`atent
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`Aug . 15 , 2017
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`Sheet 1 of 9
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`US 9 , 732 , 746 B2
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`Page 3 of 18
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`U . S . Patent
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`Aug . 15 , 2017
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`Sheet 2 of 9
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`US 9 , 732 , 746 B2
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`Page 4 of 18
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`U . S . Patent
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`Aug . 15 , 2017
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`Sheet 3 of 9
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`US 9 , 732 , 746 B2
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`Page 5 of 18
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`U . S . Patent
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`atent
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`Aug . 15 , 2017
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`Sheet 4 of 9
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`US 9 , 732 , 746 B2
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`Page 6 of 18
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`atent
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`Aug . 15 , 2017
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`Sheet 5 of 9
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`US 9 , 732 , 746 B2
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`Page 7 of 18
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`U . S . Patent
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`Aug . 15 , 2017
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`Sheet 6 of 9
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`US 9 , 732 , 746 B2
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`FIG . 7A
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`atent
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`Aug . 15 , 2017
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`Sheet 7 of 9
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`Page 9 of 18
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`atent
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`Aug . 15 , 2017
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`Sheet 8 of 9
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`US 9 , 732 , 746 B2
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`Page 10 of 18
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`atent
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`Aug . 15 , 2017
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`Sheet 9 of 9
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`US 9 , 732 , 746 B2
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`Page 11 of 18
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`

`US 9 , 732 , 746 B2
`
`FIELD
`
`FLUID END OF A HIGH PRESSURE
`PLUNGER PUMP
`
`opens into said cross - bore intersection . The discharge bore
`axis extends through the opening of the suction bore which
`opens into said cross - bore intersection . The valve cover bore
`axis extends into the opening of the plunger bore which
`5 opens into the cross - bore intersection .
`The fluid end further has a groove . The groove traverses
`The present disclosure concerns a tapered groove in a
`a curvilinear path around an open space . The discharge bore
`high pressure plunger pump ; the groove receives a spring
`and suction bore axes each extend into said open space . The
`retainer ; the spring retainer at a first portion and a second
`groove has a first section and a second section . The first
`portion is carried in the groove ; the groove is configured to
`prevent the retainer from moving out of the groove along the 10 section has a first end with a first opening and a second end .
`The second section has a first end . The second section has a
`long axis of the suction bore .
`second end with an opening . The first and second sections
`each have a closed base opposite and an open side of each
`BACKGROUND
`section . The first and second sections each have a first angled
`Spring retainers for suction valves in high pressure 15 surface and a second angled surface . The first angled surface
`plunger pumps are known . U . S . Pat . No . 7 , 186 , 097 , Blume ,
`and second angled surface of the first section converge
`discloses suction valve spring retainers . The retainers are for
`towards each other towards the base of the first section . The
`use in plunger pump housings incorporating structural fea -
`angle formed between the first angled surface and second
`tures for stress relief . These pump housing structural fea -
`angled surface of the first section is greater than 90 degree
`tures accommodate access bore plugs that secure suction 20 and less than 180 degree . The first angled surface and second
`valve spring retainers that are internally located substantially
`angled surface of the second section converge towards each
`centrally over the suction bore transition area of the plunger
`other towards the base of the second section . The angle
`pump housing . Access bore plugs are secured in place on the
`formed between the first angled surface and second angled
`pump housing one or more threaded retainers . Plunger
`surface of the second section is greater than 90 degree and
`pumps so constructed are relatively resistant to fatigue 25 less than 180 degree . A gap is between said first ends of said
`failure because of stress reducing structural features , and
`first and second sections of the groove . A gap is between the
`they may incorporate a variety of valve styles , including top
`second ends of said first and second sections of the groove .
`and lower stem - guided valves and crow - foot - guided valves
`A further aspect of the invention is characterized in that
`in
`easily - maintained configuration . Suction valve spring
`the plunger bore transition area is between and coplanar with
`retainers mounted in plunger pump housings may also 30 the first end of the first section of the groove and the first end
`incorporate a suction valve top stem - guide . Further , certain
`of the second section of the groove . The valve cover bore
`structural features of access bore plugs may be dimensioned
`transition area is between and coplanar with the second end
`to aid in improving volumetric efficiency of the pumps in
`of the first section of the groove and the second end of the
`second section of the groove .
`which they are used .
`U . S . Pat . No . 6 , 910 , 871 , Blume , discloses valve guide and 35
`Yet in another aspect of the invention a first portion of a
`spring retainer assemblies for use in plunger pump housings
`spring retainer is in the first section of the groove and a
`that incorporate features for stress relief . These pump hous -
`second portion of the spring retainer is in the second section
`ings have structural features to accommodate correspond -
`of said groove .
`ingly shaped valve guides and / or spring retainers that are
`Another aspect of the invention is embodied in a spring
`internally fixed in place using one or more non - threaded 40 retainer . The retainer has a first portion having a first side
`with a first surface and a second surface . The first portion has
`spacers .
`U . S . Pat . No . 6 , 544 , 012 , Blume , discloses a Y - block fluid
`a second side with a third surface . The first surface is angled
`section plunger pump housing having a cylinder bore which
`relative to the second surface . The exterior angle formed by
`is transversely elongated at its intersection with suction and
`the surfaces is greater than 180 degree and less than 270
`discharge bores to provide stress relief and reduction in 45 degree . The retainer has a second portion . The second
`housing weight . A spoked , ring valve spring retainer further
`portion has a first side with a first surface and a second
`reduces stress near the bore intersection and allows use of a
`surface . The second portion has a second side with a third
`top stem guided suction valve . Tapered cartridge packing
`surface . The first surface of the second portion is angled
`assemblies facilitate use of a one - piece plunger in Y - block
`relative to the second surface of the second portion . The
`housings and also allow packing in such housings to be 50 exterior angle formed by the surfaces is greater than 180
`degree and less than 270 degree .
`changed without removing the plunger
`The retainer further has a base portion from which the first
`SUMMARY
`portion extends and the second portion extends . The base
`portion has a first surface on a first side of the base portion .
`One aspect of the invention is embodied by a fluid end of 55 The base portion has a second surface on a second side of the
`base . The second side is opposite the first side . The third
`a plunger pump that has a plunger bore , discharge bore ,
`suction bore , valve cover bore , and cross - bore intersection
`surface of the retainer first portion is angled relative to the
`formed in portions of the fluid end . Each of the above named
`base second surface . The angle is greater than 90 degree and
`bores has an axis . A plunger bore transition area is at an
`less than 180 degree . The first surface of the retainer first
`opening of the plunger bore and also adjacent the cross - bore 60 portion is angled relative to the base first surface . The
`intersection . A valve cover bore transition area is at an
`exterior angle formed by the surfaces is between 180 degree
`opening of the valve cover bore and also adjacent the
`and 270 degree . The third surface of the retainer second
`cross - bore intersection . The plunger bore and valve cover
`portion is angled relative to the base second surface . The
`bore openings open into the cross - bore intersection . The
`angle is greater than 90 degree and less than 180 degree . The
`discharge bore and suction bore each have an opening which 65 first surface of the retainer second portion is angled relative
`opens into said cross - bore intersection . The suction bore axis
`to the base first surface . The exterior angle formed by the
`extends through the opening of the discharge bore which
`surfaces is greater than 180 degree and less than 270 degree .
`
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`US 9 , 732 , 746 B2
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`25
`
`V - shaped groove to inhibit movement of the inlet spring
`In a further aspect of the invention the base of the spring
`retainer from the inlet bore to the cross bore intersection
`retainer has a third surface . The third surface has a central
`portion and a first end portion angled relative to the central
`space .
`portion . The third surface also has a second end portion
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`angled relative to the central portion . The angle between the 5
`first end portion and the central portion is greater than 90
`FIG . 1 is an isometric sectional view of a fluid end of a
`degree and less than 180 degree . The angle between the
`plunger pump embodying an embodiment of the present
`central portion and the second end portion is greater than 90
`degree and less than 180 degree .
`invention ; wherein the section is taken through the housing
`The base also has a fourth surface opposite the third 10 of the fluid end of a plunger pump ; the section being parallel
`surface . The fourth surface has a central portion and a first
`to the long axis of the plunger bore , the long axis of the
`end portion angled relative to the central portion . The fourth
`suction bore , and the long axis of the discharge bore ; a
`surface also has a second end portion angled relative to the
`spring retainer is disposed in and is rotatable about its central
`central portion . The angle between the first end portion and
`axis in the retainer groove ; the view shows the spring
`the central portion is greater than 90 degree and less than 15 retainer having been rotated in a first circumferential direc
`180 degree . The angle between the central portion and the
`tion , counter clock - wise direction , until further rotation is
`second end portion is greater than 90 degree and less than
`prevented by abutment of a portion of the spring retainer
`180 degree . The third surface is between the base first and
`against a portion of the valve cover , components of the fluid
`second surfaces . The fourth surface is between the base first
`end have been omitted for simplicity .
`20
`FIG . 2 is the same sectional shown in FIG . 1 except the
`and second surfaces .
`In one construction , a fluid end of a plunger pump
`spring retainer has been rotated in a second circumferential
`direction opposite from the first circumferential direction ,
`includes a casing defining a plurality of working spaces .
`Each of the working spaces includes an inlet bore centered
`clockwise direction , until the rotation is stopped by a portion
`on an inlet bore axis , an outlet bore centered on an outlet
`of the spring retainer abutting up against the valve cover ;
`bore axis that is coaxial with the inlet bore axis , and a
`FIG . 3 is a sectional view of the fluid end of FIG . 1 ; the
`plunger bore centered on a plunger axis . The plunger axis is
`section , however , is taken perpendicular to the plunger bore
`arranged perpendicular to the inlet bore axis , the plunger
`and parallel to the suction and discharge bores ; additionally ,
`axis and the inlet bore axis cooperate to define a center
`components of the fluid end such as the plunger , suction
`plane , wherein the intersection of the plunger bore and inlet
`valve assembly and discharge valve assembly are shown ; the
`bore is at least partially defined by a first curved edge 30 spring retainer is shown disposed in the retainer groove
`completely disposed on a first side of the center plane and a
`holding the suction valve spring in place to bias a suction
`second curved edge completely disposed on a second side of
`valve in the closed position against its valve seat .
`the center plane opposite the first side of the center plane . A
`FIG . 4A is an isometric sectional view of the fluid end
`first V - shaped groove is partially defined by the first curved
`shown in FIG . 1 , wherein the spring retainer and valve cover
`edge and is positioned on the first side of the center plane 35 have been omitted from the view ; the view shows a first
`and a second V - shaped groove is partially defined by the
`section of the retaining groove extending between the tran
`second curved edge and positioned on the second side of the
`sition area of the plunger bore and the transition area of the
`center plane . An inlet spring retainer includes a first engage -
`valve cover bore .
`ment portion and a second engagement portion , the inlet
`FIG . 4B is an isometric sectional view of the fluid end
`spring retainer orientable in a first orientation in which the 40 shown in FIG . 1 , wherein the spring retainer and valve cover
`inlet spring retainer is movable from the inlet bore to the
`have been omitted from the view ; the view shows a second
`plunger bore and a second orientation in which the inlet
`section of the retaining groove , radially opposite the first
`spring retainer engages the first curved edge and the second
`section of the retaining groove , extending between the
`curved edge to inhibit movement of the inlet spring retainer
`transition area of the plunger bore and the transition area of
`from the inlet bore to the plunger bore .
`45 the valve cover bore .
`In another construction , a fluid end of a plunger pump
`FIGS . 4C is and 4D are blow ups of the details of FIGS .
`includes a casing defining a plurality of working spaces .
`4A and 4B respectively ; the detail shows that the retaining
`Each of the working spaces includes an inlet bore centered
`groove has a first surface angled in a first direction , a second
`on an inlet bore axis , an outlet bore centered on an outlet
`surface angled in a second different direction and a rounded
`bore axis that is coaxial with the inlet bore axis , a plunger 50 transition area joining the first surface to the second surface
`bore centered on a plunger axis , the plunger axis arranged
`at a base of the groove ; opposite the base of the groove is an
`perpendicular to the inlet bore axis , and a valve cover bore
`open side .
`centered on the plunger axis . The inlet bore , the outlet bore ,
`FIG . 5 is a sectional view of the fluid end shown in FIG .
`the plunger bore , and the valve cover bore cooperating to
`1 , wherein the spring retainer and valve cover have been
`define a cross bore intersection space , wherein the casing 55 omitted ; the view shows the retainer groove first section and
`defines an inlet bore transition area at the intersection of the
`second section wherein the plunger bore has a transition area
`inlet bore and the cross bore intersection space . A
`first
`which is between a first end of the first section and a second
`V - shaped groove is formed adjacent the inlet bore transition
`end of the second section thereby providing a break , gap or
`area and extends partially around the inlet bore axis and a
`discontinuity between the retaining groove first section and
`second V - shaped groove is formed adjacent the inlet bore 60 the retaining groove second section ; the gap is between the
`transition area and extends partially around the inlet bore
`first and second section first ends .
`axis . An inlet spring retainer includes a first engagement
`FIG . 6 is a sectional view of the fluid end shown in FIG .
`portion and a second engagement portion . The inlet spring
`5 wherein the spring retainer and valve cover have been
`retainer is orientable in a first orientation in which the inlet
`omitted ; the view shows the retainer groove first section and
`spring retainer is movable from the inlet bore to the plunger 65 second section wherein the valve cover bore has a transition
`bore and a second orientation in which the inlet spring
`area which is between the first section and the second section
`retainer engages the first V - shaped groove and the second
`thereby providing a break , gap or discontinuity between the
`
`Page 13 of 18
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`

`US 9 , 732 , 746 B2
`
`bore 34a and overlaps a valve cover bore transition area 78 .
`retaining groove first section and the retaining groove sec
`The valve cover transition area 78 is between a second end
`ond section ; the gap is between the first and second section
`of first groove section 86 and a second end of a second
`second ends .
`section 90 . The valve cover bore transition area 78 is
`FIGS . 7A through 7H show various views of the spring
`5 coplanar with the second ends of the first and second groove
`retainer shown in FIG . 1 ; FIG . 7A is a top view ; FIG . 7B is
`sections 86 , 90 . The valve cover bore transition area 78 is
`a right - sided isometric view ; FIG . 7C is a right - sided view ;
`also coplanar with groove 22 . The valve cover is thus in the
`FIG . 7D is a left - sided view ; FIG . 7E is a front - side view ;
`path of rotation of the retainer 20 . The cover provides an
`FIG . 7F is a back - side view ; FIG . 7G is a bottom view ; and
`abutment to prevent 360 degree rotation of the spring
`FIG . 7H is a left - side isometric view .
`FIG . 8 is an isometric sectional view of the fluid end 10 retainer in either the clockwise or counter clockwise direc
`shown in FIG . 4A wherein the spring retainer is aligned so
`tion .
`that a first retainer portion is disposed between the first ends
`The configuration of the groove 22 and the retainer 20
`of the first and second groove sections ; a second retainer
`further prevent the retainer 20 from moving in a first
`portion is disposed between the second ends of the first and
`direction 62 along the long axis 64 of the suction bore 36
`second groove sections ; the first retainer portion is seating 15 towards the discharge bore 46 . The configuration of the
`against the plunger bore transition area ; the second retainer
`groove 22 and the retainer 20 further prevent the retainer 20
`portion is seating against the valve cover bore transition
`from moving in a second direction 66 along the long axis 68
`area ; the valve cover is not present ; the retainer spring is
`of the discharge bore 46 towards the suction valve 40 . This
`further ensures that the end portions 58a , 60a of the retainer
`compressed .
`FIG . 9 is a cutaway isometric sectional view of the fluid 20 20 and all other portions of the retainer 20 remain outside of
`the pathway of the plunger 24 so that the plunger 24 does not
`end shown in FIG . 8 wherein the spring coupled to the spring
`retainer and valve is compressed ; the valve is in the closed
`contact the retainer 20 during its reciprocation . Therefore ,
`position ; the spring has been rotated to an installed position
`the configuration of the groove 22 and the configuration of
`where the retainer ' s long axis is perpendicular to the plunger
`the portions of the retainer 20 in the groove 22 cooperate
`25 such that the retainer 20 will not slip out of the groove 22 .
`bore axis .
`The retainer will not slip out of the groove 22 in the direction
`62 of the discharge valve 48 along the long axis 64 of the
`DETAILED DISCLOSURE
`suction bore . It will also not slip out of the groove in the
`direction 66 along discharge bore long axis 68 towards the
`While embodiments of this invention can take many
`30 suction bore valve 40 . The discharge bore long axis extends
`different forms , specific embodiments thereof are shown in
`along the length of the discharge bore . The suction bore long
`the drawings and will be described herein in detail with the
`axis extends along the length of the suction bore .
`understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered
`The valve cover bore , suction bore , discharge bore , and
`as an exemplification of the principles of the invention , and
`plunger bore each have an opening , 346 , 36a , 46a and 32a
`is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodi -
`35 which opens into the cross - bore intersection 44 . The valve
`ment illustrated .
`cover bore transition area 78 is at the valve cover bore
`With reference to FIGS . 1 , 2 and 3 , the general operation
`opening 34b . The plunger bore transition area 70 is at the
`of the high pressure pump and the function of the retainer
`plunger bore opening 32a . The suction bore axis 64 extends
`ring 20 and groove 22 can be understood . The retainer ring
`through the opening of the discharge bore opening 46a . The
`can also be called a spring retainer 20 . The plunger 24 shown
`in FIG . 3 reciprocates in a first direction 26 and an opposite 40 discharge bore axis 68 extends though the opening 36a of
`second direction 28 along the long axis 30 of the plunger
`the suction bore . The valve cover bore central axis 340
`bore 32 . The long axis extends along the length of the
`extends through opening 32a in the plunger bore . The
`plunger bore . As the plunger 24 reciprocates in the first
`plunger bore axis 30 extends through opening 34b of the
`direction 26 away from the valve cover 34 , fluid is sucked
`valve cover bore .
`into suction bore 36 through a fluid inlet 38 . Suction valve 45
`Referring to FIGS . 1 - 3 and 8 and 9 we can understand the
`40 , normally in the closed position , moves off its valve seat
`ease with which the spring retainer 20 can be installed in the
`42 towards the spring retainer 20 . Fluid then passes over the
`retaining groove 22 . To place the spring retainer in the
`spring retainer into the cross bore intersection 44 . The
`installed position , the suction valve 40 and valve seat 42 are
`plunger 24 then reciprocates in the opposite second direction
`installed in the suction bore 36 . The valve cover 34 is not yet
`28 along the plunger bore long axis 30 toward the valve 50 installed . The plunger 24 is not in the cross bore intersection
`cover 34 . The reciprocation causes the fluid to exit the fluid
`44 or overlapping the plunger bore transition area 70 . Spring
`end 54 through discharge bore 46 . The fluid exits the
`72 is disposed so that one end 72a of the spring is seated on
`discharge bore by pushing discharge valve 48 off its valve
`the valve 40 . It is seated around the valve boss 74 . The
`seat 50 and exiting the discharge bore through a fluid outlet
`portion of the valve which supports the spring can be called
`52 . As the plunger 24 reciprocates , fluid is drawn into the 55 a spring support . The spring retainer 20 is oriented to be
`fluid end 54 and ejected from the fluid end 54 . As can be
`placed in a first position . The first position can be called a
`seen the fluid end is a single monoblock piece machined
`drop in position or pre - installed position . To place the spring
`from a single casting or forging .
`retainer in the first position , first retainer portion 58 of the
`The forces of the fluid may cause the spring retainer 20 to
`spring retainer is aligned with the plunger bore transition 70
`rotate about the retainer central axis 56 . The central axis can 60 area so it overlaps the transition area . Simultaneously with
`also be called a third axis of the spring retainer . The retainer ,
`aligning the first portion with the plunger bore transition
`however , is prevented by the valve cover 34 from rotating in
`area , second spring retainer portion 60 is aligned with the
`a manner which enables the first end portion 58a of the first
`valve cover bore transition area 78 so it overlaps the
`retainer portion 58 or the first end portion 60a of the second
`transition area . Simultaneously with the alignment of the
`retainer portion 60 to be in a position such that the plunger 65 first portion with the plunger bore transition area and the
`will contact these end portions or any oth