(12) United States Patent
`Vicars
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 8,998,593 B2
`Apr. 7, 2015
`
`US008998593B2
`
`(54)
`54) FLUID END ASSEMBLY
`
`(75) Inventor: Berton L. Vicars, Ruidoso, NM (US)
`(73) Assignee: J-Mac Tool, Inc., Fort Worth, TX (US)
`(*) Notice:
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 699 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 12/6S9,084
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Feb. 24, 2010
`
`(65)
`
`O
`O
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2011 FO2O6546A1
`Aug. 25, 2011
`
`(51) Int. C.
`F04B 39/10
`(2006.01)
`t 49
`3.08:
`F04B 53/22
`(2006.015
`F04B 53/00
`(2006.01)
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`CPC .................................... F04B 53/007 (2013.01)
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`USPC .................................. 417/559, 568,571. 454
`See application file for complete search history.
`References Cited
`
`(56)
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`ck
`5.83 A ck
`E. Whitman et al. ............ of.
`3.276,390 A * 10, 1966 Safetal." . 92.61
`3,373,695 A * 3/1968 Yohpe ..................
`417.569
`3.427,988 A * 2/1969 Schmieman et al.
`417.569
`39: A :
`4. 1929 Both al .
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`3.d 3.
`.
`3.801356 A *
`6, 1975 R al. . . .
`417/437
`4456,440 A * 6/1984 Korner. 417/540.
`4,508,133. A * 4, 1985 Hamid ...
`... 137/68.22
`4,520,837 A * 6/1985 Cole et al. .
`... 137/68.23
`
`
`
`4- - -
`
`aSO .
`
`4,527,961 A * 7/1985 Redwine et al. .............. 417/454
`4,758,135 A * 7/1988 Woodward et al.
`... 417/559
`4,768,933 A * 9/1988 Stachowiak .......
`... 417/454
`4,771,801 A * 9/1988 Crump et al. ......
`137/68.26
`4,861,241 A * 8/1989 Gamboa et al. ...
`... 417/454
`4,878,815. A * 1 1/1989 Stachowiak .................... 417.63
`4,940,261 A * 7/1990 Somers Vine ..
`... 285/112
`5,073,096 A * 12/1991 King et al. .....
`... 417/454
`35 A : 38 E.
`3.23.
`5,362.215 A * 1 1/1994 King .......
`... 417/455
`5,605,449 A * 2/1997 Reed ...........
`... 417/454
`5,636.975 A * 6/1997 Tiffany et al. ................. 417/454
`6,382,940 B1
`5, 2002 Blume
`417.559
`6,544,012 B1 * 4/2003 Blume
`... 417/559
`6,623,259 B1* 9/2003 Blume ...
`... 417,571
`6,910,871 B1* 6/2005 Blume ...
`... 417/454
`7,186,097 B1 * 3/2007 Blume ...
`7,341,435 B2 * 3/2008 Vicars ........................... 417/360
`2003/0202892 A1* 10/2003 Aly Abdel El Rahman Orfi
`et al. ............................. 417/415
`(Continued)
`Primary Examiner — Alexander Comley
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — James E. Walton
`57
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A fluid end assembly including a pump housing with a num
`ber of interior passages for the flow of fluids. The housing has
`a plungerbore with a closed inner end and an open outer end.
`A Suction passage intersects the plunger bore. A discharge
`passage intersects both the plunger bore and the Suction pas
`Sage such that the discharge passage, the Suction passage, and
`the plunger bore radiate outwardly from their point of inter
`section to define a shape resembling a “Y”. A connector
`passage branches from the discharge passage. An outlet pas
`sage intersects the connector passage and passes through the
`pump housing at right angles to the plunger bore. A recipro
`cating plunger is located in the plunger bore. A Suction valve
`is located in the Suction passage. A discharge valve is located
`in the discharge passage. A fluid Supply manifold is pivotally
`secured to the housing and is in fluid communication with the
`Suction passage.
`16 Claims, 10 Drawing Sheets
`
`Vulcan
`Ex. 1028
`Page 1 of 21
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`

`

`US 8,998,593 B2
`Page 2
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`2003/0235508 A1*
`2004/017.0507 A1*
`2004/0234404 A1*
`2005/02O1881 A1*
`
`12/2003 Vicars ........................... 417/360
`9, 2004 Vicars ..
`417/360
`1 1/2004 Vicars ........................... 417 571
`9/2005 Jensen et al. .................. 417/529
`
`2005/02496.15 A1*
`2005/0276708 A1*
`2006, OOO280.6 A1*
`2008/O1382.24 A1*
`2010/O135833 A1*
`
`11/2005
`12, 2005
`1, 2006
`6, 2008
`6, 2010
`
`
`
`Jezek ............................ 417/415
`Miller ......
`... 417/437
`Baxter et al. .................. 417/539
`Vicars ........................... 417/545
`Schwegman .................. 417/454
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Vulcan
`Ex. 1028
`Page 2 of 21
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 7, 2015
`Apr. 7, 2015
`
`Sheet 1 of 10
`Sheet 1 of 10
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`US 8,998,593 B2
`US 8,998,593 B2
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`
`
`
`
`FIG. 2C
`FG. 2C
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`FIG. 2D
`FIG. 2D
`
`FIG. 2A
`FIG. 2A
`
`FIG. 2B
`FIG. 2B
`
`FIG. 1
`FIG. 1
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`Ex. 1028
`Page 3 of 21
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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 7, 2015
`Apr. 7, 2015
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`Sheet 2 of 10
`Sheet 2 of 10
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`US 8,998,593 B2
`US 8,998,593 B2
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`Ex. 1028
`Page 4 of 21
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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 7, 2015
`Apr. 7, 2015
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`Sheet 3 of 10
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`Vulcan
`Ex. 1028
`Page 5 of 21
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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 7, 2015
`Apr. 7, 2015
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`Sheet 4 of 10
`Sheet 4 of 10
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`US 8,998,593 B2
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`Vulcan
`Ex. 1028
`Page 6 of 21
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`U.S. Patent
`13.S.V*
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`Apr. 7, 2015
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`Vulcan
`Ex. 1028
`Page 7 of 21
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 7, 2015
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`Sheet 6 of 10
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`US 8,998,593 B2
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`
`
`FIG. 4C
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`FIG. 4D
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`Vulcan
`Ex. 1028
`Page 8 of 21
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 7, 2015
`Apr. 7, 2015
`
`Sheet 7 of 10
`Sheet 7 of 10
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`US 8,998,593 B2
`US 8,998,593 B2
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`Vulcan
`Ex. 1028
`Page 9 of 21
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 7, 2015
`Apr. 7, 2015
`
`Sheet 8 of 10
`Sheet 8 of 10
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`US 8,998,593 B2
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`Vulcan
`Ex. 1028
`Page 10 of 21
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 7, 2015
`Apr. 7, 2015
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`Sheet 9 of 10
`Sheet 9 of 10
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`US 8,998,593 B2
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`Vulcan
`Ex. 1028
`Page 11 of 21
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 7, 2015
`
`Sheet 10 of 10
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`US 8,998,593 B2
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`Vulcan
`Ex. 1028
`Page 12 of 21
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`

`

`US 8,998,593 B2
`
`1.
`FLUID ENDASSEMBLY
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The invention relates generally to pumps having pumping 5
`chamber pressure-responsive fluid distributors and, more par
`ticularly, to Such pumps having distributors positioned oppo
`site the end face of a pumping member.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`10
`
`It is difficult to economically produce hydrocarbons from
`low permeability reservoir rocks. Oil and gas production rates
`are often boosted by hydraulic fracturing, a technique that
`increases rock permeability by opening channels through 15
`which hydrocarbons can flow to recovery wells. During
`hydraulic fracturing, a fluid is pumped into the earth under
`high pressure (sometimes as high as 50,000 PSI) where it
`enters a reservoir rock and cracks or fractures it. Large quan
`tities of proppants are carried in Suspension by the fluid into 20
`the fractures. When the pressure is released, the fractures
`partially close on the proppants, leaving channels for oil and
`gas to flow.
`Specialized pumps are used to deliver fracture fluids at
`Sufficiently high rates and pressures to complete a hydraulic 25
`fracturing procedure or “frac job.” These pumps are usually
`provided with fluid ends having both reciprocating plungers
`that place fluids under pressure and valves that control fluid
`flow to and from the plungers. Fluid ends have many parts that
`are releasably fastened to one another so that they can be 30
`easily repaired or replaced. It is the connections between the
`parts and the supporting features for the valves that tend to
`weaken a fluid end, limiting its pressure rating, and making it
`Susceptible to corrosion, leaks, and cracks under high, cycli
`cal stresses. Thus, fluid ends sometimes fail under load pre- 35
`maturely.
`In an effort to increase pressure ratings and decrease failure
`rates, “Y-type fluid ends have been proposed by oilfield
`pump manufacturers. Y-type fluid ends reduce concentrated
`stresses in the body of a fluid end by increasing the angles at 40
`which the principal flow channels within the body intersect
`one another to about 120°, reducing cyclical loading. Few of
`the proposed Y-type designs have seen widespread use or
`commercial Success since they have been difficult and costly
`to make and equally difficult to service in the field. A con- 45
`tinuing need, therefore, exists for a strong and reasonably
`priced, Y-type fluid end that delivers fracture fluids to reser
`Voir rocks at very high rates and pressures.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`50
`
`In light of the problems associated with the known fluid
`ends used in high-pressure pumps that are prone to fatigue
`failures, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a
`fluid end assembly having a Y-type configuration that is 55
`extremely durable and has a long working life. Worn parts of
`my fluid end assembly can easily be replaced.
`It is another object of the invention to provide a fluid end
`assembly of the type described that is relatively compact in
`size and is easy to lift.
`It is a further object of the invention to provide a Y-type
`fluid end assembly whose internal passageways for fluid flow
`have short lengths, minimizing pressure losses as fluid moves
`through the assembly. The passageways are also configured to
`further reduce pressure losses and vibrations. For example, 65
`the outlet passages of many fluid ends direct pumped fluids
`through one or more discharge valves whereas my outlet
`
`60
`
`2
`passage is positioned to the side of the discharge valve so as
`not to interfere with the operation of the discharge valve.
`Therefore, my fluid end assembly is more efficient and
`Smooth-running than the known designs.
`Still another object of the invention is to provide a fluid end
`assembly that features new, turbulence-reducing Suction and
`discharge valves. The valves reduce pressure losses as fluids
`move through the fluid end assembly thereby increasing the
`operational efficiency of the fluid end assembly. The valves
`are configured such that they can be accessed through pas
`sages opening to the exterior of the fluid end assembly for
`easy repair and replacement, conserving a user's time and
`resources. It is another object of the invention to provide a
`fluid end assembly of the type described with a suction valve
`positioned above a discharge valve so that fluid flow through
`the fluid end is generally downward. The hydrostatic head of
`the pumped fluid in the assembly minimizes the likelihood of
`cavitation as the plunger reciprocates and, also, causes the
`fluid end to operate with little vibration. Further, positioning
`the discharge valve in a Subordinate location permits the
`assembly to be cleared of fluid with a few strokes of the
`plunger and avoids the risk of cracking the housing of the
`assembly should any fluid trapped inside the assembly freeze.
`If desired, my fluid end assembly can be inverted to operate
`with the discharge valve located above the suction valve.
`It is an additional object of the invention to provide a fluid
`end assembly that features a novel plunger assembly that can
`be quickly replaced in the event that it becomes worn.
`It is an object of the invention to provide improved ele
`ments and arrangements thereof in a fluid end assembly for
`the purposes described which is relatively lightweight in con
`struction, inexpensive to manufacture, and fully dependable
`in use.
`It is a further object of the invention to provide a fluid end
`assembly featuring a hinge for the attachment of a Suction
`manifold. The hinge permits access to the interior of the fluid
`end and retains the manifold in a position for ready reattach
`ment. Reattachment is made by means of VICTAULIC
`clamps.
`Briefly, my fluid end assembly achieves the intended
`objects by featuring a pump housing with a number of interior
`passages for the flow of fluids. A plunger bore, a Suction
`passage and a discharge passage intersect one another and are
`arranged in the form of a “Y”. A connector passage branches
`from the discharge passage. An outlet passage intersects the
`connector passage and passes through the pump housing. A
`reciprocating plunger is located in the plungerbore. A Suction
`valve is located in the Suction passage. A discharge valve is
`located in the discharge passage. A fluid Supply manifold is
`pivotally secured to the housing and is in fluid communica
`tion with the Suction passage. Reciprocating the plunger in
`the plunger bore draws fluid from the manifold and delivers it
`to the outlet passage with the Suction and discharge valves
`ensuring that pumped fluid does not back up in the housing.
`The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages
`of my fluid end assembly will become readily apparent upon
`further review of the following detailed description of the
`preferred embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying
`drawings.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`My fluid end assembly is more readily understood with
`reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
`FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the relative positions of
`the four drawing sheets carrying FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D.
`
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`3
`FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the left portion of a first
`embodiment of my fluid end assembly.
`FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the central portion of
`the first embodiment of my fluid end assembly.
`FIG.2C is a cross-sectional view of the upper, right portion 5
`of the first embodiment of my fluid end assembly.
`FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional view of the lower right portion
`of the first embodiment of my fluid end assembly.
`FIG.3 is a schematic view showing the relative positions of
`the four drawing sheets carrying FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D. 10
`FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the left portion of a
`second embodiment of my fluid end assembly.
`FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the central portion of
`the second embodiment of my fluid end assembly.
`FIG.4C is a cross-sectional view of the upper, right portion 15
`of the second embodiment of my fluid end assembly.
`FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view of the lower right portion
`of the second embodiment of my fluid end assembly.
`Similar reference characters denote corresponding fea
`tures consistently throughout the accompanying drawings.
`
`20
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
`
`Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, a first 25
`embodiment of my fluid end assembly is shown at 10. Fluid
`end assembly 10 includes a pump housing 12 having a
`plunger bore 14 within which a plunger 16 reciprocates. At its
`inner end, plunger bore 14 terminates in a pumping chamber
`18 that is supplied with fluid from above by a suction passage 30
`20 in pump housing 12. Fluid pressurized by plunger 16 exits
`pumping chamber 18 downwardly through a discharge pas
`sage 22 in pump housing 12. A Suction valve 24 in Suction
`passage 20 establishes the one-way flow of fluid from a sup
`ply manifold 28 into pumping chamber 18. A discharge valve 35
`26 in discharge passage 22 sets up the one-way flow of fluid
`from pumping chamber 18 into an outlet passage 30 for
`release from fluid end assembly 10.
`Pump housing 12 is a steel block of suitable size and shape.
`To lower its weight and increase its strength, housing 12 is 40
`provided with a plunger section 32 of reduced height that
`contains the outer end of plunger bore 14 and is adapted for
`attachment to the power end of a high-pressure pump 34 by a
`number of stay rods 36. A suction section 38, containing
`Suction passage 20, is integrally formed with plunger section 45
`32 and extends forwardly and upwardly from plunger section
`32. Similarly, a discharge section 40, containing discharge
`passage 22, is integrally formed with plunger section 32 and
`suction section 38 and extends forwardly and downwardly
`from plunger section 32. Suction and discharge sections 38 50
`and 40 generally taper from their inner ends to their outer
`ends.
`Plunger bore 14 is provided within pump housing 12 along
`a centerline A. At its outer end, plunger bore 14 is widened
`and partly threaded at 42 to receive a compressible, packing 55
`unit 44 and a rotatable gland nut 46 that provide a fluid-tight
`seal around plunger 16. A number of radial apertures 45 in the
`gland nut 46 permit gland nut to be easily grasped by a
`spanner wrench (not shown) and Screwed into plunger bore
`14. A lubricating port 48 in plunger section 32 permits a 60
`lubricating oil to flow under the influence of gravity to
`plunger 16 at a point between packing unit 44 and gland nut
`46 so that plunger 16 can be reciprocated without binding.
`Suction passage 20 intersects the top of pumping chamber
`18 and has a centerline B. Centerline B is coplanar with 65
`centerline A and intersects centerline A at a reference point Z
`in pumping chamber 18 to define a first obtuse angle C.
`
`US 8,998,593 B2
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`4
`Suction passage 20 extends from the bottom to the top of
`suction section 38. Suction passage 20 has a bottom part 20a
`of relatively small diameter and a helically threaded, top part
`20b of large diameter, with each of parts 20a and 20b mea
`Suring about half of the length of Suction passage 20. The top
`of part 20a forms a deck 50 upon which a suction valve seat
`and guide assembly 52, being a feature of Suction valve 24,
`rests. The innermost portion of deck 50, located closest to
`centerline B, is oriented at right angles to centerline B for
`optimally transferring forces from valve seat and guide
`assembly 52 to pump housing 12 so as to reduce the likeli
`hood of fatigue-induced cracks forming in housing 12 at this
`location.
`Discharge passage 22 intersects the bottom of pumping
`chamber 18 and has a third centerline C. Centerline C is
`coplanar with centerlines A and B that it intersects at refer
`ence point Z where there is a second obtuse anglew formed
`between centerlines A and C. Additionally, discharge passage
`22 has a top part 22a of relatively small diameter and a
`helically threaded, bottom part 22b of large diameter. The
`bottom of part 22a forms a deck 54 upon which a discharge
`valve seat 56, being a feature of discharge valve 26, rests. The
`portion of deck 54 closest to centerline C is oriented at right
`angles to centerline C for optimally transferring forces from
`valve seat 56 to pump housing 12 in a manner that reduces the
`likelihood offatigue-induced cracks forming in housing 12 at
`this location.
`Reference point Z is placed on centerline A at a location
`that facilitates the movement of fluid from suction passage 20
`into pumping chamber 18 and from pumping chamber 18 into
`discharge passage 22 as plunger 16 reciprocates from its
`innermost point of travel to the right of point Z in FIG. 2D to
`its outermost point of travel to the left of point Z in FIG. 2D.
`(At its innermost point of travel, illustrated in FIG. 2D,
`plunger 16 has passed point Z to move into both Suction
`passage 20 and discharge passage 22. Suction valve piston 58
`is provided with a concave cross section to avoid contact with
`plunger 16 and so is discharge valve seat 56.) Obtuse angle C.
`measuring about 120°, is somewhat less than obtuse angle W.
`measuring about 125°, to accommodate outlet passage 30 in
`discharge section 40. The resulting Y-shaped configuration
`offered by the intersections of plunger bore 14, suction pas
`sage 20, discharge passage 22 and their associated centerlines
`A, B and C reduces stresses within pump housing 12 during
`the use of fluid end assembly 10 to minimize the likelihood of
`pump housing 12 cracking over time and maximize the Ser
`vice life of assembly 10.
`Outlet passage 30 passes through discharge section 40,
`extending from one end of discharge section to the other. A
`connector passage 60 intersects outlet passage 30 at right
`angles to place discharge passage 22 in fluid communication
`with outlet passage 30. To either end, or both ends, of dis
`charge section 40 is connected one or more conduits (not
`shown) for carrying 20 pressurized fluid away from outlet
`passage 30 and fluid end assembly 10. This pressurized fluid
`is used in oilfield applications to fracture Subterranean rock
`formations. Placing outlet passage 30 away from discharge
`valve 26 limits the transverse or lateral flow of fluid through
`the discharge valve 26, especially in fluid end assemblies
`constructed with multiple, parallel sets of plungers 16 and
`valves 24 and 26. Discharge valve 26, therefore, runs without
`interference from turbulent flow through outlet passage 30
`thereby resulting in a smoother-running and more efficient
`fluid end assembly 10.
`Supply manifold 28 includes a tubular body 62 whose
`opposite ends are connected to a fluid Source when assembly
`10 is operated. A tubular connector 64 extends downwardly
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`from tubular body 62 to engage the open top of valve retainer
`66 of suction valve 24. The bottom of connector 64 is pro
`vided with a peripheral slot 68 and the top of valve retainer 66
`is provided with a similar, peripheral slot 70. Slots 68 and 70
`accommodate a VICTAULIC coupling body 72 of well
`known construction for the quick and easy connection of
`valve retainer 66 to manifold 28. Within body 72 is positioned
`aVICTAULIC rubber seal 74 to prevent fluid leaks from body
`72.
`To permit the easy servicing of suction valve 24 without the
`need to fully disengage manifold 28 from assembly 10, one or
`more hinges 76 join manifold 28 to pump housing 12. Each
`hinge 76 has a mounting bracket 78 secured by one or more
`threaded fasteners (not shown) to pump housing 12. Mount
`ing bracket 78 has a transverse aperture 80 that accommo
`dates a hinge pin 82. The inner end of a Swing arm 84 is
`pivotally attached by hinge pin 82 to mounting bracket 78.
`The outer end of Swing arm 84 is affixed to tubular body 62.
`When VICTAULIC coupling body 72 is removed from
`assembly 10, manifold 28 is free to pivot 90° on hinge 76 to
`the broken line position seen in FIG. 2B.
`Supply manifold 28 can be locked in a pivoted position to
`permit suction valve 24 to be easily serviced. To this end, a
`second transverse aperture 86 is provided in mounting
`bracket 78 adjacent first transverse aperture 80 and a third
`transverse aperture 88, positioned for registration with sec
`ond aperture 86 when manifold 28 is in a pivoted position, is
`provided in Swing arm 84. Locking manifold 28 in the pivoted
`position is afforded by extending a locking pin 90 through
`registered apertures 86 and 88.
`Mounting bracket 78 is provided in the form of a loop or
`ring to serve as a lifting eye for fluid end assembly 10. By
`grasping bracket 78 with suitable lifting hook or chain,
`assembly 10 can be elevated while mounted upon power end
`34 or not. Thus, assembly 10 can be safely and easily trans
`ported from place to place.
`Suction valve 24 is described fully in my co-pending patent
`application, Ser. No. 12/453,461, filed in the U.S. Patent and
`Trademark Office on May 12, 2009, and incorporated for all
`purposes herein. By way of review, however, valve 24
`includes valve seat and guide assembly 52 tightly fitted into
`the bottom part 20a of suction passage 20. A piston 58 moves
`within assembly 52 to control the flow of fluid through suc
`tion passage 20. Piston 58 has a head 92 for engaging the seat
`portion 52a of assembly 52 and a stem 94 extending upwardly
`from head 92 through the guide portion 52b of assembly 52.
`A valve keeper 96 is fitted upon the top of stem 94 and is
`retained there by a split ring 98. A compressed spring 100 is
`positioned between guide portion 52b and keeper 96 for nor
`mally retaining head 92 in engagement with seat portion 52a
`so as to prevent fluid flow through passage 20. Externally,
`helically threaded, valve retainer 66 is screwed into top part
`20b of suction passage 20 to retain the balance of valve 24
`within pump housing 12 and provide for the attachment of
`valve 24 to manifold 28. Valve retainer 66 has a tapered inner
`passageway 102 with a small-diameter, orifice portion 104
`that serves to maintain a fluid velocity through fluid end
`assembly 10 that is sufficient to prevent proppant particles
`carried by a pumped fluid from dropping from Suspension and
`blocking suction valve 24. Of course, the relatively large,
`outer diameter of valve retainer 66 permits valve seat and
`guide assembly 52, piston 58, spring 100, etc., to be accessed
`from the exterior of pump housing 12 (once manifold 28 is
`pivoted out of the way and retainer 66 is disengaged from
`housing 12) making the servicing of Suction valve 24 a
`breeze.
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`40
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`45
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`Pump housing 12 is substantially strengthened by helically
`threading the entirety of the top part 20b of Suction passage
`20. The coextensive threads on the exterior of valve retainer
`66 distribute pressure loads evenly to the pump housing 12
`thereby inhibiting the formation of cracks in the pump hous
`ing 12 at the bottom of top part 20b adjacent seat deck 50
`caused by cyclical loading of fluid end assembly 10.
`Discharge valve 26 is described fully in my co-pending
`patent application, Ser. No. 12/453,452, filed in the U.S.
`Patent and Trademark Office on May 12, 2009, and incorpo
`rated for all purposes herein. Discharge valve 26 includes
`valve seat 56 positioned in top part 22a of discharge passage
`22 and a reciprocating piston 106 for controlling the flow of
`fluid through passage 22. Piston 106 has a head portion 108
`for engaging valve seat 56 and a hollow, stem portion 110
`extending downwardly from head portion 108. A valve guide
`112 is positioned below piston 106 in passage 22 and has a
`guide rod 114 that projects upwardly into a longitudinal
`socket 116 provided in stem portion 110 where it is slidably
`received. A number of radial apertures 118 penetrate the
`bottom of stem portion 110 to equalize the pressures in pas
`sage 22 and Socket 116. A compressed spring 120 is disposed
`between the valve guide 112 and head portion 108 to nor
`mally press head portion 108 into engagement with seat 56. A
`valve retainer 122 is screwed into the bottom part 22b of
`passage 22 to retain valve 26 within pump housing 12.
`Plunger assembly 124 is fully described in my co-pending
`patent application, Ser. No. 12/588,269, filed in the U.S.
`Patent and Trademark Office on Oct. 9, 2009, and incorpo
`rated for all purposes herein. Plunger assembly 124 includes
`a pony rod adapter 126, plunger 16 releasably attached to
`pony rod adapter 126, and a pony rod 128 being releasably
`attached to pony rod adapter 126.
`Pony rod adapter 126 has a first cylindrical body 130 and a
`number of apertures 132 penetrating first cylindrical body
`130 for engagement by a first spanner wrench (not shown). A
`first helically threaded pin 134 is affixed to first cylindrical
`body 130 and projects from one of its ends. A second helically
`threaded pin 136 is affixed to first cylindrical body 130 and
`projects from the other of its ends.
`Plunger 16 has a second cylindrical body 138 for recipro
`cating within a pumping chamber 18. Second cylindrical
`body 138 has a first outer end with a first helically threaded
`bore 140 for threadably receiving first helically threaded pin
`134. Second cylindrical body 138 also has a first inner end
`with a socket 142 useful for supporting for body 138 at the
`time of its manufacture. A number of radial holes 174 are
`provided around the outer end of plunger 16 for engagement
`by a second spanner wrench (not shown). In use, with the first
`spanner wrench engaged with pony rod adapter 126, the sec
`ond spanner wrench grasps plunger 16 and applies the torque
`needed to unscrew plunger 16 from pony rod adapter 126.
`Pony rod 128 has a third cylindrical body 144 for recipro
`cating into, and out of power end 34. Third cylindrical body
`144 has a second inner end with a second helically threaded
`bore 146 for threadably receiving second helically threaded
`pin 136. Third cylindrical body 144 also has a second outer
`end. A peripheral flange 148 is affixed to, and extends out
`wardly from, the second outer end. Peripheral flange 148 is
`provided with a number of holes 150 through which an equal
`number of threaded fasteners (not shown) are extended for
`connecting pony rod 128 to the reciprocating components of
`the power end 34.
`Fluid end assembly 10 pressurizes fluid by means of the
`reciprocating action of plunger 16. Valves 24 and 26 permit
`fluid pressurized by plunger 16 to move only in one direction
`from manifold 28 to outlet passage 30. The Y-shaped configu
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`US 8,998,593 B2
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`ration of bore 14 and passages 20 and 22 in addition to the
`thick, tapered walls provided to plunger section 32, Suction
`section 38, and discharge section 40 provide pump housing
`12 with a construction that is robust and not prone to fail under
`the cyclical loading developed by plunger 16. Should plunger
`16, valves 24 and 26, packing unit 44, gland nut 46, or plunger
`assembly 124 ever require servicing, they are easy to repair or
`replace with ordinary tools and without major disassembly of
`the fluid end assembly 10.
`Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4 of the drawings, a second
`embodiment of my fluid end assembly is shown at 410. Fluid
`end assembly 410 is substantially the same as fluid end
`assembly 10 except that a Suction valve 424 and a discharge
`valve 426, and the passages 420 and 422 for the valves 424
`and 426, have been modified somewhat. These modifications
`are believed to further strengthen valves 424 and 424 and fluid
`end assembly 410.
`Fluid end assembly 410 includes a pump housing 412
`having a plunger bore 414 within which a plunger 416 recip
`rocates. At its inner end, plunger bore 414 terminates in a
`pumping chamber 418 that is supplied with fluid by a suction
`passage 420 in pump housing 412. Fluid pressurized by
`plunger 416 exits pumping chamber 418 through a discharge
`passage 422 in pump housing 412 located opposite Suction
`passage 420. A Suction valve 424 in Suction passage 420
`permits the one-way flow of fluid from a supply manifold 428
`to pumping chamber 418. A discharge valve 426 in discharge
`passage 422 allows that one-way flow of fluid from chamber
`418 into an outlet passage 430 for release from assembly 410.
`Pump housing 412 is a steel forging. Housing 412 has a
`plunger section 432 that contains the outer end of plunger
`bore 414 and is adapted for attachment to the power end of a
`high-pressure pump 434 by a number of stay rods 436. A
`Suction section 438, containing Suction passage 420, is inte
`35
`grally formed with plunger section 432 and extends forwardly
`and upwardly from plunger section 432. Similarly, a dis
`charge section 440, containing discharge passage 422, is inte
`grally formed with plunger section 432 and Suction section
`438 and extends forwardly and downwardly from plunger
`section 432. Suction and discharge sections 438 and 440 taper
`f