Abstract: A reciprocating plunger pump fluid end having increased material thicknesses in typical high stress concentration areas includes locating valves in spherically segmented shaped suction and discharge bores adjacent to chamfered transition areas to provide for reduced stress concentrations, resistance to fatigue failure and erosion and ease of access for maintenance. Among other features the housing includes a valve retainer assembly integrally mounted inside the housing which includes a profile to reduce stresses in the bores and facilitate access for replacement of internal components.

Abstract: A thrust bearing having a radial taper in its top (land) surface provides improved load distribution when used in high-pressure positive displacement swashplate piston pumps. The thrust bearing includes a plurality of grooves in its land surface which carry and distribute fluid on the top surface during operation of the pump. The fluid is distributed so as to form a hydrodynamic fluid buffer between the thrust bearing and an adjacent pump cam surface, so that the thickness of the fluid buffer is larger in radial regions corresponding to regions of increased load and stress.