Abstract: A valve body and seal assembly comprises at least one seal and a valve body that may include a frusto-conical valve body impact area (also referred to as a valve seat contact portion) for sealing against a valve seat. In one embodiment, the at least one seal may comprise a first and second seal sections that comprise first and second elastomers, respectively, and an intra-seal interface where the first seal section may contact the second seal section. The first seal section may comprise a first frusto-conical seal portion, and the second seal section may comprise a second frusto-conical seal portion, each for sealing against the valve seat. A method for making a valve body and seal assembly is also provided. First and second elastomers may be crosslinked. The intra-seal interface may be planar or non-planar (i.e., may comprise, e.g., a cylindrical portion and/or a frusto-conical portion).

Abstract: An exemplary valve seal assembly is provided that includes a valve body with one or more relief volumes that may extend circumferentially and positioned in or adjacent one or both an upper and lower member of the valve body. A compression seal positioned adjacent an opening of a relief volume and a seal that is provided primarily in a volume between the upper and lower members. In an uncompressed state, the compression seal is maintained adjacent the opening of the relief volume. In a compressed state when the valve seal assembly compressively engages a valve seat, the compression seal is compressed against the relief volume, and may be either fully or partially compressed into the relief volume. A relief volume primary angle may be provided at a desired angle, and a seal retention volume primary angle may be provided at a desired angle.

Abstract: A cylinder heater useful in fabricating sleeves for high pressure pump liners comprises a support rotatably supporting a hollow circular cylinder having a metallic powder layer contacting a portion of its inner surface. A vibration sensor indicates vibration of the cylinder, and at least one temperature sensor indicates at least one temperature of the cylinder. At least one circumferential induction heating coil around the cylinder is positionable via the support along the longitudinal axis of cylinder rotation. Longitudinal position and power output of at least one heating coil, and cylinder rotational speed, are adjusted by a controller communicating with the support, the vibration sensor, at least one temperature sensor, and at least one heating coil. Controlled heating of the cylinder and the metallic powder layer results in a stratified abrasion-resistant fused metallic layer on the cylinder's inner surface. The fused layer may be honed to make a liner sleeve.

Abstract: A high pressure piston for use within a liner sleeve of a reciprocating pump comprises a dual-durometer elastomeric seal having first and second coaxial seal sections and, in certain embodiments, a circumferential bearing ring. Interactions of the seal components, including seal elastomers, result in stress redistribution within the seal which maintains sealing preload, with corresponding improved extrusion resistance and seal durability. When a bearing ring is present, a pump's pressure stroke causes at least a portion of the bearing ring to elastically expand radially to narrow or close the extrusion gap, thus tending to block elastomer extrusion by establishing sliding contact between the bearing ring's external surface and the liner. On the pump's return stroke the slightly wider extrusion gap allows cooling water directed generally toward the proximal flange of the piston hub to better cleanse, as well as cool, the liner wall.

Abstract: Differential coefficients of thermal expansion facilitate close approximation during cooling of a sintered cemented carbide tubular inlay preform (e.g., a first tubular portion) which is vacuum brazed within a corresponding tubular metal hull (e.g., a second tubular portion). Such a tubular inlay preform comprises at least one metal carbide and at least one nonvolatile cement which have previously been compressed and sintered in a predetermined shape. The tubular inlay preform's modulus of elasticity and thermal conductivity substantially exceed the corresponding parameters of the tubular metal hull, whereas the hull's coefficient of thermal expansion exceeds that of the preform. Longitudinal movement of a tubular inlay preform within a tubular hull may be limited by structural features of the hull and/or preform. Additionally, circumferential compression of a tubular inlay preform due to hoop stress in a corresponding tubular metal hull increases as the hull cools after vacuum brazing.