Abstract: A system and method for providing one or more pressurized fluid barriers for a fluid end of a reciprocating pump can comprise energization of, using a clean fluid, one or more components provided at distinct different locations of the reciprocating pump to a pressure greater than a cyclical pressure of the reciprocating pump associated with operation of the reciprocating pump to output fracking fluid.

Abstract: A frame includes a rib. The frame also includes a crosshead tube that is integral with the rib. The frame also includes a lube rail that is integral with the rib, the crosshead tube, or both. The frame also includes a nose plate that is integral with the rib, the crosshead tube, the lube rail, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A fluid end of a pump includes a body that defines a suction bore, a discharge bore, and a plunger bore. A first central longitudinal axis extends through the suction bore, the discharge bore, or both. A second central longitudinal axis extends through the plunger bore. A chamber is defined at an intersection between the suction bore, the discharge bore, and the plunger bore. An interior surface of the body that at least partially defines the chamber comprises a first wall portion that is at least partially planar and oriented at an angle that is less than or equal to 15° from perpendicular to the first central longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A seal assembly includes a packing nut and a pressure ring configured to be coupled to the packing nut. An inner surface of the pressure ring defines a first circumferential groove that is configured to receive a first seal. The first seal is configured to be inserted into the first circumferential groove before the packing nut is coupled to the pressure ring such that the first seal is inserted into the first circumferential groove without being substantially flexed.

Abstract: A monitoring system for a fluid pump having a fluid end and a power end is provided. The monitoring system includes an inlet pressure sensor attached to an inlet manifold of the fluid end. The inlet pressure sensor generates a signal indicative of an inlet pressure of a fluid being supplied to the fluid end. The monitoring system includes a discharge pressure sensor attached to the fluid end. The discharge pressure sensor generates a signal indicative of a discharge pressure of the fluid exiting the fluid end. The monitoring system includes at least one accelerometer attached to the fluid end. The accelerometer generates a signal indicative of vibrational data of the fluid pump. The monitoring system includes a controller which receives signals from the inlet pressure sensor, the discharge pressure sensor and the accelerometer and determines a possible failure mode of the fluid pump.

Abstract: A seal assembly includes a packing nut and a pressure ring configured to be coupled to the packing nut. An inner surface of the pressure ring defines a first circumferential groove that is configured to receive a first seal. The first seal is configured to be inserted into the first circumferential groove before the packing nut is coupled to the pressure ring such that the first seal is inserted into the first circumferential groove without being substantially flexed.

Abstract: A fluid end of a pump includes a body that defines a suction bore, a discharge bore, and a plunger bore. A first central longitudinal axis extends through the suction bore, the discharge bore, or both. A second central longitudinal axis extends through the plunger bore. A chamber is defined at an intersection between the suction bore, the discharge bore, and the plunger bore. An interior surface of the body that at least partially defines the chamber comprises a first wall portion that is at least partially planar and oriented at an angle that is less than or equal to 15° from perpendicular to the first central longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An apparatus can include a housing, a plunger configured to reciprocate along an axis within the housing, and an internal fluid chamber disposed in the housing. A valve, having a valve base and a deformable seal, can also be included in the apparatus. The apparatus can further include a seat having an aperture therein. The valve is configured to move into and out of contact with the seat when the plunger reciprocates within the housing, based upon a fluid pressure in the internal flow chamber. In addition, an outer diameter of the deformable seal of the valve is less than an outer diameter of the seat.

Abstract: A monitoring system for a fluid pump having a fluid end and a power end is provided. The monitoring system includes an inlet pressure sensor attached to an inlet manifold of the fluid end. The inlet pressure sensor generates a signal indicative of an inlet pressure of a fluid being supplied to the fluid end. The monitoring system includes a discharge pressure sensor attached to the fluid end. The discharge pressure sensor generates a signal indicative of a discharge pressure of the fluid exiting the fluid end. The monitoring system includes at least one accelerometer attached to the fluid end. The accelerometer generates a signal indicative of vibrational data of the fluid pump. The monitoring system includes a controller which receives signals from the inlet pressure sensor, the discharge pressure sensor and the accelerometer and determines a possible failure mode of the fluid pump.

Abstract: A self-retaining packing nut assembly may include a first piece having a first and a second section. The first section can be configured to engage diametrically an inside of a pump housing. The packing nut assembly may also include a second piece having a third and fourth section. The third section can engage diametrically an inner surface of the first piece. In addition, the second piece can be configured to axially adjust inside the first piece.

Abstract: An apparatus can include a housing, a plunger configured to reciprocate along an axis within the housing, and an internal fluid chamber disposed in the housing. A valve, having a valve base and a deformable seal, can also be included in the apparatus. The apparatus can further include a seat having an aperture therein. The valve is configured to move into and out of contact with the seat when the plunger reciprocates within the housing, based upon a fluid pressure in the internal flow chamber. In addition, an outer diameter of the deformable seal of the valve is less than an outer diameter of the seat.