Abstract: A high pressure piston for use within a liner for a reciprocating pump comprises an elastomeric seal and a metallic annular bearing ring having relatively high heat conductivity compared to the liner and seal. During the pump's pressure stroke a portion of the bearing ring elastically expands radially to narrow or close the extrusion gap. Narrowing the gap decreases the tendency for extrusion of piston seal elastomeric material, while closing the gap tends to block elastomer extrusion and establish sliding contact between the bearing ring and the liner. Sliding contact between the bearing ring and liner prevents portions of the piston hub (e.g., a transverse flange) from contacting the liner and damaging it. The heat-conductive bearing ring improves scavenging of frictional heat near the extrusion gap, extending the service life of piston seal elastomer while reducing bearing ring and liner wear.

Abstract: A valve body has one or more integral seal retention grooves and one or more interior hollows which may be manufactured using frictional or other types of welding to join two previously formed portions through at least one cylindrical web. Forging or casting valve body portions to near-net-shape prior to joining minimizes machining necessary to achieve a final desired shape. One or more interior hollows and an integral seal retention groove are formed in the welded valve body from features present on the portions joined by welding to form the body. Increased valve durability and reduced metal wear arise from the reduced valve body weight and correspondingly reduced impact loading. An elastomeric seal may be cast and cured in place in a seal retention groove.

Abstract: A valve seal assembly comprising a valve body having one or more peripheral integral seal retention grooves and one or more peripheral elastomeric seals, each seal being cast-in-place in an integral seal retention groove having adhesion-inhibiting surfaces and offset circular serrations of predetermined height on opposing groove walls. Adhesion-inhibiting surfaces reduce or eliminate internal elastomer stress due to curing of cast-in-place elastomeric seals. Serrations on each of the opposing groove walls are offset to accommodate differing stress concentrations in the walls. Opposing groove walls preferably diverge peripherally. Offset serrations result in decreased metal fatigue from impact and bending stress. Offset serrations also improve valve sealing and increase valve service life by maintaining correct seal position on the valve body while minimizing background stress in the seal elastomer.

Abstract: Valve guide and spring retainer assemblies are described for use in plunger pump housings that incorporate structural features for stress-relief. These pump housing structural features accommodate correspondingly-shaped valve guides and/or spring retainers that are internally fixed in place using one or more non-threaded spacers. Plunger pumps so constructed are relatively resistant to fatigue failure because of stress reductions, and they may incorporate a variety of valve styles, including top and lower stem-guided valves and crow-foot-guided valves, in easily-maintained configurations. Besides securing valve guides and/or spring retainers, non-threaded spacers may be shaped and dimensioned to aid in further reducing stress and to improve volumetric efficiency of the pumps in which they are used.

Abstract: A valve body having one or more integral seal retention grooves and one or more interior hollows which may be manufactured using frictional or other types of welding to join two previously formed portions through at least one cylindrical web. Forging or casting valve body portions to near-net-shape prior to joining minimizes machining necessary to achieve a final desired shape. Finish machining of certain valve body surfaces prior to joining is optional. One or more interior hollows and an integral seal retention groove are formed in the welded valve body from features present on the portions joined by welding to form the body. Such valve bodies have relatively high stiffness for their weight and require only limited machining to achieve a final shape. Increased valve durability and reduced metal wear arise from the reduced valve body weight and correspondingly reduced impact loading as the valve body moves to seal against a valve seat.

Abstract: Y-block or right-angular fluid section plunger pump housings have cylinder, suction, discharge and/or access bores which are transversely elongated within transition areas for interface with other bores to provide internal access, stress relief and a reduction in housing weight. A two-piece suction valve spring retainer assembly further reduces stress near the bore interfaces and allows use of a top stem guided suction valve that may be installed without threads in the suction bore. Tapered cartridge packing assemblies facilitate use of a one-piece plunger and also allow packing in such housings to be changed without removing the plunger.

Abstract: A Y-block fluid section plunger pump housing has a cylinder bore which is transversely elongated at its intersection with suction and discharge bores to provide stress relief and a reduction in housing weight. A spoked ring valve spring retainer ring further reduces stress near the bore intersection and allows use of a top stem guided suction valve. Tapered cartridge packing assemblies facilitate use of a one-piece plunger in Y-block housings and also allow packing in such housings to be changed without removing the plunger.

Abstract: A valve body having one or more integral seal retention grooves and one or more interior hollows which may be manufactured using frictional or other types of welding to join two previously formed portions through at least one cylindrical web. Forging or casting valve body portions to near-net-shape prior to joining minimizes machining necessary to achieve a final desired shape. Finish machining of certain valve body surfaces prior to joining is optional. One or more interior hollows and an integral seal retention groove are formed in the welded valve body from features present on the portions joined by welding to form the body. Such valve bodies have relatively high stiffness for their weight and require only limited machining to achieve a final shape. Increased valve durability and reduced metal wear arise from the reduced valve body weight and correspondingly reduced impact loading as the valve body moves to seal against a valve seat.

Abstract: A Y-block fluid section plunger pump housing has a cylinder bore which is transversely elongated at its intersection with suction and discharge bores to provide stress relief and a reduction in housing weight. An integral suction valve retainer arm further reduces stress near the bore intersection. Tapered cartridge packing assemblies facilitate use of a one-piece plunger in Y-block housings and also allow packing in such housings to be changed without removing the plunger.

Abstract: An improved plastic valve body design and construction which has strength and durability similar to that of steel valve bodies but with significantly reduced manufacturing time and cost. The valve body comprises a unique and nonobvious combination of a previously unused plastic material and a complex rib design that results in performance similar to that of steel valves. The valve body is preferably comprised of Delrin or a nylon/Kevlar composite material. A plurality of ribbed members connect outer and inner faces of the valve body to provide increased strength and durability. The plastic valve body has the ability to deform to mate with the valve seat and thus extrusion gaps are eliminated. This allows use of more desirable softer polyurethane inserts.

Abstract: An improved plastic valve body design and construction which has strength and durability similar to that of steel valve bodies but with significantly reduced manufacturing time and cost. The valve body comprises a unique and nonobvious combination of a previously unused plastic material and a complex rib design that results in performance similar to that of steel valves. The valve body is preferably comprised of a nylon/Kevlar composite material. A plurality of ribbed members connect outer and inner faces of the valve body to provide increased strength and durability. The plastic valve body has the ability to deform to mate with the valve seat and thus extrusion gaps are eliminated. This allows use of more desirable softer polyurethane inserts.

Abstract: An improved valve seat which significantly decreases the impact stress caused by the impact of a mud pump valve body against the valve seat. The valve seat comprises a generally cylindrical body portion with a sealing surface which is sloped from the outer surface of the cylindrical body portion toward an interior throat of said cylindrical body portion. The valve body comprises a generally disc-shaped portion and a truncated conical portion. An elastomer insert is received in a groove in the valve body. The conical portion of the valve comprises a sloped face, including a metal portion and an elastomeric portion formed by the elastomeric insert. In the valve seat of the present invention, an annular pressure relief groove in the cylindrical body portion of the valve seat allows the sloped face of the valve seat to flex thereby relieving a significant amount of the impact load between the opposing face of the valve assembly.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing the guide base of a valve and assembly of that valve is disclosed. The guide base is made from flat plate. Two similar workpieces are stamped out of plate. Each workpiece comprises two leg members joined by a central portion. The workpieces are engaged at their central portions and inserted into an upper valve body having at least one insert slot. The final assembly is permanently joined together.