Abstract: A pressure enclosure includes a first component having an opening, a second component coupled to the first component in a position over the opening, a third component positioned between the first and second components and covering the opening, and a load chamber defined by a space between the second and third components and configured such that pressure in the load chamber biases the third component against the first component to seal the opening. The pressure enclosure may be a cylinder of a pump for pressurizing fluid or gas, with the first component a cylinder body, the second component an end cap and the third component a valve body, with the load chamber biasing the valve body against the cylinder body.

Abstract: A pressure enclosure includes a first component having an opening, a second component coupled to the first component in a position over the opening, a third component positioned between the first and second components and covering the opening, and a load chamber defined by a space between the second and third components and configured such that pressure in the load chamber biases the third component against the first component to seal the opening. The pressure enclosure may be a cylinder of a pump for pressurizing fluid or gas, with the first component a cylinder body, the second component an end cap and the third component a valve body, with the load chamber biasing the valve body against the cylinder body.

Abstract: A pressure enclosure includes a first component having an opening, a second component coupled to the first component in a position over the opening, a third component positioned between the first and second components and covering the opening, and a load chamber defined by a space between the second and third components and configured such that pressure in the load chamber biases the third component against the first component to seal the opening. The pressure enclosure may be a cylinder of a pump for pressurizing fluid or gas, with the first component a cylinder body, the second component an end cap and the third component a valve body, with the load chamber biasing the valve body against the cylinder body.

Abstract: A check valve for use in a high-pressure pump is provided with a check valve seat having a frustoconical end region that engages a tapered surface provided on an outlet adaptor. By providing a conical interface between the check valve seat and the outlet adaptor, a compressive stress is placed on the valve seat, thereby dramatically increasing the fatigue life of the check valve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for biasing a seal assembly in a high pressure fluid pump. In one embodiment, the fluid pump includes a reciprocating plunger, a seal carrier disposed about the plunger, and a seal supported by the seal carrier and sealably engaged with the plunger. The seal may be biased toward the seal carrier with a spring and may include a flange that engages the spring to restrict lateral motion of a spring relative to the reciprocating plunger. The flange may engage an inner and/or an outer surface of the spring. Where the spring is a coil spring, the flange may be continuous around the circumference of the spring or may include a plurality of spaced apart projections located around the circumference of the spring.