Abstract: A closure element for a fluid end assembly that has two or more recessed grooves formed in its outer surface. The grooves are axially offset. A seal is placed in one and only one of the grooves. As wear occurs, the seal is relocated to one of the other grooves. Instead of a series of axially offset grooves in a single closure element, a kit may be formed from two or more otherwise identical closure elements, each with a single recessed groove at a different axial position. Another closure element has a series of ledge-like surfaces defining spaces within which a seal may be received. One outer surface surrounds one or more of the other surfaces. A seal is placed in one and only one of the spaces. As wear occurs, the seal is relocated to one of the other spaces.

Abstract: A fluid routing plug for use with a fluid end section. The fluid end section being one of a plurality of fluid end sections making up a fluid end side of a high pressure pump. The fluid routing plug is installed within a horizontal bore formed in a fluid end section and is configured to route fluid between an intake and discharge bore. The fluid routing plug comprises a plurality of first and second fluid passages. The first and second passages do not intersect and are offset from one another. The first fluid passages are configured to direct fluid delivered to the horizontal bore from intake bores towards a reciprocating plunger. The second fluid passages are configured to direct fluid pressurized by the plunger towards a discharge bore.

Abstract: A high pressure pump. The pump comprises a fluid end assembly supported on a power end assembly. The power end assembly is modular and held together by a first set of stay rods. The fluid end assembly comprises a plurality of fluid end sections positioned in a side-by-side relationship. Each fluid end section comprises a housing made of multiple-piece construction. One or more pieces of the housing are configured to having a second set of stay rods attached thereto. The second set of stay rods interconnect the fluid end assembly and a power end assembly and are vertically offset from the first set of stay rods.

Abstract: A closure for a fluid end having a middle sealing section which engages a seal. The sealing section either has a larger outer diameter than adjacent sections or contacts a bore with a smaller inner diameter than adjacent sections. In either case, the clearance formed on either side of the sealing section reduces friction and allows the closure to be rocked back and forth to insert and remove the closure from the fluid end bore.

Abstract: A power end assembly includes a crankshaft section, a crosshead section, and a connector section coupled together by one, two, or more sets of stay rods. The power end may include one or more support plates that are coupled to the crankshaft section and/or crosshead section. The crosshead section includes a plurality of individual crosshead frames. The connector section may include a plurality of individual connector plates or may be a unitary connector plate. The power end is configured to be coupled to a fluid end assembly by coupling the fluid end assembly to the connector plates.

Abstract: A lubricating system configured to provide a lubricating oil from a lubricant reservoir to a fluid end by use of a pump. The lubricating system has a plurality of check valves that each have an elastomeric insert. The lubricating system also has at least one pressure relief valve that is configured to re-rout lubricant to the lubricant reservoir when needed to stabilize pressure within the system. The lubricating system uses a pump drive controller and at least one sensor to selectively turn the pump on and off.

Abstract: Apparatus and method contemplating a high pressure fluid end assembly having a body defining a body bore and defining a recess in the body intersecting the body bore. A closure is joined to the body and forms a sealing surface. A seal is mounted to the body in the recess and configured to extend from the recess beyond the body bore to seal against the sealing surface formed by the closure.

Abstract: A flangeless fluid end comprising a fluid end body releasably attached to a connect plate. The connect plate is attached to a power source using stay rods. The flow bores of the fluid end are sealed without threading a retainer nut into the walls of each bore. Instead, the flow bores are sealed by bolting a retainer to the fluid end body. Plungers to drive fluid through the fluid end body are installed within removable stuffing box sleeves. These sleeves are maintained within the plunger bores by the bolted retainers. A number of features, including the location of seals within bore walls and carbide inserts within valve structures, aid in reducing or transferring wear.

Abstract: A manifold assembly configured for use with a fluid end used in oil and gas operations. The manifold assembly comprises upper and lower manifolds supported on side posts such that the manifolds and posts define a central opening. In operation, the fluid end is positioned within the central opening such that the manifold assembly surrounds the fluid end. The manifold assembly is not attached to the fluid end other than flexible conduits interconnecting the fluid and the manifolds. The manifold assembly is modular and when assembled, may be moved together as a single unit.

Abstract: A fluid end having its fluid flow bores sealed without threading a retaining nut into the walls of each bore. The fluid ends may be assembled using a plurality of different kits that each comprise a fluid end body, a component, a retainer element, and a fastening system. The retainer element holds the component within each of the bores formed in the fluid end body and the fastening system secures the retainer element to the body. The fastening system comprises a plurality of externally threaded studs, washers and nuts in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the fastening system comprises a plurality of screws.

Abstract: A fluid end assembly comprising a plurality of fluid end sections positioned in a side-by-side relationship. Each section comprises a housing containing a reciprocating plunger. One and only one packing seal is installed within the housing and surrounds and engages an outer surface of the plunger. A retainer compresses and holds the packing seal within the housing. The retainer is secured to the housing using a clamp, such that no threads are formed in the housing of the fluid end section and no threads are formed in the retainer.

Abstract: A fluid end assembly having a plurality of fluid end sections positioned in a side-by-side relationship. Each fluid end section has a housing made of multiple-piece construction. One or more pieces of the housing are configured to have a plurality of stay rods attached thereto. The stay rods interconnect the fluid end assembly and a power end assembly.

Abstract: A fluid end having a reciprocating plunger installed within. The plunger may have a bore formed therein, and a valve assembly attached to one end of the plunger. The valve assembly may engage a valve seat situated within the plunger. The plunger may contain a sleeve which engages part of the valve assembly. The fluid end may be connected to an inlet manifold which is situated above the fluid end. The inlet manifold may be situated on a power end. The fluid end may be made of a static section and a plurality of dynamic sections threaded therein.

Abstract: A fluid end made of a plurality of fluid end sections positioned in a side-by-side relationship. Each fluid end section is made of a housing having a discharge bore and an intake bore formed therein. A fluid routing plug is installed within each housing and is configured to route fluid throughout the housing and between the discharge and intake bores. The fluid routing plug carries seals that engage sealing surfaces formed within the housing. A number of features, including the location of seals within bore walls and carbide inserts within valve guides, aid in reducing or transferring wear within each housing.

Abstract: A fluid end made of a plurality of fluid end sections positioned in a side-by-side relationship. Each fluid end section is made of a housing having a discharge bore and an intake bore formed therein. A fluid routing plug is installed within each housing and is configured to route fluid throughout the housing and between the discharge and intake bores. The fluid routing plug carries seals that engage sealing surfaces formed within the housing. A number of features, including the location of seals within bore walls and carbide inserts within valve guides, aid in reducing or transferring wear within each housing.

Abstract: A system for cooling plungers which operate in high pressure pumps. The system uses a plunger having a blind bore formed therein. The blind bore may receive a number of different objects, some of which are fixed to the plunger. A heat exchanger may be installed within the blind bore. The heat exchanger may have internal passages or openings which allow for the circulation of fluid within the blind bore, thus cooling the plunger. The heat exchanger may be formed of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than the material used to form the plunger. This allows the heat exchanger to cool the plunger more effectively than if the plunger were solid or filled with an empty air space. The heat exchanger may be sealed within the bore of the plunger, or exposed.

Abstract: A fluid end assembly made of a plurality of fluid end sections positioned in a side-by-side relationship. Each fluid end section comprises a plurality of individual components joined together in a row. Two sets of fasteners are used to secure various components of each fluid end section together. When the fluid end section is assembled, a first set of fasteners is in a spaced relationship with and faces a second set of fasteners. At least one component making up the multi-piece fluid end section is configured to have a plurality of stay rods attached thereto. The stay rods interconnect the fluid end assembly and a power end assembly.

Abstract: A power end assembly includes a crankshaft section, a crosshead section, and a connector section coupled together by one, two, or more sets of stay rods. The power end may include one or more support plates that are coupled to the crankshaft section and/or crosshead section. The crosshead section includes a plurality of individual crosshead frames. The connector section may include a plurality of individual connector plates or may be a unitary connector plate. The power end is configured to be coupled to a fluid end assembly by coupling the fluid end assembly to the connector plates.

Abstract: A pair of wear grooves for a linear drive assembly. One wear groove is disposed on a wear plate attached to a crosshead. This wear groove is on a front edge of the wear plate, and does not intersect any lubrication groove. Another wear groove is disposed circumferentially about an inner wall of a crosshead guide. Each of the wear grooves is observable to an operator without fully disassembling the crosshead and the crosshead guide, and each is observable from a single side of the crosshead guide. Should the wear groove not be observable, the associated component should be replaced. Should the wear groove be observable, the remaining life of the component can be determined from the groove's depth.