Abstract: A reciprocating pump system includes a reciprocating pump including a fluid end configured to receive a suction fluid flow and discharge a discharge fluid flow, and a suction booster assembly coupled to the fluid end, the suction booster assembly including a venturi including a venturi passage, and a jet configured to jet a fluid received from the discharge of the fluid end into the venturi passage, wherein the suction booster assembly is configured such that the jet of the suction booster assembly jetting the fluid into the venturi passage increases the pressure of the suction fluid flow.

Abstract: A check valve having a profiled entrance that reduces net positive suction head for piston and plunger pumps. The valve inlet surface has a cross-section that may include a curved portion that corresponds to a portion of a cone, circle, ellipse, hyperbola, or parabola.

Abstract: A check valve having a profiled entrance that reduces net positive suction head for piston and plunger pumps. The valve inlet surface has a cross-section that may include a curved portion that corresponds to a portion of a cone, circle, ellipse, hyperbola, or parabola.

Abstract: A unitized check valve assembly comprises: a valve body having a bore therethrough, the bore having an inlet and an outlet, a valve disk engaging said body at said outlet, a valve retainer engaging the body and surrounding the valve disk and the outlet; a first biasing member in compression between the body and the valve retainer; and a second biasing member in compression between the body and the valve disk. The flow passage between the valve seat and the valve is continuous around the circumference of the valve. In a preferred embodiment, the valve body and the valve disk each have a mating surface, the mating surfaces define an interface therebetween, and the interface comprises a portion of a spherical surface.