Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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FLUID END OF A HIGH PRESSURE PUMP HAVING A GROOVE ADAPTED TO
RECEIVE A RETAINER OF A SUCTION VALVE
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure concerns a tapered groove in a high
pressure
plunger pump; the groove receives a retainer; the retainer at a first portion
and a second
portion is carried in the groove; the groove is configured to prevent the
retainer from
moving out of the groove along the long axis of the suction bore.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Spring retainers for suction valves in high pressure plunger pumps
are
known. U.S. Patent 7,186,097, Blume, discloses suction valve spring retainers.
The
retainers are for use in plunger pump housings incorporating structural
features for
stress relief. These pump housing structural features accommodate access bore
plugs
that secure suction valve spring retainers that are internally located
substantially
centrally over the suction bore transition area of the plunger pump housing.
Access
bore plugs are secured in place on the pump housing using one or more threaded
retainers. Plunger pumps so constructed are relatively resistant to fatigue
failure
because of stress reducing structural features, and they may incorporate a
variety of
valve styles, including top and lower stem-guided valves and crow-foot-guided
valves in
easily-maintained configuration. Suction valve spring retainers mounted in
plunger
pump housings may also incorporate a suction valve top stem-guide. Further,
certain
structural features of access bore plugs may be dimensioned to aid in
improving
volumetric efficiency of the pumps in which they are used.
[0003] U.S. Patent 6,910,871, Blume, discloses valve guide and spring
retainer
assemblies for use in plunger pump housings that incorporate features for
stress relief.
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These pump housings have structural features to accommodate correspondingly
shaped valve guides and/or spring retainers that are internally fixed in place
using one
or more non-threaded spacers.
[0004] U.S. Patent 6,544,012, Blume, discloses a Y-block fluid section
plunger
pump housing having a cylinder bore which is transversely elongated at its
intersection
with suction and discharge bores to provide stress relief and reduction in
housing
weight. A spoked, ring valve spring retainer 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.
SUMMARY
[0005] One aspect of the invention is embodied by a fluid end of a pump.
The
fluid end has a bore formed in a portion of said fluid end. The bore has a
long axis. The
fluid end also has a discharge bore formed in a portion of said fluid end,
said discharge
bore having a long axis. The fluid end further has a suction bore formed in a
portion of
said fluid end, said suction bore having a long axis and a valve cover bore
formed in a
portion of the fluid end. The valve cover bore has a central axis. The central
axis
extends into the bore.
[0006] A cross-bore intersection is formed in a portion of said fluid
end. The bore,
discharge bore, valve cover bore, and suction bore each have an opening which
opens
into the cross-bore intersection. The suction bore long axis extends through
the opening
of the discharge bore which opens into the cross-bore intersection. The
discharge bore
long axis extends through the opening of the suction bore which opens into the
cross-
bore intersection. The valve cover bore axis extends through the opening of
the bore
which opens into the cross-bore intersection.
[0007] A bore transition area is at the bore opening into the cross-bore
intersection and is adjacent the cross-bore intersection. A valve cover bore
transition is
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at the valve cover bore opening into the cross-bore intersection and is
adjacent the
valve cover bore and cross-bore intersection.
[0008] A groove traverses a curvilinear path around an open space, The
discharge bore and suction bore long axes each extend into the open space. The
groove has a first section and a second section. The first section has a first
end and a
second end. The second section has a first end and a second end. The first and
second
sections each have a closed base opposite and an open side of each section.
The first
and second sections each have a first angled surface and a second angled
surface. The
first angled surface and second angled surface of the first section converge
towards
each other towards the base of the first section. The angle formed between the
first
angled surface and second angled surface of the first section is greater than
900 and
less than 1800. The first angled surface and second angled surface of the
second
section converge towards each other towards the base of the second section.
The angle
formed between the first angled surface and second angled surface of the
second
section is greater than 90 and less than 180.
[0009] A gap is between the first ends of the first and second sections
of the
groove. A gap is also between the second ends of the first and second sections
of said
groove.
[00010] A retainer is disposed in said fluid end and adapted to receive a
valve
stem of a suction valve. The retainer has a first portion which has a first
surface and a
second surface. The first surface is angled relative to the second surface.
The exterior
angle formed by the surfaces is greater than 180 and less than 270 . The
retainer has
a second portion which has a first surface and a second surface. The first
surface is
angled relative to the second surface. The exterior angle formed by the
surfaces is
greater than 180 and less than 270 . The retainer has a base from which the
first
portion extends and the second portion extends. The base has a valve guide
aperture to
receive the stem of the suction valve.
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[00011] The first portion of the retainer can have a third surface angled
outwardly
relative to the base. The third surface of the first portion intersects an
axial extending
surface of the base. The axial surface extends away from the point of
intersection
towards an upper surface of the base. The upper surface and a portion of the
axial
surface are above the point of intersection.
[00012] The second portion of the retainer can have a third surface angled
outwardly relative to the base. The third surface of the second portion
intersects an axial
extending surface of the base, The axial surface extends away from the point
of
intersection towards an upper surface of the base. The upper surface and a
portion of
the axial surface are above the point of intersection.
[00013] Another aspect of the invention is embodied by the retainer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00014] FIG. 1 is an isometric sectional view of a fluid end of a plunger
pump.;
wherein the section is taken through the housing of the fluid end of a plunger
pump; the
section being parallel to the long axis of the plunger bore, the long axis of
the suction
bore, and the long axis of the discharge bore; a spring retainer is disposed
in and is
rotatable about its central axis in the retainer groove; the view shows the
spring retainer
having been rotated in a first circumferential direction, counter clock-wise
direction, until
further rotation is prevented by abutment of a portion of the spring retainer
against a
portion of the valve cover; components of the fluid end have been omitted for
simplicity.
[00015] FIG. 2 is the same sectional shown in FIG. 1 except the spring
retainer
has been rotated in a second circumferential direction opposite from the first
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circumferential direction, clockwise direction, until the rotation is stopped
by a portion of
the spring retainer abutting up against the valve cover.
[00016] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the fluid end of FIG. 1; the
section, however,
is taken perpendicular to the plunger bore and parallel to the suction and
discharge
bores; additionally, components of the fluid end such as the plunger, suction
valve
assembly and discharge valve assembly are shown; the spring retainer is shown
disposed in the retainer groove holding the suction valve spring in place to
bias a
suction valve in the closed position against its valve seat.
[00017] FIG. 4A is an isometric sectional view of the fluid end shown in
FIG. 1,
wherein the spring retainer and valve cover have been omitted from the view;
the view
shows a first section of the retaining groove extending between the transition
area of the
plunger bore and the transition area of the valve cover bore.
[00018] FIG. 4B is an isometric sectional view of the fluid end shown in
FIG. 1,
wherein the spring retainer and valve cover have been omitted from the view;
the view
shows a second section of the retaining groove, radially opposite the first
section of the
retaining groove, extending between the transition area of the plunger bore
and the
transition area of the valve cover bore.
[00019] FIG. 4C is and 4D are blow ups of the details of FIG. 4A and 4B
respectively; the detail shows that the retaining groove has a first surface
angled in a
first direction, a second surface angled in a second different direction and a
rounded
transition area joining the first surface to the second surface at a base of
the groove;
opposite the base of the groove is an open side.
[00020] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the fluid end shown in FIG. 1,
wherein the
spring retainer and valve cover have been omitted; the view shows the retainer
groove
first section and second section wherein the plunger bore has a transition
area which is
between a first end of the first section and a second end of the second
section thereby
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providing a break, gap or discontinuity between the retaining groove first
section and the
retaining groove second section; the gap is between the first and second
section first
ends.
[00021] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the fluid end shown in FIG. 5
wherein the
spring retainer and valve cover have been omitted; the view shows the retainer
groove
first section and second section wherein the valve cover bore has a transition
area
which is between the first section and the second section thereby providing a
break, gap
or discontinuity between the retaining groove first section and the retaining
groove
second section; the gap is between the first and second section second ends.
[00022] FIGs 7A through 7H show various views of the spring retainer shown
in
FIG. 1; FIG. 7A is a top view; FIG. 7B is a right-sided isometric view; FIG.
7C is a right-
sided view; FIG. 7D is a left-sided view; FIG. 7E is a front-side view; FIG.
7F is a back-
side view; FIG. 7G is a bottom view; and FIG. 7H is a left-side isometric
view.
[00023] FIG. 8 is an isometric sectional view of the fluid end shown in
FIG.4A
wherein the spring retainer is aligned so that a first retainer portion is
disposed between
the first ends of the first and second groove sections; a second retainer
portion is
disposed between the second ends of the first and second groove sections; the
first
retainer portion is seating against the plunger bore transition area; the
second retainer
portion is seating against the valve cover bore transition area; the valve
cover is not
present; the retainer spring is compressed.
[00024] FIG. 9 is a cutaway isometric sectional view of the fluid end
shown in FIG.
8 wherein the spring coupled to the spring retainer and valve is compressed;
the valve
is in the closed position; the spring has been rotated to an installed
position where the
retainers long axis is perpendicular to the plunger bore axis.
[00025] FIG. 10 is an isometric sectional view of a fluid end of a piston
pump;
wherein the section is taken through the housing of the fluid end of a piston
pump; the
section being parallel to a long axis of the piston bore, a long axis of the
suction bore,
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and a long axis of the discharge bore; a spring retainer is disposed in and is
rotatable
about its central axis in a retainer groove; the view shows the spring
retainer having
rotated in a second circumferential direction, clock-wise direction, until
further rotation is
prevented by a retainer section of the spring retainer abutting against a
projection on
the valve cover; components normally found in the fluid end have been omitted
for
simplicity.
[00026] FIG. 11 is a blow up of a sectional view of the first section of
the retainer
groove; the detail shows that the retaining groove has a first surface angled
in a first
direction, a second surface angled in a second different direction and a
rounded
transition area joining the first surface to the second surface at a base of
the groove.
[00027] FIGs. 12A through H show various views of the spring retainer
shown in
FIG. 10; FIG. 12A is a top isometric view; FIG. 12B is a top view; FIG. 12C is
a front-
side view; FIG. 12D is a back-side view; FIG. 12E is a left-side view; FIG.
12F is a right-
side view; FIG. 12G is a bottom view; and FIG. 12H is a bottom isometric view.
[00028] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the spring retainer of FIG.
12A cut
along the line 13-13.
[00029] FIG. 14 is an isometric sectional view of the fluid end of the
piston pump
shown in FIG 10; wherein the section is taken through the housing of the fluid
end of a
piston pump; the section being parallel to the long axis of the piston bore,
the long axis
of the suction bore, and the long axis of the discharge bore; a suction valve
is installed
in the suction bore and a spring retainer is disposed in and is rotatable
about its central
axis in the retainer groove; the view shows the spring retainer having been
rotated in a
first circumferential direction until it is completely received within the
retainer groove; the
valve cover shown in FIG 10 has been intentionally omitted.
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[00030] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid end of FIG. 14 cut
along the
line 15-15; the discharge valve assembly and discharge valve retaining cover
intentionally omitted in figure 14 is included in FIG. 15.
[00031] FIG. 16 is an isometric sectional view of a fluid end of a piston
pump of
FIG. 14; wherein the section is taken through the housing of the fluid end of
the piston
pump; the section being parallel to the long axis of the piston bore, the long
axis of the
suction bore, and the long axis of the discharge bore; the suction valve is
installed in the
suction bore and the spring retainer is disposed in and is rotatable about its
central axis
in the retainer groove; the view shows the spring retainer is in a drop in or
pre-
installation position; the retainer has not yet been rotated to be installed
in the retainer
groove.
DETAILED DISCLOSURE
[00032] The present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification
of the
principles of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the
specific
embodiment illustrated.
[00033] With reference to FIGs 1, 2 and 3, the general operation of the
high
pressure pump and the function of the retainer ring 20 and groove 22 can be
understood. The retainer ring can also be called a spring retainer 20. The
plunger 24
shown in FIG. 3 reciprocates in a first direction 26 and an opposite second
direction 28
along the long axis 30 of the plunger bore 32. The long axis extends along the
length of
the plunger bore. As the plunger 24 reciprocates in the first direction 26
away from the
valve cover 34, fluid is sucked into suction bore 36 through a fluid inlet 38.
Suction
valve 40, normally in the closed position, moves off its valve seat 42 towards
the spring
retainer 20. Fluid then passes over the spring retainer into the cross-bore
intersection
44. The plunger 24 then reciprocates in the opposite second direction 28 along
the
plunger bore long axis 30 toward the valve cover 34. The reciprocation causes
the fluid
to exit the fluid end 54 through discharge bore 46. The fluid exits the
discharge bore by
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pushing discharge valve 48 off its valve seat 50 and exiting the discharge
bore through
a fluid outlet 52. As the plunger 24 reciprocates, fluid is drawn into the
fluid end 54 and
ejected from the fluid end 54. As can be seen the fluid end is a single
monoblock piece
machined from a single casting or forging.
[00034] The forces of the fluid may cause the spring retainer 20 to rotate
about
the retainer central axis 56. The central axis can also be called a third axis
of the spring
retainer. The retainer, however, is prevented by the valve cover 34 from
rotating in a
manner which enables the first end portion 58a of the first retainer portion
58 or the first
end portion 60a of the second retainer portion 60 to be in a position such
that the
plunger will contact these end portions or any other portions of the retainer.
The valve
cover 34 extends through the valve cover bore 34a and overlaps a valve cover
bore
transition area 78. The valve cover transition area 78 is between a second end
of first
groove section 86 and a second end of a second section 90. The valve cover
bore
transition area 78 is coplanar with the second ends of the first and second
groove
sections 86., 90. The valve cover bore transition area 78 is also coplanar
with groove
22. The valve cover is thus in the path of rotation of the retainer 20. The
cover
provides an abutment to prevent 3600 rotation of the spring retainer in either
the
clockwise or counter clockwise direction.
[00035] The configuration of the groove 22 and the retainer 20 further
prevent the
retainer 20 from moving in a first direction 62 along the long axis 64 of the
suction bore
36 towards the discharge bore 46. The configuration of the groove 22 and the
retainer
20 further prevent the retainer 20 from moving in a second direction 66 along
the long
axis 68 of the discharge bore 46 towards the suction valve 40. This further
ensures that
the end portions 58a, 60a of the retainer 20 and all other portions of the
retainer 20
remain outside of the pathway of the plunger 24 so that the plunger 24 does
not contact
the retainer 20 during its reciprocation. Therefore, the configuration of the
groove 22
and the configuration of the portions of the retainer 20 in the groove 22
cooperate such
that the retainer 20 will not slip out of the groove 22. The retainer will not
slip out of the
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groove 22 in the direction 62 of the discharge valve 48 along the long axis 64
of the
suction bore. It will also not slip out of the groove in the direction 66
along discharge
bore long axis 68 towards the suction bore valve 40. The discharge bore long
axis
extends along the length of the discharge bore. The suction bore long axis
extends
along the length of the suction bore.
[00036] The valve cover bore, suction bore, discharge bore, and plunger
bore
each have an opening, 34b, 36a, 46a and 32a which opens into the cross-bore
intersection 44. The valve cover bore transition area 78 is at the valve cover
bore
opening 34b. The plunger bore transition area 70 is at the plunger bore
opening 32a.
The suction bore axis 64 extends through the opening of the discharge bore
opening
46a. The discharge bore axis 68 extends though the opening 36a of the suction
bore.
The valve cover bore central axis 34c extends through opening 32a in the
plunger bore.
The plunger bore axis 30 extends through opening 34b of the valve cover bore.
[00037] Referring to Figures 1-3 and 8 and 9 we can understand the ease
with
which the spring retainer 20 can be installed in the retaining groove 22. To
place the
spring retainer in the installed position, the suction valve 40 and valve seat
42 are
installed in the suction bore 36. The valve cover 34 is not yet installed. The
plunger 24
is not in the cross-bore intersection 44 or overlapping the plunger bore
transition area
70. Spring 72 is disposed so that one end 72a of the spring is seated on the
valve 40.
It is seated around the valve boss 74. The portion of the valve which supports
the
spring can be called a spring support. The spring retainer 20 is oriented to
be placed in
a first position. The first position can be called a drop in position or pre-
installed
position. To place the spring retainer in the first position, first retainer
portion 58 of the
spring retainer is aligned with the plunger bore transition 70 area so it
overlaps the
transition area. Simultaneously with aligning the first portion with the
plunger bore
transition area, second spring retainer portion 60 is aligned with the valve
cover bore
transition area 78 so it overlaps the transition area. Simultaneously with the
alignment
of the first portion with the plunger bore transition area and the second
portion with the
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valve cover bore transition area, a boss 82 extending along the central axis
56 is
aligned and inserted into an end 72b of compression spring 72. Alternatively,
the boss
could be a recessed area which receives the second end of the compression
spring.
The portion of the retainer which supports the second end of the spring can
generally be
called a spring support. Once the spring retainer is aligned as described
above, an
installer pushes the spring retainer 20 along the suction bore long axis 64
towards the
suction valve 40. Pushing in the axial direction compresses the spring. The
installer
moves the spring retainer 20 in the axial direction towards the suction valve
40 until an
abutment between retainer first portion 58 and the plunger transition area 70
and
retainer second portion 60 and valve cover bore transition area 78 prevent
further axial
movement of the spring retainer 20. The valve cover and plunger transition
areas 70,78
can be called transition edges. The edges are rounded. The installer then
rotates the
spring retainer about its central axis such that a leading edge 84 of the
first retainer
portion 58 of the retainer is brought to be adjacent an opening 22a of the
groove. The
opening 22a is at the first end of the first groove section 86. The rotation
also causes a
leading edge 88 of the retainer second portion 60 to be adjacent the opening
22b in the
groove 22. The opening is at the second end of the second groove section 90.
During
rotation, the installer maintains the spring retainer 20 so its first portion
58 is abutted by
the plunger bore transition area 70 and its second portion 60 is abutted by
the valve
cover bore transition area 78. The retainer 20 is as axially close to the
suction valve 40
as permitted by the construction of the transition areas 70, 78 and retainer
groove 22.
Immediately prior to insertion of the first end portion 58a of the retainer
first portion 58,
which includes the leading edge 84, into the opening 22a at the first end of
the first
groove section 86, the spring retainer 20 can be said to be in an aligned
position. Also
immediately prior to insertion of the first end portion 60a of the retainer
second portion
60, which includes the leading edge 88 of the second portion 60, into the
opening 22b at
the second end of the second section 90, the spring retainer 20 can be said to
be in the
aligned position. The aligned first position can also be called the aligned
drop in
position or the aligned pre-installation position. Additionally in the aligned
position, a
portion of the first side surface 76a of the retainer first portion 58 is in
axial alignment
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with a first surface 23a of the first section 86 of the retaining groove 22.
The first
surface 23a of the first section 86 of the retaining groove 22 is angled.
Additionally, at
least a portion of a second side surface 76b of the retainer first portion 58
is in axial
alignment with a second surface 23b of the first section 86 of the retaining
groove 22.
The second surface 23b is angled. The first side surface 76a and second side
surface
76b are angled. The spring retainer in the aligned position is also oriented
such a
portion of the first side surface 80a of the second portion 60 of the spring
retainer 20 is
in axial alignment with the first surface 23a of the second section 90 of the
retaining
groove 22. Additionally, at least a portion of a second side surface 80b of
the retainer
second portion 60 is in axial alignment with the second surface 23b of the
second
section 90 of the retaining groove. The first side surface 80a, and second
side surface
80b are angled.
[00038] From the alignment position the spring retainer is rotated to its
installed
position. It is rotated so that the retainer's long axis is perpendicular to
the plunger bore
axis. In the installed position, a portion of the first side surface 76a of
the retainer first
portion 58 overlaps said groove first surface 23a and at least partially
contacts said
surface. The second side surface 76b of the first retainer portion 58 overlaps
and at
least partially contacts said second surface 23b of the groove. Further, a
rounded
transition area 76c between the first side surface 76a and the second side
surface 76b
of the retainer first portion 58 overlaps a rounded transition area 23c
between the
groove first surface 23a and groove second surface 23b. The transition areas
may
contact each other. The first and second side surfaces 76a and 76b of the
first portion
58 of the retainer are at the first side 76 of the first portion 58. The first
and second side
surfaces can also be called first and second surfaces. The first groove
section 86 forms
a portion of the groove 22 overlapped by the first side surface 76a, second
side surface
76b, and rounded transition area 76c of the first retainer portion 58.
[00039] Also in the installed position, a portion of the retainer first
side surface 80a
of the retainer second portion 60 overlaps said groove first surface 23a and
at least
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partially contacts said surface. The second side surface 80b of the retainer
second
portion 60 overlaps and at least partially contacts said second surface 23b of
the
groove. Further, a rounded transition 80c area between the first side surface
80a and
the second side surface 80b of the retainer second portion overlaps 60 the
rounded
transition area 23c between the groove first surface 23a and groove second
surface
23b. The transition areas may contact each other. The second groove section 90
forms a portion of the groove overlapped by the first side surface 80a, second
side
surface 80b, and rounded transition area 80c of the second retainer portion
60. The
first and second side surfaces 80a and 80b of the second portion 60 of the
retainer are
at the first side 80 of the second portion 60. The first and second side
surfaces can also
be called first and second surfaces. Once the retainer is in the installed
position the
valve cover 34 is installed. The plunger 24 may also be allowed to reciprocate
freely in
the plunger bore.\
[00040]
In more detail, the retainer groove 20, as stated has a first section 86 and
a second section 90. The first section has a first end with opening 22a that
opens into
the plunger bore transition area 70. The first section 86 has second end with
a second
opening 22c which opens into the valve cover bore transition area 78. The
valve cover
bore transition area 78 can also be called the valve bore transition edge. The
groove
first section 86 has first surface 23a which can be called a first angled
surface. The
groove first section 86 has second surface 23b which can be called the second
angled
surface. The second angled surface and the first angled surface converge
towards
each other towards the base of the groove. The angle 200 formed between the
groove
first surface 23a and second surface 23b is greater than 90 and less than 180
. More
usually the angle is greater than 100 and less than 150 . The angle is
preferably 120
for plunger sizes from 3.75 up to 6.75 inches in diameter. The base of the
groove is
closed. At the base of the groove is the transition area 23c which joins an
end of the
first surface 23a to an end of the second surface 23b. As known in the art the
fluid end
changes in size and dimension as the plunger size changes. The transition area
23c is
a rounded surface and has a valley.
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[00041] The second groove section 90 is of the same construction as the
first
groove section 86. The second groove section has a first end that has a first
opening
22d that opens into the plunger bore transition area 70. The second section 90
has a
second end with second opening 22b which opens into the valve cover bore
transition
area 78. The groove second section 90 has first surface 23a which can be
called first
angled surface. The groove second section 90 has second surface 23b which can
be
called the second angled surface. The second surface 23b and the first surface
23a
converge towards each other towards the base of the groove. The angle 200
formed
between the groove first surface 23a and second surface 23b is between 90 and
180 .The base of the groove is closed. At the base of the groove is the
transition
surface 23c which joins an end of the first angled surface 23a to an end of
the second
angled surface 23b. The transition area is rounded and has a valley. Although
the first
angled surface, second angled surface and rounded transition area of the first
and
second groove sections 86 and 90 are the same in terms of construction and
dimension it is possible they could be different.
[00042] Notably the plunger bore transition area is between and coplanar
with the
first end of the first section 86 of the groove 22 and the first end of the
second section
90 of the groove. The plunger bore transition area provides a groove-less gap
formed
as a rounded surface between the first ends. Also the valve cover bore
transition area
78 is between and coplanar with the second end of the first section 86 of the
groove 22
and the second end of the second section 90 of the groove 22. The valve cover
bore
transition area 78 provides a groove-less gap formed as a rounded surface
between the
second ends.
[00043] As can be seen in FIGS. 7A-7H, the retainer 20 has a unique
construction.
The retainer is a single monoblock piece which can be made from a single
casting
without machining or machined from a cylindrical bar forging. As stated, the
retainer
has a first portion 58 and a second portion 60. The first portion extends from
a base
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CA 02841493 2014-02-03
portion 100 at a first end 100a of said base 100. The second portion 60
extends from
the base 100 portion at a second end of said base100b. The base portion has a
first
surface 102a on a first side 102 of the base. The base first surface 102a is
flat. The
base portion has a second surface 104a on a second side 104 of the base. The
base
second surface is flat. The second side is opposite the first side. The first
portion 58 of
the retainer extending from the base 100 is angled relative to the base. The
exterior
angle 202 is greater than 180 and less than 270 . More usually the angle is
greater
than 200 and less than 250 . The angle is preferably 240 for plunger sizes
from 3.75
up to 6.75 inches in diameter. The retainer first portion 58 has a third
surface 106 at a
second side 108 of the first portion 58. The third surface 106 is angled
relative to the
base second side surface 104a. The angle 204 is greater than 90 and less than
180 .
More usually the angle is greater than 100 and less than 150 . The angle is
preferably
123 for plunger sizes from 4.5 up to 6.75 inches in diameter wherein the
retainer is cast
and 130 wherein the retainer is machined. The angle is preferably 125 for
plunger
sizes 3.75 & 4 inches in diameter wherein the plunger is cast. The angle is
such that a
direction going from the base along the third surface towards the first end
portion 58a of
the first retainer portion 58 is away from the retainer's central axis 56. The
first surface
76a of the first side 76 is also angled relative to the base first surface
102a. The
exterior angle 202 is greater than 180 and less than 270 . More usually the
angle is
greater than 200 and less than 250 . The angle is preferably 240 for plunger
sizes
from 3.75 up to 6.75 inches in diameter. The surface is angled such that a
direction
from the base along the first surface 76a towards the first end portion 58a is
away from
the retainer central axis 56. The first side 76 second surface 76b is angled
relative to
the first surface 76a. The exterior angle 206 is greater than 180 and less
than 270 .
More usually the angle is greater than 200 and less than 250 . The angle is
preferably
240 for plunger sizes from 3.75 up to 6.75 inches in diameter. The second
surface is
angled such that going in a direction from the first surface along the second
surface
towards an end edge 114 of the first end portion 58a, the direction is towards
the central
axis 56. The first 76a and second 76b surfaces of the retainer first side 76
are not flat.
They are rather rounded. The rounded surfaces can be considered convex or
arcuate.
-15-
CA 02841493 2014-02-03
They have a peak. The transition area 76c which joins the first surface 76a to
the
second surface 76b is rounded. It has a peak. Further, a rounded transition
area 102b
with a peak joins the base first surface 102a to the first surface 76a. Also,
a rounded
transition area 104b with a valley joins the base second side surface 104a to
the first
portion, third surface 106. As stated, the retainer first portion has a
leading edge 84. It
also has a trailing edge 85.
[00044] The first portion 58 second surface 76b is angled towards the
first portion
third surface 106. At the closest point between the third and second surface,
end edge
114 is formed. The end edge extends from the leading edge 84 to the trailing
edge 85.
It has a peak between the trailing and leading edges.
[00045] A fourth surface 116 of the retainer first portion 58 extends from
the
trailing edge to the base. The fourth surface 116 is bounded on one side by
the third
surface 106 and the opposite side by first surface 76a, second surface 76b and
the
transition area 76c between the first and second surfaces.
[00046] A fifth surface 118 of the retainer first portion 58 extends from
the leading
edge 84 to the base 100. The fifth surface is bounded on one side by the third
surface
106 and the opposite side by first surface 76a, second surface 76b and the
transition
area 76c between the first and second surfaces.
[00047] The second portion 60 of the retainer extending from the base 100
is
angled relative to the base. The exterior angle 216 is greater than 180 and
less than
270 . More usually the angle is greater than 200 and less than 250 . The
angle is
preferably 240 for plunger sizes from 3.75 up to 6.75 inches in diameter. The
second
retainer portion 60 has a second side 126 with a third surface 124 which is
angled
relative to the base second side surface 104a. The angle 218 is greater than
90 and
less than 180 . More usually the angle is greater than 1000 and less than 150
. The
angle is preferably 123 for plunger sizes from 4.5 up to 6.75 inches in
diameter wherein
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CA 02841493 2014-02-03
the retainer is cast and 1300 wherein the retainer is machined. The angle is
preferably125 for plunger sizes 3.75 & 4 inches in_ diameters wherein the
retainer is
cast. The angle is such that a direction going from the base along the third
surface
towards the first end portion 60a of the retainer second portion 60 is angled
away from
the retainer's central axis 56. The retainer second portion's first surface
80a is also
angled relative to the base first surface 102a. The exterior angle 216 is
greater than
180 and less than 270 . More usually the angle is greater than 200 and less
than
250 . The angle is preferably 240 for plunger sizes from 3.75 up to 6.75
inches in
diameter. The surface is angled such that a direction from the base along the
first
surface 80a towards the first end portion 60a of the retainer second portion
60 is away
from the retainer central axis 56. The retainer second portion's second
surface 80b is
angled relative to the first surface 80a. The exterior angle 220 is greater
than 180 and
less than 270 . More usually the angle is greater than 200 and less than 250
. The
angle is preferably 240 for plunger sizes from 3.75 up to 6.75 inches in
diameter. The
second surface is angled such that going in a direction from the first surface
along the
second surface towards an end edge 132 of the first end portion 60a, the
direction is
towards the central axis 56. The first 80a and second 80b surfaces of the
retainer
second portion 60 are not flat. They are rather rounded. The rounded surfaces
can be
considered convex or arcuate. They have a peak. The transition area 80c which
joins
the first surface to the second surface is rounded. It has a peak. Further, a
rounded
transition area 128 which has a peak joins the base first surface 102a to the
first surface
80a. Also, a rounded transition area 130 with a valley joins the base second
side
surface 104a to the third surface 124 of the retainer second portion. As
stated, the
retainer second portion has a leading edge 88. It also has a trailing edge 89.
[00048] The second surface 80b of the retainer second portion is angled
towards
the third surface 124 of the retainer second portion. At the closest point
between the
third surface and second surface end edge 132 is formed. The end edge extends
from
the leading edge 88 to the trailing edge 89. It has a peak between the
trailing 89 and
leading 88 edges.
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CA 02841493 2014-02-03
[00049] A fourth side surface 134 of the retainer second portion 60
extends from
the trailing edge 89 to the base 100. The fourth side surface 134 is bounded
on one
side by the third surface 124 and the opposite side by first surface 80a,
second surface
80b and the transition area 80c between the first and second surfaces.
[00050] A fifth side surface 136 of the retainer second portion 60 extends
from the
leading edge 88 to the base 100. The fifth side surface 136 is bounded on one
side by
the third surface 124 and on an opposite side by first surface 80a, second
surface 80b
and the transition area 80c between the first and second surfaces.
[00051] The base has a third surface 120 and an opposite fourth surface
122. The
fourth surface is between the base first 102a and second 104a surface. The
third
surface, opposite the fourth surface, is between the base first and second
surface. The
fourth surface has a central portion 122a and a first end portion 122b angled
relative to
the central portion and a second end portion 122c angled relative to the
central portion.
The angle 208 between the first end portion and the central portion is between
90 and
180 . The angle 210 between the central portion and the second end portion is
between 90 and 180 . The angles between the first portion and central portion
and the
second portion and central portion are the same and more usually the angles
208, 210
are greater than 1000 and less than 150 . The angles 208, 210 are preferably
155 for
plunger bore sizes from 3.75 up to 6.75 inches in diameter.
[00052] The third surface of the base has a central portion 120a and a
first end
portion 120b angled relative to the central portion and a second end portion
120c
angled relative to the central portion. The angle 212 between the first end
portion 120b
and the central portion 120a is between 90 and 180 . The angle 214 between
the
central portion 120a and the second end portion 120c is between 90 and 180 .
The
angles between the first portion and central portion and the second portion
and central
portion are the same and more usually the angles 212, 214 are greater than 100
and
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CA 02841493 2014-02-03
less than 1500. The angles 212, 214 are preferably 155 for plunger bore sizes
from
3.75 up to 6.75 inches in diameter. The angles 208, 210, 212, 214 help ensure
the
retainer properly abuts up against the valve cover as it tries to turn in
either rotational
direction.
[00053] Spring receiving boss 82 extends outward from the base 100 first
side
surface 102a along the retainer central axis 56.
[00054] Notably the base third surface 120 is integral with the fourth
surface 116 of
the first 58 retainer portion and the fifth surface 136 of the second 60
retainer portions.
The base fourth surface 122 is integral with the fifth surface 118 of the
first retainer
portion and the fourth surface 134 of the second retainer portion.
[00055] In addition to a central axis, the retainer has a second, short
axis 138,
extending through the base third and fourth surfaces. It also has a first,
long axis 140,
extending through the end at the end edge 114 of the retainer first portion 58
and the
end at the end edge 132 of the retainer second portion 60. The first axis is
perpendicular to the second axis and central or third axis 56. The third axis
is
perpendicular to the second axis. The second axis extends along a width of the
retainer. The first axis extends along a length of the retainer. The length is
at least
twice the width.
[00056] The distance 230, wherein the distance is taken along the
direction of the
suction bore axis, between the plunger's long axis and rounded transition
portion 23c as
shown in figure 3 is 1.58 inch for plunger sizes 3.75 & 4 inches, 1.88 inch
for plunger
sizes 4.5 & 5 inches, 2.13 inch for plunger sizes 5.5 & 6 inches and 2.39 inch
for
plunger sizes 6.5 & 6.75 inches.
[00057] Another embodiment of fluid end 400 for use in a piston pump is
illustrated
in FIGS. 10-16. As shown in FIG. 10, fluid end 400 includes a bore 402, on the
piston
side having a long axis 404, a valve cover bore 406 having a central axis 408,
a suction
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CA 02841493 2014-02-03
bore 410 having a suction bore long axis 412, and a discharge bore 414 having
discharge bore long axis 416. The bore on the piston side can be called a
piston bore
402. The piston, however does not actually enter the bore 402, but rather
operates
inside the liner (not shown in figure) to create pressure inside the fluid end
400. Piston
bore 402 and valve cover bore 406 are at least partially aligned and,
likewise, suction
bore 410 and discharge bore 414 are also at least partially aligned and lie
substantially
orthogonal to piston bore 402 and valve cover bore 406. The valve cover bore
406 can
also be called a valve cap bore 406. Piston bore 402, valve cover bore 406,
suction
bore 410 and discharge bore 414 all intersect at a cross-bore intersection 418
which
includes surfaces that define an open space 420. As best shown in FIG. 11, the
valve
cover bore 406 terminates at the cross-bore intersection 418 and open space
420. A
valve bore transition or termination area 422 defines a transition from the
valve cover
bore 406 to the open space 420 and cross bore intersection 418. The piston
bore 402
also terminates at open space 420 and cross bore intersection 418. A piston
bore
transition or termination area 424 defines a transition from the piston bore
to the open
space 420 and cross bore intersection 418. These transition areas 422 and 424
may be
machined to have a rounded profile.
[00058]
As shown in FIG. 10, cross bore intersection 418 is configured to contain a
spring retainer 428 secured in a groove 430, wherein spring retainer 428
carries and
guides a spring-resistance valve assembly for a suction valve disposed to
control fluid
flow into and through suction bore 410. The spring retainer 428 can also be
called a
retainer or retainer ring 428. Thus, when retainer 428 is subject to the
forces of the fluid
flowing through open space 420, it can be subject to rotation. A valve cover
426 may
be secured within valve cover bore 406 at an end opposite cross-bore
intersection 418.
The valve cover 426 may be called a valve cap 426. Valve cover 426 may include
a
protuberance 427 which is configured to extend into open space 420 and cross
bore
intersection 418 when valve cap 426 is secured to the fluid end 400 in order
to abut
retainer ring 428 and prevent it from rotating when retaining ring 428 is
installed within
open space 420 of cross-bore intersection 418 and secured in groove 430.
- 20 -
CA 02841493 2014-02-03
[00059] FIG. 15 illustrates groove 430 comprising opposing sections being
a first
section 432 and a second section 434 opposite said first section 432. Both
first and
second sections 432 and 434 share substantially identical components and,
thus, first
section 432 will be described in detail herein and its elements will be
identified with an
"a" designation wherein all of the same elements of the second section will be
designated herein with a "b" designation. FIG. Ills a section view of one
embodiment
of cross-bore intersection 418 showing a first section 432 of groove 430
wherein first
section 432 of groove 430 includes a first end 436a and a second end 438a, and
wherein first end 436a is proximate piston bore transition area 424 and second
end
438a is proximate valve cap bore transition area 422 as shown. First section
432 of
groove 430 also includes a first inclined surface 440a and a second inclined
surface
442a wherein an angle 444a is defined by first inclined surface 440a and
second
inclined surface 442a. The angle can be formed by an intersection between
surface
440a and 442a or just by the convergence of the surfaces towards one another
and
towards a rounded base 431a of the first section 432 of the groove 430. The
base 431a
can be considered to be formed by surfaces 440a and 442a gradually coming to
an
intersection. Angle 444a may be greater than ninety (90) degrees, but less
than one-
hundred eighty (180) degrees. As shown in FIG. 14, gaps 446a and 446b separate
first
section 432 and second section 434 of groove 430. The location of gaps 446a
and
446b occur when groove 432 intersects piston bore 402 and valve cap bore 406
respectively.
[00060] Now turning to FIG. 12A, an embodiment of retainer ring 428 is
shown
wherein retainer ring 428 is configured for use with a piston pump. This
configuration
differs from the embodiment described above because the piston does not enter
the
cross-bore intersection 418, or even bore 402. Therefore, the retaining ring
428 may
be positioned within open space 420 without impeding the functionality of the
pump. As
described above, retainer ring 428 may be a single monoblock piece which can
be
made from a single casting without machining or machined from a cylindrical
bar
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CA 02841493 2014-02-03
forging. FIGS. 12A-H illustrate retainer ring 428 comprising a base 448, a
first retainer
portion 450, and a second retainer portion 452. In addition, retainer ring 428
has a
center axis 454. A spring retaining boss 476 configured to receive or
otherwise engage
with a valve spring 530 extending downward from the base 448 in an installed
position
as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15.
[00061] As shown in FIGS. 12A and 13, base 448 includes an upper surface
458
and a lower surface 460 that defines a thickness 462. The thickness is
exclusive of the
retaining boss 476. As shown best in FIG. 12A, base 448 comprises a first end
464 and
a second end 466 that define a length 469. Further base 448 comprises a first
side 470
and a second side 472 that define a width 474. In one embodiment, base 448 may
be
circular as shown wherein the length 468 and width 474 are substantially
equal.
However, the shape of base 448 shall not be limited to a circular shape. An
axially
extending surface 445 extends between the upper 458 and lower surface 460. It
forms
an outer surface of base 448. Portions of the axial surface 445 are between
retaining
portions 450 and 452. With respect to these portions, one end of the axially
extending
surface of each of these portions joins to the upper surface 458 and one
opposite end,
joins to the lower surface 460. These portions are at the first side 470 and
second side
472. Retaining portions 450 and 452 extend radially outward from other
portions of axial
surface 445. An upper portion of axial surface 445 is continuous with upper
surface 458,
unbroken, and surrounds axis 454 and a central area of base 448. The axially
extending
surface 445 is located about axis 454. It curves about the axis and is
circumferential.
Axial surface 445 is displaced from the axis a radial distance. It has an
outer diameter.
As further shown in FIGS. 12A-H and 13, spring retaining boss 476 extends away
from
lower surface 460 and a valve guide aperture 478 passes through both base 448
and
spring retaining boss 476 (if present). As shown in FIG. 13, valve guide
aperture 478
defines a diameter 524 and is configured to receive a guide arm or valve stem
536 on a
valve 532 (both shown in FIG. 15). In some cases, aperture 478 may include a
step 526
that allows for insert 528 to be housed within base 448 and/or spring
retaining boss 476
as shown. In this case the diameter of the insert is the diameter to receive
guide
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CA 02841493 2014-02-03
arm/valve stem 536. In addition to aperture 478, the base 448 may have a
clearance
aperture 478', co-extensive with and along axis 454 and in fluid communication
with
aperture 478. Boss 476 has an axially extending surface 477 which has an end
that
terminates at the lower surface 460. The axially extending surface extends
axially away
from the lower surface and terminates at a free end of the boss 476 opposite
lower
surface 460. It forms an outer surface. The axially extending surface 477 is
about axis
454. It is continuous and unbroken. It curves about the axis and is
circumferential. It is
displaced from the axis a distance. It has an outer diameter. It may taper
axially inward
from the lower surface to the boss free end. The radial displacement from the
axis 454
and the outer diameter of the axial surface 477 at the lower surface 460 is
less than the
radial displacement from the axis 454 and the outer diameter of the axial
surface 445 at
lower surface 460.
[00062] FIG. 13 illustrates the embodiment of retainer ring 428 of FIGS.
12A-H
and shows first retainer portion 450 and second retainer portion 452 in
relation to base
448. As shown, first retainer portion 450 extends radially outward from first
end 464
and includes a third surface 480 and a fourth surface 482 which define a
thickness 484.
First retainer portion 450 also has a first end 486 and a second end 488
wherein first
end 486 of first retainer portion 450 is coupled to base 448 proximate base's
448 first
end 464 and between the base upper surface 458 and the base lower surface 460.
First retainer portion 450 further includes a first end portion 490 at second
end 488. The
first end portion 490 includes a first surface 492 and a second surface 494
wherein first
and second surfaces 492 and 494 are inclined and form an exterior angle 496.
The first
end portion may be called a first key 490. The angle may be formed by the
intersection
of the surfaces 492 and 494 or just by the convergence of the surfaces towards
one
another and towards a rounded transition area 503 joining surfaces 492 and
494. The
transition area can be considered to be formed by the surfaces 492 and 494
coming to
an intersection. Exterior angle 496 may be any angle greater than one-hundred
eighty
(180) degrees and less than three-hundred sixty (360) degrees, with a common
range
between one-hundred eighty (180) degrees and two-hundred seventy (270)
degrees,
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CA 02841493 2014-02-03
but preferably in a range between around two-hundred (200) degrees and around
two-
hundred forty (240) degrees. The intersection of first surface 492 and second
surface
494 may be pointed or rounded, like the transition area 503 as shown in FIG.
12E.
First surface 492 and second surfaces 494 may be flat or slightly convex
(curved
outwardly).
[00063] Further, as shown in FIGS. 12E and 13, third surface 480 of first
retainer
portion 450 is inclined with respect to first end 464 of base 448 at an angle
498 and
fourth surface 482 is inclined with respect to first end 464 of base 448,
wherein surface
482 is orientated at an angle 500 relative to bottom surface 460 as shown.
Angles 498
and 500 may configured such that third surface 480 and fourth surface 482 are
substantially parallel resulting in a constant thickness 484, or angles 498
and 500 may
be configured so as third surface 480 and fourth surface 482 are oblique in
relation to
each other resulting in a variable thickness 484 of first retainer portion
450. Angle 498
may be greater than around twenty (20) degrees or less than around one-hundred-
sixty
(160) degrees, and preferably between around forty-five (45) degrees and
around one-
hundred thirty-five (135) degrees. Angle 500 may range from one-hundred ten
(110)
degrees to two-hundred fifty (250) degrees, preferably being in a range
between around
one-hundred thirty-five (135) degrees and around two-hundred twenty-five (225)
degrees. The third surface 480 intersects axial surface 445 at end 464.The
angle 498 is
between the third surface 480 and axial surface 445. The point of intersection
is
between the upper 458 and lower 460 surfaces. The axial surface 445 extends
away
from the point of intersection towards the upper surface 458. The upper
surface 458 and
a portion of the axial surface 445 are above the point of intersection. The
fourth surface
482 joins to the base 448 at end 464. It joins to a radially outer most part
of lower
surface 460 including at a place where axial surface 445 joins to lower
surface 460.
Angle 500 is formed between fourth surface 482 and lower surface 460.
[00064] Third surface 480 may intersect with a primarily radially
extending surface
491 of key 490 at an angle 499 wherein angle 499 may range from one-hundred
ten
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CA 02841493 2014-02-03
(110) degrees to two-hundred fifty (250) degrees, preferably being in a range
between
around one-hundred thirty-five (135) degrees and around two-hundred twenty-
five (225)
degrees. Further fourth surface 482 may intersect with a primarily radially
extending
surface 493 of key 490 at an angle 501 wherein angle 501 may range from one-
hundred
ten (110) degrees to two-hundred fifty (250) degrees, preferably being in a
range
between around one-hundred thirty-five (135) degrees and around two-hundred
twenty-
five (225) degrees. In one embodiment, angles 499 and 501 are configured to
orientate
key 490 substantially orthogonal to the wall forming open space 420 that
includes
groove 430. The primarily radially extending surface 491 intersects a
primarily axially
extending surface 495 of key 490. The surface 495 is opposite first surface
492. Surface
495 is raised in the axial direction relative to surface 491. The area of
intersection of
surface 495 with surface 491 is concavely rounded. The primarily radially
extending
surface 493 intersects a primarily axially extending surface 497 of key 490.
The surface
497 is opposite second surface 494. Surface 497 is raised in the axial
direction relative
to surface 493. The area of intersection of surface 497 with surface 493 is
concavely
rounded.
[00065] Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 12E and 13, second retainer portion
452
includes a third surface 502 and a fourth surface 504 that define a thickness
506.
Second retainer portion 452 also has a first end 508 and a second end 510
wherein first
end 508 of second retainer portion 452 is coupled to base 448 proximate the
second
end 466 of base 448. Second retainer portion 452 further includes a second end
portion 512 at second end 510 wherein second end portion 512 includes a first
surface
514 and a second surface 516 wherein first and second surfaces 514 and 516 are
inclined and form an angle 518. The angle is exterior. The angle may be formed
by the
intersection of the surfaces 514 and 516 or just by the convergence of the
surfaces
towards one another and towards a rounded transition area 505 (shown in FIG.
12E)
joining surfaces 514 and 516. The transition area 505 can be considered to be
formed
by the surfaces 514 and 516 coming to an intersection. Angle 518 may be any
angle
greater than one-hundred eighty (180) degrees and less than three-hundred
sixty (360)
-25-
CA 02841493 2014-02-03
degrees, with a common range between one-hundred eighty (180) degrees and two-
hundred seventy (270) degrees, but preferably in a range between around two-
hundred
(200) degrees and around two-hundred forty (240) degrees. The intersection of
first
surface 514 and second surface 516 may be pointed or a rounded transition area
505
as shown in FIG. 12E. The second end portion 512 may be called a second key
512.
As shown in FIG. 15, the orientation and configuration of surfaces 492 and 494
of first
key and 514 and 516 of second key are complimentary to the orientation and
configuration of surfaces 440a and 442a of first section 432 of groove 430 and
surfaces
440b and 442b of second section 434 of groove 430.
[00066]
Further, as shown in FIG. 13, third surface 502 is inclined with respect to
second end 466 of base 448 at an angle 520 and fourth surface 504 is inclined
with
respect to second end 466 of base 448 at an angle 522. Angles 520 and 522 may
configured such that third surface 502 and fourth surface 504 are
substantially parallel
resulting in a constant thickness 506, or angles 520 and 522 may be configured
so as
third surface and fourth surface are oblique in relation to each other
resulting in a
variable thickness 506. Angle 520 may be greater than around twenty (20)
degrees or
less than around one-hundred-sixty (160) degrees, and preferably between
around
forty-five (45) degrees and around one-hundred thirty-five (135) degrees.
Angle 522
may range from one-hundred ten (110) degrees to two-hundred fifty (250)
degrees,
preferably being in a range between around one-hundred thirty-five (135)
degrees and
around two-hundred twenty-five (225) degrees. The third surface 502 intersects
an axial
surface 445 at end 466. The angle 520 is between the third surface 502 and
axial
surface 445. The point of intersection of third surface 502 and surface 445 is
between
the upper 458 and lower 460 surfaces. The axial surface 445 extends away from
the
point of intersection towards the upper surface 458. The upper surface 458 and
a
portion of the axial surface 445 are above the point of intersection. The
fourth surface
504 joins to the base 448 at end 466. It joins to radially outer most part of
lower surface
460 including at a place where axial surface 445 joins to lower surface 460.
Angle 522
is formed between fourth surface 504 and lower surface 460.
- 26 -
CA 02841493 2014-02-03
[00067] Third surface 502 may intersect with a primarily radially
extending surface
513 of key 512 at an angle 521 wherein angle 521 may range from one-hundred
ten
(110) degrees to two-hundred fifty (250) degrees, preferably being in a range
between
around one-hundred thirty-five (135) degrees and around two-hundred twenty-
five (225)
degrees. Further fourth surface 504 may intersect with a primarily radially
extending
surface 515 of key 512 at an angle 523 wherein angle 523 may range from one-
hundred ten (110) degrees to two-hundred fifty (250) degrees, preferably being
in a
range between around one-hundred thirty-five (135) degrees and around two-
hundred
twenty-five (225) degrees. In one embodiment, angles 521 and 523 are
configured to
orientate second key 512 substantially orthogonal to the wall forming open
space 420
that includes groove 430. The primarily radially extending surface 513
intersects a
primarily axially extending surface 517 of key 512. The surface 517 is
opposite first
surface 514. Surface 517 is raised in the axial direction relative to surface
513. The
area of intersection of surface 517 with surface 513 is concavely rounded. The
primarily
radially extending surface 515 intersects a primarily axially extending
surface 519 of key
512. The surface 519 is opposite second surface 516. Surface 519 is raised in
the axial
direction relative to surface 515. The area of intersection of surface 519
with surface
515 is concavely rounded.
[00068] As shown in FIGS. 12E and 12F, the first 450 and second 452
retainer
portions each have first and second lateral sides. The first and second
lateral sides
respectively have first 600a, 600b and second 610a, 610b lateral surfaces.
Each lateral
surface 600a, 600b, 610a, 610b has a curved portion 600a",610a",600b", 610b".
Each
lateral surface 600a, 600b, 610a, 610b has a straight portion 600a", 610a",
600b",
610b". The first 600a and second 610a lateral surfaces of the first retaining
portion 450
extend from the retaining portion 450 first end 486 to the second end 488. The
first
lateral surface 600a extends from the first side 470 of the base 448 and the
second
lateral surface 610a extends from the second side 472 of the base. The curved
portion
600a" of the first lateral surface 600a extends from the base 448 on the first
side 470
- 27 -
CA 02841493 2014-02-03
and from the first end 486 towards the second end 488 but does not reach the
second
end 488. The straight portion 600a" extends from the second end 488 towards
the base
448 and first end 486 but does not reach the first end 486.The curved portion
600a' and
straight portion 600a" meet between the first 486 and second 488 end. The
second
lateral surface 610a and its curved 610a' and straight 610a" portions are
configured in
the same manner as the first lateral surface 600a and its curved 600a' and
straight
600a" portions except they are oriented on the second side 472 of base 448.
The first
600a and second 610a lateral surfaces each join the third 480 and fourth 482
surfaces.
They also each join the first 492 and second 494 surfaces. The first lateral
surface
600b of the second retainer portion 452 extends from the second portion 452
first end
508 to the second portion second end 510 at the base 448 first side 470.
Lateral surface
600b and its curved 600b' and straight 600b" portions are oriented relative to
the base
448 and first side 470 and are configured as part of the second portion 452 in
the same
manner as first lateral surface 600a and its curved 600a' and straight
portions 600a"
are oriented relative to the base 448 and first side 470 and configured as
part of first
retainer portion 450. The second lateral surface 610b and its curved 610b' and
straight
610b" portions are configured in the same manner as the first lateral surface
600b and
its curved 600b' and straight 600b" portions except they are oriented on the
second
side 472 of base 448.
[00069] As shown in FIG. 15, spring retaining boss 476 may be inserted in
one
end of a spring 530. Alternatively, spring retaining boss 476 may include a
recess (not
shown) configured for receiving and retaining spring 530. The other end of
spring 530
is in operable connection with a suction valve 532. As best shown in FIG. 15,
suction
valve 532 includes a contacting surface 534 and a guide arm 536. The arm can
be
called a valve stem 536. Bearing surface 534 of suction valve 532 bears
against a
valve seat 538 which is carried by fluid end 400. A discharge valve assembly
900 and
retaining valve cover 901 are shown in the fluid end.
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[00070] Retainer ring 428 is installed similarly to the embodiment
described above.
To install retainer ring 428 and retain valve 532 in suction bore 410, a user
will insert
valve seat 538 and valve 532 through valve cap bore 406 and drop the valve
seat 538
and valve 532 into suction bore 410 into an installed position with valve stem
536
extending upward as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. Next, spring 530 is fed through
valve
cap bore 406 and is dropped over valve stem 536 so that valve stem is received
into
spring 530. Spring 530 bears on a top surface of valve 532.
[00071] As shown in FIG. 16, retainer ring 428 is inserted through valve
cover bore
406 with first and second retainer portions 450 and 452 aligned with long axis
404 and
central axis 412. This allows retaining ring 428 to be inserted freely into
open space
420 as width 474, see figure 16, is less than the clear distance between first
groove
section 432 and second groove section 434. Spring receiving boss 476 is then
received
into spring 530. To secure retainer ring 428 within fluid end 400, the
retainer ring may
be slightly depressed to preload spring 530 and then the retainer ring 428 is
rotated
about center axis 454 such that, as best shown in FIG. 15, first key 490 is
received into
first section 432 of groove 430 and second key 512 is received into second
section 434
of groove 430. As shown, keys 490 and 512 are configured to be complimentary
to
groove sections 432 and 434. First surface 492 of first key 490 engages first
surface
440a of first section 432 of groove 430. Likewise, second surface 494 of first
key 490
engages second surface 442a of first section 432 of groove 430, first surface
514 of
second key 512 engages first surface 440b of second section 434 of groove 430,
and
second surface 516 of second key 512 engages second surface 442b of second
section
434 of groove 430. The engagement of keys 490 and 512 with the portions 432
and
434 of groove 430 secure retainer ring 428 within open space 420 and the
engagement
of the surfaces prevent linear translation of retaining ring in either
direction due to the
passage of pumped fluent through the fluid end 400.
[00072] FIG. 14 illustrates the installed position of retaining ring 428
in fluid end
400 wherein retaining ring is positioned within the cross-bore intersection
418 and open
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CA 02841493 2014-02-03
space 420. Turning back to FIG. 10, even though retaining ring 428 may rotate
within
open space 420 due to the forces applied by the fluid passing through the
cross-bore
intersection 418 from the suction bore 410 into the discharge bore 414. The
retainer ring
428 will not rotate so much that its first and second retainer portions 450
and 452
section will come out of groove sections 432 and 434. The valve cover 426
prevents the
excess rotation. Rotation of the retainer in the second circumferential
direction is
stopped by projection 427 of valve cover 426 abutting up against retainer
portion 452.
Rotation in the first circumferential direction is stopped by projection 427
of valve cover
426 abutting up against retainer portion 450. Valve cover 426 acts as an
abutment
because its projection 427 intersects the path of circumferential rotation of
portions 450
and 452. Projection 427 on valve cover 426 is configured as shown in FIG. 10
to
extend into open space 420 and cross bore intersection 418 to an extent to
abut first or
second retainer portions 450 or 452 and prevent it from rotating out of
retaining
connection with groove 430.
[00073] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any
accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any
method or
process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations
where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.
[00074] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any
accompanying
claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving
the
same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus,
unless
expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a
generic
series of equivalent or similar features.
[00075] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing
embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel
combination, of
the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying
claims, abstract
and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of
any
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CA 02841493 2014-02-03
method or process so disclosed.
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