This disclosure relates to reciprocating pumps, and, in particular, to the crossbores of fluid cylinders used in reciprocating pumps.
In oilfield operations, reciprocating pumps are used for different applications such as fracturing subterranean formations to drill for oil or natural gas, cementing the wellbore, or treating the wellbore and/or formation. A reciprocating pump designed for fracturing operations is sometimes referred to as a “frac pump.” A reciprocating pump typically includes a power end and a fluid end (sometimes referred to as a cylindrical section). The fluid end is typically formed of a one piece construction or a series of blocks secured together by rods. The fluid end includes a fluid cylinder having a plunger passage for receiving a plunger or plunger throw, an inlet passage, and an outlet passage. Reciprocating pumps are oftentimes operated at pressures of 10,000 pounds per square inch (psi) and upward to 25,000 psi and at rates of up to 1,000 strokes per minute or even higher during fracturing operations.
During operation of a reciprocating pump, a fluid is pumped into the fluid cylinder through the inlet passage and out of the pump through the outlet passage. The inlet and outlet passages each include a valve assembly, which is typically opened by differential pressure of fluid and allows the fluid to flow in only one direction. A crossbore formed between the intersection of the plunger passage and the inlet and outlet passages forms a crossbore section that enables fluid to flow through the fluid cylinder. The crossbore configuration must be robust enough to handle the fluid that passes through the fluid cylinder. Th fluid often contains solid particulates and/or corrosive material that can cause corrosion, erosion, and/or pitting on surfaces of the valve assembly, the passages, and/or the crossbore over time.
Typically, the crossbores of fluid cylinders are formed using a machining process and thereafter the crossbore section is manually hand blended to remove sharp edges from the machining process. The manual hand blending process takes time and requires labor. Moreover, the manual hand blending process is not consistent across all areas of the crossbore section, can vary with every fluid cylinder, and is not representative of three-dimensional design models used for finite element analysis (FEA) and autofrettage analysis. Consequently, the manual hand blending process can create a crossbore section with different stress points, which can result in inconsistent stresses along the crossbore section. Over time, the constant flow of the abrasive fluid mixture through the pump can erode and wear down the interior surfaces and/or internal components (e.g., valves, seats, springs, etc.) of the fluid cylinder, which can eventually cause the fluid cylinder to fail. Failure of the fluid cylinder of a reciprocating pump can have relatively devastating repercussions and/or can be relatively costly.
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
In a first aspect, a fluid cylinder for a reciprocating pump includes a body having comprising an inlet bore, an outlet bore, and a plunger bore. The inlet and outlet bores extend through the body approximately coaxial along a fluid passage axis. The plunger bore extends through the body along a plunger bore axis that extends at an angle relative to the fluid passage axis. The body also includes a crossbore extending through the body at the intersection of the fluid passage axis and the plunger bore axis such that the inlet bore, the outlet bore, and the plunger bore fluidly communicate with each other. The crossbore intersects the inlet bore, the outlet bore, and the plunger bore at an inlet bore end, an outlet bore end, and a plunger bore end, respectively. The inlet bore end and the outlet bore end are connected to the plunger bore end at respective first and second corners of the crossbore. The first corner includes a first linear bridge segment that is connected to the inlet bore end and the plunger bore end by corresponding curved segments. The second corner includes a second linear bridge segment that is connected to the outlet bore end and the plunger bore end by corresponding curved segments.
In some embodiments, the first linear bridge segment extends at corresponding angles relative to the plunger bore and fluid passages axes that add up to no greater than approximately 90°, and the second linear bridge segment extends at corresponding angles relative to the plunger bore and fluid passages axes that add up to no greater than approximately 90°.
In one embodiment, first linear bridge segment of the first corner extends at an angle of approximately 45° relative to the plunger bore axis and an angle of approximately 45° relative to the fluid passage axis.
In one embodiment, the second linear bridge segment of the second corner extends at an angle of approximately 45° relative to the plunger bore axis and an angle of approximately 45° relative to the fluid passage axis.
In some embodiments, the first and second corners have substantially the same geometry as each other.
In yet another embodiment, the body further includes a face extending over the crossbore. The face includes a plunger side that extends from the first corner to the second corner, an inlet side that extends from the first corner along the inlet bore end, and an outlet side that extend from the second corner along the outlet bore end. A midpoint of the face is approximately equidistant from the first and second corners.
In one embodiment, a midpoint of the face is approximately aligned with an intersection of the plunger bore axis and the fluid passage axis.
In some embodiments, the body further includes an access bore extending through the body along the plunger bore axis. The crossbore intersects the access bore at an access bore end. The access bore end is connected to the inlet and outlet bore ends at respective third and fourth corners. The third corner includes a third linear bridge segment that is connected to the access bore end and the inlet bore end by corresponding curved segments. The fourth corner includes a fourth linear bridge segment that is connected to the access bore end and the outlet bore end by corresponding curved segments.
In one embodiment, the third and fourth corners have substantially the same geometry as each other.
In one embodiment, the third linear bridge segment extends at corresponding angles relative to the plunger bore and fluid passages axes that add up to no greater than approximately 90°, and the fourth linear bridge segment extends at corresponding angles relative to the plunger bore and fluid passages axes that add up to no greater than approximately 90°.
In some embodiments, the body of the fluid cylinder is configured to be used during operation of the reciprocating pump without undergoing a manual hand blending process.
In a second aspect, a reciprocating pump assembly includes a power end portion and a fluid end portion having a fluid cylinder comprising a body having an inlet bore, an outlet bore, and a plunger bore. The inlet and outlet bores extend through the body approximately coaxial along a fluid passage axis. The plunger bore extends through the body along a plunger bore axis that extends at an angle relative to the fluid passage axis. The body further includes a crossbore extending through the body at the intersection of the fluid passage axis and the plunger bore axis such that the inlet bore, the outlet bore, and the plunger bore fluidly communicate with each other. The crossbore intersects the inlet bore, the outlet bore, and the plunger bore at an inlet bore end, an outlet bore end, and a plunger bore end, respectively. The inlet bore end and the outlet bore end are connected to the plunger bore end at respective first and second corners of the crossbore. The first corner includes a first linear bridge segment that is connected to the inlet bore end and the plunger bore end by corresponding curved segments. The second corner includes a second linear bridge segment that is connected to the outlet bore end and the plunger bore end by corresponding curved segments.
In some embodiments, the first linear bridge segment extends at corresponding angles relative to the plunger bore and fluid passages axes that add up to no greater than approximately 90°, and the second linear bridge segment extends at corresponding angles relative to the plunger bore and fluid passages axes that add up to no greater than approximately 90°.
In one embodiment, the first linear bridge segment of the first corner extends at an angle of approximately 45° relative to the plunger bore axis and an angle of approximately 45° relative to the fluid passage axis, and the second linear bridge segment of the second corner extends at an angle of approximately 45° relative to the plunger bore axis and an angle of approximately 45° relative to the fluid passage axis.
In some embodiments, the body of the fluid cylinder further includes a face extending over the crossbore. The face includes a plunger side that extends from the first corner to the second corner, an inlet side that extends from the first corner along the inlet bore end, and an outlet side that extend from the second corner along the outlet bore end. A midpoint of the face is approximately aligned with an intersection of the plunger bore axis and the fluid passage axis.
In some embodiments, the body of the fluid cylinder further includes an access bore extending through the body along the plunger bore axis. The crossbore intersects the access bore at an access bore end. The access bore end is connected to the inlet and outlet bore ends at respective third and fourth corners. The third corner includes a third linear bridge segment that is connected to the access bore end and the inlet bore end by corresponding curved segments. The fourth corner includes a fourth linear bridge segment that is connected to the access bore end and the outlet bore end by corresponding curved segments. The third linear bridge segment extends at corresponding angles relative to the plunger bore and fluid passages axes that add up to no greater than approximately 90°, and the fourth linear bridge segment extends at corresponding angles relative to the plunger bore and fluid passages axes that add up to no greater than approximately 90°.
In a third aspect, a method for fabricating a reciprocating pump having a fluid cylinder includes forming a crossbore within a body of the fluid cylinder such that an inlet bore, an outlet bore, and a plunger bore of the fluid cylinder fluidly communicate with each other, machining first and second corners of the crossbore that connect the plunger bore to the inlet and outlet bores, respectively, and assembling the reciprocating pump without performing a manual hand blending process on the first and second corners.
In some embodiments, the method further includes operating the reciprocating pump without performing a manual hand blending process on the first and second corners.
In one embodiment, machining the body of the fluid cylinder to define the first and second corners of the crossbore includes machining a first linear bridge segment of the first corner such that the first linear bridge segment is connected to the inlet bore and the plunger bore by corresponding curved segments, and machining a second linear bridge segment of the second corner such that the second linear bridge segment is connected to the outlet bore end and the plunger bore by corresponding curved segments.
In some embodiments, the method further includes machining third and fourth corners of the crossbore that connect an access bore to the inlet and outlet bores, respectively, wherein assembling the reciprocating pump further includes assembling the reciprocating pump without performing a manual hand blending process on the third and fourth corners.
Other aspects, features, and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are a part of this disclosure and which illustrate, by way of example, principles of the inventions disclosed.
The accompanying drawings facilitate an understanding of the various embodiments.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.
Certain embodiments of the disclosure provide a fluid cylinder for a reciprocating pump that includes a crossbore having corners that connect a plunger bore to corresponding inlet and outlet bores. Each corner includes a linear bridge segment and corresponding curved segments that connect the linear bridge segment to the plunger bore and the inlet or outlet bore. Certain embodiments of the disclosure provide a method for fabricating the fluid cylinder that includes machining the corners of the crossbore and assembling the reciprocating pump without performing a manual blending process on the corners.
Certain embodiments of the disclosure provide intersecting bores having crossbore geometries that eliminate the need to perform manual blending processes on the corners and/or other areas of the crossbore. The crossbore geometries of certain embodiments disclosed herein provide a fluid cylinder with relatively smooth transitions between internal bores (e.g., the crossbore, inlet bores, outlet bores, plunger bores, access bores, etc.) of the fluid cylinder. Certain embodiments of the disclosure reduce stress in the crossbore (e.g., at the intersections of the crossbore with plunger, inlet, outlet, and/or access bores). The crossbore geometries of certain embodiments disclosed herein provide more consistent machined fluid cylinders having more consistent stresses in the crossbore (e.g., at the intersections of the crossbore with the plunger, inlet, outlet, and/or access bores).
The crossbore geometries of certain embodiments disclosed herein provide fluid cylinders that more closely resemble three dimensional (3D) design models used in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and autofrettage studies, thereby improving the effectiveness of FEA and/or autofrettage studies. In at least some embodiments, the crossbore geometries disclosed herein reduce the duration of finishing operations performed on the internal bores of the fluid cylinder (e.g., a reduction of at least approximately 50%, a reduction of at least approximately 66%, a reduction of between approximately 75% and approximately 80%, etc.). The crossbore geometries of certain embodiments disclosed herein provide fluid cylinders that are more durable. The crossbore geometries of certain embodiments disclosed herein extend the operational life of fluid cylinders of reciprocating pumps. Certain embodiments of the disclosure provide crossbore geometries that reduce the time, labor, and/or cost required to fabricate the fluid cylinder of a reciprocating pump.
Referring to
Referring now solely to
In the embodiment illustrated in
In the embodiment illustrated in
The valve body 132 includes a tail portion 140 and a head portion 142 that extends radially outward from the tail portion 140. The head portion 142 holds a seal 144 that sealingly engages at least a portion of the tapered shoulder 138 of the valve seat 130. In the exemplary embodiment, the head portion 142 is engaged and otherwise biased by a spring 146, which, as discussed in greater detail below, biases the valve body 132 to a closed position that prevents fluid flow through the inlet valve assembly 126.
In the embodiment illustrated in
With reference to
Movement of the plunger 114 in the direction of arrow 164 toward the fluid passage axis 124 and into the pressure chamber 118 will be referred to herein as the discharge stroke of the plunger 114. As the plunger 114 moves along the discharge stroke into the pressure chamber 118, the pressure within the pressure chamber 118 increases. The pressure within the pressure chamber 118 increases until the differential pressure across the outlet valve assembly 128 exceeds a predetermined set point, at which point the outlet valve assembly 128 opens and permits fluid to flow out of the pressure chamber 118 along the fluid passage axis 124, being discharged through the outlet valve assembly 128. As the plunger 114 reaches the end of the discharge stroke, the inlet valve assembly 126 is positioned in the closed position wherein the seal 146 is sealingly engaged with the tapered shoulder 138 of the valve seat 130.
The fluid cylinder 108 of the fluid end portion 104 includes a crossbore 166 that defines at least a portion of the pressure chamber 118. The crossbore 166 extends through a body 168 of the fluid cylinder at the intersection of the plunger bore 174, the inlet bore 120, and the outlet bore 122. More particularly, the plunger bore 174 extends through the body 168 of the fluid cylinder 108 along a plunger bore axis 170 that extends approximately perpendicular to the fluid passage axis 124. In other examples, the plunger bore axis 170 extends at an oblique angle relative to the fluid passage axis 124. In the exemplary embodiment shown in
The access port 172 provides access to the pressure chamber 118 and thereby internal components of the fluid cylinder 108 (e.g., the inlet valve assembly 146, the outlet valve assembly 148, the plunger 114, etc.) for service (e.g., maintenance, replacement, etc.) thereof. The access port 172 of the fluid cylinder 108 is closed using a suction cover assembly 176 to seal the pressure chamber 118 of the fluid cylinder 108 at the access port 172. The suction cover assembly 176 can be selectively removed to enable access to the pressure chamber 118 and thereby the internal components of the fluid cylinder 108. The access port 172 is sometimes referred to as a “maintenance” or a “suction” port.
Referring now to
The crossbore 166 includes a plurality of corners 186, 188, 190, and 192. The inlet bore 120 and the outlet bore 122 are connected to the access bore 116 at the corners 186 and 188, respectively. More particularly, the corner 186 extends from the inlet bore end 182 to the access bore end 178 such that the inlet bore end 182 is connected to the access bore end 178 at the corner 186. The corner 188 extends from the outlet bore end 184 to the access bore end 178 such that the outlet bore end 184 is connected to the access bore end 178 at the corner 188. The corner 186 will be referred to herein as a “third corner,” while the corner 188 will be referred to herein as a “fourth corner.”
The inlet bore 120 and the outlet bore 122 are connected to the plunger bore 174 at the corners 190 and 192, respectively. Specifically, the corner 190 extends from the inlet bore end 182 to the plunger bore end 180 such that the inlet bore end 182 is connected to the plunger bore end 180 at the corner 190. The corner 192 extends from the outlet bore end 184 to the plunger bore end 180 such that the outlet bore end 184 is connected to the plunger bore end 180 at the corner 192. The corner 190 will be referred to herein as a “first corner,” while the corner 192 will be referred to herein as a “second corner.”
In one alternative embodiment, the body 168 of the fluid cylinder 108 does not include the access port 172 (and thus does not include the access bore 116) but the crossbore 166 does include the corners 186 and 188.
The body 168 of the fluid cylinder 108 includes opposing faces 194 that extend over the crossbore 166 to define opposing boundaries of the crossbore 166. The faces 194 are considered as a portion of the structure (i.e., a component) of the crossbore 166. Only one of the faces 194 is visible herein, but it should be understood that the visible face 194 defines a boundary (e.g., a lower boundary as viewed from the orientation of
In the exemplary embodiment illustrated herein, each of the sides 196, 198, 200, and 202 is curved, as can be seen in
Each of the sides 196, 198, 200, and 202 can have any curvature, for example approximately 5°, approximately 10°, approximately 15°, approximately 20°, approximately 25°, approximately 30°, approximately 35°, approximately 4°, approximately 45°, etc. In the example shown in
In the example shown in
The exemplary embodiment illustrates approximately equal length sides 196, 198, 200, and 202 with the plunger bore axis 170 extending approximately perpendicular to the fluid passage axis 124 such that the example of the sides 196, 198, 200, and 202 shown in
As shown in
Optionally, the faces 194 include a curvature between the sides 196 and 200 and/or between the sides 198 and 202. For example, as shown in
The geometry of the corners will now be described with reference to
Each linear bridge segment 214 extends along an approximately linear (i.e., straight) path between the corresponding curved segments 216. More particularly, the path between the corresponding curved segments 216 of each linear bridge segment 214 is approximately linear within a plane (e.g. the plane 218) that is parallel to the x and y-axes shown in
Each linear bridge segment 214 extends at an angle 222 relative to the plunger bore axis 170 and an angle 224 relative to the fluid passage axis 124. The angles 222 and 224 of each linear bridge segment 214 add up to no greater than 90°. In other words, when added together, the angles 222 and 224 of each linear bridge segment 214 total 90° or less. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in
In some examples, two or more corners 186, 188, 190, and/or 192 have substantially the same geometry (e.g., the size of the corner, the shape of the corner, the length of the corresponding linear bridge segments 214, the values of the angles 222 and 224 of the linear bridge segments 214, the curvature of the curved segments 216, etc.) as each other. For example, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in
The crossbore geometries of certain embodiments disclosed herein (e.g., the geometry of the faces 194, the geometry of the corners 186, 188, 190, and 192, etc.) eliminate the need to perform manual hand blending processes on the corners 186, 188, 190, and 192 and/or other areas of the crossbore 166. Accordingly, the crossbore geometries of certain embodiments disclosed herein provide a fluid cylinder 108 with relatively smooth transitions between internal bores (e.g., the crossbore 166, the inlet bore 120, the outlet bore 122, the plunger bore 174, the access bore 116, etc.) of the fluid cylinder 108. Moreover, certain embodiments of the disclosure reduce stress in the crossbore 166 (e.g., at the intersections of the crossbore 166 with the bores 116, 120, 122, and/or 174), and/or provide more a consistent machined fluid cylinder 108 having more consistent stresses in the crossbore 166 (e.g., at the intersections of the crossbore 166 with the bores 116, 120, 122, and/or 174). The crossbore geometries of certain embodiments disclosed herein provide a fluid cylinder 108 that more closely resembles 3D design models used in FEA and autofrettage studies, thereby improving the effectiveness of FEA and/or autofrettage studies.
In at least some embodiments, the crossbore geometries disclosed herein reduce the duration of finishing operations performed on the bores 116, 120, 122, and/or 174 of the fluid cylinder 108. For example, by eliminating manual hand blending processes from deburring operations performed on the bores 116, 120, 122, and/or 174, the crossbore geometries disclosed herein can reduce the duration of finishing operations performed on the bores 116, 120, 122, and/or 174 by at least approximately 50% (e.g., a reduction of at least approximately 66%, a reduction of between 75% and 80%, etc.). In some embodiments, the crossbore geometries disclosed herein reduce or eliminate deburring operations. The crossbore geometries of certain embodiments disclosed herein provide a fluid cylinder 108 that are more durable and/or has an extended operational life. Certain embodiments of the disclosure provide crossbore geometries that reduce the time, labor, and/or cost required to fabricate the fluid cylinder 108.
Referring now to
Optionally, machining, at 304, the body of the fluid cylinder to define the first and second corners of the crossbore includes machining, at 304a, a first linear bridge segment of the first corner such that the first linear bridge segment is connected to the inlet bore and the plunger bore by corresponding curved segments, and machining, at 304a, a second linear bridge segment of the second corner such that the second linear bridge segment is connected to the outlet bore end and the plunger bore by corresponding curved segments.
At step 306, the method 300 includes machining third and fourth corners of the crossbore that connect the access bore to the inlet and outlet bores, respectively.
Optionally, machining, at 306, the body of the fluid cylinder to define the third and fourth corners of the crossbore includes machining, at 306a, a third linear bridge segment of the third corner such that the third linear bridge segment is connected to the inlet bore and the access bore by corresponding curved segments, and machining, at 306a, a fourth linear bridge segment of the fourth corner such that the fourth linear bridge segment is connected to the outlet bore end and the access bore by corresponding curved segments.
At step 308, the method includes assembling the reciprocating pump without performing a manual hand blending process on the first, second, third, and fourth corners. In some embodiments, assembling, at 308, the reciprocating pump includes assembling, at 308a, the reciprocating pump without performing a deburring process on the first, second, third, and fourth corners.
In some embodiments, the method 300 includes operating, at step 310, the reciprocating pump without performing a manual hand blending process on the first, second, third, and fourth corners.
The results of stress tests performed to measure the stress of an exemplary crossbore 166 of the fluid cylinder 108 are illustrated in
Corner 186—52,320 psi
Corner 188—54,164 psi
Corner 190—53,581 psi
Corner 192—51,854 psi
In
Corner 186—52,427 psi
Corner 188—53,304 psi
Corner 190—52,015 psi
Corner 192—53,333 psi
As described above, the corners 186, 188, 190, and 192 did not experience a stress load greater than 5% of the stress felt at the other corners 186, 188, 190, and 192 in either of the tests shown in
Accordingly, the stress test shown in
The following clauses describe further aspects of the disclosure:
A1. A fluid cylinder for a reciprocating pump, said fluid cylinder comprising:
a body comprising an inlet bore, an outlet bore, and a plunger bore, the inlet and outlet bores extending through the body approximately coaxial along a fluid passage axis, the plunger bore extending through the body along a plunger bore axis that extends at an angle relative to the fluid passage axis, the body further comprising a crossbore extending through the body at the intersection of the fluid passage axis and the plunger bore axis such that the inlet bore, the outlet bore, and the plunger bore fluidly communicate with each other, the crossbore intersecting the inlet bore, the outlet bore, and the plunger bore at an inlet bore end, an outlet bore end, and a plunger bore end, respectively; and
wherein the inlet bore end and the outlet bore end are connected to the plunger bore end at respective first and second corners of the crossbore, the first corner comprising a first linear bridge segment that is connected to the inlet bore end and the plunger bore end by corresponding curved segments, the second corner comprising a second linear bridge segment that is connected to the outlet bore end and the plunger bore end by corresponding curved segments.
A2. The fluid cylinder of clause A1, wherein the first linear bridge segment extends at corresponding angles relative to the plunger bore and fluid passages axes that add up to no greater than approximately 90°, the second linear bridge segment extending at corresponding angles relative to the plunger bore and fluid passages axes that add up to no greater than approximately 90°.
A3. The fluid cylinder of clause A1, wherein the first linear bridge segment of the first corner extends at an angle of approximately 45° relative to the plunger bore axis and an angle of approximately 45° relative to the fluid passage axis.
A4. The fluid cylinder of clause A1, wherein the second linear bridge segment of the second corner extends at an angle of approximately 45° relative to the plunger bore axis and an angle of approximately 45° relative to the fluid passage axis.
A5. The fluid cylinder of clause A1, wherein the first and second corners have substantially the same geometry as each other.
A6. The fluid cylinder of clause A1, wherein the body further comprises a face extending over the crossbore, the face comprising a plunger side that extends from the first corner to the second corner, an inlet side that extends from the first corner along the inlet bore end, and an outlet side that extend from the second corner along the outlet bore end, wherein a midpoint of the face is approximately equidistant from the first and second corners.
A7. The fluid cylinder of clause A1, wherein the body further comprises a face extending over the crossbore, the face comprising a plunger side that extends from the first corner to the second corner, an inlet side that extends from the first corner along the inlet bore end, and an outlet side that extend from the second corner along the outlet bore end, wherein a midpoint of the face is approximately aligned with an intersection of the plunger bore axis and the fluid passage axis.
A8. The fluid cylinder of clause A1, wherein the body further comprises an access bore extending through the body along the plunger bore axis, the crossbore intersecting the access bore at an access bore end, the access bore end being connected to the inlet and outlet bore ends at respective third and fourth corners, the third corner comprising a third linear bridge segment that is connected to the access bore end and the inlet bore end by corresponding curved segments, the fourth corner comprising a fourth linear bridge segment that is connected to the access bore end and the outlet bore end by corresponding curved segments.
A9. The fluid cylinder of clause A1, wherein the body further comprises an access bore extending through the body along the plunger bore axis, the crossbore intersecting the access bore at an access bore end, the access bore end being connected to the inlet and outlet bore ends at respective third and fourth corners, the third corner comprising a third linear bridge segment that is connected to the access bore end and the inlet bore end by corresponding curved segments, the fourth corner comprising a fourth linear bridge segment that is connected to the access bore end and the outlet bore end by corresponding curved segments, wherein the third and fourth corners have substantially the same geometry as each other.
A10. The fluid cylinder of clause A1, wherein the body further comprises an access bore extending through the body along the plunger bore axis, the crossbore intersecting the access bore at an access bore end, the access bore end being connected to the inlet and outlet bore ends at respective third and fourth corners, the third corner comprising a third linear bridge segment that is connected to the access bore end and the inlet bore end by corresponding curved segments, the fourth corner comprising a fourth linear bridge segment that is connected to the access bore end and the outlet bore end by corresponding curved segments, wherein the third linear bridge segment extends at corresponding angles relative to the plunger bore and fluid passages axes that add up to no greater than approximately 90°, and the fourth linear bridge segment extends at corresponding angles relative to the plunger bore and fluid passages axes that add up to no greater than approximately 90°.
A11. The fluid cylinder of clause A1, wherein the body of the fluid cylinder is configured to be used during operation of the reciprocating pump without undergoing a manual hand blending process.
B1. A reciprocating pump assembly comprising
a power end portion; and
a fluid end portion having a fluid cylinder comprising a body having an inlet bore, an outlet bore, and a plunger bore, the inlet and outlet bores extending through the body approximately coaxial along a fluid passage axis, the plunger bore extending through the body along a plunger bore axis that extends at an angle relative to the fluid passage axis, the body further comprising a crossbore extending through the body at the intersection of the fluid passage axis and the plunger bore axis such that the inlet bore, the outlet bore, and the plunger bore fluidly communicate with each other, the crossbore intersecting the inlet bore, the outlet bore, and the plunger bore at an inlet bore end, an outlet bore end, and a plunger bore end, respectively, wherein the inlet bore end and the outlet bore end are connected to the plunger bore end at respective first and second corners of the crossbore, the first corner comprising a first linear bridge segment that is connected to the inlet bore end and the plunger bore end by corresponding curved segments, the second corner comprising a second linear bridge segment that is connected to the outlet bore end and the plunger bore end by corresponding curved segments.
B2. The reciprocating pump assembly of clause B1, wherein the first linear bridge segment extends at corresponding angles relative to the plunger bore and fluid passages axes that add up to no greater than approximately 90°, the second linear bridge segment extending at corresponding angles relative to the plunger bore and fluid passages axes that add up to no greater than approximately 90°.
B3. The reciprocating pump assembly of clause B1, wherein the first linear bridge segment of the first corner extends at an angle of approximately 45° relative to the plunger bore axis and an angle of approximately 45° relative to the fluid passage axis, and wherein the second linear bridge segment of the second corner extends at an angle of approximately 45° relative to the plunger bore axis and an angle of approximately 45° relative to the fluid passage axis.
B4. The reciprocating pump assembly of clause B1, wherein the body of the fluid cylinder further comprises a face extending over the crossbore, the face comprising a plunger side that extends from the first corner to the second corner, an inlet side that extends from the first corner along the inlet bore end, and an outlet side that extend from the second corner along the outlet bore end, wherein a midpoint of the face is approximately aligned with an intersection of the plunger bore axis and the fluid passage axis.
B4. The reciprocating pump assembly of clause B1, wherein the body of the fluid cylinder further comprises an access bore extending through the body along the plunger bore axis, the crossbore intersecting the access bore at an access bore end, the access bore end being connected to the inlet and outlet bore ends at respective third and fourth corners, the third corner comprising a third linear bridge segment that is connected to the access bore end and the inlet bore end by corresponding curved segments, the fourth corner comprising a fourth linear bridge segment that is connected to the access bore end and the outlet bore end by corresponding curved segments, wherein the third linear bridge segment extends at corresponding angles relative to the plunger bore and fluid passages axes that add up to no greater than approximately 90°, and the fourth linear bridge segment extends at corresponding angles relative to the plunger bore and fluid passages axes that add up to no greater than approximately 90°.
Clause Set C:
C1. A method for fabricating a reciprocating pump having a fluid cylinder, said method comprising:
forming a crossbore within a body of the fluid cylinder such that an inlet bore, an outlet bore, and a plunger bore of the fluid cylinder fluidly communicate with each other;
machining first and second corners of the crossbore that connect the plunger bore to the inlet and outlet bores, respectively; and
assembling the reciprocating pump without performing a manual hand blending process on the first and second corners.
C2. The method of clause C1, further comprising operating the reciprocating pump without performing a manual hand blending process on the first and second corners.
C3. The method of clause C1, wherein machining the body of the fluid cylinder to define the first and second corners of the crossbore comprises:
machining a first linear bridge segment of the first corner such that the first linear bridge segment is connected to the inlet bore and the plunger bore by corresponding curved segments; and
machining a second linear bridge segment of the second corner such that the second linear bridge segment is connected to the outlet bore end and the plunger bore by corresponding curved segments.
C4. The method of clause C1, further comprising machining third and fourth corners of the crossbore that connect an access bore to the inlet and outlet bores, respectively, wherein assembling the reciprocating pump further comprises assembling the reciprocating pump without performing a manual hand blending process on the third and fourth corners.
It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Furthermore, invention(s) have been described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the invention(s). Further, each independent feature or component of any given assembly may constitute an additional embodiment. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from its scope. Dimensions, types of materials, orientations of the various components, and the number and positions of the various components described herein are intended to define parameters of certain embodiments, and are by no means limiting and are merely exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the disclosure should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
In the foregoing description of certain embodiments, specific terminology has been resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes other technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as “clockwise” and “counterclockwise,” “left” and right,” “front” and “rear,” “above” and “below” and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.
When introducing elements of aspects of the disclosure or the examples thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. For example, in this specification, the word “comprising” is to be understood in its “open” sense, that is, in the sense of “including,” and thus not limited to its “closed” sense, that is the sense of “consisting only of.” A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words “comprise,” “comprised,” “comprises,” “having,” “has,” “includes,” and “including” where they appear. The term “exemplary” is intended to mean “an example of.” The phrase “one or more of the following: A, B, and C” means “at least one of A and/or at least one of B and/or at least one of C.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and “fourth,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure.
Although the terms “step” and/or “block” may be used herein to connote different elements of methods employed, the terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly described. The order of execution or performance of the operations in examples of the disclosure illustrated and described herein is not essential, unless otherwise specified. The operations may be performed in any order, unless otherwise specified, and examples of the disclosure may include additional or fewer operations than those disclosed herein. It is therefore contemplated that executing or performing a particular operation before, contemporaneously with, or after another operation is within the scope of aspects of the disclosure.
Having described aspects of the disclosure in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of aspects of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims. As various changes could be made in the above constructions, products, and methods without departing from the scope of aspects of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
This Application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/144,155, filed Sep. 17, 2018, entitled “FLUID END CROSSBORE,” which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/565,823, filed on Sep. 29, 2017 and entitled “FLUID END WITH FULLY MACHINED INTERSECTING CORSSBORE,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62565823 | Sep 2017 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 16144155 | Sep 2018 | US |
Child | 16943864 | US |