Fluid end

Abstract

A fluid end for a high-pressure pump including a unitary body with a plurality of horizontal passages each for receiving a reciprocating plunger at one of its ends and a pressure relief valve at the other of its ends. The body is provided with a corresponding number of vertical passages each of which intersect one of the horizontal passages and contains a suction valve at its bottom and a discharge valve at its top. A suction manifold is hingedly attached to the bottom of body to provide a flow of fluid into the body via the suction valves. A discharge passage intersects the vertical passages and receives fluid pressurized by the plungers via discharge valves and ports such from the fluid end.

Description

[0001]This application is a divisional of our pending application Ser. No. 10 / 173 / 837 filed on Jun. 19, 2002.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to pumps having pumping chamber pressure responsive fluid distributors.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]It is difficult to produce oil and gas in an economic manner from low permeability reservoir rocks. Production rates are often boosted by resorting to hydraulic fracturing, a technique that increases rock permeability by opening channels through which hydrocarbons can flow to recovery wells. During hydraulic fracturing, a fluid is pumped into the earth under high pressure where it enters a reservoir rock and fractures it. Proppants are carried in suspension by the fluid into the fractures. When the pressure is released, the fractures partially close on the proppants, leaving channels for oil and gas to flow.[0004]Specialized pumps are used to develop the pressures necessary to complete a hydraulic fracturin...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The solution provides a strong, durable, and fatigue-resistant fluid end that is less susceptible to corrosion and leaks, allowing for easier handling and servicing, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of hydraulic fracturing operations.

Problems solved by technology

It is difficult to produce oil and gas in an economic manner from low permeability reservoir rocks.

Unfortunately, the joints between the blocks and the supporting features for the valves tend to weaken the body of a fluid end, limiting its pressure rating, and making it susceptible to corrosion, leaks and cracks.

Thus, it is not unusual for the bodies of fluid ends to fail under load, cutting short their useful lives.

Installing and servicing conventional fluid ends is difficult since their parts often weigh hundreds of pounds.

Equally difficult is moving a suction manifold into place beneath a fluid end body since its awkward shape and great weight usually requires numerous hands for proper positioning.

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