Valve cartridge for fluid pump

Abstract

A spool for a fluid pump may include: a spool body; a fluid chamber defined in the core; one or more suction channels defined through the core, the one or more suction channels opening into the fluid chamber; and a suction valve assembly configured to control flow from the one or more suction channels into the fluid chamber. The suction valve assembly may include an annular valve having a central opening, a peripheral edge, and a sealing surface defined between the central opening and the peripheral edge; and a biasing element configured to bias the ring valve to a closed position. In the open position, the annular valve may allow flow from the one or more suction channels into the fluid chamber. In the closed position, the annular valve may sealingly isolate the one or more suction passages from the fluid chamber and allow flow through the fluid chamber via the central opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to fluid pumps, and, for example, to a valve core for a fluid pump. Background Technology

[0002] Hydraulic fracturing is a well enhancement technique that typically involves pumping fracturing fluid into the wellbore at a rate and pressure sufficient to create fractures in the rock formations surrounding the wellbore (e.g., up to 15,000 pounds per square inch). This well enhancement technique generally enhances the natural fracturing of rock formations to increase their permeability, thereby improving the recovery of water, oil, natural gas, and / or other fluids.

[0003] Hydraulic fracturing systems may employ one or more fluid pumps for pressurizing the fracturing fluid. The fluid pump has an intake side and a discharge side. On the intake side, low-pressure fluid enters the fluid pump via an intake valve assembly for pressurization. On the discharge side, high-pressure fluid pressurized by the fluid pump exits the fluid pump via a discharge valve assembly. The valve assembly may include various components such as valves, valve seats, springs, spring retainers, etc. Each of these components undergoes wear and / or failure, and therefore may require periodic maintenance (e.g., overhaul, repair, or replacement) (e.g., approximately every 100 hours). For example, for maintenance, sometimes specialized equipment can be used to disassemble and remove the fluid pump's intake and discharge valve assemblies from the fluid pump, and then reassemble them in the fluid pump after maintenance. Therefore, maintaining the fluid pump's intake and discharge valve assemblies is time-consuming and inefficient.

[0004] The valve core of the present invention solves one or more of the problems described above and / or other problems in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A valve core for a fluid pump may include: a core having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a fluid cavity defined within the core; one or more suction passages defined through the core, the one or more suction passages opening into the fluid cavity; and a suction valve assembly configured to control flow from the one or more suction passages into the fluid cavity. The suction valve assembly may include: an annular valve having a central opening, a peripheral edge, and a sealing surface defined between the central opening and the peripheral edge; and a biasing element configured to bias the annular valve to a closed position. In the open position, the annular valve allows flow from the one or more suction passages into the fluid cavity. In the closed position, the annular valve seals and isolates the one or more suction passages from the fluid cavity and allows flow through the fluid cavity via the central opening.

[0006] The check valve assembly may include an annular valve having a central opening, a peripheral edge, and a sealing surface defined between the central opening and the peripheral edge. The check valve assembly may include a first sealing insert embedded in the annular valve, closer to the central opening than to the peripheral edge. The check valve assembly may include a second sealing insert embedded in the annular valve, closer to the peripheral edge than to the central opening.

[0007] The fluid pump may include a fluid end having a fluid end block with an orifice and a plunger configured to reciprocate relative to the orifice. The fluid pump may include a power end operatively connected to the plunger. The fluid pump may include a valve core configured to be integrally inserted into and removed from the orifice. The valve core may include a core having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a fluid cavity defined within the core; one or more channels defined through the core opening into the fluid cavity; and a valve assembly configured to control flow between the one or more channels and the fluid cavity. The valve assembly may include: an annular valve having a central opening, a peripheral edge, and a sealing surface defined between the central opening and the peripheral edge; and a biasing element configured to bias the annular valve to a closed position. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of an example fluid pump.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of an example of the fluid end of a fluid pump.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of an example check valve assembly.

[0011] Figures 4 to 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the example valve core. Detailed Implementation

[0012] This invention relates to a valve core that is applicable to any positive displacement fluid pump.

[0013] Figure 1This is a cross-sectional view of an example fluid pump 100. The fluid pump 100 includes a fluid end 102 and a power end 104. The fluid end 102 can be connected to the power end 104 via a strut 106. The fluid end 102 includes a fluid end block 103 having one or more orifices 108 (only one is shown). For example, the fluid pump 100 may include one, two, three, four, five, or more orifices 108. In some embodiments, the fluid pump 100 may be mounted on a trailer to facilitate transport of the fluid pump 100 between work sites. In some embodiments, the fluid pump 100 may be a hydraulic fracturing pump. For example, the fluid pump 100 may have the capability to generate discharge pressures of at least 8,000 psi, at least 10,000 psi, at least 12,000 psi, or at least 15,000 psi.

[0014] The orifice 108 is a passage through the fluid end block 103 of the fluid end 102. The fluid end 102 may include a valve core 200 disposed in the orifice 108 (e.g., a corresponding valve core 200 may be disposed in each orifice 108 of the fluid end 102). For example, the valve core 200 is configured to be inserted into or removed from the orifice 108 as a whole. The valve core 200 includes an intake valve assembly 202 and an exhaust valve assembly 204. The profile of the orifice 108 allows the valve core 200 to divide the orifice 108 into an intake chamber 206, a pressure chamber 207, and an exhaust chamber 208 when the valve core 200 is disposed in the orifice 108. For example, the intake chamber 206 of the orifice 108 may be in fluid communication with an intake manifold 118, and the exhaust chamber 208 of the orifice 108 may be in fluid communication with an exhaust manifold 140.

[0015] In operation, the fluid is pressurized to a low pressure (e.g., 80 psi) by an external system (e.g., a centrifugal pump) and propelled through the suction manifold 118, through the suction valve assembly 202, and into the pressure chamber 207. The fluid is then pumped and flows through the discharge valve assembly 204 in response to the forward stroke of the plunger 120.

[0016] In operation, plunger 120 moves within plunger bore 122 and is driven by power end 104 of fluid pump 100. Power end 104 includes crankshaft 124 rotated by gearbox output 126, which is shown as a single gear, but may have more than one gear. Gearbox input 128 is coupled to a transmission (not shown) and / or prime mover (not shown), such as a diesel engine, to rotate gearbox input 128 during operation. Connecting rod 130 mechanically connects crankshaft 124 to crosshead 132 via toggle pin 134. Crosshead 132 is mounted in a fixed crosshead housing 136 that restricts crosshead 132 to linear reciprocating motion. Short pull rod 138 is connected to crosshead 132, and its opposite end is connected to plunger 120 to enable plunger 120 to reciprocate.

[0017] During operation, the movement of crankshaft 124 causes plunger 120 to reciprocate relative to orifice 108 (e.g., reciprocating toward and away from orifice 108). As plunger 120 translates away from orifice 108 (the suction stroke of plunger 120), the pressure of the fluid inside pressure chamber 207 decreases, creating a pressure differential on suction valve assembly 202. This pressure differential on suction valve assembly 202 enables actuation of a valve in suction valve assembly 202 to allow fluid to enter pressure chamber 207 from suction manifold 118 (e.g., the valve may open in response to the pressure differential). As plunger 120 continues to translate away from orifice 108, pumped fluid is pushed into pressure chamber 207. As plunger 120 changes direction and moves toward orifice 108 (the discharge stroke of plunger 120), the pressure of the fluid inside pressure chamber 207 increases, creating a pressure differential on discharge valve assembly 204. As the plunger 120 approaches the orifice 108, the pressure of the fluid inside the pressure chamber 207 continues to increase until the pressure difference on the discharge valve assembly 204 is large enough to actuate the valve of the discharge valve assembly 204 and allow the fluid to leave the pressure chamber 207 (e.g., the valve can open in response to the pressure difference).

[0018] As indicated above, Figure 1 This is provided as an example. Other examples may be provided in conjunction with [the relevant information]. Figure 1 The examples described are different.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of an example of the fluid end 102 of the fluid pump 100. Figure 2 The example fluid end 102 may include a valve core 200 removably disposed in a bore 108. The valve core 200 may be arranged coaxially with the plunger 120 in the bore 108.

[0020] In some examples, the fluid end 102 may include an end cap assembly 210 disposed in the bore 108. The end cap assembly 210 may seal one end of the bore 108. The end cap assembly 210 may be removed from the bore 108 to provide passage to the valve spool 200. Therefore, when the end cap assembly 210 is removed from the bore 108, the valve spool 200 may be removed as a whole from the fluid end 102 (e.g., components of the suction valve assembly 202 and the discharge valve assembly 204 may be removed as a whole) to facilitate repair or replacement of the valve spool 200. Similarly, a replaced or repaired valve spool 200 may be inserted into the bore 108, and then the end cap assembly 210 may be replaced back into the bore 108 to reseal the bore 108.

[0021] As indicated above, Figure 2 This is provided as an example. Other examples may be provided in conjunction with [the relevant information]. Figure 2 The examples described are different.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of an example check valve assembly 212. (As shown in the image...) Figures 4 to 5 Furthermore, the check valve assembly 212 can be used in the suction valve assembly 202. In some examples, the check valve assembly 212 can be used in the discharge valve assembly 204 or another valve assembly for a fluid pump or other fluid system.

[0023] The check valve assembly 212 may include an annular valve 214 having a central opening 216, a peripheral edge 218, and a sealing surface 220 defined between the central opening 216 and the peripheral edge 218. In some examples, the sealing surface 220 may be inclined inward from the peripheral edge 218 to the central opening 216, thereby giving the annular valve 214 a truncated conical shape. The check valve assembly 212 may include a first sealing insert 222 embedded in the sealing surface 220 closer to the central opening 216 than to the peripheral edge 218. For example, the first sealing insert 222 may be embedded in the sealing surface 220 along the central opening 216. The check valve assembly 212 may also include a second sealing insert 224 embedded in the sealing surface 220 closer to the peripheral edge 218 than to the central opening 216. For example, the second sealing insert 224 may be embedded in the sealing surface 220 along the peripheral edge 218. The first sealing insert 222 and the second sealing insert 224 can be made of elastic materials, such as polyurethane, rubber, silicone, latex, etc. In some embodiments, in addition to or replacing the annular valve 214, a valve seat associated with the annular valve 214 (such as a combination valve) is used. Figures 4 to 5 The described (can include sealing inserts).

[0024] The check valve assembly 212 may include a base member 226 extending from the peripheral edge 218 of the annular valve 214. For example, the annular valve 214 may be located on the base member 226. The base member 226 may include a set of clamps 228. The clamps 228 may be arranged such that the openings of the clamps 228 are concentric with the central opening 216. The clamp 228 furthest from the annular valve 214 may engage with the biasing element 230 of the check valve assembly 212, thereby... Figures 4 to 5 As shown and described, the biasing element is configured to act on the base member 226. (In conjunction with...) Figures 4 to 5 As shown and described, the biasing element 230 can be held by the retainer 244 of the check valve assembly 212. One or more alignment bars 232 can extend and connect between the clamps 228 in a set of clamps 228. Thus, the base component 226 can have a frame-like structure that provides minimal flow resistance, and the alignment bars 232 can help guide and align the check valve assembly 212 (e.g., within the valve core 200).

[0025] As indicated above, Figure 3This is provided as an example. Other examples may be provided in conjunction with [the relevant information]. Figure 3 The examples described are different.

[0026] Figures 4 to 5 This is a cross-sectional view of an example of valve core 200. Figure 4 In the diagram, the annular valve 214 of the intake valve assembly 202 is shown in the closed position, while the discharge valve 246 of the discharge valve assembly 204 is shown in the open position. Figure 5 In the diagram, the annular valve 214 of the intake valve assembly 202 is shown in the open position, while the discharge valve 246 of the discharge valve assembly 204 is shown in the closed position.

[0027] Valve spool 200 has a spool 234 having a first end 236 and a second end 238 opposite to the first end 236. A fluid cavity 240 is defined within the spool 234. The fluid cavity 240 can extend from the first end 236 to the second end 238 of the spool 234. In some examples, the fluid cavity 240 may define a first inclined region 240a that is inclined inward relative to the direction from the first end 236 to the second end 238 of the spool 234 (e.g., the first inclined region 240a may decrease in diameter toward the second end). A linear (e.g., cylindrical) region 240b of the fluid cavity 240 (e.g., having a diameter corresponding to the widest diameter of the first inclined region 240a) may be defined within the fluid cavity 240 between the first end 236 of the spool 234 and the first inclined region 240a. This linear region 240b allows the plunger 120 to extend into the fluid cavity 240 during the discharge stroke of the plunger 120.

[0028] The fluid cavity 240 may further define a second inclined region 240c, which is inclined inward relative to the direction from the second end 238 to the first end 236 of the core 234 (e.g., the second inclined region 240c may decrease in diameter toward the first end). The second inclined region 240c (e.g., at its widest diameter) may form an opening at the second end 238 of the core 234. A fluid channel region 240d defined in the fluid cavity 240 may connect the first inclined region 240a and the second inclined region 240c. Therefore, the fluid cavity 240 may have an integral hourglass shape.

[0029] One or more (e.g., multiple) suction channels 242 are defined to pass through the core 234 and open into the fluid cavity 240. For example, one or more suction channels 242 may open into a first inclined region 240a of the fluid cavity 240. Thus, the first inclined region 240a may have an opening (e.g., a circular opening, an elliptical opening, or an opening of another shape that facilitates flow) leading into the fluid cavity 240, defining the ends of one or more suction channels 242 (e.g., where one or more suction channels 242 have a shape corresponding to the opening). In some embodiments, multiple suction channels 242 may extend radially around the first inclined region 240a (e.g., ...). Figure 5 (As shown). One or more suction channels 242 can fluidly connect the suction chamber 206 of the orifice 108 to the fluid chamber 240.

[0030] The suction valve assembly 202 is configured to control flow from one or more suction channels 242 into a fluid chamber 240. The suction valve assembly 202 may include a biasing element 230 (e.g., one or more springs, one or more elastic bands, etc.) held by a retainer 244, the biasing element being configured to bias annular valve 214 to a closed position (e.g., relative to an opening in a first inclined region 240a). The sealing surface 220 of annular valve 214 may be inclined such that the first inclined region 240a and the sealing surface 220 have matching slopes, thereby allowing annular valve 214 to nest within the first inclined region 240a (e.g., the first inclined region acting as a seat for annular valve 214). Thus, in the closed position of annular valve 214, the ends of the one or more suction channels 242 introduced into the fluid chamber 240 are between a first sealing insert 222 and a second sealing insert 224, wherein the sealing surface 220 covers the ends of the one or more suction channels 242, thereby sealingly isolating the fluid chamber 240 from the one or more suction channels 242. As described herein, sealing inserts may additionally or alternatively be embedded in the core 234 along the fluid cavity 240 (e.g., at the first inclined region 240a) such that the ends of one or more suction channels 242 are between these sealing inserts.

[0031] In the open position, the annular valve 214 may allow flow from one or more suction passages 242 into the fluid chamber 240 (e.g., in the open position, the ends of the one or more suction passages 242 that lead into the fluid chamber 240 are not covered by the sealing surface 220 of the annular valve 214). For example, during the suction stroke of the plunger 120, the annular valve 214 may open to allow flow from one or more suction passages 242 into the fluid chamber 240.

[0032] In the closed position, the annular valve 214 can seal and isolate one or more suction passages 242 from the fluid chamber 240, as described herein. However, the annular valve 214 can be arranged in the fluid chamber 240 such that the central opening 216 is in the flow path through the fluid chamber 240 in the direction from the first end 236 to the second end 238 of the core 234. Thus, in the closed position, the annular valve 214 can allow flow through the fluid chamber 240 via the central opening 216 (e.g., from the first end 236 to the second end 238 of the core 234). For example, during the discharge stroke of the plunger 120, the annular valve 214 can close to seal and isolate one or more suction passages 242 from the fluid chamber 240 (thus stopping suction flow), but also allows flow through the fluid chamber 240 via the central opening 216 (thus allowing discharge flow).

[0033] Furthermore, during the discharge stroke of the plunger 120, the discharge valve 246 of the discharge valve assembly 204 can open, allowing flow through the fluid chamber 240 via the central opening 216 to be discharged through the open discharge valve 246. The discharge valve assembly 204 may include the discharge valve 246 and a biasing element 248 (e.g., one or more springs, one or more elastic bands, etc.) held by a retainer 250, the biasing element being configured to bias the discharge valve 246 to a closed position. For example, the discharge valve 246 may close against a second inclined region 240c (e.g., the second inclined region acting as a valve seat for the discharge valve 246) to seal the fluid passage region 240d of the fluid chamber 240. The discharge valve assembly 204 may also include a valve guide 252 to maintain the correct orientation of the discharge valve 246. In some embodiments, the discharge valve 246 may include a sealing insert 254 (e.g., an elastic sealing insert) that extends circumferentially around the discharge valve 246 and improves the seal between the discharge valve 246 and the second inclined region 240c of the fluid chamber 240. In some embodiments, the first inclined region 240a and / or the second inclined region 240c may include a valve anti-impact insert (e.g., made of an elastic or hardened material) configured to better withstand impacts from valve closure on the core 234.

[0034] In some specific implementations, the discharge valve assembly 204 may include an annular valve 214. Here, the shape of the fluid chamber 240 and / or the orientation of the suction valve and discharge valve may be determined according to... Figures 4 to 5The diagram is modified to accommodate the use of an annular valve 214 in the discharge valve assembly 204. The core 234 may define one or more discharge passages that open into the fluid chamber 240. The annular valve 214 may be biased to a closed position relative to one or more discharge passages. In the open position, the annular valve 214 may allow flow from the fluid chamber 240 to one or more discharge passages (e.g., in the open position, the ends of one or more discharge passages extending from the fluid chamber 240 are not covered by the sealing surface 220 of the annular valve 214). For example, during the discharge stroke of the plunger 120, the annular valve 214 may open to allow flow from the fluid chamber 240 to one or more discharge passages. In the closed position, the annular valve 214 may seal and isolate one or more discharge passages 242 from the fluid chamber 240. However, the annular valve 214 may be arranged in the fluid chamber 240 such that a central opening 216 is in the flow path through the fluid chamber 240. Therefore, in the closed position, the annular valve 214 may allow flow through the fluid chamber 240 via the central opening 216. For example, during the suction stroke of plunger 120, annular valve 214 can be closed to seal off one or more discharge passages from fluid chamber 240 (thus stopping discharge flow), but also allows flow through fluid chamber 240 via central opening 216 and through an open suction valve (thus allowing suction flow).

[0035] As indicated above, Figures 4 to 5 This is provided as an example. Other examples may be provided in conjunction with [the relevant information]. Figures 4 to 5 The examples described are different.

[0036] Industrial applicability

[0037] The valve core 200 described herein can be used with any positive displacement fluid pump (e.g., a reciprocating positive displacement pump). For example, a fluid pump with a power end and a fluid end (such as a hydraulic fracturing pump) can use the valve core described herein at the fluid end. As described herein, the valve assembly of a fluid pump can include various components such as valves, valve seats, springs, spring retainers, etc., and each of these components is subject to wear and / or failure. Typically, for servicing, the valve assembly can sometimes be disassembled and removed from the fluid pump using specialized equipment, and then reassembled in the fluid pump after servicing. Therefore, servicing the valve assembly of a fluid pump can be time-consuming and inefficient.

[0038] The valve core 200 described herein can include both the suction valve assembly 202 and the discharge valve assembly 204 as a single unit. Specifically, the valve core 200 can be inserted into or removed from the orifice of the fluid pump as a single unit. When the valve core 200 is inserted into the fluid pump, the suction valve assembly 202 and the discharge valve assembly 204 are appropriately positioned to provide control over the low-pressure fluid entering the fluid pump and the high-pressure fluid leaving the fluid pump. Therefore, the valve core 200 facilitates plug-and-play installation of the suction valve assembly 202 and the discharge valve assembly 204 into the fluid pump. After the service life of the suction valve assembly 202 and the discharge valve assembly 204, the valve core 200 can be removed from the fluid pump and replaced with a new valve core 200. Thus, the valve core 200 enables quick and efficient maintenance of the suction valve assembly 202 and the discharge valve assembly 204.

[0039] Furthermore, the suction valve assembly 202 includes an annular valve 214 with a central opening 216. The annular valve 214 is designed to facilitate a suction flow path from the outer diameter of the valve core 200, and a discharge flow path through the inner diameter of the valve core 200 via the central opening 216. This configuration simplifies the fluid end block 103 and the suction valve assembly 202.

[0040] The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the specific implementations to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications and variations may be made based on the foregoing disclosure, or may be derived from practice of the specific implementations. Furthermore, any specific implementations described herein may be combined unless the foregoing disclosure expressly provides for reasons why one or more specific implementations cannot be combined. Even if specific combinations of features are recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of the various specific implementations. Although each dependent claim listed below may be directly dependent on only one claim, the disclosure of the various specific implementations includes every dependent claim combined with every other claim in the claim group.

[0041] As used herein, “a,” “an,” and “set” are intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Furthermore, as used herein, the article “the” is intended to include one or more items associated with the article “the” and may be used interchangeably with “the one or more.” Additionally, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “at least partially based on,” unless otherwise explicitly stated. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “or,” when used serially, is intended to be inclusive and may be used interchangeably with “and / or” unless otherwise explicitly stated (e.g., if used in combination with “one of” or “only one of”).

Claims

1. A valve core for a fluid pump, comprising: A core having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end; A fluid cavity defined within the core; It is defined as being accessible through one or more suction channels of the core, the one or more suction channels opening into the fluid cavity; as well as An inhalation valve assembly configured to control flow from the one or more inhalation channels to the fluid chamber, wherein the inhalation valve assembly includes: An annular valve having a central opening, a peripheral edge, and a sealing surface defined between the central opening and the peripheral edge; and A biasing element configured to bias the annular valve to the closed position. In the open position, the annular valve allows flow from the one or more suction channels into the fluid chamber, and, In the closed position, the annular valve is used to seal and isolate the one or more suction passages from the fluid chamber, and to allow flow through the fluid chamber via the central opening.

2. The valve core according to claim 1, wherein, In the closed position, the annular valve is used to allow flow through the fluid cavity from the first end to the second end of the core via the central opening.

3. The valve core according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, The fluid cavity defines an inclined region that is inclined inward relative to the direction from the first end to the second end of the core. Wherein, the one or more inhalation channels open into the inclined region of the fluid cavity, and, The sealing surface of the annular valve is inclined inward from the peripheral edge to the central opening, such that the inclined area and the sealing surface have a matching slope.

4. The valve core according to claim 3, wherein, The inclined region is a first inclined region, and the fluid cavity further defines a second inclined region, which is inclined inward with respect to the direction from the second end to the first end of the core. Wherein, the fluid channel region defined in the fluid cavity connects the first inclined region and the second inclined region, and The valve core further includes a discharge valve assembly configured to control flow from the fluid channel region to the second inclined region.

5. The valve core according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The inhalation valve assembly also includes: A first sealing insert, the first sealing insert being embedded in the sealing surface, closer to the central opening than the peripheral edge; and A second sealing insert is embedded in the sealing surface, closer to the peripheral edge than to the central opening. In the closed position of the annular valve, the end of the one or more suction passages that enters the fluid cavity is between the first sealing insert and the second sealing insert.

6. The valve core according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The fluid cavity extends through the core from the first end to the second end of the core.

7. A fluid pump, comprising: A fluid end having a fluid end block with an orifice and a plunger configured to reciprocate relative to the orifice; The power end is operably connected to the plunger; as well as A valve core, configured to be inserted as a whole into and removed from the orifice, the valve core comprising: A core having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end; A fluid cavity defined within the core; Defined as passing through one or more channels of the core, said one or more channels opening into the fluid cavity; and A valve assembly configured to control flow between the one or more channels and the fluid chamber, wherein the valve assembly includes: An annular valve having a central opening, a peripheral edge, and a sealing surface defined between the central opening and the peripheral edge; and A biasing element configured to bias the annular valve to the closed position.

8. The fluid pump according to claim 7, wherein, The annular valve is configured to open during the suction stroke of the plunger to allow flow from the one or more channels into the fluid chamber, and The annular valve is configured to close during the discharge stroke of the plunger to seal and isolate the one or more passages from the fluid cavity, and to allow flow through the fluid cavity via the central opening and through the open discharge valve of the valve core.

9. The fluid pump according to claim 7, wherein, The annular valve is used to close during the suction stroke of the plunger to seal and isolate the one or more passages from the fluid chamber, and to allow flow through the fluid chamber via the central opening and through the open suction valve of the valve core. The annular valve is configured to open during the discharge stroke of the plunger to allow flow from the fluid chamber to the one or more channels.

10. The fluid pump according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein, The valve assembly also includes: A base component that extends from the peripheral edge of the annular valve. The base component includes a set of hoops concentric with the central opening and one or more alignment strips extending between the hoops in the set of hoops. The bias element is configured to act on the base component.

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