Packing gland for reciprocating pump

Abstract

A packing ring includes an upstream end, a downstream end, and a tapered outer surface located between the upstream and downstream ends. The tapered outer surface extends at an angle relative to the upstream and downstream ends to allow the packing ring to tilt or tip during installation or removal without getting stuck in the fluid end orifice.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 955,025, filed November 21, 2024, entitled "Packing Ring for Reciprocating Pumps," and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 637,114, filed April 22, 2024, entitled "Packing Ring for Reciprocating Pumps," all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of high-pressure reciprocating pumps, and particularly to a packing ring for packing in high-pressure reciprocating pumps. Background Technology

[0003] High-pressure reciprocating pumps are commonly used to deliver high-pressure fluids in drilling operations. A packing packing device is installed to seal against the reciprocating elements, thereby reducing the possibility of fluid leakage between the fluid-end housing and the reciprocating elements. The packing packing device also protects the reciprocating elements from abrasive components that may be present in the fluid. However, the packing has a limited lifespan; therefore, the packing packing device must be continuously installed into and removed from the fluid-end housing. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application relates to a junk ring for a packing assembly in a high-pressure reciprocating pump. The junk ring can be provided independently of any other components incorporated into the packing assembly, and / or the junk ring can be incorporated into the reciprocating pump.

[0005] According to at least one embodiment, this application relates to a packing ring for a packing assembly of a reciprocating pump. The packing ring includes an upstream end, a downstream end disposed opposite to the upstream end, and a tapered outer surface extending between the upstream end and the downstream end. The tapered outer surface is configured to facilitate the installation and removal of the packing ring from the fluid end housing of the reciprocating pump.

[0006] According to at least another embodiment, this application relates to a packing assembly for a reciprocating pump. The packing assembly includes a head ring having an upstream surface and a packing pressure ring disposed upstream of the head ring. The packing pressure ring includes a downstream end configured to engage the upstream surface of the head ring, an upstream end disposed opposite the downstream end, and a tapered outer surface extending between the downstream end and the upstream end.

[0007] According to at least one further embodiment, this application relates to a reciprocating pump including a reciprocating element and a packing ring, the reciprocating element being configured to reciprocate during operation of the reciprocating pump to pressurize a fluid, and the packing ring including an upstream end, a downstream end disposed opposite to the upstream end, and a tapered outer surface opposite to the reciprocating element and extending between the upstream end and the downstream end. Attached Figure Description

[0008] A set of accompanying drawings is provided to fully describe and better understand this disclosure. The drawings form an integral part of the description and illustrate embodiments of the disclosure, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure, but only as examples of how the disclosure may be implemented. The drawings include the following figures:

[0009] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a prior art reciprocating pump including the fluid end, in which various aspects can be incorporated into this disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2 It is a cut along a plane parallel to the central axis. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a prior art reciprocating pump.

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the packing assembly of a reciprocating pump, which includes the packing pressure ring presented herein.

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A detailed view of a portion of a cross-sectional view.

[0013] Figure 5A This is a top perspective view of another embodiment of the packing ring formed according to the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 5B It is along Figure 5A The cross-sectional view taken by line BB.

[0015] Figure 6A This is a top perspective view of yet another embodiment of the packing ring formed according to the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 6B It is along Figure 6A The cross-sectional view taken by line B2-B2.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the packing ring formed according to the present disclosure.

[0018] Throughout this disclosure, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same elements. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The following description should not be considered limiting, but only as an illustration of the broad principles of this disclosure. Embodiments of this disclosure will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show elements and results according to this disclosure.

[0020] Typically, the junk ring described herein is the upstream ring of a packing assembly and has a tapered outer surface extending between its upstream and downstream ends. For example, the junk ring may include a tapered outer surface extending from the upstream end of the junk ring to a cylindrical outer surface, which in turn extends to the downstream end of the junk ring. The tapered outer surface allows the junk ring to tilt or tip during installation or removal without becoming stuck in the fluid end orifice. As detailed below, the junk ring may be formed of steel, bronze, alloy metals, plastic, or other rigid materials and may be included in a packing assembly or device configured to impede fluid flow between a reciprocating element (e.g., a plunger) and the housing of the fluid end of a reciprocating pump.

[0021] In contrast, many prior art packing rings have a cylindrical outer surface near their upstream end (e.g., a corner that is part of a rectangular cross-section). If these prior art packing rings tilt or tip over, they may become stuck in the orifice section at the fluid end. In fact, it is quite common for prior art packing rings to become stuck in orifices because the packing rings need to be installed very tightly in the orifice section to provide the desired performance, but they are also typically relatively long (e.g., compared to other rings in the packing). Furthermore, packing rings are usually installed and removed manually, which results in constant tilting or tipping during installation or removal. Moreover, during removal, sand or other particles may settle on and / or around the packing ring, further reducing the relatively small installation and removal clearance. Because packing rings are typically made of hard metal and / or plastic, they generally do not have the flexibility to allow them to be pried loose once stuck. Instead, the operator typically needs to knock the packing ring out of the orifice section, which is time-consuming and laborious, and poses a potential hazard to the operator, the fluid end, and / or components installed in the fluid end.

[0022] Figure 1This is an exemplary embodiment of the reciprocating pump 100, which may include the scraper ring assembly or top ring assembly (e.g., annular scraper ring assembly or top ring assembly) proposed herein. The reciprocating pump 100 includes a power end 102 and a fluid end 104. The power end 102 includes a crankshaft that drives a plurality of reciprocating elements within the fluid end 104 to pump high-pressure fluid. Typically, the power end 102 is capable of generating forces sufficient to deliver high-pressure fluid to the fluid end 104 for drilling operations. For example, the power end 102 may be configured to support hydraulic fracturing (i.e., fracturing) operations in which fracturing fluid (e.g., a mixture of water and sand) is injected under high pressure into rock formations to enable the extraction of natural oil and gas from the rock formations.

[0023] Typically, the reciprocating pump 100 may be quite large, for example, and may be carried by a semi-trailer tractor (“semi-trailer”) to and from the well site. For instance, in some cases, the semi-trailer may remove the reciprocating pump 100 from the well site for maintenance. However, the reciprocating pump 100 is usually only removed when a replacement pump (and associated semi-trailer) is available to be transported to the well site, which may be rare. Therefore, the reciprocating pump 100 is typically shut down at the well site and undergoes maintenance while it remains there. If such maintenance is not performed, the reciprocating pump 100 can operate continuously to extract natural oil and gas. Therefore, any improvements that extend the service life of the reciprocating pump 100's components, especially the typically “wearing” components, and extend maintenance operation intervals (i.e., downtime intervals) are highly desirable.

[0024] Figure 2 This shows a side cross-sectional view of the reciprocating pump 100, taken along the central axis 209 of the reciprocating element 202 included in the reciprocating pump 100. Therefore, Figure 2 A single pumping chamber 208 is depicted. However, it should be understood that the fluid end 104 may include a plurality of pumping chambers 208 arranged side by side. In fact, in at least some embodiments (e.g., Figure 1 In one embodiment, the housing 206 of the fluid end 104 forms a plurality of pumping chambers 208, and each pumping chamber 208 includes a reciprocating element 202 that reciprocates within the housing 206. However, the side-by-side pumping chambers 208 need not be defined by a single housing 206. For example, in some embodiments, the fluid end 104 may be modular, with different housing segments accommodating one or more pumping chambers 208. In any case, one or more pumping chambers 208 are arranged side-by-side such that the corresponding tubing is positioned adjacent to each other and produces substantially parallel pumping action. Specifically, with each stroke of the reciprocating element 202, low-pressure fluid is drawn into the pumping chamber 208, and high-pressure fluid is discharged from the pumping chamber 208.

[0025] In the depicted embodiment, fluid end 104 includes a first orifice 204 intersecting an inlet orifice 212 and an outlet orifice 222. The inlet orifice 212 defines a fluid path through fluid end 104 that connects pumping chamber 208 to piping system 106 for delivering fluid to fluid end 104. Simultaneously, the outlet orifice 222 allows compressed fluid to exit fluid end 104. Orifices 212 and 222 may each include valve components 51 and 52 (e.g., check valves) that allow orifices 212 and 222 to be selectively opened and for delivering fluid through fluid end 104 during operation. Typically, valve component 51 in inlet orifice 212 can be secured therein by piping system 106. Similarly, valve component 52 in outlet orifice 222 can be secured therein by closure assembly 53. Figure 2 In the example shown, the closure component 53 is detachably connected to the fluid end 104 via threads.

[0026] In operation, fluid can enter the fluid end 104 through the external opening of inlet port 212 and exit the fluid end 104 through the external opening of outlet port 222. More specifically, fluid can enter the inlet port 212 through a pipe in the piping system 106, flow through the pumping chamber 208 (e.g., due to the reciprocating motion of the reciprocating element 202), and then enter the channel 108 (see outlet port 222) through the outlet port 222. Figure 1 However, piping system 106 and channel 108 are merely exemplary piping systems, and in various embodiments, fluid end 104 can receive and discharge fluid through any number of pipes and / or conduits, along paths of any desired size or shape.

[0027] Simultaneously, each of the first holes 204 at least partially defines a cylinder for the reciprocating element 202, and / or connects the housing 206 to the cylinder for the reciprocating element 202. The reciprocating motion of the reciprocating element 202 in or near the first holes 204 draws fluid into the pumping chamber 208 through the inlet hole 212 and pumps the fluid out of the pumping chamber 208 through the outlet hole 222, wherein the first hole may be referred to as a reciprocating hole (or, for fracturing applications, a plunger hole).

[0028] Furthermore, the housing section 207 accommodates a packing assembly or packing device 36, which is configured to seal against the reciprocating element 202 disposed within the packing device 36. Therefore, the packing device 36 obstructs fluid flow between the housing 206 and the reciprocating element 202 (e.g., forcing fluid towards the outlet port 222). Additionally, the packing device 36 prevents abrasive substances in the fluid (e.g., debris) from exerting excessive forces on the housing 206 and / or the reciprocating element 202, which could otherwise alter the geometry of the housing 206 and / or the reciprocating element 202. Thus, the packing device 36 helps maintain the ideal structural integrity of the housing 206 and / or the reciprocating element 202, thereby extending the service life of the reciprocating pump 100.

[0029] To facilitate access to the pumping chamber 208 and / or components disposed therein, such as for performing maintenance operations, some fluid ends have through-holes, which are typically aligned with (and sometimes coaxial with) the first hole 204. Other fluid ends do not require through-holes, therefore, such through-holes are not present. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in the diagram. Regardless of whether the fluid end 104 includes a through-hole, the packing device 36 typically needs to be replaced from the external opening of the first hole 204 (i.e., the side of the first hole 204 aligned with the outer surface 210 of the housing 206). Meanwhile, for proper operation, the fluid end 104 needs to be securely and stably connected to the power end 102. Therefore, the fluid end 104 is directly connected to the power end 102 via a relatively short connector 175, and at least a portion of the reciprocating pump 100 needs to be disassembled to access the first hole 204, for example, to replace the packing device 36.

[0030] In various embodiments, the fluid end 104 may have different shapes and / or different features, but generally can still perform the same function, define similar structures, and accommodate similar components. For example, while the fluid end 104 includes a first orifice 204 that intersects the inlet orifice 212 and the outlet orifice 222 at an oblique angle, other fluid ends may include any number of orifices that can be arranged at any desired angle, for example, substantially orthogonally intersecting the first orifice 204 (and / or through-hole), and / or such that two or more orifices are substantially coaxial. Typically, orifices 212, 222, and any other orifices (i.e., segments, pipes, etc.) may intersect to form a pumping chamber 208, which may be cylindrical or non-cylindrical, and may define an opening at the outer surface 210 of the housing 206. Furthermore, orifices 212, 222, and any other orifices (i.e., segments, pipes, etc.) may accommodate various components or structures, such as sealing assemblies or components thereof.

[0031] Figure 3A packing device 36 is shown located within a stuffing box 322, which is formed as part of the housing 206 of the fluid end 104 of the reciprocating pump 100. The stuffing box 322 may be defined by the housing 206, the stuffing box of the fluid end 104, a sleeve disposed within the housing 206, etc. The packing device 36 includes a junk ring 302 as described herein. Positioning the junk ring 302 within the stuffing box 322 creates a gap 323 between the stuffing box 322 and the junk ring 302, and this gap 323 facilitates the installation of the junk ring 302, as discussed herein. As discussed in detail below, when the packing device 36 is disposed within the housing 206, compression of the packing device 36 causes it to seal against the housing 206 and the reciprocating element 202.

[0032] In general, the packing device 36 includes a packing ring 302, a scraper ring or top ring 306, a first ring 308, a second ring 310, a lantern ring 314, and a packing nut 320. However, in other embodiments, the packing device 36 may include any combination of components arranged in any order with the packing ring 302 of this application. For example, alternative embodiments may include only one ring, three or more rings, any number of support rings, or any other such rings, and each of these components may have a suitable axial dimension to collectively span the axial distance between the packing ring 302 and the packing nut 320 (in different embodiments, the packing ring 302 and the packing nut 320 may each have different dimensions).

[0033] Similarly, before discussing the packing assembly 36 in detail, it is crucial to understand the terms "upstream" and "downstream." Any flow through the packing assembly 36, or between the packing assembly 36 and the reciprocating element 202, flows from the high-pressure side 324 of the stuffing box 322 to the low-pressure side 326. Therefore, if the first component is described as being "upstream" of the second component, the first component is closer to the high-pressure side 324 than the second component. Likewise, if the first component is described as being "downstream" of the second component, the first component is closer to the low-pressure side 326 than the second component.

[0034] Therefore, from Figure 3 Starting from the downstream end, the first component is the packing nut 320. In Figure 3In this embodiment, the packing nut 320 is threadedly engaged with the housing 206. The threaded engagement allows the packing nut 320 to press the lantern ring 314 against the second pressure ring 310, the first pressure ring 308, and the scraper ring or top ring 306. The second pressure ring 310, the first pressure ring 308, and the scraper ring or top ring 306 can be collectively referred to as the stack 328. This compression causes the stack 328 to expand radially toward the surface or bore 330 of the stuffing box 322 and the outer surface 332 of the reciprocating element 202. This radial expansion forms a seal between: (1) the stack 328 and the surface 330 of the stuffing box 322; and (2) the stack and the outer surface 332 of the reciprocating element 202. However, in other embodiments, similar compression can be achieved in any manner now known or developed hereafter, without the need for threaded connections and / or using components different from the described packing nut 320.

[0035] Moving upstream, the next component is the lantern ring 314. The lantern ring 314 is an elongated annular ring comprising an inner surface 3142 facing the reciprocating element 202 and an outer surface 3144 facing the stuffing box 322. In the depicted embodiment, the upstream (high-pressure) side 3146 of the lantern ring 314 includes a concave herringbone portion arranged to receive the convex herringbone portion of the downstream (low-pressure) side 3148 of the second pressure ring 310, but other embodiments do not require such a shape. Regardless, the lantern ring 314 can be made of a metal such as aluminum, bronze, an aluminum bronze alloy, or a nickel-based or iron-based alloy. Therefore, in at least some embodiments, the lantern ring 314 may include a sealing element (e.g., an O-ring or annular seal) embedded therein (not labeled). The lantern ring 314 may also include one or more lubricating oil holes 318 extending between the inner surface 3142 and the outer surface 3144 of the lantern ring 314 to provide a flow path for lubricating oil, which is delivered to the packing device 36 through oil passages 316 formed in the housing 206. The lubricating oil forms a pressure seal, which enhances the function of the packing device 36 and also provides lubrication between the reciprocating element 202 and the packing device 36.

[0036] Moving upstream again, the next components are pressure rings 310 and 308. In the depicted embodiment, the second pressure ring 310 is identical to the first pressure ring 308. However, in other embodiments, the second pressure ring 310 may be made of a different material and / or have different dimensions compared to the first pressure ring 308. For example, the second pressure ring 310 may have a different height (in terms of "height," it refers to the dimension spanning the flow direction or axial direction), a different upstream herringbone shape, a different orifice shape, a different orifice size, and / or a different downstream herringbone shape compared to the first pressure ring 308.

[0037] Therefore, for the sake of brevity, the first pressure ring 308 will now be described, and this description can be applied to the first pressure ring 308 and the second pressure ring 310 in the illustrated embodiments. Typically, the first pressure ring 308 is an annular ring comprising a tapered cylindrical inner surface 3082 and a tapered cylindrical outer surface 3084. The tapered cylindrical inner surface 3082 abuts the outer surface 332 of the reciprocating element 202, while the tapered cylindrical outer surface 3084 abuts the surface 330 of the stuffing box 322. The upstream side 3086 (high-pressure side) of the first pressure ring 308 includes a concave herringbone portion, which is arranged to receive the convex herringbone portion of the scraper ring or top ring 306. An orifice 3088 is formed in the concave herringbone section, which provides a release space that allows the legs of the concave herringbone section to bend inward in response to compression (e.g., compression generated by the rigid sides of the stuffing box 322 and the reciprocating element 202).

[0038] The downstream side 3089 (low-pressure side) of the first pressure ring 308 includes a convex herringbone portion whose apex extends toward the low-pressure side 326 of the stuffing box 322. In at least some embodiments, the convex and concave herringbone portions have similar dimensions, such that the downstream side 3089 of the first pressure ring 308 matches or is mirror-symmetrical to the upstream side 3086 of the first pressure ring 308. However, the downstream side 3089 need not match or be mirror-symmetrical to the upstream side 3086.

[0039] Regardless of the size, features, and / or properties of the pressure rings 308 and 310, they are likely to be the primary sealing components of the packing assembly 36, bearing the impact of pressure exerted by the high-pressure fluid within the pumping chamber 208. Therefore, the pressure rings 308 and 310 may be rigid or inflexible and lack elasticity, at least compared to the scraper ring or top ring 306. For example, in at least some embodiments, the first pressure ring 308 and the second pressure ring 310 are made of aramid fabric impregnated with an elastomer, but in other embodiments, one or both of the pressure rings 308 and 310 may be made of other suitable materials.

[0040] Still refer to Figure 3The packing device 36 continues to move upstream, where, in the illustrated embodiment, the scraper ring or top ring 306 is immediately upstream of the first pressure ring 308, and the packing pressure ring 302 is immediately upstream of the scraper ring or top ring 306. Therefore, in the packing device 36, the packing pressure ring 302 is located within the packing box 322, adjacent to the high-pressure side 324, and the scraper ring or top ring 306 is immediately downstream of the packing pressure ring 302. The rest of the packing device 36 is located downstream of the scraper ring or top ring 306. Specifically, the first pressure ring 308 is located downstream of the scraper ring or top ring 306, the second pressure ring 310 is located downstream of the first pressure ring 308, the lantern ring 314 is located downstream of the second pressure ring 310, and the packing nut 320 is located downstream of the lantern ring 314.

[0041] The scraper ring or top ring 306, or a portion thereof, can be made of any commonly used elastic material, such as homogeneous elastomers, filled elastomers, partially fabric-reinforced elastomers, and fully fabric-reinforced elastomers. Suitable elastic materials include, but are not limited to, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic copolyester (COPE), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), high-saturation nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR), reinforced versions of the above materials (e.g., versions reinforced with fiber or woven material laminates), and any combination of the above materials. Forming the scraper ring or top ring 306 from an elastic material allows the scraper ring or top ring 306 to expand radially in response to axial compression, forming a seal against the reciprocating element 202 (e.g., a plunger) and / or the housing 206.

[0042] In contrast, the packing ring 302 or a portion thereof may be made of any of the aforementioned materials and / or metals, metal alloys, and / or plastics. Therefore, in at least some embodiments, the packing ring 302 may have less elasticity than the scraper ring or top ring 306. In other words, the scraper ring or top ring 306 may have a first elasticity, while the packing ring 302 may have a second elasticity less than the first elasticity, wherein “elasticity” as used herein is used to describe stiffness, flexibility, and other such characteristics, and can be expressed, for example, by a hardness tester measurement. In these embodiments, the packing ring 302 may resist axial forces generated by the scraper ring or top ring 306 compressing against the packing ring 302 (e.g., when the packing assembly 36 is compressed in the upstream direction), such that axial compression causes the scraper ring or top ring 306 to expand radially.

[0043] As a specific example, the scraper ring or top ring 306 can be made of an elastic elastomer, while the packing pressure ring 302 can be made of steel, aluminum, bronze, brass, plastic, and / or composite plastics. This combination can be particularly useful when the scraper ring or top ring 306 is adjacent to the high-pressure side 324 of the stuffing box 322 (e.g., adjacent to the metal housing 206), such as... Figure 3As shown. In these cases, the packing ring 302 can function similarly to a conventional metal packing ring, which reduces the gap between the housing 206 and the reciprocating element 202 (e.g., a plunger) upstream of the elastic packing ring (e.g., ring 306, ring 308 and / or ring 310).

[0044] However, it should be clarified that, for the purposes of this application, the term "stuffing ring" does not imply that the ring must be a metal or metal alloy ring, nor does it imply that the term "stuffing ring" requires a specific location in the stack. Rather, "stuffing ring" is a term used to describe ring 302, and the term is used only because, in some embodiments, ring 302 can perform tasks (and other tasks) typically performed by conventional stuffing rings. In fact, in some embodiments, forming the stuffing ring 302 from plastic or plastic composites can provide advantages over conventional metal stuffing rings. First, manufacturing the stuffing ring 302 from plastic and / or plastic composites can reduce manufacturing costs compared to manufacturing from metal. For example, plastics and plastic composites can be molded and mass-produced quickly while avoiding the material costs associated with metals. Second, plastic or plastic composite rings may be lighter than metal rings and therefore may be easier to install in reciprocating pumps. Finally, plastics generally have no recycling value, thus deterring theft due to recycling value.

[0045] Alternatively, the packing ring 302 may be made of at least the same or similar material as the scraper ring or top ring 306, and may have the same or similar elasticity as the scraper ring or top ring 306. In these embodiments, both the scraper ring or top ring 306 and the packing ring 302 may expand radially in response to axial compression (e.g., when the packing assembly 36 is compressed in the upstream direction); however, the amount of axial compression of each of the rings 302 and 306 may depend on their elasticity (e.g., on the specific material and construction used to form the ring). Such combinations may be particularly useful when the packing assembly 36 includes another ring (not shown) between the scraper ring or top ring 306 and the first packing ring 308, between the scraper ring or top ring 306 and the packing ring 302, and / or upstream of the packing ring 302 (e.g., such that the packing ring 302 is not adjacent to the high-pressure side 324 of the stuffing box 322 and is not adjacent to the metal housing).

[0046] Still refer to Figure 3 But now combined Figure 4 In this application, the geometry of the packing ring 302 is particularly advantageous, at least because it simplifies the installation and removal process without adversely affecting the function of the packing ring 302. For clarity, Figure 4A portion of the packing assembly 36 is shown in more detail, but for now, the packing assembly 36 is shown independently of the housing 206 (i.e., when removed from the housing 206). However, since the packing pressure ring 302 is relatively rigid (i.e., less prone to deformation than the scraper ring or top ring 306), the packing pressure ring 302 can have the same geometry / appearance when installed into and removed from the stuffing box 322.

[0047] like Figure 4 As shown, the packing ring 302 includes an inner surface 400 (e.g., a cylindrical inner surface) and an outer surface 402. The inner surface 400 is configured to face and abut against the reciprocating element 202, and the outer surface 402 is configured to face away from the reciprocating element 202. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer surface 402 of the packing ring 302 includes a tapered portion 404 and a cylindrical portion 406. Crucially, when the packing ring 302 is installed in the stuffing box 322, and / or during the process of installing or removing the packing ring 302 from or into the stuffing box 322, the tapered portion 404 forms a gap 323 between the outer surface 402 of the packing ring 302 and the stuffing box 322 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 3 Therefore, as an example, the stuffing box 322 may have a rectangular shape (e.g., surface 330 of the stuffing box 322 is planar), such that in the uncompressed configuration of the packing ring 302, the cylindrical portion 406 extends along (e.g., flush with) the surface 330 of the stuffing box 322, while the tapered portion 404 extends away from the surface 330 to provide a gap 323 between the surface 330 and the tapered portion 404. However, in additional or alternative embodiments, the stuffing box 322 may have any suitable shape in which the engagement between the packing ring 302 and the stuffing box 322 results in the packing ring 302 creating a gap 323 between the surface 330 and the tapered portion 404 of the stuffing box 322 in the uncompressed configuration.

[0048] Therefore, during installation or removal, the packing ring 302 can tilt relative to the stuffing box 322 without immediately jamming. This creates tolerance for tilting or tipping during installation or removal, which is typically a manual operation (e.g., done by hand). Specifically, the packing ring 302 can be tilted off-center by an angle X (e.g., acute angle, oblique angle) defined by the taper of the tapered portion 404 relative to the cylindrical portion 406. Angle X can be, for example, greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees, greater than 0 degrees and less than about 60 degrees, greater than 0 degrees and less than about 45 degrees, greater than 0 degrees and less than about 30 degrees, greater than about 5 degrees and less than about 30 degrees, or any other desired range allowing for tipping or tilting installation. As a specific example, the taper of the tapered portion 404 can have an angle X of about 12.5 degrees.

[0049] However, it is also important that the tapered portion 404 extends to the cylindrical portion 406, as the cylindrical portion 406 allows the packing ring 302 to be positioned within the stuffing box 322 in a manner correctly aligned with it (e.g., properly centered and concentric with the reciprocating element 202). When the tapered portion 404 is upstream of the cylindrical portion 406, the tapered portion 404 allows tilting during installation or removal, simplifying these operations and preventing jamming, while the packing ring 302 can still be correctly aligned with the stuffing box 322. In some embodiments, the cylindrical portion 406 can also help form a seal for the packing component 36. For example, the cylindrical portion 406 of the packing ring 302 can engage directly with the stuffing box 322. Additionally or alternatively, the cylindrical portion 406 of the packing ring 302 can reduce the gap between the packing ring 302 and the stuffing box 322 and / or the reciprocating element 202, which can improve the performance of rings positioned downstream of the packing ring 302.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the packing ring 302 also includes a planar upstream surface 408 and a planar downstream surface 410. Indeed, in the illustrated embodiment, the planar upstream surface 408 and the planar downstream surface 410 extend substantially parallel to each other (e.g., perpendicular to the cylindrical portion 406). The planar upstream surface 408 and the planar downstream surface 410 allow the packing ring 302 to securely engage (e.g., by flush engagement) with the planar high-pressure side 324 of the stuffing box 322 and the planar upstream surface 416 of the scraper ring or top ring 306, respectively. However, in other embodiments, the upstream surface 408 and the downstream surface 410 need not be planar and can have any desired shape, size, geometry, etc., for example, for engagement with adjacent components of different shapes, sizes, geometries, etc. In any case, the outer surface 402 typically extends between the upstream surface 408 and the downstream surface 410, and the opposing inner surface 400 also typically extends between the upstream surface 408 and the downstream surface 410.

[0051] More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the tapered portion 404 extends directly from the upstream surface 408, gradually moving away from the reciprocating element 202 toward the downstream surface 410, and extends to the cylindrical portion 406, which in turn extends directly from the downstream surface 410. However, in other embodiments, the outer surface 402 may include additional portions or sections located between the upstream surface 408 and the tapered portion 404, between the tapered portion 404 and the cylindrical portion 406, and / or between the cylindrical portion 406 and the downstream surface 410. For example, a cylindrical portion (not shown) may be disposed between the upstream surface 408 and the tapered portion 404 while still achieving the advantages of the tapered portion 404. In practice, the outer surface 402 may include any suitable number of cylindrical portions, including more than one cylindrical portion or no cylindrical portion.

[0052] It should be noted that, in addition to having a tapered portion 404 extending from the reciprocating element 202 toward the downstream surface and gradually expanding outward, the packing ring may also include any specific geometry. Therefore, Figure 4 A packing ring 302 with an exemplary inner surface 400 is depicted, while Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 6A and Figure 6B Further examples depicting the inner surface of the packing ring (described further below). More specifically, in Figure 4 In this embodiment, the inner surface 400 includes a first cylindrical segment 401 and a second cylindrical surface 412. The first cylindrical segment 401 is defined by a chamfered segment 414, and the second cylindrical surface 412 extends from the downstream surface 410 and deviates from the first cylindrical segment 401. In this embodiment, the first cylindrical segment 401 extends inward (towards the reciprocating element 202) to a greater extent than the second cylindrical surface 412 extends. Simultaneously, the chamfered segment 414 connects the first cylindrical segment 401 to the upstream surface 408 and the second cylindrical surface 412.

[0053] Figures 5A-5B , Figures 6A-6B and Figure 7 Alternative embodiments of the packing compression rings described herein are depicted. Figures 5A-5B , Figures 6A-6B and Figure 7 Used with Figure 4 The same reference numerals are used to denote the same elements in these embodiments. Therefore, it is most noteworthy that... Figures 5A-5B and Figures 6A-6B All embodiments include the same outer surface 402 having a tapered portion 404 and a cylindrical portion 406 (although understanding may vary), but with inner surfaces 501 and 601 having different features, respectively. Furthermore, Figure 7 The embodiments include the same inner surface 400 having the same first cylindrical section 401, second cylindrical surface 412 and chamfered section 414 (although the understanding may vary), but an outer surface 701 with different features.

[0054] First, such as Figure 5BAs shown in the cross-sectional view, the inner surface 501 includes a first cylindrical segment 502 that extends directly from the upstream surface 408 of the packing ring 500 to a chamfered segment 504. The chamfered segment 504 connects the first cylindrical segment 502 to a second cylindrical segment 506, which in turn extends directly to the downstream surface 410 of the packing ring 500. Therefore, the inner surface 501 of the packing ring 500 is similar to the first cylindrical segment 401 of the packing ring 302, except that the inner surface 501 lacks a chamfered segment.

[0055] Second, such as Figure 6B As shown in the cross-sectional view, the inner surface 601 includes a first cylindrical section 602 that extends directly from the upstream surface 408 of the packing ring 600 to a rounded portion 604. The rounded portion 604 connects the first cylindrical section 602 to a second cylindrical section 606, which in turn extends to a chamfered section 608 that extends directly to the downstream surface 410 of the packing ring 600.

[0056] Third, such as Figure 7 As shown in the cross-sectional view, the outer surface 701 includes a tapered portion 702 that extends directly from the upstream surface 408 of the packing ring 700 to the downstream surface 410 of the packing ring 700. In other words, the outer surface 701 of the packing ring 700 between the upstream surface 408 and the tapered portion 702 or between the downstream surface 410 and the tapered portion 702 does not include a cylindrical portion or any other portion.

[0057] In general, the internal surface variations of the packing rings proposed herein enable compatibility with different packing rings and / or different stuffing boxes (whether formed by a housing or another component). However, the packing rings will achieve the advantages discussed in this application as long as these internal surface variations are used in conjunction with the external surface geometry proposed herein (or its intended variations). That is, packing rings having the external geometry described herein can achieve the advantages discussed in this application when mated with downstream surfaces, upstream surfaces, and internal surfaces having any desired geometry or features.

[0058] Furthermore, although this disclosure has been described and illustrated in detail with reference to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, as it will be apparent that various modifications and structural changes can be made therein without departing from the scope of this disclosure and the equivalents of the claims. Additionally, various features from one embodiment may be combined in another embodiment. Therefore, the appended claims should be interpreted broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of this disclosure as set forth in the following claims.

[0059] Similarly, this disclosure is intended to cover modifications and variations of this disclosure that fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. For example, it should be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “outer,” “internal,” and “external” that may be used herein describe reference points only and do not limit this disclosure to any particular orientation or configuration. Furthermore, the term “exemplary” is used herein to describe examples or illustrations. Any embodiment described herein as exemplary should not be construed as a preferred or advantageous embodiment, but should be considered as an example or illustration of a possible embodiment of this disclosure.

[0060] Finally, when used herein, the term “comprising” and its derivatives (e.g., “including”, etc.) should not be understood in an exclusionary sense; that is, these terms should not be interpreted as excluding the possibility that the described and defined content may include other elements, steps, etc. Similarly, when used herein, the term “approximately” and its family of terms (e.g., “around”, etc.) should be understood to indicate a value very close to the value associated with the foregoing term. That is, deviations from precise values ​​within a reasonable range should be accepted, as those skilled in the art will understand that such deviations from the indicated values ​​are unavoidable due to measurement errors, etc. The same applies to the terms “about,” “around,” and “substantially.” Furthermore, any ranges provided herein should be understood to include their boundaries; therefore, for example, a range of 80–90 includes both 80 and 90.

Claims

1. A packing ring for a packing assembly in a reciprocating pump, the packing ring comprising: Upstream end; The downstream end is disposed opposite to the upstream end; as well as A tapered outer surface that extends between the upstream end and the downstream end.

2. The packing pressure ring according to claim 1, wherein, The tapered outer surface extends at an inclined angle relative to the upstream end.

3. The packing compression ring according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The tapered outer surface extends at an inclined angle relative to the downstream end.

4. The packing ring according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein, The tapered outer surface extends directly from the upstream end.

5. The packing ring according to claim 4, comprising a cylindrical portion extending between the conical outer surface and the downstream end.

6. The packing compression ring according to claim 5, wherein, The cylindrical portion extends directly from the downstream end.

7. The packing ring according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The cylindrical portion is perpendicular to the upstream end and / or the downstream end.

8. The packing pressure ring according to claim 7, wherein, The conical outer surface extends at an inclined angle relative to the cylindrical portion.

9. The packing pressure ring according to claim 8, wherein, The tilt angle is between 0 degrees and 45 degrees.

10. The packing ring according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9, wherein, The tapered outer surface extends directly from the downstream end.

11. A packing device for a reciprocating pump, the packing device comprising: Top ring, the top ring including an upstream surface; and A packing pressure ring, wherein the packing pressure ring is disposed upstream of the top ring, and wherein the packing pressure ring comprises: Downstream end, the downstream end is configured to engage with the upstream surface of the top ring; The upstream end is disposed opposite to the downstream end; and A tapered outer surface that extends between the downstream end and the upstream end.

12. The packing device according to claim 11, wherein, The upstream surface of the top ring and the downstream end of the packing ring are planar.

13. The packing device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The tapered outer surface extends directly from the upstream end.

14. The packing device according to claim 13, wherein, The conical outer surface extends into a cylindrical portion that extends between the conical outer surface and the downstream end.

15. The packing device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein, The tapered outer surface extends to the downstream end.

16. A reciprocating pump, the reciprocating pump comprising: A reciprocating element configured to reciprocate during operation of the reciprocating pump to pressurize the fluid; and Packing ring, the packing ring comprising: Upstream end; The downstream end is disposed opposite to the upstream end; and A tapered outer surface that is away from the reciprocating element and extends between the upstream end and the downstream end.

17. The reciprocating pump according to claim 16, wherein, The packing ring includes an inner surface, which is disposed opposite to the upstream end and engages with the reciprocating element.

18. The reciprocating pump according to claim 16 or 17, wherein, The reciprocating pump defines a stuffing box, the stuffing ring engages with the surface of the stuffing box, and the tapered outer surface extends away from the surface of the stuffing box to form a gap between the tapered outer surface of the stuffing ring and the surface of the stuffing box.

19. The reciprocating pump according to claim 16, 17 or 18, wherein, The upstream end and the downstream end extend parallel to each other.

20. The reciprocating pump according to claim 16, 17, 18 or 19, wherein, The conical outer surface extends from the upstream end toward the downstream end and gradually expands outward.

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