Pump System

Abstract

A pump system that has a power end and a fluid end assembly. The fluid end assembly includes a plunger configured to translate within a plunger bore. The fluid end further includes a suction valve assembly and a discharge valve assembly. The power end is configured to use a pony rod to induce movement of the plunger within the fluid end assembly to generate a pressure differential. The suction valve assembly and the discharge assembly operate in response to the pressure differential to move the fluid. A straight valve seal is located within the suction valve assembly and/or the discharge valve assembly to distribute forces incurred by movement of valves within the fluid end assembly.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A pump system, comprising:
 a power end assembly having a pony rod;   a fluid end assembly having a plunger for generating an alternating pressure differential in the fluid system, the power end being configured to induce translation of the plunger within the plunger chamber to pressurize a charge fluid;   a suction valve assembly and a discharge valve assembly configured to selectively operate in response to the pressure differential; and   a straight valve seal configured to seal the suction valve assembly and discharge valve assembly in a straight bore within the fluid end assembly.   
     
     
         2 . The pump system of  claim 1 , wherein the power end includes a multi-piece connecting rod configured to use a plurality of threaded fasteners to couple individual portions together to reduce wear of the connecting rod. 
     
     
         3 . The pump system  claim 1 , wherein power end includes a connecting rod bearing housing in communication with a connecting rod, the bearing housing including a channel and associated bevel area for the distribution of lubrication. 
     
     
         4 . The pump system  claim 1 , wherein the plunger and the pony rod are coupled together via a pony rod adapter. 
     
     
         5 . The pump system  claim 1 , wherein the pony rod adapter is a dove-tail clamp. 
     
     
         6 . The pump system  claim 5 , wherein the pony rod adapter uses a non-threaded relationship to couple the pony rod and the plunger together. 
     
     
         7 . The pump system  claim 1 , wherein the suction valve and the discharge valve are intersect a centerline of the fluid end at an obtuse angle, the centerline being coaxial with an axis of the plunger. 
     
     
         8 . The pump system  claim 1 , wherein the suction valve defines a first centerline and the discharge valve defines a second centerline, the first centerline and the second centerline being parallel with each other and perpendicular to a third centerline defined by the plunger. 
     
     
         9 . The pump system of  claim 1 , wherein the suction valve assembly includes a seat portion and a guide portion configured to properly align the valve. 
     
     
         10 . The pump system of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the suction valve assembly and the discharge valve assembly includes a valve insert to seal a valve opening. 
     
     
         11 . The pump system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a recirculating manifold having a reducer configured to optimize the distribution of charge fluid through a feeder, the feeder coupled to a suction valve assembly.   
     
     
         12 . The pump system  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a rock screen insert configured to filter out particulates from the charge fluid;   
       the rock screen insert being located within the suction valve assembly. 
     
     
         13 . The pump system of  claim 12 , wherein the rock screen insert maintains a front valve guide to improve performance of the suction valve assembly. 
     
     
         14 . The pump system of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid end assembly includes a packing nut configured to seal around the plunger, the packing nut configured to receive automated adjustment during operation of the pump system. 
     
     
         15 . The pump system of  claim 1 , wherein the packing nut includes a monitor to provide an operator operational feedback concerning the condition of the packing nut during operation of the pump system. 
     
     
         16 . The pump system of  claim 14 , wherein the packing nut includes a bellows forming an annular volume for reception of a working fluid configured to regulate the pressure on the packing nut. 
     
     
         17 . The pump system of  claim 14 , wherein the packing nut includes an annular volume between a piston and a body for reception of a working fluid configured to regulate the pressure on the packing nut. 
     
     
         18 . The pump system of  claim 1 , wherein the suction valve assembly and the discharge valve assembly are configured to accept a dual guided valve. 
     
     
         19 . The pump system of  claim 1 , wherein the suction valve assembly includes a locking mechanism configured to permit removal of a suction valve with a single hand. 
     
     
         20 . The pump system of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid end assembly is configured to receive bores and cutouts configured to reduce stress concentrations within a fluid end.