Front access packing arrangement and a packing assembly installation and removal method

Abstract

A packing arrangement and a method are disclosed, in which a packing assembly of a reciprocating plunger pump is accessible, removable and adjustable from the front end of the fluid-end. As the inside and outside diameter of the packing rings define the area on which the pressure is exerted and results in the total force on the packing arrangement, a packing arrangement with a smaller outside diameter can be advantageous as the forces are reduced and a longer packing life can be expected.

1 . A packing arrangement for a positive displacement pump having a plunger that reciprocates within a suction/discharge chamber, and suction and discharge valves for flowing fluid to and from the suction/discharge chamber, said packing arrangement comprising at least one packing ring which is accessible from the front, wherein the packing arrangement is configured for adjustment by an adjustment sleeve or cage that is fitted within the suction/discharge chamber. 
     
     
         2 . The packing arrangement of  claim 1 , wherein the positive displacement pump comprises a front end cover having one or more adjusting studs that, upon rotation of the adjusting studs, press the sleeve or cage against the packing arrangement. 
     
     
         3 . The packing arrangement of  claim 2 , wherein rings of various thickness are inserted between the front end cover to press the sleeve or cage against the packing arrangement. 
     
     
         4 . The packing arrangement of  claim 2  or  claim 3 , wherein the front end cover has a hydraulic cylinder incorporated that upon applying pressure to the cylinder, press the sleeve or cage against the packing arrangement. 
     
     
         5 . The packing arrangement of  claim 1 , wherein the packing arrangement is configured for adjustment by an adjustment sleeve that is fitted within the suction/discharge chamber and wherein the sleeve has openings aligned with openings of the suction and discharge valves. 
     
     
         6 . The packing arrangement of  claim 5 , wherein the packing arrangement is a modular packing arrangement, and further wherein at least one packing ring and a lubrication gland are fitted within a packing sleeve that is detachable connected to the adjustment sleeve. 
     
     
         7 . A packing arrangement for oil field services pumps comprising a packing arrangement of  claim 1 , wherein the outside diameter of the packing arrangement is reduced to be smaller than the standard for oil well services pumps to reduce the forces exerted on the packing arrangement. 
     
     
         8 . A packing arrangement for a double acting plunger or piston pump comprising two adapter rings and two sets of opposing packing arrangements separated by a lubrication and leak detection gland 
     
     
         9 . The packing arrangement of  claim 8 , wherein the packing arrangement is a modular packing arrangement, and further wherein at least two opposed packing rings and a lubrication gland are fitted within a packing sleeve that is detachable connected to the adjustment sleeve. 
     
     
         10 . A positive displacement pump comprising the packing arrangement of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         11 . A method for pumping a fluid, the method comprising flowing the fluid through the suction/discharge chamber of the positive displacement pump of  claim 10 , wherein pressure from the pump discharge space or discharge line maintains the packing arrangement in place and keeps an equal force on the packing arrangement during its suction and discharge stroke. 
     
     
         12 . A method for pumping a fluid, the method comprising flowing the fluid through the suction/discharge chamber of the positive displacement pump of  claim 10 , wherein hydraulic pressure from an external source maintains the packing arrangement in place.