Fluid End Reinforced With Abrasive Resistant Insert, Coating Or Lining

Abstract

A fluid end for use in a high-pressure, reciprocating, fluid pump assembly is provided having a bore therethrough in which a plunger reciprocates. The fluid end is provided with an insert to improve the fluid end washout life. In one embodiment, the insert is constructed of a ceramic material. In another embodiment, the insert includes an abrasive resistant coating or lining.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A fluid end of a reciprocating pump, comprising:
 a body portion having a bore therethrough and adapted to receive a reciprocating plunger, the bore having an internal surface;   an elastomeric seal member disposed within a recess of the bore; and   an insert disposed in the recess of the bore and separating the elastomeric seal member and at least a portion the internal surface of the bore.   
     
     
         2 . The fluid end of  claim 1 , wherein the insert comprises a ceramic material. 
     
     
         3 . The fluid end of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the insert comprises a coating or layer of abrasive resistant material. 
     
     
         4 . The fluid end of  claim 3 , wherein the abrasive resistant material comprises tungsten carbide. 
     
     
         5 . The fluid end of  claim 1 , wherein the insert is in the shape of a sleeve. 
     
     
         6 . The fluid end of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid end further comprises a seal carrier for holding the insert and the elastomeric seal member into the body portion of the fluid end. 
     
     
         7 . The fluid end of  claim 6 , wherein the seal carrier comprises a threaded portion for threadingly engaging a corresponding threaded portion of the body portion of the fluid end. 
     
     
         8 . The fluid end of  claim 6 , wherein the insert is press fit against the seal carrier. 
     
     
         9 . A fluid pump assembly, comprising:
 a power end; and   a fluid end comprising:
 a body having a horizontal passage, a vertical passage intersecting the horizontal passage, and a discharge passage intersecting the vertical passage; 
 the horizontal passage providing an annular recess portion having a circumferential, internal surface, and a bore to receive a reciprocating plunger; 
 an elastomeric seal member disposed within the annular recess portion of the horizontal passage; and 
 an insert disposed in the annular recess portion and separating the elastomeric seal member and the circumferential, internal surface of the horizontal passage. 
   
     
     
         10 . The fluid pump assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the insert comprises a ceramic material. 
     
     
         11 . The fluid pump assembly of  claim 9 , wherein at least a portion of the insert comprises a coating or layer of abrasive resistant material. 
     
     
         12 . The fluid pump assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the fluid pump assembly is a triplex pump. 
     
     
         13 . A method of preventing washout in a pump body, comprising:
 providing a body portion having a bore therethrough to receive a reciprocating plunger, and wherein the bore comprises a recess portion to receive an elastomeric seal member; and   disposing an insert in the recess portion of the bore so as to separate the elastomeric seal member and at least a portion of an internal surface of the bore.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the insert comprises a ceramic material. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein at least a portion of the insert comprises a coating or layer of abrasive resistant material. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said abrasive resistant material comprises tungsten carbide.