Pumps

Abstract

According to an embodiment, a pump includes a power end, and a fluid end. A sliding plate extends from the power end, and a distal end of the sliding plate has engaging structure. The fluid end has complementary engaging structure for slidably mating with the engaging structure as the fluid end is raised or lowered relative to the power end. A locking plate is provided for preventing disengagement of the complementary engaging structure and the engaging structure.

1 . A pump, comprising:
 a power end;   a sliding plate extending from the power end, a distal end of the sliding plate having engaging structure;   a fluid end having complementary engaging structure for slidably mating with the engaging structure as the fluid end is raised or lowered relative to the power end; and   a locking plate for preventing disengagement of the complementary engaging structure and the engaging structure.   
     
     
         2 . The pump of  claim 1 , wherein the locking plate includes a fastener interacting with the fluid end, the fastener being axially offset angularly from a direction of sliding engagement between the complementary engaging structure and the engaging structure. 
     
     
         3 . The pump of  claim 1 , wherein the power end has a crank shaft. 
     
     
         4 . The pump of  claim 1 , wherein the power end is hydraulic. 
     
     
         5 . The pump of  claim 1 , wherein the engaging structure has a generally circular cross-section. 
     
     
         6 . The pump of  claim 1 , wherein the engaging structure is vertically oriented along a height of the sliding plate. 
     
     
         7 . The pump of  claim 6 , wherein the engaging structure has a generally circular cross-section. 
     
     
         8 . The pump of  claim 6 , wherein the height of the sliding plate is substantially similar to a height of the fluid end. 
     
     
         9 . The pump of  claim 8 , wherein the engaging structure interacts with the complementary engaging structure over a distance that is at least fifty percent as long as the height of the fluid end. 
     
     
         10 . The pump of  claim 8 , wherein the engaging structure interacts with the complementary engaging structure over a distance that is at least eighty percent as long as the height of the fluid end. 
     
     
         11 . The pump of  claim 8 , wherein the engaging structure interacts with the complementary engaging structure over a distance that is at least ninety percent as long as the height of the fluid end. 
     
     
         12 . The pump of  claim 1 , wherein the sliding plates are formed unitary with the power end. 
     
     
         13 . The pump of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid end further comprises a stop to limit the sliding of the fluid end relative to the sliding plates. 
     
     
         14 . A pump, comprising:
 a power end;   a first plate extending from the power end, a distal end of the plate having engaging structure;   a fluid end having complementary engaging structure for mating with the engaging structure as the fluid end is joined to the power end; and   a suction manifold positioned to automatically engage with the fluid end when the fluid end is moved into an operating position.   
     
     
         15 . The pump of  claim 14 , wherein the engaging structure is vertically oriented along a height of the first plate, and wherein the height of the first plate is substantially equal to a height of the fluid end. 
     
     
         16 . The pump of  claim 15 , wherein the engaging structure has a generally circular cross-section. 
     
     
         17 . The pump of  claim 16 , wherein the engaging structure interacts with the complementary engaging structure over a distance that is at least fifty percent as long as the height of the fluid end. 
     
     
         18 . The pump of  claim 14 , further comprising a second plate extending from the power end, the second plate being devoid of engaging structure, wherein the second plate is removably fastened to the fluid end to prevent disengagement of the complementary engaging structure and the engaging structure. 
     
     
         19 . A method of engaging a power end of a pump with a fluid end of the pump, comprising:
 providing a power end, comprising:
 a sliding plate extending from the power end, a distal end of the sliding plate having engaging structure vertically oriented along a height of the sliding plate and having a generally circular cross-section; and 
 a locking plate extending from the power end; 
   providing a fluid end, comprising complementary engaging structure for mating with the engaging structure of the power end;   positioning the fluid end such that the complementary engaging structure aligns with the engaging structure of the power end;   lowering the fluid end into an operating position, wherein in the operating position, the fluid end slidably mates with the power end and automatically engages a suction manifold; and   installing the locking plate to the fluid end.   
     
     
         20 . The pump of  claim 19 , wherein the fluid end further comprises a stop to limit the sliding of the fluid end relative to the sliding plates.