Fluid end with non-circular bores and closures for the same

Abstract

A method of closing an externally open segment of a fluid end of a reciprocating pump with a closure assembly includes inserting a non-circular closure element into a segment of a fluid end casing in a first direction while the non-circular closure element is disposed in a first orientation. The non-circular closure element is rotated to a second orientation that is angularly offset from the first orientation with respect to at least one axis of rotation. The non-circular closure element is further moved within the segment of the fluid end casing in a second direction that is opposite the first direction to cause the non-circular closure element to seat within the segment.

1 . A method of closing an externally open segment of a fluid end of a reciprocating pump with a closure assembly, comprising:
 inserting a non-circular closure element into a segment of a fluid end casing in a first direction while the non-circular closure element is disposed in a first orientation,   rotating the non-circular closure element to a second orientation that is angularly offset from the first orientation with respect to at least one axis of rotation; and   moving the non-circular closure element within the segment of the fluid end casing in a second direction that is opposite the first direction to cause the non-circular closure element to seat within the segment.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the rotating occurs in a pumping chamber of the fluid end and involves a first rotation of approximately ninety degrees about a first axis of rotation and a second rotation of approximately ninety degrees about a second axis of rotation. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 coupling an exterior surface of the non-circular closure element to a retaining assembly to secure the non-circular closure element within the segment.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the retaining assembly includes a retaining element and the method further comprises:
 installing a seal on the non-circular closure element; and   coupling the exterior surface of the non-circular closure element to the retaining element to secure the seal on the non-circular closure element.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the retaining assembly includes a retaining element and the method further comprises:
 coupling the exterior surface of the non-circular closure element to the retaining element prior to insertion of the non-circular closure element into the segment.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein one or more installation elements are connected to the non-circular closure element and accessible from an exterior of the segment of the fluid end casing so that rotation of the non-circular closure element, movement of the non-circular closure element within the segment, or both, are at least partially effectuated via the one or more installation elements. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the one or more installation elements are one or more flexible installation elements that pass between the non-circular closure element and the retaining element. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the retaining assembly includes an extended coupler and a crossbar and the method further comprises:
 coupling an upstream end of the extended coupler to the retaining element; and   securing a downstream end of the extended coupler in the crossbar spanning the segment proximate an exterior end of the segment.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the extended coupler comprises a collar that limits an amount of torque that can be applied to the non-circular closure element when the extended coupler is coupled to the retaining element. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the extended coupler comprises extensions configured to extend beyond the crossbar and limit an amount of torque that can be applied to the non-circular closure element when the extended coupler is coupled to the retaining element. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein securement of the downstream end of the extended coupler in the crossbar comprises:
 securing an annular ring to an exterior of the fluid end casing; and   seating the crossbar against the annular ring.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising:
 capturing a seal, with or without a seal carrier, between the retaining element and the non-circular closure element.   
     
     
         13 . A method of closing an externally open segment of a fluid end of a reciprocating pump with a closure assembly, comprising:
 coupling a retaining element to a non-circular closure element;   inserting the non-circular closure element, with the retaining element, into a segment of a fluid end casing;   moving the non-circular closure element within the fluid end casing to cause the non-circular closure element to seat within the segment; and   securing the non-circular closure element within the segment by way of the retaining element.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein securement of the non-circular closure element comprises:
 coupling an upstream end of an extended coupler to the retaining element; and   securing a downstream end of the extended coupler in a crossbar spanning the segment proximate an exterior end of the segment.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the securement of the non-circular closure element comprises:
 securing an annular ring to an exterior of the fluid end casing; and   seating the crossbar against the annular ring.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , comprising:
 inserting the non-circular closure element into the segment of the fluid end casing in a first direction while the non-circular closure element is disposed in a first orientation; and   rotating the non-circular closure element to a second orientation that is angularly offset from the first orientation with respect to at least one axis of rotation.   
     
     
         17 . A closure assembly for a fluid end of a reciprocating pump, at least a portion of the closure assembly being installable within a segment of a casing of the fluid end to substantially close the segment, the closure assembly comprising:
 a closure element that extends from an interior surface to an exterior surface, wherein at least a portion of the closure element has a non-circular cross-sectional shape; and   a retaining assembly that is coupleable to the exterior surface of the closure element.   
     
     
         18 . The closure assembly of  claim 17 , wherein the retaining assembly includes a retaining element, an extended coupler, and a crossbar, wherein an upstream end of the extended coupler is configured to be coupled to the retaining element and a downstream end of the extended coupler is configured to be secured to the crossbar, which is configured to span the segment proximate an exterior end of the segment. 
     
     
         19 . The closure assembly of  claim 17 , wherein the retaining assembly comprises one or more installation elements extending away from an exterior surface of the retaining element so that that the one or more installation elements are accessible from an exterior of the segment of the casing of the fluid end when the closure element is installed within the segment. 
     
     
         20 . The closure assembly of  claim 17 , wherein the retaining assembly includes a retainer being disposed exteriorly of the casing of the fluid end and defining a seat on which the closure element, a portion of the retaining assembly, or both the closure element and the portion of the retaining assembly may sit.