Multi-Piece Seat

U.S. Pat. No. 11,578,710, entitled ‘Tapered Valve Seat’, issued on Aug. 3, 2021, is incorporated by reference herein.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an apparatus comprising a valve seat. The valve seat is configured to seal against a valve body. The valve seat comprises a base, a top, and a seal. The base comprises a first surface, a second surface, a base outer surface, and a base bore. The second surface is opposed to the first surface. The base outer surface interconnects the first and second surfaces. The base bore extends through the first and second surfaces. The top comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, a top outer surface, and a top bore. The bottom surface is opposed to the top surface. The top outer surface interconnects the top and bottom surfaces. The top bore extends through the top and bottom surfaces. The seal is installed in the top outer surface.

Certain other embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an apparatus comprising a valve seat. The valve seat is configured to seal against a valve body. The valve seat comprises a base and a top. The base comprises a first surface, a second surface, a base outer surface, and a base bore. The second surface is opposed to the first surface. The base outer surface interconnects the first and second surfaces. The base bore extends through the first and second surfaces. The top comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, a top outer surface, and a top bore. The bottom surface is opposed to the top surface. The top outer surface interconnects the top and bottom surfaces. The top bore extends through the top and bottom surfaces. The base and top engage one another but do not interlock.

The present disclosure is directed towards a multi-piece seat. Certain embodiments of the multi-piece seat are disclosed herein. Some embodiments may comprise one or more seals to provide additional advantages such as improved sealing. All embodiments of the multi-piece seat described herein include a separate top and base. By utilizing the separate top and base, users may create the components out of different materials, thus saving in manufacturing costs. Other added benefits include cheaper replacement of components and simplified maintenance.

Turning now to the Figures, one embodiment of a multi-piece seatis shown in. The seatcomprises a baseand a top.

The baseof the multi-piece seatis shown in greater detail in. The basemay be made of an alloy steel. The basehas an annular shape and comprises a top surface, an opposed bottom surface, an outer surface, and a flow bore. The outer surfaceand the flow boreextend between the topand bottomsurfaces, thereby interconnecting the surfaces. The topand bottom surfacesare also planar and parallel to one another. In alternative embodiments, the topand bottom surfacesof the basemay not be planar or parallel to one another. The critical function of the top surfaceis to prevent further movement of the topinto the fluid passage bore(described below). This may be accomplished by only partial, or point, contact between the top surfaceof the baseand the bottom surfaceof the top, if desired.

As shown in, the outer surfaceof the basecomprises a top chamfer, a straight section, a transition radius, a base taper, and a bottom chamfer. The transition radiusprovides clearance between the outer surfaceand the fluid passage boreof the fluid end body, thus reducing the stress concentration in the seat mounting sectionof the fluid passage bore. In the prior art, the entire outside surface of the seat is typically an interference fit with the bore it is installed in. However, in this embodiment, the straight sectionand base taperof the outer surfaceare not interference fits with the top taperor the base taperof the seat mounting sectionof the fluid passage bore.

Continuing with, the flow boreis a through bore and has a bore axis that is collinear with the longitudinal axis of the base. The flow borecomprises a top chamfer, a straight section, a transition radius, a bottom chamfer, and a bottom radius. The flow boreis sized to allow maximum flow and may be adjusted as desired. The transition radiusand bottom chamferare intended to allow a smooth flow transition from the larger fluid passage boreto the smaller flow bore, thus reducing turbulence and erosion.

Turning now to, the topof the multi-piece seatis shown in greater detail. The topmay be made of carbide and has an annular shape. The topcomprises a top surface, an opposed bottom surface, an outer surface, and a flow bore. The outer surfaceand the flow boreextend between the topand bottomsurfaces, thereby connecting them. The topand bottomsurfaces are also planar and parallel to one another. In alternative embodiments, the topand bottomsurfaces may not be planar or parallel to one another. As discussed above, only partial, or point, contact between the bottom surfaceof the topand the top surfaceof the baseis necessary.

As shown in, the outer surfacecomprises a top radius, a top taper, and a bottom chamfer. The top taperis angled from the longitudinal axis of the topby an angle of approximately 1.79 degrees, such that the resulting frusto-conical surface increases in diameter from the bottom surfaceto the top surface. Alternative embodiments of the topmay use different angle values as desired. The intent of the top taperis to provide an interference fit. In the current invention, the interference fit is provided by a standard taper lock well known in the industry, but any type of interference fit may be used.

The flow boreis a through bore and has a bore axis that is collinear with the longitudinal axis of the top. The flow borecomprises a sealing surface, a transition chamfer, a straight section, and a bottom chamfer. The sealing surfacemay be complementary to the valve sealing surface of a corresponding valve body. The purpose of the sealing surfaceis to optimize the operation of the valve. The sealing surfacemay be modified as needed to accommodate valve bodies with different sealing surfaces. The transition chamfer, straight section, and bottom chamferare all designed for optimal flow, and may be adjusted as necessary. The straight sectionis shown to be the same diameter as the straight sectionof the baseto minimize turbulence, but may be sized differently if desired.

Referring now to, the installation of the multi-piece seatinto a typical fluid end will be discussed. A fluid end bodyof a typical fluid end is shown in. The fluid end bodycomprises a top surface, an opposed bottom surface, a plurality of suction bores, and a plurality of fluid passage bores. The suction boresare perpendicular to the fluid passage bores. Each suction boreand fluid passage borecomprise a plurality of sections to facilitate the installation of numerous components of the fluid end as illustrated in the previously referenced U.S. Pat. No. 11,578,710. The fluid passage boredescribed herein comprises a plurality of seat mounting sections. Each seat mounting sectioncomprises a base taperand a top taper. One of the plurality of seat mounting sectionsis shown inwithout a multi-piece seatinstalled to clearly illustrate the location of the base taperand top taper.

Continuing with, one of the plurality of seat mounting sectionsis shown with a multi-piece seatinstalled therein. The base taperof the seat mounting sectionmay be complementary to the base taperof the outer surfaceof the base, and the top taperof the seat mounting sectionmay be complementary to the top taperof the outer surfaceof the top.

Installation of the multi-piece seatbegins with orienting the basesuch that the bottom surfacefaces the opening of the fluid passage boreon the top surfaceof the fluid end body. Second, the baseis concentrically aligned with the fluid passage bore. Third, the baseis inserted into the fluid passage boreof the fluid end bodyuntil the base taperof the outer surfaceof the basecontacts the base taperof the seat mounting sectionof the fluid passage bore.

Fourth, the topis oriented such that the bottom surfacefaces the opening of the fluid passage boreon the top surfaceof the fluid end body. Fifth, the topis inserted into the fluid passage boreof the fluid end bodyuntil the bottom surfaceof the topcontacts the top surfaceof the base. The top taperof the outer surfaceof the topmay contact the top taperof the seat mounting sectionof the fluid passage boresimultaneously.

The installation of other multi-piece seatsmay be accomplished in a similar manner. For multi-piece seatsinstalled in bottom seat mounting sections, the multi-piece seatcomponents may need to be inserted through the suction borebefore orientation and installation.

In operation, the base taperprevents further movement of the basealong the bore axis of the fluid passage bore. Subsequently, the baseprevents further movement of the topalong the bore axis of the fluid passage bore. The press and/or taper lock fit of the top taperof the topinto the top taperof the flow passage boreprevents fluid from leaking between the outer surfaceof the topand the fluid passage bore.

Maintenance of the multi-piece seatis simplified by its multi-piece design. The base, not receiving the repeated contacts of the valve, has a longer life expectancy compared to the top. The longer life of the baseallows a single baseto remain in use while multiple topsare replaced due to wear or failure. While the life expectancy of the topis no longer than seats in the prior art, it requires less of the expensive, harder material to make. Replacing prior art single-piece seats with the multi-piece seatrequires that both the baseand topare shorter individually than the prior art seats. Since the topis shorter, the top taperis also shorter, resulting in a smaller contact surface between the top tapersand. This smaller contact surface reduces the pulling force needed to remove the topfor replacement.

Specific advantages, features, and alternative designs of the disclosed invention will now be discussed. An alloy steel is used to make the basebut the basemay be made of any material that meets the essential requirements. A goal of the multi-piece seatis to reduce cost by using a less expensive material for a portion of the multi-piece seat.

A carbide material is used to make the topin one embodiment, but the topmay be made of any material that meets essential requirements. Ideally, the topis made of a harder material than the base. Other materials or material treatments may be used to make or modify the top. The multi-piece seat'sgoal of reducing cost by using less expensive material overall is accomplished by reducing the size of the component that is made of harder, more expensive material.

Referring to, the baseand topof the multi-piece seatdo not physically interlock; rather, they are installed as a unit, and do come in contact with one another, but do not interlock. One objective of this feature is to facilitate the replacement of existing single-piece prior art seats with a multi-piece seatin fluid ends already operating in the field.

Additional components may be added to the multi-piece seatto increase the total height if desired. The additional components may be annular shaped and may be assembled between the baseand top, allowing the use of the same baseand topin multiple kits to replace multiple existing seat configurations.

One or more kits may be useful in assembling a multi-piece seatfrom the various components described. A single kit may comprise a plurality of one of the various components described. Additionally, the kit may further comprise a plurality of one or more of the various sections, bodies, assemblies, and components attached to and/or assembled with the multi-piece seat, as well as other components described herein.

Turning now to, another embodiment of a multi-piece seatis shown. The seatcomprises the same topas seat, but has a different base. The seatalso comprises a face seal. The seatis similar to the seatand possesses all of the same advantages of the seat. However, the seatdiffers due to the presence of face seal, which prevents the flow of fluid between the topand the base, thus preventing washout.

Continuing with, the baseof the seatis similar to the baseof the seat, but comprises a face seal grooveconfigured to receive face seal. The basecomprises a top surface(comprising the face seal groove), an opposed bottom surface, an outer surface, and a flow bore. The bottom surface, outer surface, and flow boreare similar to the bottom surface, outer surface, and flow boreof the base. The outer surfacecomprises a top chamfer, a straight section, a transition radius, a base taper, and a bottom chamfer. The flow borecomprises a top chamfer, a straight section, a transition radius, a bottom chamfer, and a bottom radius.

As indicated above, the top surfaceof the basediffers from the top surfaceof the basedue to the presence of the annular face seal groove. The face seal groovecomprises two side wallsconnected by a base.

When the seatis assembled, the face seal groovereceives face seal. The face sealis oriented and sized to engage the bottom surfaceof the topwhen the seatis assembled. The presence of face sealmay prevent fluid from flowing between the topand the base, thus extending the lifespan of both components.

Additional components may be added to the multi-piece seatto increase the total height if desired. The additional components may be annular shaped and may be assembled between the baseand top, allowing the use of the same baseand topin multiple kits to replace multiple existing seat configurations. If assembled between the baseand top, the additional components may also accommodate additional face seals to prevent flow between components.

Installation of the multi-piece seatbegins with orienting the basesuch that the bottom surfacefaces the opening of the fluid passage boreon the top surfaceof the fluid end body. Second, the baseis concentrically aligned with the fluid passage bore. Third, the baseis inserted into the fluid passage boreof the fluid end bodyuntil the base taperof the outer surfaceof the basecontacts the base taperof the seat mounting sectionof the fluid passage bore. Fourth, the face sealis installed in the seal grooveof the base. Fifth, the topis oriented such that the bottom surfacefaces the opening of the fluid passage boreon the top surfaceof the fluid end body. Sixth, the topis inserted into the fluid passage boreof the fluid end bodyuntil the bottom surfaceof the topcontacts the top surfaceof the base, thereby compressing the face sealbetween the two surfacesand. The top taperof the outer surfaceof the topmay contact the top taperof the seat mounting sectionof the fluid passage boresimultaneously.

The installation of other multi-piece seatsmay be accomplished in a similar manner. For multi-piece seatsinstalled in bottom seat mounting sections, the multi-piece seatcomponents may need to be inserted through the suction borebefore orientation and installation.

One or more kits may be useful in assembling a multi-piece seatfrom the various components described. A single kit may comprise a plurality of one of the various components described. Additionally, the kit may further comprise a plurality of one or more of the various sections, bodies, assemblies, and components attached to and/or assembled with the multi-piece seat, as well as other components described herein.

Turning now to, another embodiment of a multi-piece seatis shown. The seatcomprises the same baseas seat, but has a different top. The seatalso comprises a seal. The seatis similar to the seat, but has an added seal grooveand seal. The sealprevents fluid from passing by the outer surfaceof the topwhen the seatis assembled within the fluid end body.

Continuing with, the topcomprises a top surface, an opposed bottom surface, an outer surfaceinterconnecting the topand bottomsurfaces, and a flow bore. The outer surfacecomprises a top radius, a top taper, and a bottom chamfer. The top tapercomprises a seal groove.

The seal groovecomprises two side wallsconnected by a base. The seal grooveis configured to receive the seal. Each side wallis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the topand extends from the top tapertoward the longitudinal axis of the top. The longitudinal center of seal grooveis located approximately one-third of the total length of the top taperfrom the top of the bottom chamfer.

The seal grooveis formed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the topbut may be changed to be perpendicular to the top taperif desired. Additionally, the seal grooveis sized and shaped to optimize the performance of the sealand may be modified as needed to accommodate various types of sealsfor optimal performance.

The flow borecomprises a sealing surface, a transition chamfer, a straight section, and a bottom chamfer.

The sealis an elastomeric O-ring with a typical circular cross section. The sealis sized such that when installed in the seal groove, a portion of the sealextends past the top taperof the outer surface, away from the longitudinal axis of the top, as shown in. The sealmay comprise any material or configuration suitable for the pressure and fluid pressurized by the fluid end. This may include multi-piece seals and/or composite seals.

It should be noted that while the sealis a component of the multi-piece seat, industry typically ignores the sealin informal discussions and would refer to the invention, the multi-piece seat, as a two-piece seat.

Installation of the multi-piece seatbegins with orienting the basesuch that the bottom surfacefaces the opening of the fluid passage boreon the top surfaceof the fluid end body. Second, the baseis concentrically aligned with the fluid passage bore. Third, the baseis inserted into the fluid passage boreof the fluid end bodyuntil the base taperof the outer surfaceof the basecontacts the base taperof the seat mounting sectionof the fluid passage bore. Fourth, sealis installed in the seal grooveof the top. Fifth, the topis oriented such that the bottom surfacefaces the opening of the fluid passage boreon the top surfaceof the fluid end body. Sixth, the topis inserted into the fluid passage boreof the fluid end bodyuntil the bottom surfaceof the topcontacts the top surfaceof the base. The top taperof the outer surfaceof the topmay contact the top taperof the seat mounting sectionof the fluid passage boresimultaneously.

The installation of other multi-piece seatsmay be accomplished in a similar manner. For multi-piece seatsinstalled in bottom seat mounting sections, the multi-piece seatcomponents may need to be inserted through the suction borebefore orientation and installation.

One or more kits may be useful in assembling a multi-piece seatfrom the various components described. A single kit may comprise a plurality of one of the various components described. Additionally, the kit may further comprise a plurality of one or more of the various sections, bodies, assemblies, and components attached to and/or assembled with the multi-piece seat, as well as other components described herein.

Turning now to, another embodiment of a multi-piece seatis shown. The seatcomprises the baseand face sealfrom seat, and the topand sealfrom seat. An artisan will understand that some of the reference numbers shown incoincide with those shown in previous FIGS, thus indicating the same features. By combining the base, face seal, top, and seal, the seatachieves the same benefits discussed herein.

Installation of the multi-piece seatbegins with orienting the basesuch that the bottom surfacefaces the opening of the fluid passage boreon the top surfaceof the fluid end body. Second, the baseis concentrically aligned with the fluid passage bore. Third, the baseis inserted into the fluid passage boreof the fluid end bodyuntil the base taperof the outer surfaceof the basecontacts the base taperof the seat mounting sectionof the fluid passage bore. Fourth, face sealis installed in seal groove. Fifth, sealis installed in the seal grooveof the top. Sixth, the topis oriented such that the bottom surfacefaces the opening of the fluid passage boreon the top surfaceof the fluid end body. Seventh, the topis inserted into the fluid passage boreof the fluid end bodyuntil the bottom surfaceof the topcontacts the top surfaceof the base, thereby compressing the face sealbetween the two surfacesand. The top taperof the outer surfaceof the topmay contact the top taperof the seat mounting sectionof the fluid passage boresimultaneously.

The installation of other multi-piece seatsmay be accomplished in a similar manner. For multi-piece seatsinstalled in bottom seat mounting sections, the multi-piece seatcomponents may need to be inserted through the suction borebefore orientation and installation.

One or more kits may be useful in assembling a multi-piece seatfrom the various components described. A single kit may comprise a plurality of one of the various components described. Additionally, the kit may further comprise a plurality of one or more of the various sections, bodies, assemblies, and components attached to and/or assembled with the multi-piece seat, as well as other components described herein.

Turning now to, another embodiment of a multi-piece seatis shown. The seatcomprises the same baseas the seat, but a different top. The topis similar to the top, but has a rounded seal groove. The seatfurther comprises the face sealand seal. An artisan will understand that some of the reference numbers shown incoincide with those shown in previous FIGS, thus indicating the same features. By combining the base, face seal, and sealdiscussed above, the seatachieves the same benefits discussed herein.

Continuing with, the topis shown in detail. The topcomprises a top surface, an opposed bottom surface, an outer surface, and a flow bore.

The outer surfaceinterconnects the topand bottom surfaces. The outer surfacecomprises a top radius, a top taper, and a bottom chamfer. The top tapercomprises a seal groove. The outer surfaceis similar to the outer surface, but comprises a differently shaped seal groove. The seal grooveis configured to receive the seal. The seal groovecomprises two side wallsconnected by a base. Each side wallis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the topand extends from the top tapertoward the longitudinal axis of the top. The basehas the shape of a semicircle. The longitudinal center of the seal grooveis located approximately one-third of the total length of the top taperfrom the top of the bottom chamfer.

The seal grooveis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the topbut may be changed to be perpendicular to the top taperif desired. Additionally, the seal grooveis sized and shaped to optimize the performance of the sealand may be modified as needed to accommodate various types of sealsfor optimal performance.

The flow borecomprises a sealing surface, a transition chamfer, a straight section, and a bottom chamfer.