Modular gland arrangements for a fluid end assembly
A closure element for a fluid end assembly that has two or more recessed grooves formed in its outer surface. The grooves are axially offset. A seal is placed in one and only one of the grooves. As wear occurs, the seal is relocated to one of the other grooves. Instead of a series of axially offset grooves in a single closure element, a kit may be formed from two or more otherwise identical closure elements, each with a single recessed groove at a different axial position. Another closure element has a series of ledge-like surfaces defining spaces within which a seal may be received. One outer surface surrounds one or more of the other surfaces. A seal is placed in one and only one of the spaces. As wear occurs, the seal is relocated to one of the other spaces.
1. An apparatus comprising:
a closure element configured to be received within a conduit formed in a fluid end housing, the closure element comprising:
a body having at least two axially spaced and circumferential grooves formed therein, each groove configured for receiving an annular seal; and
one and only one annular seal, the seal positioned within one of the grooves of the body.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the closure element is a plug sized to be closely received within the conduit.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the closure element is a tubular sleeve sized to be closely received within the conduit.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 , in which the tubular sleeve is configured to receive a reciprocating plunger.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the circumferential groove comprises two sidewalls joined by a base.
6. A kit comprising:
the apparatus of claim 1 ; and
an annular seal not in contact with the apparatus of claim 1 .
7. An apparatus comprising:
a closure element configured to be received within a conduit formed in a fluid end housing, the closure element comprising:
a body having a stairstep profile, the stairstep profile being formed by at least two axially spaced and circumferential structural features, each structural feature configured to be surrounded by an annular seal; and
one and only one annular seal, the seal positionable around any of the structural features.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 in which the closure element is a plug sized to be closely received within the conduit.
9. The apparatus of claim 7 in which the closure element is a tubular sleeve sized to be closely received within the conduit.
10. The apparatus of claim 7 , in which the at least two structural features include first and second structural features, and a radial footprint of the first structural feature fully surrounds a radial footprint of the second structural feature.
11. The apparatus of claim 7 in which the at least two structural features each comprise:
a pair of external surfaces formed in an outer surface of the body, the external surfaces joining at a first corner line and forming two boundaries of a recessed space within which an annular seal is receivable.
12. A kit, comprising:
a first closure element configured to be received within a conduit formed in a fluid end housing, the closure element comprising:
a body having one and only one circumferential recess formed therein;
a second closure element configured to be received within the conduit formed in the fluid end housing, the closure element comprising:
a body having one and only one circumferential recess formed therein; and
at least one annular seal positionable in the recess formed in the first or second closure element;
in which the respective recesses would be axially setoff if the first and second closure elements were superimposed.
13. The kit of claim 12 in which the closure element is a plug sized to be closely received within the conduit.
14. The kit of claim 12 in which the closure element is a tubular sleeve sized to be closely received within the conduit.
15. The kit of claim 14 , in which the tubular sleeve is configured to receive a reciprocating plunger.
16. The kit of claim 12 in which the circumferential groove comprises two sidewalls joined by a base.
17. An apparatus, comprising:
a closure element configured to be received within the conduit formed in the fluid end housing, the closure element comprising:
a body having at least two axially-spaced circumferential recesses formed in its external surface, each recess following a path having a radial footprint, the radial footprint of one of the recesses wholly surrounding the radial footprint of another one of the recesses, and each recess configured to receive an annular seal; and
one and only one annular seal, the seal positionable within one of the recesses.
18. The apparatus of claim 17 in which the closure element is a plug sized to be closely received within the conduit.
19. The apparatus of claim 17 in which the closure element is a tubular sleeve sized to be closely received within the conduit.
20. The apparatus of claim 19 , in which the tubular sleeve is configured to receive a reciprocating plunger.