Patent attributes
A segmented fluid end is provided, the fluid end comprising a plurality of fluid end segments, each comprising a plunger manifold, intake head, and pressure head. In preferred embodiments, the fluid end comprises three fluid end segments (“triplex”) or five fluid end segments (“quint”). The plunger manifold comprises first and second mounting surfaces, each comprising a fluid opening. An intake head mounting flange is adapted to be removably coupled to the first mounting surface and a pressure head mounting flange is adapted to be removably coupled to the second mounting surface. The plunger manifold comprises a plunger mounting member comprising a plunger opening adapted to receive a plunger. The pressure heads are adapted for cooperative coupling to adjacent pressure heads, such that, when coupled, the pressure heads are in fluid communication with one another. Methods of replacing the fluid end segments, plunger manifolds, pressure heads, and intake heads are provided.
