US Patent 9845801 Header ring for reciprocating pump

A new header ring useful in downhole packing sets automatically cleans the cylinder plunger wall during use and forms an improved seal having long duration. The new header ring has a ring shaped body. The body includes a side wall defining an open top, an open bottom, and an inner wall portion with an inner wall surface for contacting a plunger. The inner wall portion includes an outwardly extending annular undercut, which defines an overhang and radius that helps wipe clean the plunger wall and form a better seal. The body also has an outer wall portion with an outer wall surface for contacting a stuffing box wall. The outer wall has a flat upper portion, a flat lower portion, and an outwardly sloped annular middle portion connecting the top and lower portions. The outer wall also has an inwardly extending annular ledge formed in its bottom. The inner wall portion is formed from a high wear resistance elastomer, and the outer wall portion is formed from a nonabrasive elastomer.