MULTI-PIECE SEAT

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]U.S. Pat. No. 11,578,710, entitled ‘Tapered Valve Seat’, issued on Aug. 3, 2021, is incorporated by reference herein.

SUMMARY

[0002]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.

[0003]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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004]FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of one embodiment of a multi-piece seat described herein.

[0005]FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the multi-piece seat shown in FIG. 1.

[0006]FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the multi-piece seat shown in FIG. 1.

[0007]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-piece seat shown in FIG. 3, taken along line A-A.

[0008]FIG. 5 is an exploded, isometric view of the multi-piece seat shown in FIG. 1.

[0009]FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the base of the multi piece seat shown in FIG. 1.

[0010]FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the base shown in FIG. 6.

[0011]FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the base shown in FIG. 6.

[0012]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the base shown in FIG. 8, taken along line B-B.

[0013]FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of area C of FIG. 9.

[0014]FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of the top of the multi-piece seat shown in FIG. 1.

[0015]FIG. 12 is an isometric view of the top shown in FIG. 11.

[0016]FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the top shown in FIG. 11.

[0017]FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the top shown in FIG. 13, taken along line D-D.

[0018]FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of area E of FIG. 14.

[0019]FIG. 16 is an exploded, isometric, and cross-sectional view of a fluid end body showing the installation of the multi-piece seat. The multi-piece seat is not shown in cross-section for clarity. The cross-section is taken along a vertical line through the bore axes of a fluid passage bore and suction bore of the fluid end body.

[0020]FIG. 17 is a right side elevation view of the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 16. A multi-piece seat of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is shown installed and cross-sectioned.

[0021]FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of area F of FIG. 17.

[0022]FIG. 19 is s front elevation view of another embodiment of a multi-piece seat described herein.

[0023]FIG. 20 is an isometric view of the multi-piece shown in FIG. 19.

[0024]FIG. 21 is a top plan view of the multi-piece seat shown in FIG. 19.

[0025]FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-piece seat shown in FIG. 21, taken along line G-G.

[0026]FIG. 23 is an exploded, isometric view of the multi-piece seat shown in FIG. 19.

[0027]FIG. 24 is a front elevation view of the base of the multi-piece seat shown in FIG. 19.

[0028]FIG. 25 is an isometric view of the base shown in FIG. 19.

[0029]FIG. 26 is a top plan view of the base shown in FIG. 19.

[0030]FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the base shown in FIG. 26, taken along line H-H.

[0031]FIG. 28 is an enlarged view of area I of FIG. 27.

[0032]FIG. 29 is an enlarged view of area F of FIG. 17 with the embodiment of the multi-piece seat shown in FIG. 19 installed.

[0033]FIG. 30 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of a multi-piece seat described herein.

[0034]FIG. 31 is an isometric view of the multi-piece seat shown in FIG. 30.

[0035]FIG. 32 is a top plan view of the multi-piece seat shown in FIG. 30.

[0036]FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-piece seat shown in FIG. 32, taken along line J-J.

[0037]FIG. 34 is an exploded, isometric view of the multi-piece seat shown in FIG. 30.

[0038]FIG. 35 is a front elevation view of the top of the multi-piece seat shown in FIG. 30.

[0039]FIG. 36 is an isometric view of the top shown in FIG. 35.

[0040]FIG. 37 is a top plan view of the top shown in FIG. 35.

[0041]FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of the top shown in FIG. 37, taken along line K-K.

[0042]FIG. 39 is an enlarged view of area L of FIG. 38.

[0043]FIG. 40 is an enlarged view of area F of FIG. 17 with the embodiment of the multi-piece seat shown in FIG. 30 installed.

[0044]FIG. 41 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of a multi-piece seat described herein.

[0045]FIG. 42 is an isometric view of the multi-piece seat shown in FIG. 41.

[0046]FIG. 43 is a top plan view of the multi-piece seat shown in FIG. 41.

[0047]FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-piece seat shown in FIG. 43, taken alone line M-M.

[0048]FIG. 45 is an exploded, isometric view of the multi-piece seat shown in FIG. 41.

[0049]FIG. 46 is an enlarged view of area F of FIG. 17 with the embodiment of the multi-piece seat shown in FIG. 41 installed.

[0050]FIG. 47 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of a multi-piece seat described herein.

[0051]FIG. 48 is an isometric view of the multi-piece seat shown in FIG. 47.

[0052]FIG. 49 is a top plan view of the multi-piece seat shown in FIG. 47.

[0053]FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-piece seat shown in FIG. 49, taken along line N-N.

[0054]FIG. 51 is an exploded, isometric view of the multi-piece seat shown in FIG. 47.

[0055]FIG. 52 is a front elevation view of the top of the multi-piece seat shown in FIG. 47.

[0056]FIG. 53 is an isometric view of the top shown in FIG. 52.

[0057]FIG. 54 is a top plan view of the top shown in FIG. 52.

[0058]FIG. 55 is a cross-sectional view of the top shown in FIG. 54, taken along line O-O.

[0059]FIG. 56 is an enlarged view of area P of FIG. 55.

[0060]FIG. 57 is an enlarged view of area F of FIG. 17 with the embodiment of the multi-piece seat shown in FIG. 47 installed.

[0061]FIG. 58 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of a multi-piece seat described herein.

[0062]FIG. 59 is an isometric view of the multi-piece seat shown in FIG. 58.

[0063]FIG. 60 is a top plan view of the multi-piece seat shown in FIG. 58.

[0064]FIG. 61 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-piece seat shown in FIG. 60, taken along line Q-Q.

[0065]FIG. 62 is an exploded, isometric view of the multi-piece seat shown in FIG. 58.

[0066]FIG. 63 is an enlarged view of area F of FIG. 17 with the embodiment of the multi-piece seat shown in FIG. 58 installed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067]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.

[0068]Turning now to the Figures, one embodiment of a multi-piece seat 100 is shown in FIGS. 1-18. The seat 100 comprises a base 101 and a top 102.

[0069]The base 101 of the multi-piece seat 100 is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 6-10. The base 101 may be made of an alloy steel. The base 101 has an annular shape and comprises a top surface 104, an opposed bottom surface 105, an outer surface 106, and a flow bore 107. The outer surface 106 and the flow bore 107 extend between the top 104 and bottom 105 surfaces, thereby interconnecting the surfaces. The top 104 and bottom surfaces 105 are also planar and parallel to one another. In alternative embodiments, the top 104 and bottom surfaces 105 of the base 101 may not be planar or parallel to one another. The critical function of the top surface 104 is to prevent further movement of the top 102 into the fluid passage bore 136 (described below). This may be accomplished by only partial, or point, contact between the top surface 104 of the base 101 and the bottom surface 119 of the top 102, if desired.

[0070]As shown in FIG. 10, the outer surface 106 of the base 101 comprises a top chamfer 108, a straight section 109, a transition radius 110, a base taper 111, and a bottom chamfer 112. The transition radius 110 provides clearance between the outer surface 106 and the fluid passage bore 136 of the fluid end body 132, thus reducing the stress concentration in the seat mounting section 137 of the fluid passage bore 136. 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 section 109 and base taper 111 of the outer surface 106 are not interference fits with the top taper 139 or the base taper 138 of the seat mounting section 137 of the fluid passage bore 136.

[0071]Continuing with FIG. 10, the flow bore 107 is a through bore and has a bore axis that is collinear with the longitudinal axis of the base 101. The flow bore 107 comprises a top chamfer 113, a straight section 114, a transition radius 115, a bottom chamfer 116, and a bottom radius 117. The flow bore 107 is sized to allow maximum flow and may be adjusted as desired. The transition radius 115 and bottom chamfer 116 are intended to allow a smooth flow transition from the larger fluid passage bore 136 to the smaller flow bore 107, thus reducing turbulence and erosion.

[0072]Turning now to FIGS. 11-15, the top 102 of the multi-piece seat 100 is shown in greater detail. The top 102 may be made of carbide and has an annular shape. The top 102 comprises a top surface 118, an opposed bottom surface 119, an outer surface 120, and a flow bore 121. The outer surface 120 and the flow bore 121 extend between the top 118 and bottom 119 surfaces, thereby connecting them. The top 118 and bottom 119 surfaces are also planar and parallel to one another. In alternative embodiments, the top 118 and bottom 119 surfaces may not be planar or parallel to one another. As discussed above, only partial, or point, contact between the bottom surface 119 of the top 102 and the top surface 104 of the base 101 is necessary.

[0073]As shown in FIG. 15, the outer surface 120 comprises a top radius 122, a top taper 123, and a bottom chamfer 124. The top taper 123 is angled from the longitudinal axis of the top 102 by an angle of approximately 1.79 degrees, such that the resulting frusto-conical surface increases in diameter from the bottom surface 119 to the top surface 118. Alternative embodiments of the top 102 may use different angle values as desired. The intent of the top taper 123 is 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.

[0074]The flow bore 121 is a through bore and has a bore axis that is collinear with the longitudinal axis of the top 102. The flow bore 121 comprises a sealing surface 128, a transition chamfer 129, a straight section 130, and a bottom chamfer 131. The sealing surface 128 may be complementary to the valve sealing surface of a corresponding valve body. The purpose of the sealing surface 128 is to optimize the operation of the valve. The sealing surface 128 may be modified as needed to accommodate valve bodies with different sealing surfaces. The transition chamfer 129, straight section 130, and bottom chamfer 131 are all designed for optimal flow, and may be adjusted as necessary. The straight section 130 is shown to be the same diameter as the straight section 114 of the base 101 to minimize turbulence, but may be sized differently if desired.

[0075]Referring now to FIGS. 16-18, the installation of the multi-piece seat 100 into a typical fluid end will be discussed. A fluid end body 132 of a typical fluid end is shown in FIG. 16. The fluid end body 132 comprises a top surface 133, an opposed bottom surface 134, a plurality of suction bores 135, and a plurality of fluid passage bores 136. The suction bores 135 are perpendicular to the fluid passage bores 136. Each suction bore 135 and fluid passage bore 136 comprise 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 bore 136 described herein comprises a plurality of seat mounting sections 137. Each seat mounting section 137 comprises a base taper 138 and a top taper 139. One of the plurality of seat mounting sections 137 is shown in FIG. 17 without a multi-piece seat 100 installed to clearly illustrate the location of the base taper 138 and top taper 139.

[0076]Continuing with FIG. 18, one of the plurality of seat mounting sections 137 is shown with a multi-piece seat 100 installed therein. The base taper 138 of the seat mounting section 137 may be complementary to the base taper 111 of the outer surface 106 of the base 101, and the top taper 139 of the seat mounting section 137 may be complementary to the top taper 123 of the outer surface 120 of the top 102.

[0077]Installation of the multi-piece seat 100 begins with orienting the base 101 such that the bottom surface 105 faces the opening of the fluid passage bore 136 on the top surface 133 of the fluid end body 132. Second, the base 101 is concentrically aligned with the fluid passage bore 136. Third, the base 101 is inserted into the fluid passage bore 136 of the fluid end body 132 until the base taper 111 of the outer surface 106 of the base 101 contacts the base taper 138 of the seat mounting section 137 of the fluid passage bore 136.

[0078]Fourth, the top 102 is oriented such that the bottom surface 119 faces the opening of the fluid passage bore 136 on the top surface 133 of the fluid end body 132. Fifth, the top 102 is inserted into the fluid passage bore 136 of the fluid end body 132 until the bottom surface 119 of the top 102 contacts the top surface 104 of the base 101. The top taper 123 of the outer surface 120 of the top 102 may contact the top taper 139 of the seat mounting section 137 of the fluid passage bore 136 simultaneously.

[0079]The installation of other multi-piece seats 100 may be accomplished in a similar manner. For multi-piece seats 100 installed in bottom seat mounting sections 137, the multi-piece seat 100 components may need to be inserted through the suction bore 135 before orientation and installation.

[0080]In operation, the base taper 138 prevents further movement of the base 101 along the bore axis of the fluid passage bore 136. Subsequently, the base 101 prevents further movement of the top 102 along the bore axis of the fluid passage bore 136. The press and/or taper lock fit of the top taper 123 of the top 102 into the top taper 139 of the flow passage bore 136 prevents fluid from leaking between the outer surface 120 of the top 102 and the fluid passage bore 136.

[0081]Maintenance of the multi-piece seat 100 is simplified by its multi-piece design. The base 101, not receiving the repeated contacts of the valve, has a longer life expectancy compared to the top 102. The longer life of the base 101 allows a single base 101 to remain in use while multiple tops 102 are replaced due to wear or failure. While the life expectancy of the top 102 is 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 seat 100 requires that both the base 101 and top 102 are shorter individually than the prior art seats. Since the top 102 is shorter, the top taper 123 is also shorter, resulting in a smaller contact surface between the top tapers 123 and 139. This smaller contact surface reduces the pulling force needed to remove the top 102 for replacement.

[0082]Specific advantages, features, and alternative designs of the disclosed invention will now be discussed. An alloy steel is used to make the base 101 but the base 101 may be made of any material that meets the essential requirements. A goal of the multi-piece seat 100 is to reduce cost by using a less expensive material for a portion of the multi-piece seat 100.

[0083]A carbide material is used to make the top 102 in one embodiment, but the top 102 may be made of any material that meets essential requirements. Ideally, the top 102 is made of a harder material than the base 101. Other materials or material treatments may be used to make or modify the top 102. The multi-piece seat's 100 goal 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.

[0084]Referring to FIGS. 1-5 and 16-18, the base 101 and top 102 of the multi-piece seat 100 do 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 seat 100 in fluid ends already operating in the field.

[0085]Additional components may be added to the multi-piece seat 100 to increase the total height if desired. The additional components may be annular shaped and may be assembled between the base 101 and top 102, allowing the use of the same base 101 and top 102 in multiple kits to replace multiple existing seat configurations.

[0086]One or more kits may be useful in assembling a multi-piece seat 100 from 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 100, as well as other components described herein.

[0087]Turning now to FIGS. 19-29, another embodiment of a multi-piece seat 200 is shown. The seat 200 comprises the same top 102 as seat 100, but has a different base 201. The seat 200 also comprises a face seal 240. The seat 200 is similar to the seat 100 and possesses all of the same advantages of the seat 100. However, the seat 200 differs due to the presence of face seal 240, which prevents the flow of fluid between the top 102 and the base 201, thus preventing washout.

[0088]Continuing with FIGS. 24-28, the base 201 of the seat 200 is similar to the base 101 of the seat 100, but comprises a face seal groove 241 configured to receive face seal 240. The base 201 comprises a top surface 204 (comprising the face seal groove 241), an opposed bottom surface 205, an outer surface 206, and a flow bore 207. The bottom surface 205, outer surface 206, and flow bore 207 are similar to the bottom surface 105, outer surface 106, and flow bore 107 of the base 101. The outer surface 206 comprises a top chamfer 208, a straight section 209, a transition radius 210, a base taper 211, and a bottom chamfer 212. The flow bore 207 comprises a top chamfer 213, a straight section 214, a transition radius 215, a bottom chamfer 216, and a bottom radius 217.

[0089]As indicated above, the top surface 204 of the base 201 differs from the top surface 104 of the base 101 due to the presence of the annular face seal groove 241. The face seal groove 241 comprises two side walls 242 connected by a base 243.

[0090]When the seat 200 is assembled, the face seal groove 241 receives face seal 240. The face seal 240 is oriented and sized to engage the bottom surface 119 of the top 102 when the seat 200 is assembled. The presence of face seal 240 may prevent fluid from flowing between the top 102 and the base 201, thus extending the lifespan of both components.

[0091]Additional components may be added to the multi-piece seat 200 to increase the total height if desired. The additional components may be annular shaped and may be assembled between the base 201 and top 102, allowing the use of the same base 201 and top 102 in multiple kits to replace multiple existing seat configurations. If assembled between the base 201 and top 102, the additional components may also accommodate additional face seals to prevent flow between components.

[0092]Installation of the multi-piece seat 200 begins with orienting the base 201 such that the bottom surface 205 faces the opening of the fluid passage bore 136 on the top surface 133 of the fluid end body 132. Second, the base 201 is concentrically aligned with the fluid passage bore 136. Third, the base 201 is inserted into the fluid passage bore 136 of the fluid end body 132 until the base taper 211 of the outer surface 206 of the base 201 contacts the base taper 138 of the seat mounting section 137 of the fluid passage bore 136. Fourth, the face seal 240 is installed in the seal groove 241 of the base 201. Fifth, the top 102 is oriented such that the bottom surface 119 faces the opening of the fluid passage bore 136 on the top surface 133 of the fluid end body 132. Sixth, the top 102 is inserted into the fluid passage bore 136 of the fluid end body 132 until the bottom surface 119 of the top 102 contacts the top surface 204 of the base 201, thereby compressing the face seal 240 between the two surfaces 119 and 204. The top taper 123 of the outer surface 120 of the top 102 may contact the top taper 139 of the seat mounting section 137 of the fluid passage bore 136 simultaneously.

[0093]The installation of other multi-piece seats 200 may be accomplished in a similar manner. For multi-piece seats 200 installed in bottom seat mounting sections 137, the multi-piece seat 200 components may need to be inserted through the suction bore 135 before orientation and installation.

[0094]One or more kits may be useful in assembling a multi-piece seat 200 from 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 200, as well as other components described herein.

[0095]Turning now to FIGS. 30-40, another embodiment of a multi-piece seat 300 is shown. The seat 300 comprises the same base 101 as seat 100, but has a different top 302. The seat 300 also comprises a seal 303. The seat 300 is similar to the seat 100, but has an added seal groove 325 and seal 303. The seal 303 prevents fluid from passing by the outer surface 320 of the top 302 when the seat 300 is assembled within the fluid end body 132.

[0096]Continuing with FIGS. 35-39, the top 302 comprises a top surface 318, an opposed bottom surface 319, an outer surface 320 interconnecting the top 318 and bottom 319 surfaces, and a flow bore 321. The outer surface 320 comprises a top radius 322, a top taper 323, and a bottom chamfer 324. The top taper 323 comprises a seal groove 325.

[0097]The seal groove 325 comprises two side walls 326 connected by a base 327. The seal groove 325 is configured to receive the seal 303. Each side wall 326 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the top 302 and extends from the top taper 323 toward the longitudinal axis of the top 302. The longitudinal center of seal groove 325 is located approximately one-third of the total length of the top taper 323 from the top of the bottom chamfer 324.

[0098]The seal groove 325 is formed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the top 302 but may be changed to be perpendicular to the top taper 323 if desired. Additionally, the seal groove 325 is sized and shaped to optimize the performance of the seal 303 and may be modified as needed to accommodate various types of seals 303 for optimal performance.

[0099]The flow bore 321 comprises a sealing surface 328, a transition chamfer 329, a straight section 330, and a bottom chamfer 331.

[0100]The seal 303 is an elastomeric O-ring with a typical circular cross section. The seal 303 is sized such that when installed in the seal groove 325, a portion of the seal 303 extends past the top taper 323 of the outer surface 320, away from the longitudinal axis of the top 302, as shown in FIG. 33. The seal 303 may 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.

[0101]It should be noted that while the seal 303 is a component of the multi-piece seat 300, industry typically ignores the seal 303 in informal discussions and would refer to the invention, the multi-piece seat 300, as a two-piece seat.

[0102]Installation of the multi-piece seat 300 begins with orienting the base 101 such that the bottom surface 105 faces the opening of the fluid passage bore 136 on the top surface 133 of the fluid end body 132. Second, the base 101 is concentrically aligned with the fluid passage bore 136. Third, the base 101 is inserted into the fluid passage bore 136 of the fluid end body 132 until the base taper 111 of the outer surface 106 of the base 101 contacts the base taper 138 of the seat mounting section 137 of the fluid passage bore 136. Fourth, seal 303 is installed in the seal groove 325 of the top 302. Fifth, the top 302 is oriented such that the bottom surface 319 faces the opening of the fluid passage bore 136 on the top surface 133 of the fluid end body 132. Sixth, the top 302 is inserted into the fluid passage bore 136 of the fluid end body 132 until the bottom surface 319 of the top 302 contacts the top surface 104 of the base 101. The top taper 323 of the outer surface 320 of the top 302 may contact the top taper 139 of the seat mounting section 137 of the fluid passage bore 136 simultaneously.

[0103]The installation of other multi-piece seats 300 may be accomplished in a similar manner. For multi-piece seats 300 installed in bottom seat mounting sections 137, the multi-piece seat 300 components may need to be inserted through the suction bore 135 before orientation and installation.

[0104]One or more kits may be useful in assembling a multi-piece seat 300 from 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 300, as well as other components described herein.

[0105]Turning now to FIGS. 41-46, another embodiment of a multi-piece seat 400 is shown. The seat 400 comprises the base 201 and face seal 240 from seat 200, and the top 302 and seal 303 from seat 300. An artisan will understand that some of the reference numbers shown in FIGS. 41-46 coincide with those shown in previous FIGS, thus indicating the same features. By combining the base 201, face seal 240, top 302, and seal 303, the seat 400 achieves the same benefits discussed herein.

[0106]Installation of the multi-piece seat 400 begins with orienting the base 201 such that the bottom surface 205 faces the opening of the fluid passage bore 136 on the top surface 133 of the fluid end body 132. Second, the base 201 is concentrically aligned with the fluid passage bore 136. Third, the base 201 is inserted into the fluid passage bore 136 of the fluid end body 132 until the base taper 211 of the outer surface 206 of the base 201 contacts the base taper 138 of the seat mounting section 137 of the fluid passage bore 136. Fourth, face seal 240 is installed in seal groove 241. Fifth, seal 303 is installed in the seal groove 325 of the top 302. Sixth, the top 302 is oriented such that the bottom surface 319 faces the opening of the fluid passage bore 136 on the top surface 133 of the fluid end body 132. Seventh, the top 302 is inserted into the fluid passage bore 136 of the fluid end body 132 until the bottom surface 319 of the top 302 contacts the top surface 204 of the base 201, thereby compressing the face seal 240 between the two surfaces 319 and 204. The top taper 323 of the outer surface 320 of the top 302 may contact the top taper 139 of the seat mounting section 137 of the fluid passage bore 136 simultaneously.

[0107]The installation of other multi-piece seats 400 may be accomplished in a similar manner. For multi-piece seats 400 installed in bottom seat mounting sections 137, the multi-piece seat 400 components may need to be inserted through the suction bore 135 before orientation and installation.

[0108]One or more kits may be useful in assembling a multi-piece seat 400 from 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 400, as well as other components described herein.

[0109]Turning now to FIGS. 47-57, another embodiment of a multi-piece seat 500 is shown. The seat 500 comprises the same base 201 as the seat 200, but a different top 502. The top 502 is similar to the top 302, but has a rounded seal groove 525. The seat 500 further comprises the face seal 240 and seal 303. An artisan will understand that some of the reference numbers shown in FIGS. 47-57 coincide with those shown in previous FIGS, thus indicating the same features. By combining the base 201, face seal 240, and seal 303 discussed above, the seat 500 achieves the same benefits discussed herein.

[0110]Continuing with FIGS. 52-56, the top 502 is shown in detail. The top 502 comprises a top surface 518, an opposed bottom surface 519, an outer surface 520, and a flow bore 521.

[0111]The outer surface 520 interconnects the top 518 and bottom surfaces 519. The outer surface 520 comprises a top radius 522, a top taper 523, and a bottom chamfer 524. The top taper 523 comprises a seal groove 525. The outer surface 520 is similar to the outer surface 320, but comprises a differently shaped seal groove 525. The seal groove 525 is configured to receive the seal 303. The seal groove 525 comprises two side walls 526 connected by a base 527. Each side wall 526 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the top 502 and extends from the top taper 523 toward the longitudinal axis of the top 502. The base 527 has the shape of a semicircle. The longitudinal center of the seal groove 525 is located approximately one-third of the total length of the top taper 523 from the top of the bottom chamfer 524.

[0112]The seal groove 525 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the top 502 but may be changed to be perpendicular to the top taper 523 if desired. Additionally, the seal groove 525 is sized and shaped to optimize the performance of the seal 303 and may be modified as needed to accommodate various types of seals 303 for optimal performance.

[0113]The flow bore 521 comprises a sealing surface 528, a transition chamfer 529, a straight section 530, and a bottom chamfer 531.

[0114]Installation of the multi-piece seat 500 begins with orienting the base 201 such that the bottom surface 205 faces the opening of the fluid passage bore 136 on the top surface 133 of the fluid end body 132. Second, the base 201 is concentrically aligned with the fluid passage bore 136. Third, the base 201 is inserted into the fluid passage bore 136 of the fluid end body 132 until the base taper 211 of the outer surface 206 of the base 201 contacts the base taper 138 of the seat mounting section 137 of the fluid passage bore 136. Fourth, face seal 240 is installed in seal groove 241. Fifth, seal 303 is installed in the seal groove 525 of the top 502. Sixth, the top 502 is oriented such that the bottom surface 519 faces the opening of the fluid passage bore 136 on the top surface 133 of the fluid end body 132. Seventh, the top 502 is inserted into the fluid passage bore 136 of the fluid end body 132 until the bottom surface 519 of the top 502 contacts the top surface 204 of the base 201, thereby compressing the face seal 240 between the two surfaces 519 and 204. The top taper 523 of the outer surface 520 of the top 502 may contact the top taper 139 of the seat mounting section 137 of the fluid passage bore 136 simultaneously.

[0115]The installation of other multi-piece seats 500 may be accomplished in a similar manner. For multi-piece seats 500 installed in bottom seat mounting sections 137, the multi-piece seat 500 components may need to be inserted through the suction bore 135 before orientation and installation.

[0116]One or more kits may be useful in assembling a multi-piece seat 500 from 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 500, as well as other components described herein.

[0117]Turning now to FIGS. 58-63, another embodiment of a multi-piece seat 600 is shown. The seat 600 comprises the base 101 of seat 100, the top 502 of seat 500, and the seal 303. The seat 600 is similar to the seat 500, but lacks the face seal 240. An artisan will understand that some of the reference numbers shown in FIGS. 58-63 coincide with those shown in previous FIGS, thus indicating the same features. By combining the base 101, top 502, and seal 303 discussed above, the seat 600 achieves the same benefits discussed herein.

[0118]Installation of the multi-piece seat 600 begins with orienting the base 101 such that the bottom surface 105 faces the opening of the fluid passage bore 136 on the top surface 133 of the fluid end body 132. Second, the base 101 is concentrically aligned with the fluid passage bore 136. Third, the base 101 is inserted into the fluid passage bore 136 of the fluid end body 132 until the base taper 111 of the outer surface 106 of the base 101 contacts the base taper 138 of the seat mounting section 137 of the fluid passage bore 136. Fourth, seal 303 is installed in the seal groove 525 of the top 502. Fifth, the top 502 is oriented such that the bottom surface 519 faces the opening of the fluid passage bore 136 on the top surface 133 of the fluid end body 132. Sixth, the top 502 is inserted into the fluid passage bore 136 of the fluid end body 132 until the bottom surface 519 of the top 502 contacts the top surface 104 of the base 101. The top taper 523 of the outer surface 520 of the top 502 may contact the top taper 139 of the seat mounting section 137 of the fluid passage bore 136 simultaneously.

[0119]The installation of other multi-piece seats 600 may be accomplished in a similar manner. For multi-piece seats 600 installed in bottom seat mounting sections 137, the multi-piece seat 600 components may need to be inserted through the suction bore 135 before orientation and installation.

[0120]One or more kits may be useful in assembling a multi-piece seat 600 from 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 600, as well as other components described herein.

[0121]The multi-piece seat embodiments described herein have various components. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the various components described herein may have different shapes and sizes, depending on the specific multi-piece seat.

[0122]The various features and alternative details of construction of the apparatuses described herein for the practice of the present technology will readily occur to the skilled artisan in view of the foregoing discussion. It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of various embodiments of the present technology have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of various embodiments of the technology, this detailed description is illustrative only. Changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of structure and arrangements of parts within the principles of the present technology to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.