WEAR RING FOR A FLUID END CARTRIDGE

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001]The present disclosure relates generally to fluid pumps and, for example, to a wear ring for a fluid end cartridge of a fluid pump.

BACKGROUND

[0002]Hydraulic fracturing is a well stimulation technique that typically involves pumping hydraulic fracturing fluid into a wellbore at a rate and a pressure (e.g., up to 15,000 pounds per square inch (psi)) sufficient to form fractures in a rock formation surrounding the wellbore. This well stimulation technique often enhances the natural fracturing of a rock formation to increase the permeability of the rock formation, thereby improving recovery of water, oil, natural gas, and/or other fluids.

[0003]A hydraulic fracturing system may employ one or more fluid pumps for pressurizing hydraulic fracturing fluid. A fluid pump has a suction side, at which low-pressure fluid enters the fluid pump via a suction valve to be pressurized, and a discharge side at which high-pressure fluid pressurized by the fluid pump exits the fluid pump via a discharge valve. In some examples, the valves may have guiding components (e.g., legs and/or valve stems) that slide along a surface to keep the valves centered with respect to valve seats, thereby facilitating fluid tight sealing. During hydraulic fracturing operations, the valves are opened and closed repeatedly in the presence of corrosive fluids, such as water, and abrasive substances, such as proppant (e.g., sand), thereby causing significant wear to the sliding surfaces by the guiding components.

[0004]The wear ring for a fluid end cartridge of the present disclosure solves one or more of the problems set forth above and/or other problems in the art.

SUMMARY

[0005]A fluid end of a hydraulic fracturing pump may include a fluid end block having a bore, a plunger configured to reciprocate with respect to the bore, and a valve cartridge configured for insertion and removal from the bore as a unit. The valve cartridge may include a valve cartridge housing, a fluid cavity defined in the valve cartridge housing, and a valve configured to control flow through the fluid cavity. The valve may include one or more guiding components configured to guide opening and closing of the valve. The fluid end may include a wear ring surrounding the one or more guiding components to allow sliding movement of the one or more guiding components along an inner surface of the wear ring.

[0006]A valve cartridge for a fluid pump may include a valve cartridge housing, a fluid cavity defined in the valve cartridge housing, and a valve configured to control flow through the fluid cavity. The valve may include one or more guiding components configured to guide opening and closing of the valve. The valve cartridge may include a wear ring surrounding the one or more guiding components to allow sliding movement of the one or more guiding components along an inner surface of the wear ring.

[0007]A hydraulic fracturing pump may include a fluid end having a fluid end block with a bore, and a plunger configured to reciprocate with respect to the bore. The hydraulic fracturing pump may include a power end operably connected to the plunger. The hydraulic fracturing pump may include a valve cartridge, configured for insertion into and removal from the bore as a unit, including a valve cartridge housing and a valve operably connected to the valve cartridge housing. The valve may include one or more guiding components configured to guide opening and closing of the valve. The hydraulic fracturing pump may include a packing cartridge, configured for insertion into and removal from the bore as a unit, including a packing cartridge housing and a packing disposed in the packing cartridge housing. The hydraulic fracturing pump may include a wear ring, disposed in the valve cartridge housing or the packing cartridge housing, surrounding the one or more guiding components to allow sliding movement of the one or more guiding components along an inner surface of the wear ring.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008]FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example fluid pump.

[0009]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example suction valve.

[0010]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an example fluid end of a fluid pump.

[0011]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an example fluid end of a fluid pump.

[0012]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an example valve cartridge.

[0013]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an example wear ring.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014]This disclosure relates to a wear ring, which can be employed in any cartridge used in a fluid end of a fluid pump. For example, the cartridge may be a valve cartridge or a packing cartridge. The fluid pump may be a hydraulic fracturing pump.

[0015]FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example fluid pump 100. The fluid pump 100 includes a fluid end 102 and a power end 104. The fluid end 102 may be connected to the power end 104 by stay rods 106. The fluid end 102 includes a fluid end block 103 having one or more bores 108 (only one shown). For example, the fluid pump 100 may include one, two, three, four, five, or more bores 108. In some implementations, the fluid pump 100 may be mounted on a trailer to facilitate transportation of the fluid pump 100 between operational sites. In some implementations, the fluid pump 100 may be a hydraulic fracturing pump. For example, the fluid pump 100 may have a capability to produce a discharge pressure of at least 8,000 psi, at least 10,000 psi, at least 12,000 psi, or at least 15,000 psi.

[0016]The bore 108 is a passageway through the fluid end block 103 of the fluid end 102. The fluid end 102 may include a valve cartridge 200 disposed in the bore 108 (e.g., a respective valve cartridge 200 may be disposed in each bore 108 of the fluid end 102). For example, the valve cartridge 200 is configured for insertion into, and removal from, the bore 108 as a unit. The valve cartridge 200 includes a suction valve 202 and a discharge valve 204. The suction valve 202 and the discharge valve 204 may have different configurations from that depicted in FIG. 1. The bore 108 may be contoured such that when the valve cartridge 200 is disposed in the bore 108, the valve cartridge 200 partitions the bore 108 into a suction chamber 206, a pressure chamber 207, and a discharge chamber 208 of the bore 108. For example, the suction chamber 206 of the bore 108 may be fluidly connected to a suction manifold 118, and the discharge chamber 208 of the bore 108 may be fluidly connected to a discharge manifold 140.

[0017]In operation, fluid is pressurized to a low pressure (e.g., 80 psi) by an outside system (e.g., a centrifugal pump) and pushed through the suction manifold 118 through the suction valve 202 and into the pressure chamber 207. The fluid is then pumped in response to a forward stroke of a plunger 120 and flows through the discharge valve 204.

[0018]In operation, the plunger 120 moves in a plunger bore 122 and is driven by the power end 104 of the fluid pump 100. The power end 104 includes a crankshaft 124 that is rotated by a gearbox output 126, which is illustrated by a single gear but may be more than one gear. A gearbox input 128 is coupled to a transmission (not shown) and/or a prime mover (not shown), such as a diesel engine, to rotate the gearbox input 128 during operation. A connecting rod 130 mechanically connects the crankshaft 124 to a crosshead 132 via a wrist pin 134. The crosshead 132 is mounted within a stationary crosshead housing 136, which constrains the crosshead 132 to linear reciprocating movement. A pony rod 138 connects to the crosshead 132 and has its opposite end connected to the plunger 120 to enable reciprocating movement of the plunger 120.

[0019]In operation, movement of the crankshaft 124 causes the plunger 120 to reciprocate with respect to the bore 108 (e.g., to reciprocate toward and away from the bore 108). As the plunger 120 translates away from the bore 108 (a suction stroke of the plunger 120), the pressure of the fluid inside the pressure chamber 207 decreases, which creates a pressure differential across the suction valve 202. The pressure differential across the suction valve 202 enables actuation of the suction valve 202 to allow the fluid to enter the pressure chamber 207 from the suction manifold 118 (e.g., the suction valve 202 may open responsive to the pressure differential). The pumped fluid is pushed into the pressure chamber 207 as the plunger 120 continues to translate away from the bore 108. As the plunger 120 changes directions and moves toward the bore 108 (a discharge stroke of the plunger 120), the fluid pressure inside the pressure chamber 207 increases, which creates a pressure differential across the discharge valve 204. Fluid pressure inside the pressure chamber 207 continues to increase as the plunger 120 approaches the bore 108 until the pressure differential across the discharge valve 204 is great enough to actuate the discharge valve 204 and enable the fluid to exit the pressure chamber 207 (e.g., the valve may open responsive to the pressure differential).

[0020]The fluid end 102 may include a packing cartridge 300 disposed in the bore 108 (e.g., a respective packing cartridge 300 may be disposed in each bore 108 of the fluid end 102). For example, the packing cartridge 300 is configured for insertion into, and removal from, the bore 108 as a unit. The packing cartridge 300 is configured to retain a packing 302 (e.g., a packing set, a packing assembly, or the like) in the bore 108 around the plunger 120. In some implementations, the packing 302 may be held in a packing sleeve. The packing 302 may include one or more rings (e.g., composed of polymer, metal, or another material) that circumferentially surround the plunger 120 and that are configured to prevent leakage of fluid from around the plunger 120. In some examples, the fluid end 102 may include the packing 302 without the use of a packing cartridge 300.

[0021]As indicated above, FIG. 1 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard to FIG. 1.

[0022]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example of the suction valve 202. In some examples, the suction valve 202 may be in a different form from that depicted in FIG. 2. In some examples, the discharge valve 204, rather than the suction valve 202, may be in the form depicted in FIG. 2.

[0023]The suction valve 202 may have an annular shape having a central opening 216, a perimeter edge 218, and a sealing surface 220 defined between the central opening 216 and the perimeter edge 218. In some examples, the sealing surface 220 may be sloped inwardly from the perimeter edge 218 to the central opening 216, thereby giving the suction valve 202 the shape of a conical frustum.

[0024]The suction valve 202 may include one or more guiding components 222 used to align the opening and closing of the suction valve 202 with a corresponding valve seat. In some examples, the one or more guiding components 222 may include one or more axial guide portions of the suction valve 202 that extend along an axis of the bore 108 and/or define a circular outer profile to provide a sliding interface defined by a respective wear ring as described further below. As shown, the guiding components 222 may include one or more legs 224 (e.g., alignment bars) projecting away from the sealing surface 220, and configured to guide opening and closing of the suction valve 202. For example, the suction valve 202 may include a plurality of legs 224 (e.g., three legs or four legs) spaced approximately evenly around the perimeter edge 218 of the suction valve 202. The legs 224 may be configured to slide along a surface to thereby maintain the suction valve 202 aligned with respect to a valve seat. In some examples, one or more hoops 226 may connect between the legs 224 to provide additional stability. The legs 224 and/or the hoops 226 may define a base component 228 of the suction valve 202, having a frame-like structure that provides minimal flow resistance.

[0025]As indicated above, FIG. 2 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard to FIG. 2.

[0026]FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are cross-sectional views of examples of the fluid end 102 of the fluid pump 100. The fluid end 102 may include the valve cartridge 200 and the packing cartridge 300 that are removably disposed in the bore 108. The valve cartridge 200 and the packing cartridge 300 may be arranged in the bore 108 co-axially with the plunger 120. The fluid end block 103 has a front end and a back end, opposite the front end. The plunger 120 may extend into the bore 108 from the back end of the fluid end block 103 (e.g., the stay rods 106 connect at the back end of the fluid end block 103). The fluid end block 103 may be configured to allow the valve cartridge 200 and the packing cartridge 300 to be removed from, and inserted into, the bore 108 from the front end and/or the back end.

[0027]In some examples, the fluid end 102 may include an end cap assembly 210 disposed in the bore 108. The end cap assembly 210 may seal the front end of the bore 108. The end cap assembly 210 may be removed from the bore 108 to provide access to the valve cartridge 200 and/or the packing cartridge 300. Thus, with the end cap assembly 210 removed from the bore 108, the valve cartridge 200 and/or the packing cartridge 300 may be removed from the fluid end 102, as a unit, to facilitate repair or replacement. Similarly, a replacement, or a repaired, valve cartridge 200 and/or packing cartridge 300 may be inserted into the bore 108 and the end cap assembly 210 may be replaced back into the bore 108 to reseal the bore 108.

[0028]The valve cartridge 200 includes a valve cartridge housing 234, which may have an overall cylindrical shape. The suction valve 202 and the discharge valve 204 are operably connected to the valve cartridge housing 234 (e.g., connected in a manner that allows the suction valve 202 and the discharge valve 204 to open and close in response to pressure differentials). Surfaces of the valve cartridge housing 234 (e.g., sloped surfaces) may define valve seats for the suction valve 202 and the discharge valve 204. The valve cartridge housing 234 may define a fluid cavity 240.

[0029]One or more (e.g., multiple) suction passageways 242 are defined through the valve cartridge housing 234 and open into the fluid cavity 240. For example, multiple suction passageways 242 may extend radially around the valve cartridge housing 234. The suction passageway(s) 242 may fluidly connect the suction chamber 206 of the bore 108 with the fluid cavity 240.

[0030]The suction valve 202 is configured to control flow from the suction passageway(s) 242 into the fluid cavity 240, and the discharge valve 204 is configured to control flow out from the fluid cavity 240. For example, in an open position, the suction valve 202 may allow flow from the suction passageway(s) 242 into the fluid cavity 240 (e.g., the ends of the suction passageway(s) 242 that lead into the fluid cavity 240 are not sealed by the suction valve 202 in the open position). For example, during a suction stroke of the plunger 120, the suction valve 202 may open to allow flow from the suction passageway(s) 242 into the fluid cavity 240.

[0031]In a closed position, the suction valve 202 may seal the suction passageway(s) 242 from the fluid cavity 240 (e.g., the ends of the suction passageway(s) 242 that lead into the fluid cavity 240 are sealed by the suction valve 202 in the closed position). However, the suction valve 202 may be arranged in the fluid cavity 240 such that the central opening 216 is in a flow path through the fluid cavity 240. Thus, in the closed position, the suction valve 202 may allow flow through the fluid cavity 240 via the central opening 216. For example, during a discharge stroke of the plunger 120, the suction valve 202 may close to seal the suction passageway(s) 242 from the fluid cavity 240 (thereby stopping suction flow), yet also allow flow through the fluid cavity 240 via the central opening 216 (thereby allowing discharge flow). Moreover, during the discharge stroke of the plunger 120, the discharge valve 204 may open, such that the flow through the fluid cavity 240 via the central opening 216 is discharged through the open discharge valve 204.

[0032]The packing cartridge 300 includes a packing cartridge housing 304, which may have an overall cylindrical shape. The packing cartridge housing 304 may define the plunger bore 122 that receives the plunger 120. The plunger bore 122 may define a first open end and a second open end of the packing cartridge housing 304 (e.g., defining a sleeve). The packing cartridge housing 304 may have an inner circumferential notch 306, and the packing 302 may be disposed in the notch 306.

[0033]The valve cartridge housing 234 and the packing cartridge housing 304 are engaged, such that an end of the valve cartridge housing 234 and an end of the packing cartridge housing 304 overlap. An interface between the valve cartridge housing 234 and the packing cartridge housing 304 may be fluid tight (e.g., fluid flow through the interface may be prevented or substantially prevented). The “interface” between the valve cartridge housing 234 and the packing cartridge housing 304 may refer to an area where the valve cartridge housing 234 and the packing cartridge housing 304 are directly engaged, either by surface-to-surface contact or by a sealing ring.

[0034]A packing nut 308 may be disposed in the bore 108 surrounding the plunger 120. The packing nut 308 may enclose an end of the bore 108 (e.g., the packing nut 308 may seal back-end access to the bore 108). The packing nut 308 may help to maintain the packing 302 in a proper position or compression. The packing nut 308 may be removed from the bore 108 to provide access to the valve cartridge 200 and/or the packing cartridge 300.

[0035]The discharge valve 204 includes a valve head 250, having a sealing face 251, and a valve stem 252 extending from the valve head 250. In some examples (as shown in FIG. 4), the sealing face 251 is at a first side of the valve head 250 and the valve stem 252 extends from the first side of the valve head 250, and another valve stem 253 extends from a second side of the valve head 250 opposite the first side. Each of the valve stems 252, 253 are guiding components 222 that guide opening and closing of the discharge valve 204. In some examples, the one or more guiding components 222 may include one or more axial guide portions of the discharge valve 204 that extend along an axis of the bore 108 and/or define a circular outer profile to provide a sliding interface defined by a respective wear ring as described further below.

[0036]In some configurations, as shown in FIG. 3, the suction valve 202 and the discharge valve 204 may share a biasing element 256 (e.g., a spring) that biases both the suction valve 202 and the discharge valve 204 to closed positions with respect to the valve cartridge housing 234. For example, the valve stem 252 of the discharge valve 204 may extend through and beyond a guide element 230 of the suction valve 202 (e.g., the valve stem 252 is inserted through the guide element 230) so as to define a protruding portion of the valve stem 252 that includes a spring retainer 254 (e.g., a fastener, such as a bolt) inserted into an end of the valve stem 252. The biasing element 256 may be disposed between the spring retainer 254 and the guide element 230 (e.g., at an underside of the guide element 230), surrounding the protruding portion of the valve stem 252.

[0037]In some configurations, as shown in FIG. 4, respective biasing elements 256 (e.g., springs) may be used for the suction valve 202 and the discharge valve 204. For example, a first biasing element 256, engaged with the base component 228 of the suction valve 202 (e.g., engaged with a hoop 226 of the base component), may bias the suction valve 202 to a closed position. A second biasing element 256, surrounding the valve stem 253, may bias the discharge valve 204 to a closed position.

[0038]As further shown in FIG. 4, the valve cartridge 200 may include a handle 258 projecting from the valve cartridge housing 234 (e.g., attached at opposite sides of the valve cartridge housing 234) and extending over the discharge valve 204. The handle 258 may be configured to retain the biasing element 256. The handle 258 has a handle bore 260, which may be threaded at one end for engagement with a tool used to insert and/or remove the valve cartridge 200 from the fluid end block 103. The valve stem 253 may extend into the handle bore 260 (e.g., at an opposite end of the handle bore 260 from the threading), thereby facilitating guiding of opening and closing of the discharge valve 204.

[0039]One or more wear rings 270, 280 may surround the guiding components 222 (shown in FIG. 2) of the valves 202, 204. The wear rings 270, 280 act as sacrificial components such that sliding movement of the guiding components 222 wear the wear rings 270, 280 rather than other components of the fluid end 102, such as the valve cartridge housing 234 or the packing cartridge housing 304. The wear rings 270, 280 may be hardened and/or have a hardened surface where they contact the guiding components 222 in order to extend the life of the wear rings 270, 280. As described herein, the guiding components 222 may include legs, a valve stem, or other guiding mechanisms.

[0040]As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the wear ring 270 may surround the legs 224 of the suction valve 202 to allow sliding movement of the legs 224 along an inner surface of the wear ring 270 (e.g., sliding movement along an axis of the bore 108, the valve cartridge 200, and the packing cartridge 300). The wear ring 270 may be disposed in the valve cartridge housing 234 or the packing cartridge housing 304. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the wear ring 270 may be disposed in the packing cartridge housing 304 between the legs 224 and an inner surface of the packing cartridge housing 304, thereby protecting the packing cartridge housing 304 from wear. For example, the wear ring 270 may have an interference fit with the inner surface of the packing cartridge housing 304, or the inner surface of the packing cartridge housing 304 may have a groove that retains the wear ring 270. Additionally or alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4, the wear ring 270 may be disposed in the valve cartridge housing 234 between the legs 224 and an inner surface of the valve cartridge housing 234, thereby protecting the valve cartridge housing 234 from wear. For example, the wear ring 270 may have an interference fit with the inner surface of the valve cartridge housing 234, or the inner surface of the valve cartridge housing 234 may have a groove that retains the wear ring 270.

[0041]As shown in FIG. 4, the wear ring 280 may surround the valve stem 253 of the discharge valve 204 to allow sliding movement of the valve stem 253 along an inner surface of the wear ring 280 (e.g., sliding movement along an axis of the bore 108, the valve cartridge 200, and the packing cartridge 300). The wear ring 280 may be disposed in the handle bore 260 between the valve stem 253 and an inner surface of the handle bore 260. For example, the wear ring 280 may have an interference fit with the inner surface of the handle bore 260, or the inner surface of the handle bore 260 may have a groove that retains the wear ring 280.

[0042]The valve cartridge 200 may include a valve guide 262. The valve guide 262 may have an opening 264 through its center to receive the valve stem 252 of the suction valve 204 (as shown in FIG. 4 but also applicable to FIG. 3). In some implementations (as shown in FIG. 4 but also applicable to FIG. 3), a wear ring 290 may surround the valve stem 252 to allow sliding movement of the valve stem 252 along an inner surface of the wear ring 290 (e.g., sliding movement along an axis of the bore 108, the valve cartridge 200, and the packing cartridge 300). The wear ring 290 may be disposed in the opening 264 between the valve stem 252 and an inner surface of the opening 264. For example, the wear ring 290 may have an interference fit with the inner surface of the opening 264, or the inner surface of the opening 264 may have a groove that retains the wear ring 290.

[0043]In some implementations, the discharge valve 204 may have the annular shape and configuration shown in FIG. 2, and the suction valve 202 may have a valve head and a valve stem (similar to the description above with respect the discharge valve 204) extending into a handle bore. Here, the shape of the fluid cavity 240 and/or the orientations of the suction valve 202 and the discharge valve 204 may be modified from what is shown in FIGS. 3-4 to accommodate use of an annular-shaped discharge valve 204. For example, the valve cartridge housing 234 may define one or more discharge passageways that open into the fluid cavity 240. The annular-shaped discharge valve 204 may be biased to a closed position with respect to the discharge passageway(s). In an open position, the annular-shaped discharge valve 204 may allow flow from the fluid cavity 240 into the discharge passageway(s) (e.g., the ends of the discharge passageway(s) that lead from the fluid cavity 240 are not covered by the sealing surface 220 of the annular-shaped discharge valve 204 in the open position). For example, during a discharge stroke of the plunger 120, the annular-shaped discharge valve 204 may open to allow flow from the fluid cavity 240 into the discharge passageway(s). In a closed position, the annular-shaped discharge valve 204 may seal the discharge passageway(s) 242 from the fluid cavity 240. However, the annular-shaped discharge valve 204 may be arranged in the fluid cavity 240 such that the central opening 216 is in a flow path through the fluid cavity 240. Thus, in the closed position, the annular-shaped discharge valve 204 may allow flow through the fluid cavity 240 via the central opening 216. For example, during a suction stroke of the plunger 120, the annular-shaped discharge valve 204 may close to seal the discharge passageway(s) from the fluid cavity 240 (thereby stopping discharge flow), yet also allow flow through the fluid cavity 240 via the central opening 216 and through an open suction valve (thereby allowing suction flow). In this configuration of the suction valve 202 and the discharge valve 204, the discharge valve 204 may have legs surrounded by the wear ring 270, and the suction valve 202 may have a valve stem surrounded by the wear ring 280, in a similar manner as described herein.

[0044]As indicated above, FIGS. 3-4 are provided as examples. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard to FIGS. 3-4.

[0045]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an example of the valve cartridge 200. The valve cartridge 200 shown in FIG. 5 may have the configuration described in connection with FIG. 4 (shown without biasing elements 256 in FIG. 5).

[0046]In some examples, a valve seat for the suction valve 202 may be defined by an insert 236 in the valve cartridge housing 234. The insert 236 may be composed of a harder material than a material used for the valve cartridge housing 234, thereby providing improved wear resistance. The wear ring 270 may also have a function of retaining the insert 236 in place. For example, the wear ring 270 may be disposed in a groove 238 in the inner surface of the valve cartridge housing 234. A depth of the groove 238 may be less than a thickness of the wear ring 270, such that the wear ring 270 projects slightly from the inner surface of the valve cartridge housing 234 and defines a ledge. The insert 236 may be secured in place against the ledge defined by the wear ring 270.

[0047]As indicated above, FIG. 5 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard to FIG. 5.

[0048]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an example wear ring 600. The wear ring 600 may correspond to the wear ring 270, the wear ring 280, and/or the wear ring 290. As shown, the wear ring 600 has a round (e.g., circular) shape with an outer surface 602 and an inner surface 604. The wear ring 600 may be composed of a hardened material (e.g., hardened steel) and/or may have a hardened surface where it contacts the guiding components 222.

[0049]As shown in FIG. 6, the wear ring 600 may have a notch 606 that defines a discontinuity in the wear ring 600. The notch 606 may allow compression of the wear ring 600 to facilitate installation of the wear ring 600, and subsequent expansion of the wear ring 600 to secure the wear ring 600 in place. Alternatively, the wear ring 600 may form a continuous loop. Here, the wear ring 600 may be shrunk fit (e.g., using liquid nitrogen) into place.

[0050]As indicated above, FIG. 6 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard to FIG. 6.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0051]The wear rings 270 and/or 280 described herein may be used with a cartridge used in a fluid end 102 of a fluid pump 100. For example, the wear rings 270 and/or 280 may be employed in a valve cartridge 200 and/or a packing cartridge 300, which may be configured for insertion into, and removal from, a bore 108 of the fluid end 102 as a unit. The wear rings 270 and/or 280 are particularly useful in a fluid pump 100 that operates at high pressures, such as a hydraulic fracturing pump that pressurizes hydraulic fracturing fluid for hydraulic fracturing operations used to recover water, oil, natural gas, and/or other fluids from a rock formation. In some examples, a valve of a pump may have a guiding component (e.g., legs and/or a valve stem) that slides along a surface to keep the valve centered with respect to a valve seat. For example, the surface may be in a fluid end cartridge (e.g., a valve cartridge 200 or a packing cartridge 300). During hydraulic fracturing operations, the valve may be opened and closed repeatedly in the presence of corrosive fluids, such as water, and abrasive substances, such as proppant (e.g., sand), thereby causing significant wear to the sliding surface and resulting in leaks or other failures of the fluid end cartridge. As a result, a useful life of the fluid end cartridge may be shortened, and the fluid end cartridge may need replacement prematurely.

[0052]The wear rings 270 and/or 280 described herein are useful for extending the useful life of a fluid end cartridge, such as a valve cartridge 200 and/or a packing cartridge 300. The wear rings 270, 280 act as sacrificial components, such that sliding movement of valve guiding components, such as legs or valve stems, produce wear on the wear rings 270, 280 rather than other higher-cost components, such as a valve cartridge housing 234 and/or a packing cartridge housing 304. Thus, the fluid end cartridge can be serviced to replace spent wear rings 270, 280, without the need to entirely replace the fluid end cartridge.

[0053]The foregoing describes only some embodiments, and alterations, modifications, additions and/or changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments, the embodiments being illustrative and not restrictive. Furthermore, implementations are not limited to the disclosed embodiments, and may cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments. Also, the various embodiments described above may be implemented in conjunction with other embodiments, for example, aspects of one embodiment may be combined with aspects of another embodiment to realize yet other embodiments. Further, each independent feature or component of any given assembly or process may constitute an additional embodiment. As used herein, the singular forms of “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, as used herein, the term “or” means “and/or” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.