Abstract:
A solid/fluid separator is provided. The solid/fluid separator is designed so as to be constructed and repaired in a less expensive and time consuming manner. That is, the disclosed and claimed concept provides a solid/fluid separator that does not include domed ends and/or any welding of the main equipment body. In the disclosed and claimed concept the solid/fluid separator includes a uniform cylinder machined on each end to accept a high pressure gasket and a generally flat, i.e., not domed, head assembly. Further, the head assembly is bolted to the cylinder using either high strength studs and nuts or specially designed bolts. By eliminating any welding on the main equipment body, the need for post weld heat treatment and x-ray inspection is eliminated.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/217,058, filed Sep. 11, 2015, entitled SOLID/FLUID SEPARATOR AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The disclosed and claimed concept relates to a solid/fluid separator and, more specifically, to a solid/fluid separator that does not include welded pressure elements. 
         [0004]    Background Information 
         [0005]    A solid/fluid separator is structured to separate solids, such as, but not limited to sand and other particulate materials, that are incorporated into a flowing fluid. The fluid may be a liquid or a gas. Generally, a high speed mixed flow travelling through an inlet conduit is introduced into an enclosed space, which may include diverters or similar elements. The enclosed space is larger, i.e. has a greater cross-sectional area, than the conduit through which the mixed flow was traveling. Accordingly, when the mixed flow enters the enclosed space, the speed of the flow is reduced allowing the heavier solids to separate from the flow and fall to the bottom of the enclosed space. Further, the solids may impinge upon the diverters, or similar elements, thereby reducing their momentum and allowing the solids to separate from the flow. The enclosed space may include a liquid at the bottom to further entrap the solids. The fluid then leaves the enclosed space via an outlet conduit. 
         [0006]    In the past, separation equipment was made by welding domes to each end of a cylindrical body so as to define the enclosed space. The domes were generally 2:1 elliptical domes, dished or spherical. The finished equipment must be x-ray inspected, undergo post weld heat treatment (heating the assembly up to 1250 degrees F. and then cooling if back down in specific increments) and pressure tested under up to 15,000 psig. This made the only way of servicing the equipment to be cutting it apart, repairing the inside parts that were malfunctioning and then welding the system back together again and performing the other x-ray, post weld heat treatment and pressure testing all over again. This is a time consuming and expensive prospect both for the original manufacturer and for any repairs. 
         [0007]    There is, therefore, a need for a solid/fluid separator that is designed so as to be constructed and repaired in a less expensive and time consuming manner. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The disclosed and claimed concept provides a solid/fluid separator that is designed so as to be constructed and repaired in a less expensive and time consuming manner. That is, the disclosed and claimed concept provides a solid/fluid separator that does not include domed ends and/or any welding of the main equipment body. In the disclosed and claimed concept the solid/fluid separator includes a uniform cylinder machined on each end to accept a high pressure gasket and a generally flat, i.e. not domed, head assembly. Further, the head assembly is bolted to the cylinder using either high strength studs and nuts or specially designed bolts. By eliminating any welding on the main equipment body, the need for post weld heat treatment and x-ray inspection is also eliminated. That is, the disclosed configuration solves the testing problems stated above. 
         [0009]    Further, the inflow and outflow piping will be threaded into the main equipment body thereby eliminating additional welds. In this configuration, the production time to build this system is reduced from  10  days to  5  hours. The disclosed configuration solves the time and expense problems stated above. In addition, the disclosed and claimed concept allows for easy repair of the system; when a problem arises all that needs to be done is the disassembly of the elements noted above, repair and reassembly. As the elements are bolted, the need for post weld heat treatment and x-ray inspection necessary for the current designs is eliminated. 
         [0010]    A solid/fluid separator in the configuration(s) discussed below solves the stated problems. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is an exploded isometric view of a solid/fluid separator. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of a velocity reduction device 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is another isometric view of a velocity reduction device. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0015]    Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example, clockwise, counterclockwise, left, right, top, bottom, upwards, downwards and derivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements shown in the drawings and are not limiting upon the claims unless expressly recited therein. 
         [0016]    As used herein, the singular form of “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
         [0017]    As used herein, the word “unitary” means a component is created as a single piece or unit. That is, a component that includes pieces that are created separately and then coupled together as a unit is not a “unitary” component or body. Further, as used herein, the portions or elements of a “unitary” body are “coupled” together. 
         [0018]    As used herein, a “coupling assembly” includes two or more couplings or coupling components. The components of a coupling or coupling assembly are generally not part of the same element or other component. As such, the components of a “coupling assembly” may not be described at the same time in the following description. 
         [0019]    As used herein, a “coupling” or “coupling component(s)” is one or more component(s) of a coupling assembly. That is, a coupling assembly includes at least two components that are structured to be coupled together. It is understood that the components of a coupling assembly are compatible with each other. For example, in a coupling assembly, if one coupling component is a snap socket, the other coupling component is a snap plug, or, if one coupling component is a bolt, then the other coupling component is a nut. It is further understood that an opening or passage through which another coupling component extends is also a coupling component. 
         [0020]    As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components are “coupled” shall mean that the parts are joined or operate together either directly or indirectly, i.e., through one or more intermediate parts or components, so long as a link occurs. As used herein, “directly coupled” means that two elements are directly in contact with each other. As used herein, “fixedly coupled” or “fixed” means that two components are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. Accordingly, when two elements are coupled, all portions of those elements are coupled. A description, however, of a specific portion of a first element being coupled to a second element, e.g., an axle first end being coupled to a first wheel, means that the specific portion of the first element is disposed closer to the second element than the other portions thereof. Further, a first object resting on a second object, which is held in place only by gravity, is not “coupled” to the second object unless the first object is otherwise linked to the second object. That is, for example, a book on a table is not coupled thereto, but a book glued to a table is coupled thereto. 
         [0021]    As used herein, “temporarily coupled” means that two components are coupled in a manner that allows for the components to be easily decoupled without damaging the components. For example, elements that are coupled by a nut/bolt coupling are “temporarily coupled,” while elements that are welded together are not. 
         [0022]    As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components “engage” one another shall mean that the elements exert a force or bias against one another either directly or through one or more intermediate elements or components. 
         [0023]    As used herein, “operatively engage” means “engage and move.” That is, “operatively engage” when used in relation to a first component that is structured to move a movable or rotatable second component means that the first component applies a force sufficient to cause the second component to move. For example, a screwdriver may be placed into contact with a screw. When no force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver is merely “coupled” to the screw. If an axial force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver is pressed against the screw and “engages” the screw; however, when a rotational force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver “operatively engages” the screw and causes the screw to rotate. As used herein, “operatively engage” means “engage and maintain in a selected position.” That is, a compressed spring held in place by a latch is “operatively engaged” by the latch in that the latch maintains the spring in a compressed state. 
         [0024]    As used herein, the term “number” shall mean one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality). 
         [0025]    As used herein, “associated” means that the elements are part of the same assembly and/or operate together, or, act upon/with each other in sonic manner. For example, an automobile has four tires and four hub caps. While all the elements are coupled as part of the automobile, it is understood that each hubcap is “associated” with a specific tire. 
         [0026]    As used herein, “correspond” indicates that two structural components are sized and shaped to be similar to each other and may be coupled with a minimum amount of friction. Thus, an opening which “corresponds” to a member is sized slightly larger than the member so that the member may pass through the opening with a minimum amount of friction. This definition is modified if the two components are said to fit “snugly” together or “snuggly correspond.” In that situation, the difference between the size of the components is even smaller whereby the amount of friction increases. If the element defining the opening and/or the component inserted into the opening is made from a deformable or compressible material, the opening may even be slightly smaller than the component being inserted into the opening. This definition is further modified if the two components are said to “substantially correspond.” “Substantially correspond” means that the size of the opening is very close to the size of the element inserted therein; that is, not so close as to cause substantial friction, as with a snug fit, but with more contact and friction than a “corresponding fit,” i.e., a “slightly larger” fit. Further, as used herein, “loosely correspond” means that a slot or opening is sized to be larger than an element disposed therein. This means that the increased size of the slot or opening is intentional and is more than a manufacturing tolerance. Further, with regard to a surface formed by two or more elements, a “corresponding” shape means that surface features, e.g. curvature, are similar. 
         [0027]    As used herein, “structured to [verb] or ‘be an [X]’” means that the identified element or assembly has a structure that is shaped, sized, disposed, coupled and/or configured to perform the identified verb or to be what is identified in the infinitive phrase. For example, a member that is “structured to move” is movably coupled to another element and includes elements that cause the member to move or the member is otherwise configured to move in response to other elements or assemblies. As such, as used herein, “structured to [verb] or ‘be an [X]’” recites structure and not function. Further, as used herein, “structured to [verb] or ‘be an [X]’” means that the identified element or assembly is intended to, and is designed to, perform the identified verb or to be an [X]. Thus, an element that is only possibly “capable” of performing the identified verb but which is not intended to, and is not designed to, perform the identified verb is not “structured to [verb] or ‘be an [X]’.” 
         [0028]    As used herein, a “pressure element” is a structural element of a solid/fluid separator that is structured to maintain pressure within the solid/fluid separator primary chamber. Peripheral elements, both internal and external, are not structural elements of a solid/fluid separator. As used herein, “peripheral elements” are internal and external devices which are used for determining the correct internal flow distribution or vessel connections such as, but not limited to, piping, valves, control equipment and instrumentation 
         [0029]    As used herein, a “primary coupling component” is a coupling component for the “pressure elements” of a solid/fluid separator. Thus, coupling components for peripheral elements are not “primary coupling components.” 
         [0030]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , a solid/fluid separator  10  includes a hollow, generally cylindrical housing  20 , a number of first primary coupling components  24 , a first head assembly  50 , and a second head assembly  70 . The housing  20  includes a generally planar first axial end  30 , a generally planar second axial end  40 , and a number of ports  22 . The housing  20  includes a body  26  having an inner surface  28  and an outer surface  29 . The ports  22  are generally radial passages through the housing  20 . The ports  22  are, in an exemplary embodiment, generally circular passages which include threads (not shown). The ports  22  are structured to be coupled to conduits such as, but not limited to, a solids/fluid inlet conduit  14  and a fluid outlet conduit  16 . In an exemplary embodiment, the ports  22  are structured to be coupled to the solids/fluid inlet conduit  14  and the fluid outlet conduit  16  are radial ports located generally radially opposite each other. Thus, there is an inlet port  22 A and an outlet port  22 B. 
         [0031]    In an exemplary embodiment, each first primary coupling component  24  includes a generally cylindrical rod  11  with a corresponding nut  12 . Each first primary coupling component rod  11  includes a first end  13  and a second end  15 . The first primary coupling component rod first end  13  and second end  15  are threaded. 
         [0032]    The housing first and second axial ends  30 ,  40  are substantially similar and only the first axial end  30  will be described. It is understood that the elements of the housing first axial end  30  include reference numbers in the thirties; thus, the similar elements of the housing second axial end  40  would be similar but in the forties. That is, for example, housing first axial end  30  includes a groove  34 , thus housing second axial end  40  includes a groove  44 . 
         [0033]    The housing first axial end  30  includes a generally planar surface  32 , a groove  34 , and a number of second primary coupling components  36 . The second primary coupling components  36  are, in an exemplary embodiment, threaded bores  38  that extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of housing  20 . The second primary coupling components  36  are disposed in a generally circular pattern extending about, i.e. encircling, housing first axial end  30 . In an exemplary embodiment, the second primary coupling components  36  are spaced between about 5 and 30 degrees apart, or about nine degrees apart, in an exemplary embodiment. Thus, on a housing  20  with an outer diameter of about 24 inches, there are about forty second primary coupling components  36  disposed about nine degrees apart from each other. 
         [0034]    The housing first axial end groove  34  is a generally circular channel extending about, i.e. encircling, housing first axial end  30 . The housing first axial end groove  34  is disposed radially inwardly of the second primary coupling components  36 . The housing first axial end groove  34  is sized to correspond to the seal member  59 , discussed below. 
         [0035]    It is noted that the housing  20  does not include a flange structured to be coupled to primary coupling components. 
         [0036]    In an exemplary embodiment, the first head assembly  50  includes a generally planar member  52  and a seal member  59 . The first head assembly planar member  52  is generally circular and generally corresponds to the housing  20 . That is, the first head assembly planar member  52  has generally the same radius as the housing  20 . The first head assembly planar member  52  includes an inner, first axial side  54 , an outer, second axial side  56  and a number of third primary coupling components  58 . The third primary coupling components  58  are, in an exemplary embodiment, are a number of passages  60  extending between the first head assembly planar member first axial side  54  and the first head assembly planar member second axial side  56 . In an exemplary embodiment, the third primary coupling component passages  60  extend generally normal to the first head assembly planar member first axial side  54  and the first head assembly planar member second axial side  56 . The third primary coupling component passages  60  correspond to the first primary coupling components  24 . 
         [0037]    The first head assembly planar member first axial side  54  includes a groove  62 . The first head assembly groove  62  is a generally circular channel extending about, i.e. encircling, first head assembly planar member  52 . The first head assembly groove  62  is disposed radially inwardly of the third primary coupling components  58 . The first head assembly groove  62  is sized to correspond to the first head assembly seal member  59 . The housing first axial end groove  34  and the first head assembly groove  62  have substantially the same radius. 
         [0038]    The first head assembly seal  59  is generally rigid and, in an exemplary embodiment, is made from the same material, and in an exemplary embodiment, the same metal, as housing  20 , or, in an alternate embodiment, a different high strength metal. The first head assembly seal  59  has generally the same radius as the first axial end groove  34  and the first head assembly groove  62 . 
         [0039]    It is noted that the first head assembly  50  does not include a flange structured to be coupled to primary coupling components  24 . 
         [0040]    In an exemplary embodiment, the second head assembly  70  includes a generally planar member  72  and a seal member  79 . The second head assembly planar member  72  is generally circular and generally corresponds to the housing  20 . That is, the second head assembly planar member  72  has generally the same radius as the housing  20 . The second head assembly planar member  72  includes an inner, first axial side  74 , an outer, second axial side  76  and a number of third primary coupling components  78 . The third primary coupling components  78  are, in an exemplary embodiment, are a number of passages  80  extending between the second head assembly planar member first axial side  74  and the second head assembly planar member second axial side  76 . In an exemplary embodiment, the third primary coupling component passages  80  extend generally normal to the second head assembly planar member first axial side  74  and the second head assembly planar member second axial side  76 . The third primary coupling component passages  80  correspond to the first primary coupling components  24 . 
         [0041]    In an exemplary embodiment, the second head assembly planar member  72  also include a central passage  88  that is threaded. The central passage  88  extends between the second head assembly planar member first axial side  74  and the second head assembly planar member second axial side  76 . In an exemplary embodiment, the central passage  88  extends generally normal to the second head assembly planar member first axial side  74  and the second head assembly planar member second axial side  76 . The central passage  88  is structured to be coupled to a solids conduit  17 . 
         [0042]    The second head assembly planar member first axial side  74  includes a groove  82 . The second head assembly groove  82  is a generally circular channel extending about, i.e. encircling, second head assembly planar member  72 . The second head assembly groove  82  is disposed radially inwardly of the third primary coupling components  78 . The second head assembly groove  82  is sized to correspond to the second head assembly seal member  79 . The housing first axial end groove  34  and the second head assembly groove  82  have substantially the same radius. 
         [0043]    The second head assembly seal member  79  is generally rigid and, in an exemplary embodiment, is made from the same material, and in an exemplary embodiment, the same metal, as housing  20 , or, in an alternate embodiment, a different high strength metal. The second head assembly seal member  79  has generally the same radius as the first axial end groove  34  and the second head assembly groove  82 . 
         [0044]    It is noted that the second head assembly  70  does not include a flange structured to be coupled to primary coupling components  24 . 
         [0045]    The solid/fluid separator  10  is assembled as follows. The first head assembly seal ember  59  is disposed in the housing first axial end groove  34 . The first head assembly planar member  52  is disposed on the housing first axial end  30  with the first head assembly planar member first axial side  54  disposed adjacent, and in an exemplary embodiment against, the housing first axial end surface  32 . In this configuration, the first head assembly seal member  59  is also disposed in the first head assembly groove  62 . A number of first primary coupling components  24  are passed through the first head assembly planar member third primary coupling components  58  and each first primary coupling component rod second end  15  is threaded into a housing first axial end second primary coupling components  36 . A first primary coupling component nut  12  is then threaded onto each first primary coupling component rod first end  13 . The primary coupling component nuts  12  are tightened in a selected order thereby sealing the first head assembly  50  to the housing  20 . The second head assembly  70  is coupled to the housing second axial end  40  in a substantially similar order with the second head assembly seal member  79  disposed in the housing second axial end groove  44  and with the second head assembly planar member first axial side  74  disposed adjacent to, and in an exemplary embodiment, against, the housing second axial end surface  42 . 
         [0046]    In this configuration, the housing  20 , the first head assembly  30  and the second head assembly  40  define an enclosed space  90 . Further, the housing  20 , the first head assembly  30  and the second head assembly  40  are the primary elements that are structured to maintain the pressure within the housing enclosed space  90 . As used herein, and for the embodiment described above, these elements, i.e. the housing  20 , the first head assembly  30  and the second head assembly  40 , are the “pressure elements.” Further, the first head assembly  30  is not welded to the housing  20  and the second head assembly  40  is not welded to housing  20 . That is, no pressure element is welded to another pressure element. Thus, the pressure elements are temporarily coupled as defined herein. Further, as noted above, none of the pressure elements include a primary coupling flange. That is, as used herein, a “primary coupling flange” is a flange used to couple pressure elements to each other. Further, the solid/fluid separator  10  in this configuration does not include domed ends. 
         [0047]    Thus, a method of assembling the solid/fluid separator  10  includes providing  1000  a hollow, generally cylindrical housing  20 , providing  1002  a number of primary first primary coupling components  24 , providing  1004  a first head assembly  50 , providing  1006  a second head assembly  70 , coupling  1008  a number of primary first primary coupling components  24  to the first axial end second primary coupling components  36  and the first head assembly third primary coupling components  58 , wherein the first head assembly  50  is sealingly coupled to the housing first axial end  30 , and coupling  1010  a number of primary first primary coupling components  24  to the second axial end second primary coupling components  46  and second head assembly third primary coupling components  78 , wherein the second head assembly  70  is sealingly coupled to the housing second axial end  40 . Providing  1000  a hollow, generally cylindrical housing  20  includes providing  1020  a housing  20  with a number of threaded ports  22 . 
         [0048]    It is noted that in this method there is no step of welding the first head assembly  50  to the housing  20  and no step of welding the second head assembly  70  to the housing  20 . That is, there is no step of welding a pressure element to another pressure element. 
         [0049]    As noted above, the assembly of the solid/fluid separator  10  includes disposing  1030  the first head assembly planar member first axial side  54  adjacent the housing first axial end  30  and disposing  1032  the first head assembly seal member  59  in both the first head assembly planar member first axial side groove  62  and the housing first axial end groove  34 . Similarly, the assembly of the solid/fluid separator  10  includes disposing  0  the second head assembly planar member first axial side  74  adjacent the housing second axial end  40  and disposing  2  the second head assembly seal member  79  in both the second head assembly planar member first axial side groove  82  and the housing second axial end groove  44 . 
         [0050]    In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the solid/fluid separator  10 , or the housing  20 , includes a velocity reduction device  100 . The velocity reduction device  100  is disposed within the space defined by the housing  20 . The velocity reduction device  100  includes a domed body  102  structured to direct incoming fluid to the housing body inner surface  28 . The domed body  102  may be any type of dome and is shown schematically as an elliptical dome. The domed body  102  is, in an exemplary embodiment, coupled to, or unitary with, a depending skirt  103 . The skirt  103  includes cutouts  104  that are in fluid communication with the lower portion of the housing  20 . The radius of the domed body  102  and skirt  103  is slightly smaller than the cross-sectional area of housing body inner surface  28 . In an alternate exemplary embodiment, the velocity reduction device  100  also includes a separator plate (not shown) disposed adjacent and above the domed body  102 . In an exemplary embodiment, the separator plate is slightly smaller than the cross-sectional area of housing body inner surface  28 . The domed body  102  and/or the separator plate divides the housing  20  and enclosed space  90  into an upper portion  21  and a lower portion  23 . The separator plate includes a plurality of slots (not shown). 
         [0051]    The domed body  102  also includes an opening  106  in fluid communication with a generally vertical and upwardly extending exhaust pipe  108 . The exhaust pipe  108  includes a “T” with an exhaust branch  110  and a pressurizing branch  112 . In an exemplary embodiment, the exhaust branch  110  has a larger diameter than the pressurizing branch  112 . The exhaust branch  110  extends generally radially and is in fluid communication with the outlet port  228  and the fluid outlet conduit  16 . The pressurizing branch  112  extends generally vertically, i.e. axially in the housing  20 . In an embodiment with a separator plate, the exhaust pipe  108 /pressurizing branch  112  extend through the separator plate. 
         [0052]    The lower end of the domed body  102 , or the skirt  103 , is adjacent the generally open, lower portion  23  of the housing  20 . That is, the interior space at housing lower portion  23  does not include any substantial structures (other than the velocity reduction device  100  which is disposed at the upper end of the housing lower portion. The solids/fluid inlet conduit  14  is disposed adjacent to the upper surface of the domed body  102  and below the separator plate . The fluid outlet conduit  16  is disposed above the separator plate. In an exemplary embodiment, the lower portion  23  of the housing  20  also encloses a quantity of water. 
         [0053]    In use and in this configuration, sand and any other particulates in the fluid flow enter the housing  20  adjacent the upper surface of the domed body  102  and impact on the velocity reduction device  100 , thereby slowing the particles. The solids and fluid move downward over the domed body  102  and skirt  103  and into the interior space at housing lower portion  23  that does not include any substantial structures. That is, the solids and fluid pass through the cutouts  104  into the interior space at housing lower portion  23 . Because the interior space at housing lower portion  23  has a much larger cross-sectional area relative to the solids/fluid inlet conduit  14 , the speed of the fluid is reduced. With the speed of the fluid reduced, and due to a loss of momentum from impacting the domed body  102 , sand and other particles are no longer carried by the fluid flow and fall into the water in the housing lower portion  23 . 
         [0054]    The remaining fluid, and possibly some of the water, exits the housing lower portion  23  bypassing upwardly through the domed body opening  106  and exhaust pipe  108  into the housing upper portion  21 . In exhaust pipe  108  the gas flow is split with a larger portion passing through exhaust branch  110  and out of housing  20 . A smaller portion of the gas flow passes through pressurizing branch  112  and into the housing upper portion  21 . The fluid in the housing upper portion  21  pressurizes the housing upper portion  21 , thereby maintaining both the housing upper portion  21  and the housing lower portion  23  at pressure. Further, the in the housing upper portion  21  then fluid passes downwardly through separator plate and over domed body  102  toward housing lower portion  23 . Thus, the pressurizing fluid assists in directing the flow of the incoming fluid/solid mixture toward the housing lower portion  23 . 
         [0055]    That is, when the fluid that is substantially free of sand and other particulates rises up the inside of the velocity reduction device  100  to enter the fluid outlet conduit  16 , a portion of the fluid bypasses the fluid outlet conduit  16  thereby pressurizing the housing upper portion  21  and forcing a pressurized gas to flow downward and mix with the incoming gas and particulates entering enclosed space  90  via solids/fluid inlet conduit  14 . Thus, a portion of the already processed fluid is recirculated and ensures that the inflow of gas with particulates does not migrate to the top of the solid/fluid separator  10 . 
         [0056]    Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the pressure elements, i.e. the housing  20 , the first head assembly  30  and the second head assembly  40 , as well as the elements of the velocity reduction device  100  are made from a family of metals identified as chrome moly and include both A5194130 and A5194140, as is known in the art. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the pressure elements and the elements of the velocity reduction device  100  are further hardened by applying  1100  an even harder material to any wear surface via a welding procedure. As used herein, a “wear surface” is any surface that is impacted by sand and/or particles in the fluid flow. 
         [0057]    While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of invention which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.