Patent Publication Number: US-2023141854-A1

Title: Valve body

Description:
SUMMARY 
     The present invention is directed to a valve configured to seal against a valve seat. The valve comprises a tapered sealing surface joined to an outer side surface by a recessed surface. The recessed surface forms a recess within the valve and comprises a plurality of straight-line segments: L 1 , L 2 , L 3 , and L 4 , and a plurality of radius segments: R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , and R 4 . L 1  is positioned intermediate the tapered sealing surface and R 1 . L 2  is positioned intermediate R 1  and R 2 , L 3  is positioned intermediate R 2  and R 3 , and L 4  is positioned intermediate R 3  and R 4 . R 4  is positioned intermediate L 4  and the side surface. The valve further comprises a seal installed within the recess and engaging the plurality of straight-line segments and the plurality of radius segments. At least a portion of the tapered sealing surface and at least a portion of the seal are configured to seal against the valve seat. 
     The present invention is directed to a valve configured to seal against a valve seat. The valve comprises a tapered sealing surface joined to an outer side surface by a recessed surface. The recessed surface forms a recess within the valve and comprises a plurality of straight-line segments: L 1 , L 2 , and L 3 , and a plurality of radius segments: R 1  and R 2 . L 1  is positioned intermediate the tapered sealing surface and R 1 . L 2  is positioned intermediate R 1  and R 2 , and L 3  is positioned intermediate R 2  and the side surface. The valve further comprises a seal installed within the recess and engaging the plurality of straight-line segments and the plurality of radius segments. At least a portion of the tapered sealing surface and at least a portion of the seal are configured to seal against the valve seat. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of one embodiment of a fluid end attached to one embodiment of a power end. 
         FIG.  2    is a cross-sectional view of the fluid end shown in  FIG.  1   , taken along line A-A. 
         FIG.  3    is the cross-sectional view shown in  FIG.  2   , but another embodiment of an intake and a discharge valve are installed therein. 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of another embodiment of a fluid end attached to another embodiment of a power end. 
         FIG.  5    is a cross-sectional view of the fluid end shown in  FIG.  4   , taken along line B-B. 
         FIG.  6    is a top perspective view of the intake valve and valve seat shown installed within the fluid end in  FIG.  2   . The valve is shown in a closed position. 
         FIG.  7    is a side elevational view of the valve and valve seat shown in  FIG.  6   . 
         FIG.  8    is the top perspective view of the intake valve and valve seat shown in  FIG.  6   , but the valve is shown in an open position. 
         FIG.  9    is a side elevational view of the valve and valve seat shown in  FIG.  8   . 
         FIG.  10    is a cross-sectional view of the valve and valve seat shown in  FIG.  7   , taken along line C-C, but the valve is not in a fully closed position. 
         FIG.  11    is an enlarged view of area D shown in  FIG.  10   , but the valve is shown in a fully closed position. 
         FIG.  12    is an enlarged view of area E shown in  FIG.  10   . 
         FIG.  13    is an enlarged view of area G shown in  FIG.  12   . 
         FIG.  14    is an enlarged view of area J shown in  FIG.  15   . 
         FIG.  15    is an enlarged view of area D shown in  FIG.  10   . 
         FIG.  16    is a top perspective view of the intake valve and valve seat shown installed within the fluid end in  FIG.  3   . The valve is shown in a closed position. 
         FIG.  17    is a side elevational view of the valve and valve seat shown in  FIG.  16   . 
         FIG.  18    is a cross-sectional view of the valve and valve seat shown in  FIG.  17   , taken along line K-K. 
         FIG.  19    is the cross-sectional view of the valve and valve seat shown in  FIG.  18   , but the valve is shown in an open position. 
         FIG.  20    is an enlarged view of area M shown in  FIG.  22   . 
         FIG.  21    is an enlarged view of area N shown in  FIG.  20   . 
         FIG.  22    is an enlarged view of area O shown in  FIG.  18   . 
         FIG.  23    is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a valve and the valve seat. The valve is shown in a closed position. 
         FIG.  24    is a side elevational view of the valve and valve seat shown in  FIG.  23   . 
         FIG.  25    is a cross-sectional view of the valve and valve seat shown in  FIG.  24   , taken along line Q-Q. 
         FIG.  26    is an enlarged view of area T shown in  FIG.  25   . 
         FIG.  27    is an enlarged view of area U shown in  FIG.  26   . 
         FIG.  28    is an enlarged view of area V shown in  FIG.  27   . 
         FIG.  29    is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a valve and the valve seat. The valve is shown in an almost closed position. 
         FIG.  30    in an enlarged view of area X shown in  FIG.  29   . 
         FIG.  31    is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a valve and the valve seat. The valve is shown in a closed position. 
         FIG.  32    is a side elevational view of the valve and valve seat shown in  FIG.  31   . 
         FIG.  33    is a cross-sectional view of the valve and valve seat shown in  FIG.  32   , taken along line Y-Y. The valve is shown in an almost closed position. 
         FIG.  34    is an exploded view of the valve and valve seat shown in  FIG.  31   . 
         FIG.  35    is an enlarged view of area Z shown in  FIG.  33   . 
         FIG.  36    is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a valve and the valve seat. The valve is shown in an almost closed position. 
         FIG.  37    is an enlarged view of area AA shown in  FIG.  36   . 
         FIG.  38    is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a valve and the valve seat. The valve is shown in an almost closed position. 
         FIG.  39    is an enlarged view of area AB shown in  FIG.  38   . 
         FIG.  40    is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a valve and the valve seat. The valve is shown in an almost closed position. 
         FIG.  41    is an enlarged view of area AC shown in  FIG.  40   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     With reference to  FIG.  1   , one embodiment of a fluid end  10  is shown attached to one embodiment of a power end  12 . Fluid ends, like the fluid end  10 , are used in oil and gas operations to deliver highly pressurized corrosive and/or abrasive fluids to piping leading to a wellbore. Power ends, like the power end  12 , are configured to reciprocate plungers, like the plunger  14 , shown in  FIG.  2   , within a fluid end to pump fluid throughout the fluid end. Fluid used in high pressure hydraulic fracturing operations is typically pumped through a fluid end at a minimum of 8,000 psi; however, fluid will normally be pumped through a fluid end at pressures around 10,000-15,000 psi during such operations, with spikes up to 22,500 psi. 
     With reference to  FIG.  2   , the fluid end  10  comprises a housing  16  having a horizontal bore  18  and a vertical bore  20  extending therethrough. The horizontal bore  18  opens on opposed front and rear surfaces  22  and  24  of the housing  16 , and the vertical bore  20  opens on opposed upper and lower surfaces  26  and  28  of the housing  16 . The bores  18  and  20  intersect to form an internal chamber  30 . The plunger  14  is installed within the horizontal bore  18  through the opening on the rear surface  24 . As the plunger  14  reciprocates, it pressurizes fluid contained within the internal chamber  30 . A plurality of horizontal and vertical bore pairs  18  and  20  may be formed within a single fluid end housing  16 . 
     Continuing with  FIG.  2   , fluid is routed throughout the housing  16  using an intake valve  34  and a discharge valve  36 . The valves  34  and  36  are identical and configured to seal against a valve seat  38 . The intake valve  34  and corresponding valve seat  38  are positioned below the internal chamber  30 , and the discharge valve  36  and corresponding valve seat  38  are positioned above the internal chamber  30 . During operation, the valves  34  and  36  move between open and closed positions. In the open position, the valve  34  or  36  is spaced from the valve seat  38 , allowing fluid to flow around the valve  34  or  36 . The intake valve  34  is shown in the open position in  FIG.  2   . In the closed position, the valve  34  or  36  seals against the valve seat  38 , blocking fluid from passing around the valve  34  or  36 . The discharge valve  36  is shown in the closed position in  FIG.  2   . The valves  34  and  36  are biased in a closed position by a spring  40  and moved to an open position by fluid pressure. 
     Continuing with  FIG.  2   , the valves  34  and  36  each comprise a seal  42 . When the valve  34  or  36  is in a closed position, the seal  42  is compressed against the valve seat  38 , forming a tight seal. Seals used with valves, like the valves  34  or  36 , are typically made of urethane and molded to the valve body. In traditional fluid ends, the high fluid pressure within the fluid end has been known to wear and erode the area of the seal contacting the valve seat. Such erosion will cause the valve to fail to seal properly, allowing fluid to leak around the valve. The seal is also known to shear or separate from the valve body, allowing fluid to leak around the valve. This leakage reduces the maximum pressure and flow capabilities of the fluid end. Once the valve fails, it will need to be replaced to ensure proper function of the fluid end. The operation of a fluid end must be stopped in order to replace a valve, costing valuable production time and money. 
     The present disclosure describes a plurality of different embodiments of valves, including the valves  34  and  36  shown in  FIG.  2   . The various embodiments of valves described herein are each designed to reduce wear and erosion to the valve over time, as well as prevent the seal from shearing or separating from the valve body. Such advantages extend the life of the valves disclosed herein as compared to traditional valves. Extending the life of a valve extends production time between valve replacements, saving valuable time and money. 
     Even if not specifically shown in the figures herein, the various embodiments of valves described herein may be configured as leg-guided valves, like the valves  34  and  36  shown in  FIG.  2   . In alternative embodiments, the various embodiment of valves described herein may be configured as stem-guided valves, like intake and discharge valves  41  and  44 , shown in  FIG.  3   . In further alternative embodiments, the various embodiments of valves described herein may be configured for use in different embodiments of fluid ends, such as the fluid end  50 , shown in  FIGS.  4  and  5   . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  4  and  5   , the fluid end  50  is shown attached to another embodiment of a power end  52 . In contrast to the fluid end  10 , the fluid end  50  comprises a plurality of fluid end sections  54  positioned in a side-by-side relationship. Each fluid end section  54  has a single horizontal bore  56  formed therein, as shown in  FIG.  5   . Fluid is routed throughout the horizontal bore  56  using a fluid routing plug  58 . Fluid enters the horizontal bore  56  through one or more intake or suction conduits  60  and discharges from the horizontal bore  56  through one or more discharge conduits  62 , as shown in  FIG.  5   . 
     Continuing with  FIG.  5   , fluid flow throughout the fluid routing plug  58  is controlled by an intake or suction valve  64  and a discharge valve  66 . The valves  64  and  66  engage opposite sides of the fluid routing plug  58  such that the fluid routing plug  58  functions as a valve seat. The valves  64  and  66  shown in  FIG.  5    are stem-guided valves, like the valves  41  and  44  shown in  FIG.  3   . The valves  64  and  66  are generally identical to the valves  41  and  44  but may vary in size. The fluid end  50  is described in more detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/884,712, authored by Cole et al., the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     Turning to  FIGS.  6 - 15   , the valve  34  is shown in more detail. Because the valves  34  and  36  are identical, only the valve  34  will be described in detail herein. The valve  34  is shown in the closed position, engaging the valve seat  38  in  FIGS.  6  and  7   , and is shown in the open position, spaced from the valve seat  38  in  FIGS.  8  and  9   . 
     Continuing with  FIG.  10   , the valve  34  comprises a valve body  70  having a tapered sealing surface  72  joined to a side surface  74  by a recessed surface  76 . The side surface  74  is further joined to an upper surface  78  of the valve body  70 . A nose  80  projects from the upper surface  78  and is configured to engage the spring  40 , as shown in  FIG.  2   . The tapered sealing surface  72  is further joined to a lower surface  82  of the valve body  70 . A plurality of legs  84  extend from the lower surface  82  in a downward direction. The plurality of legs  84  are configured to center the valve  34  within a flow passage  86  formed in the valve seat  38 . The legs  84  ensure the valve  34  is properly aligned with the valve seat  38  during operation. 
     Continuing with  FIGS.  10  and  11   , the recessed surface  76  forms a recess  88  within the valve body  70 . The seal  42  is installed within the recess  88  and engages the recessed surface  76 . As mentioned, the seal  42  is made of urethane and molded to the valve body  70  to form the valve  34 . When the valve  34  is in the closed position, the tapered sealing surface  72  and a portion of the seal  42  engage a tapered strike face  90  formed at the top of the valve seat  38 , as shown in  FIG.  11   . 
     Turning to  FIGS.  12  and  13   , a profile of the recessed surface  76  comprises a plurality of straight-line segments and a plurality of radius segments. The straight-line segments comprise: L 1 , L 2 , L 3 , and L 4 . The radius segments comprise: R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , and R 4 . L 1  starts at the end of the tapered sealing surface  72  as shown in  FIG.  13   . L 1  extends a short distance and transitions into R 1 . R 1  transitions into L 2 , L 2  transitions into R 2 , R 2  transitions in L 3 , L 3  transitions into R 3 , R 3  transitions into L 4 , and L 4  transitions into R 4 , as shown in  FIG.  12   . R 4  transitions into the side surface  74 . Put another way, L 1  is positioned intermediate the tapered sealing surface  72  and R 1 , L 2  is positioned intermediate R 1  and R 2 , L 3  is positioned intermediate R 2  and R 3 , L 4  is positioned intermediate R 3  and R 4 , and R 4  is positioned intermediate L 4  and the side surface  74 . 
     Continuing with  FIGS.  12  and  13   , L 1  extends at a 0-10-degree angle counterclockwise from vertical, preferably 5-degrees, as shown in  FIG.  13   . L 2  may be at a 25-35-degree angle counterclockwise from vertical, preferably 30-degrees, as shown in  FIG.  12   . L 3  may be at a 17-27-degree angle counterclockwise from horizontal, preferably 22-degrees, and L 4  is generally horizontal, as shown in  FIG.  12   . While the specific values of L 1 , L 2 , L 3 , and L 4  may vary depending on the size of the valve  34 , the relationship between the plurality of line segments are preferably: L 2 &gt;L 4 &gt;L 3 &gt;L 1 . Likewise, while the specific values of R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , and R 4  may vary depending on the size of the valve  34 , the relationship between the plurality of radius segments are preferably: R 1 &gt;R 3 &gt;R 2 &gt;R 4 . 
     Continuing with  FIG.  12   , the side surface  74  comprises a straight-line segment, L 5  and a radius segment, R 5 . L 5  is generally vertical and is positioned intermediate R 4  and R 5 . R 5  transitions into the upper surface  78 . L 5  is preferably less than L 3 , but greater than L 1 . R 5  is generally equal in size to R 4 . The seal  42  is installed within the recess  88  such that the seal  42  engages L 1 , L 2 , L 3 , L 4 , L 5 , R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , and R 5 . When installed therein, the seal  42  covers the side surface  74  and an edge  92  of the seal  42  meets the upper surface  78  of the valve body  70 . 
     Continuing with  FIG.  12   , the combination of the plurality of straight-line segments and the plurality of radius segments forms a double dovetail with the seal  42  when the seal  42  is installed within the recess  88 . Such configuration helps retain the seal  42  within the recess  88  as well as transfers high stress areas of the seal  42  to areas better suited to withstand high stress during operation. The configuration of L 4 , R 4 , L 5 , and R 5  forms a flange  94  at the upper end of the valve body  70 . The horizontal orientation of the flange  94  further aids in keeping the seal  42  contained within the recess  88  during operation. The flange  94  also forces the seal  42  in a specific direction rather than allowing the pressure imposed on the seal  42  by the valve seat  38  to dictate the seal&#39;s movement when compressed. Forcing the seal  42  in a specific direction helps prevent the seal  42  from wrapping around an edge  96  of the valve seat  38  during operation. Such action is known to cause damage to traditional seals. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  11  and  14   , the seal  42  comprises a strike face  98  joined to an outer face  100 . The strike face  98  engages the valve seat  38  in addition to the tapered sealing surface  72  during operation, as shown in  FIG.  11   . The strike face  98  comprises a first section  102  joined to a second section  104 , as shown in  FIG.  14   . The first section  102  contacts the tapered sealing surface  72  while the second section  104  transitions into the outer face  100 . 
     Continuing with  FIG.  14   , in traditional valves, the strike face of the seal is generally coplanar with the tapered sealing surface of the valve body. In the valve  34 , the first section  102  is coplanar with the tapered sealing surface  72  at the point of direct contact with the tapered sealing surface  72 , but transitions to have a concave shape. The first section  102  of the strike face  98  transitions into the second section  104  of the strike face  98  at an inflection point, I. The second section  104  has a convex shape and extends vertically downwards past the plane containing the tapered sealing surface  72  to a point, P. When the valve  34  moves from an open to a closed position, point P contacts the tapered strike face  90  of the valve seat  38  before the rest of the seal strike face  98  and the tapered sealing surface  72 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  13  and  14   , upon contact of point P with the strike face  98  of the valve seat  38 , a space or standoff, S exists between the tapered strike face  90  and the first section  102  of the seal  42 , as shown in  FIG.  13   . The standoff, S may be in the range of 0.015 to 0.035 inches. The standoff, S creates a cushion, slowing the valve  34  down before the entirety of the seal strike face  98  and the tapered sealing surface  72  impact valve seat  38 . Such action helps to decrease wear on the seal  42  and the tapered sealing surface  72  during operation, thereby increasing the life of the valve  34 . 
     Continuing with  FIG.  14   , a profile of the area of contact between the strike face  98  of the seal  42  and the tapered strike face  90  of the valve seat  38  has a length, F. F starts at F 1 , which is a point that aligns with the point of contact between the tapered sealing surface  72  and the first section  102  of the strike face  98 . F ends at F 2 , which is a point that aligns with the end of the second section  104  of the strike face  98  or the point where the second section  104  transitions into the outer face  100  of the seal  42 . 
     Point, P may be positioned anywhere between 60-80% of the total length of F, measured from F 1 . Preferably, point, P is located at 74% of the total length of F. For example, if F is 0.430 inches, point, P will be located anywhere between 0.258-0.344 inches or 0.6F-0.8F, along F. Preferably the distance is 0.218 inches, or 0.74F. The inflection point, I may be located anywhere between 30-50% of the total length of F, measured from F 1 . For example, if F is 0.430 inches, the inflection point, I is located anywhere between 0.129-0.215 inches or 0.3F-0.5F. 
     Turning back to  FIGS.  11  and  12   , the strike face  98  and the outer face  100  of the seal  42  are formed as one continuous curve. There are no straight sections. This gradual curve provides a smoother, less turbulent fluid flow around the seal  42  with lower velocities. The continuous curve of the outer face  100  also prevents the seal  42  from wrapping around the edge  96  of the valve seat  38  during operation. The one continuous curve may be a splined curve. In alternative embodiments, the one continuous curve may be other types of curves known in the art as long as there are no straight sections in the curve. Because the outer face  100  is shaped from one continuous curve, the outer face  100  does not include any bulbous protrusions or channels, like those shown in U.S. Pat. No. 9,631,739, issued to Belshan, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,221,848 and 11,111,915, both issued to Bayyouk. 
     Turning to  FIG.  15   , the height, H of the seal  42  is measured perpendicular from the strike face  98  to the maximum diametric extension of radius segment, R 5 . The width, W of the seal  42  is measured from straight-line segment, L 2  to the same maximum diametric extension of radius segment, R 5 . The ratio of the height, H of the seal  42  to the width, W of the seal  42 , H:W, may range from 4.5:6 to 5.5:6. Preferably, the ratio is 5:6. Such ratio has been found to optimally reduce stress and strain on the seal  42  during operation. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  16 - 22   , the intake valve  41  shown in  FIG.  3    is shown in more detail. The intake valve  41  is identical to the discharge valve  44  so only the valve  41  will be described in more detail herein. The valve  41  comprises a valve body  112  having a tapered sealing surface  114  joined to a side surface  116  by a recessed surface  118 . The side surface  116  is further joined to an upper surface  120  of the valve body  112 . The tapered sealing surface  114  is further joined to a lower surface  122  of the valve body  112 . 
     Continuing with  FIGS.  18  and  19   , in contrast to the valve  34 , the lower surface  122  of the valve  41  does not include any legs for centering the valve  41  on the valve seat  38 . Instead, a stem  124  projects from the upper surface  120  of the valve  41  and is configured to reciprocate within a bore  126  formed within a valve retainer  128 , as shown in  FIG.  3   . The combination of the stem  124  and valve retainer  128  maintains the valve  41  in proper alignment on the valve seat  38  during operation. In the case of the discharge valve  44 , the stem  124  reciprocates within a bore  127  formed in a discharge plug  129 , as shown in  FIG.  3   . 
     Continuing with  FIGS.  18  and  19   , the upper surface  120  of the valve  41  comprises an outer rim  117  joined to a base  115 . A spring  119  used with the valve  41  engages the valve  41  on the outer rim  117 , as shown in  FIG.  3   . The spring  119  has a conical shape in order to extend between the outer rim  117  and the valve retainer  128  or discharge plug  129 . The stem  124  projects from the base  115  of the upper surface  120 . The outer rim  117  and the base  115  are shaped such that an annular void  121  surrounds a portion of the stem  124 . The annular void  121  reduces the weight of the valve  41  and helps orient the valve&#39;s center of gravity during operation. 
     Continuing with  FIG.  20   , the recessed surface  118  forms a recess  130  within the valve body  112  for receiving a seal  132 . The seal  132  comprises a strike face  134  joined to an outer face  136 . The strike face  134  and the outer face  136  are identical to the strike face  98  and the outer face  100  of the seal  42 . However, the recessed surface  118  the seal  132  engages is different from the recessed surface  76  formed in the valve body  70 . 
     Continuing with  FIGS.  20  and  21   , a profile of the recessed surface  118  comprises a plurality of straight-line segments and a plurality of radius segments. The straight-line segments comprise: L 1 , L 2 , and L 3 . The radius segments comprise: R 1  and R 2 . L 1  starts at the end of the tapered sealing surface  114  as shown in  FIG.  21   . L 1  extends a short distance and transitions into R 1 . R 1  transitions into L 2 , L 2  transitions into R 2 , R 2  transitions in L 3 , and L 3  transitions into the side surface  116 . Put another way, L 1  is positioned intermediate the tapered sealing surface  114  and R 1 , L 2  is positioned intermediate R 1  and R 2 , L 3  is positioned intermediate R 2  and the side surface  116 . 
     Continuing with  FIG.  20   , the side surface  116  of the valve body  112  comprises a radius segment, R 3 . R 3  transitions into the upper surface  120  of the valve body  112 . Thus, R 3  is positioned intermediate L 3  and the upper surface  120 . The shape of L 3  and R 3  forms a flange  138  at a top end of the valve  41 . The flange  138  provides the same advantages as the flange  94  formed on the valve  34 . 
     Continuing with  FIGS.  20  and  21   , straight-line segment, L 1  extends at a 0-10-degree angle counterclockwise from vertical, preferably 5-degrees, as shown in FIG.  21 . Straight-line segment, L 2  may be at a 25-35-degree angle counter-clockwise from vertical, preferably 30-degrees. Straight-line segment, L 3  may be at a 10-20-degree angle counterclockwise from horizontal, preferably 15-degrees. While the specific values of L 1 , L 2 , and L 3  may vary depending on the size of the valve  41 , the relationship between the plurality of line segments are preferably: L 3 &gt;L 2 &gt;L 1 . Likewise, while the specific values of R 1 , R 2 , and R 3  may vary depending on the size of the valve  41 , the relationship between the plurality of radius segments are preferably: R 1 &gt;R 2 &gt;R 3 . For example, a 4-inch valve  41  may have a L 1  value that is 50% of the L 2  value, but a 6-inch valve may have a L 1  value that is 30% of the L 2  value. In both cases, L 2  is greater than L 1 . 
     Continuing with  FIG.  20   , the plurality of straight-line segments and the plurality of radius segments together form a reservoir  139  on the internal portion of the seal  132  that absorbs energy caused by the compression and pressure loads encountered during operation. Like the valve body  70 , the angle of straight-line segment, L 2  further minimizes bulging on the outer face  136  of the seal  132 , thereby reducing stress and strain on the seal  132 . 
     Continuing with  FIG.  22   , the height, H and width, W of the seal  132  are measured in the same general manner as the seal  42 , shown in  FIG.  15   . The seal  132  preferably uses the same height and width ratios as the seal  42 . 
     Turning to  FIGS.  23 - 28   , another embodiment of a valve  150  is shown. The valve  150  may be used as a discharge or an intake valve. The valve  150  comprises a valve body  152  having a tapered sealing surface  154  joined to an upper surface  156  by an intermediate surface  158 , as shown in  FIGS.  25  and  26   . The tapered sealing surface  154  further joins a lower surface  159 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  23 - 28   , a plurality of legs  161  project from the lower surface  159 , making the valve  150  a leg-guided valve. 
     Continuing with  FIGS.  25  and  26   , in contrast to the valves  34  and  42 , the valve body  152  does not comprise a recessed surface or a recess for receiving a seal. Nor does the valve body  152  comprise a flange, like the flanges  94  or  138  shown in  FIGS.  12  and  20   . Instead, a seal  160  engages the intermediate surface  158  of the valve body  152 . No part of the valve body  152  extends over any part of the seal  160 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  27  and  28   , a profile of the intermediate surface  158  of the valve body  152  comprises a plurality of straight-line segments: L 1  and L 2 , and a plurality of radius segments: R 1  and R 2 . L 1  joins the tapered sealing surface  154  and transitions into R 1 , as shown in  FIG.  28   . R 1  transitions into L 2 , L 2  transitions into R 2 , and R 2  joins the upper surface  156  of the valve body  152 , as shown in  FIG.  27   . Put another way, L 1  is positioned intermediate the tapered sealing surface  154  and R 1 , L 2  is positioned intermediate R 1  and R 2 , and R 2  is positioned intermediate L 2  and the upper surface  156 . 
     Continuing with  FIGS.  27  and  28   , L 1  extends at a 0-10-degree angle counterclockwise from vertical, preferably 5-degrees, as shown in  FIG.  28   . L 2  may be at a 25-35-degree angle counterclockwise from vertical, preferably 30-degrees, as shown in  FIG.  27   . While the specific values of L 1  and L 2  may vary depending on the size of the valve  150 , the relationship between the plurality of line segments are preferably: L 2 &gt;L 1 . Likewise, while the specific values of R 1  and R 2  may vary depending on the size of the valve  150 , the relationship between the plurality of radius segments are preferably: R 1 &gt;R 2 . 
     Continuing with  FIG.  27   , the seal  160  is typically made of urethane and is molded to the valve body  152  such that the seal  160  engages L 1 , R 1 , L 2 , and R 2  of the intermediate surface  158  and an edge  162  of the seal  160  joins the upper surface  156 . The seal  160  comprises a strike face  164  joined to an outer face  166 . The strike face  164  is identical to the strike face  98  shown in  FIG.  14   . Like the seals  42  and  132 , the outer face  166  is one continuous curve, with no straight sections. Preferably, the curve is a splined curve. The curve of the outer face  166 , however, has a different shape than the outer faces  100  and  136 . 
     Continuing with  FIGS.  26  and  27   , the outer face  166  has an even more gradual curve than the outer faces  100  and  136  such that it has a less rounded shape. Instead, an upper portion of the outer face  166  has a more sloped shape, such that the edge  162  of the seal is positioned farther away from an outer edge  96  of the valve seat  38  than the seals  42  and  132 . Such construction of the seal  160  helps prevent the seal  160  from wrapping around the edge  96  of the valve seat  38  during operation because no portion of the seal extends past the outermost diameter of the tapered strike face  90 . Like the seals  42  and  132 , the outer face  166  does not include any bulbous protrusions or channels. 
     Continuing with  FIGS.  26  and  27   , the shape of the intermediate surface  158  and the shape of the attached seal  160  exposes the entire outer face  166  of the seal  160  to the fluid pressure within the fluid end. The pressure applies a force perpendicular to the surface of the outer face  166  of the seal  160  at every point along the outer face  166 . The resultant force presses the seal  160  into the valve body  152 , thereby reducing the shearing effect of the fluid flow as it exits the valve  150 . 
     Turning back to  FIGS.  23 - 25   , the valve  150  is shown with another embodiment of a valve spring  168 . The spring  168  is identical to the spring  40 , but a bottom end  170  of the spring  168  is squared and ground to provide a more even force application to the upper surface  156  of the valve body  152 , as shown in  FIG.  26   . Likewise, a top end  172  of the spring  168  is ground so as to better engage a valve retainer, as shown in  FIGS.  23  and  24   . Such modifications or like modifications may be made to any of the springs used with the various embodiments of valves disclosed herein so as to provide a more even force application to the corresponding surfaces. 
     Turning to  FIGS.  29  and  30   , another embodiment of a valve  180  is shown. The valve  180  may be used as a discharge or an intake valve. The valve  180  comprises the valve body  152  used with the valve  150 , but the valve  180  uses a different embodiment of a seal  182 . The seal  182  comprises a strike face  184  joined to an outer face  186 , as shown in  FIG.  30   . The strike face  184  is identical to the strike face  164  of the seal  160 , but the seal  182  has another embodiment of an outer face  186 . 
     Continuing with  FIG.  30   , in contrast to the outer face  166  of the seal  160 , the outer face  186  of the seal  182  is not a splined curve. Instead, the outer face  186  comprises two straight-line segments: L 3  and L 4 , and a radius segment: R 3 . L 3  joins a transition section  190  to the outer face  186 . The transition section  190  joins the strike face  184  to the outer face  186 . L 3  transitions into L 4 , and L 4  transitions into R 3 . R 3  is joined to the upper surface  156  of the valve body  152 . Put another way, L 3  is positioned intermediate the strike face  184  and L 4 . More specifically, L 3  is positioned intermediate the transition section  190  and L 4 . L 4  is positioned intermediate L 3  and R 3 , and R 3  is positioned intermediate L 4  and the upper surface  156 . 
     Continuing with  FIG.  30   , L 3  extends perpendicular to the tapered strike face  90  of the valve seat  38  and is parallel to L 2  of the intermediate surface  158  of the valve body  152 . L 3  preferably extends at an angle that is 30-degrees counterclockwise from vertical. The angle may have a range of plus or minus 5-degrees, with the intent that L 3  maintains the desired perpendicular and parallel relationships with the valve seat  38  and valve body  152 . 
     Continuing with  FIG.  30   , L 4  extends at angle between L 3  and R 3 . While the angle shown in  FIG.  30    is approximately 45-degrees counterclockwise from vertical, it may be any value greater than the angle of L 3 . Such construction of the seal  182  provides a tapering of the outer face  186  towards the upper surface  156  of the valve body  152 . The flat surface provided by L 4  directs the resultant force applied by fluid pressure directly into the valve body  152 , thereby reducing the tensile force attempting to tear the seal  182  away from the valve body  152  during operation. 
     Continuing with  FIG.  30   , the flat surface of the seal  182  created by L 4  directs the resultant force in two directions. The first direction is into the valve body  152 , and the second direction is perpendicular to the strike face  184 . The direction of such forces counteracts the upward force applied by fluid as it exits the valve  180  and the upward force applied by the closing of the valve  180 , thereby reducing the shear between the seal  182  and the intermediate surface  158  of the valve body  152 . 
     Turning to  FIGS.  31 - 35   , another embodiment of a valve  200  is shown. The valve  200  may be used as a discharge or an intake valve. The valve  200  comprises the valve  180  and a conical sleeve  202 . The conical sleeve  202  is shaped to fit over the outer face  186  of the seal  182  and acts as a retaining mechanism for the seal  182  during operation. The conical sleeve  202  also protects the outer face  186  of the seal  182  from erosion during operation. The use of the conical sleeve  202  also requires the valve  200  to use another embodiment of a spring  204 , which will be described in more detail herein. 
     Continuing with  FIGS.  34  and  35   , the conical sleeve  202  comprises a body  206  having an inner face  208  and an outer face  210 . The body  206  further comprises a lip  212  formed around the outer face  210  and at a bottom end of the body  206 . The lip  212  is sized to receive a bottom end  216  of the spring  204 . The inner face  208  of the sleeve  202  is congruent to straight-line segment, L 4  of the outer face  186  of the seal  182 , as shown in  FIG.  35   . The conical sleeve  202  is installed on the valve  180  such that the outer face  186  of the seal  182  engages the inner face  208  of the sleeve  202 . The sleeve  202  is held against the seal  182  by tension applied by the spring  204 . Thus, the sleeve  202  is easily separated from the seal  182 , if needed. The sleeve  202  only contacts the seal  182  and the spring  204 . The sleeve  202  does not contact any portion of the valve body  152 , the valve seat  38 , or the fluid end. 
     Turning back to  FIGS.  31  and  32   , in order to rest within the lip  212  of the sleeve  202 , the spring  204  has a conical shape, similar to the spring  119  shown in  FIG.  3   . The bottom end  216  of the spring  204  has a greater diameter than the springs  40  and  168 , while a top end  218  of the spring  204  has the same diameter as the springs  40  and  168 . The increased diameter at the bottom end  216  of the spring  204  provides stability and leverage to keep the seal  182  contained within the sleeve  202 . The actual diameters of the springs  40 ,  119 ,  168 , and  204  may vary depending upon the size of the valve used. 
     Continuing with  FIGS.  31  and  32   , the spring  204  may be squared and/or ground at its ends like the spring  168 , if desired. The spring  204  and the sleeve  202  may be separate pieces that are held together by compression during operation. Alternatively, the spring  204  may be welded to the sleeve  202  or attached by other methods known in the art. 
     Turning to  FIGS.  36  and  37   , another embodiment of a valve  250  is shown. The valve  250  may be used as a discharge or an intake valve. The valve  250  comprises a valve body  252 . The valve body  252  is identical to the valve body  152 , but the valve body  252  comprises another embodiment of an intermediate surface  254 . The intermediate surface  254  is identical to the intermediate surface  158  but comprises a groove  256  formed within straight-line segment, L 2 . As shown in  FIG.  37   , a bottom surface  258  of the groove  256  has a negative slope, as viewed from the center of the valve body  252  toward the outer diameter of the valve body  252 . 
     Continuing with  FIGS.  36  and  37   , the valve  250  further comprises another embodiment of a seal  260 . The seal  260  is identical to the seal  182 , but an inner surface  262  of the seal  260  comprises a protrusion  264  sized to correspond with the shape of the groove  256 . The protrusion  264  and the groove  256  together act as a locking mechanism  266  between the valve body  252  and the seal  260 , as shown in  FIG.  37   . In operation, the locking mechanism  266  provides more surface area for the seal  260  and the intermediate surface  254  to interface, thereby reducing the force per unit area applied to such interface. The locking mechanism  266  also provides varying angles at the interface between the seal  260  and the intermediate surface  254 . The varying angles interrupt the application of the shear force along such interface, thereby increasing the life of the bond between the seal  260  and the valve body  252 . 
     Continuing with  FIGS.  36  and  37   , the valve  250  also used the conical sleeve  202  and spring  204  used with the valve  200 . In alternative embodiments, the valve  250  may not use the conical sleeve  202  and instead be used with the spring  40  or  168 , shown in  FIGS.  2  and  23   . 
     Turning to  FIGS.  38  and  39   , another embodiment of a valve  280  is shown. The valve  280  is identical to the valve  250 , but the valve  280  comprises another embodiment of a locking mechanism  282 . Instead of just a single groove formed in an intermediate surface of the valve, the intermediate surface  284  of the valve  280  comprises a plurality of grooves  286  formed along its length. Like the groove  256 , a bottom surface  288  of each groove  286  has a negative slope. 
     Continuing with  FIG.  39   , the valve  280  further uses another embodiment of a seal  290 . The seal  290  is identical to the seal  260  but comprises a plurality of protrusions  292 . Each protrusion  292  is sized to mate with a corresponding one of the grooves  286 . The mating protrusions  292  and grooves  286  together form the locking mechanism  282 . The locking mechanism  282  provides even more surface area for the seal  290  to interface with the intermediate surface  284 . The locking mechanism  282  also provides more interruption points in case the seal  290  begins to separate from the intermediate surface  284 . 
     Continuing with  FIGS.  38  and  39   , the valve  280  also uses the conical sleeve  202  and the spring  204  used with the valve  200 . In alternative embodiments, the valve  280  may not use the conical sleeve  202  and instead be used with the spring  40  or  168 , shown in  FIGS.  2  and  23   . 
     Turning to  FIGS.  40  and  41   , another embodiment of a valve  300  is shown. The valve  300  is identical to the valve  280 , but the valve  300  comprises another embodiment of a locking mechanism  302 . The locking mechanism  302  is identical to the locking mechanism  282 , but a bottom surface  304  of each groove  306  has a positive slope instead of a negative slope. A seal  308  used with the valve  300  comprises a plurality of protrusions  310 . The protrusions  310  are identical to the protrusions  292 , but the protrusions  310  are shaped to mate with the positively sloped bottom surface  304  of the grooves  306 . Forming the grooves  306  with a positively sloped bottom surface  304  provides a more sharply angled bottom surface  304 . The corresponding shape of the protrusions  310  is harder to tear during operation. The grooves  306  also have a smoother transition between adjacent grooves  306 . The smoother transition creates more surface area for the seal  308  to compress before tearing. 
     Continuing with  FIGS.  40  and  41   , the valve  300  also uses the conical sleeve  202  and spring  204  used with the valve  200 . In alternative embodiments, the valve  300  may not use the conical sleeve  202  and instead be used with the spring  40  or  168 , shown in  FIGS.  2  and  23   . 
     A plurality of kits may be useful with the various embodiments of valves disclosed herein. One embodiment of a kit may comprise a valve, a conical sleeve, and/or a spring. Another embodiment of a kit may further comprise a valve seat. 
     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, and 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, and 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.