Patent ID: 8585909

Claim:
A method for separating and pumping a particle laden slurry, the method comprising the following steps: (i) receiving the particle laden slurry under pressure into a first separator cavity of a first separator, wherein the particle laden slurry comprises: a fluid; and abrasive and/or solid particles; (ii) separating at least a portion of the particle laden slurry with said first separator, thereby: creating a first particle fluid, said first particle fluid more concentrated with said particles than the particle laden slurry; and creating a first clean fluid, said first clean fluid substantially free of said particles; (iii) forcing said first clean fluid into: an accumulator cavity; or a void, said void created by the suction stroke of a positive displacement pump; (iv) permitting said first particle fluid to travel through a first check valve; (v) flushing said first check valve with said first clean fluid from said accumulator cavity or said void such that at least a first valve seat is substantially free of said particles after said flushing; (vi) said first check valve having said first valve seat, said first valve seat capable of seating against another surface to substantially impede the flow of a material through said first check valve.