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Mechanically actuated diaphragm pumping systemRelated Patent Categories: Pumps, Motor Driven, Fluid Motor, Common Pumping And Motor Working Member, Collapsible Common MemberMechanically actuated diaphragm pumping system description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070110597, Mechanically actuated diaphragm pumping system. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] Not Applicable. STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not Applicable. BACKGROUND [0003] The present invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for submersible pumping systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for submersible pumps used in artificial lift systems for producing low flow rate oil, gas and coal bed methane wells. [0004] Hydrocarbons, and other fluids, are often contained within subterranean formations at elevated pressures. Wells drilled into these formations allow the elevated pressure within the formation to force the fluids to the surface. However, in low pressure formations, or when the formation pressure has diminished, the formation pressure may be insufficient to force the fluids to the surface. In these cases, a pump can be installed to provide the required pressure to produce the fluids. [0005] The volume of well fluids produced from a low pressure well is often limited, thus limiting the potential income generated by the well. For wells that require pumping systems, the installation and operating costs of these systems often determine whether a pumping system is installed to enable production or the well is abandoned. Among the more significant costs associated with pumping systems are those for installing, maintaining, and powering the system. Reducing these costs may allow more wells to be produced economically and increase the efficiency of wells already having pumping systems. [0006] The operation of a downhole pumping system depends on providing energy, which is converted to hydraulic power that lifts fluid from the well. Thus, the transmission of hydraulic power between the surface and a downhole pump is one the key elements that determines the efficiency, size, and operating characteristics of a downhole pumping system. For example, a rod pump, which is the dominate means of pumping fluids from oil and gas wells, uses a reciprocating steel rod as the means to transmit energy from the surface to the downhole pump. Rod pumps, although plentiful, suffer serious limitations, especially under harsh conditions. Most of the problems stem from wear in the pump due to the interaction of the pumped fluid with the pressure generating (piston-cylinder) portions of the pump. [0007] There remains a need to develop lower cost, more efficient methods and apparatus for pumping fluids from a low pressure wellbore that overcome some of the foregoing difficulties while providing more advantageous overall results. SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0008] The embodiments of the present invention are directed toward apparatus and methods for well pumping utilizing a submersible system comprising a pump body having a pump chamber and a hydraulic chamber. A diaphragm is disposed within the pump chamber and divides the pump chamber into a pumped fluid chamber and a hydraulic fluid chamber. A piston is disposed within the hydraulic chamber such that movement of the piston within the hydraulic chamber creates a differential pressure across the diaphragm. A coupling is connected to the piston and operable to connect the piston to a rod extending from the top of the well. [0009] In certain embodiments, a well pumping system comprises a rod extending into a tubing string disposed in a well. A submersible pump is disposed in the well and coupled to the rod. The submersible pump comprises a pump body having a pump chamber and a hydraulic chamber, where a diaphragm is disposed within the pump chamber and divides the pump chamber into a pumped fluid chamber and a hydraulic fluid chamber. A piston is disposed within the hydraulic chamber such that movement of the piston within the hydraulic chamber creates a differential pressure across the diaphragm. An inlet valve selectively controls the flow of fluid from the well into the pumped fluid chamber and an outlet valve selectively controls the flow of fluid from the pumped fluid chamber into an annular region between said rod and the tubing string. [0010] In some embodiments, a method for installing an operating a well pumping system comprising connecting a submersible pump to a rod and extending the rod into a tubing string disposed in a well. The submersible pump is connected to the tubing string. The pump is operated by actuating the rod so as to reciprocate a piston that is disposed within a hydraulic chamber of the submersible pump. Fluid pressure is transferred from the hydraulic chamber to a pump chamber of the submersible pump, wherein a diaphragm divides the pump chamber into a pumped fluid chamber and a hydraulic fluid chamber so that as pressure within the hydraulic fluid chamber decreases, fluid is pulled into the pumped fluid chamber from the well and as pressure within the hydraulic fluid chamber increases fluid is moved from the pumped fluid chamber into an annular area between the rod and the tubing string. [0011] Thus, the present invention comprises a combination of features and advantages that enable it to overcome various problems of prior devices. The various characteristics described above, as well as other features, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, and by referring to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0012] For a more detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein: [0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a reciprocating rod-driven submersible pumping system utilizing a boot seal; [0014] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a submersible pump utilizing a bottom hold down system; [0015] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a submersible pump utilizing a top hold down system; [0016] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a submersible pump mounted on production tubing [0017] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a reciprocating rod-driven submersible pumping system utilizing wiper seals; and [0018] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a rotating rod-driven submersible pumping system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Continue reading about Mechanically actuated diaphragm pumping system... Full patent description for Mechanically actuated diaphragm pumping system Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Mechanically actuated diaphragm pumping system patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Mechanically actuated diaphragm pumping system or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Methods and apparatus for transporting natural gas through a pipeline Next Patent Application: System and method for pumping fluids Industry Class: Pumps ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Mechanically actuated diaphragm pumping system patent info. 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