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Submersible pumping systems and methods for deep well applications

Submersible pumping systems and methods for deep well applications description/claims

The present invention relates generally to fluid transfer devices and methods, and more particularly, to submersible pumping systems, devices and methods for extracting liquids in deep well applications.

Submersible pumps are typically employed in sub-surface pumping applications where it is desired to remove liquids from relatively deep well locations. A centrifugal pump is typically employed in such applications, since it may be readily configured to provide a relatively high pumping head while providing a desired liquid flow rate at a surface location. Submersible centrifugal pumps of conventional design typically include a series of vertically stacked radial impellers in order to provide the desired lift from the well. The impeller stack is generally rotationally coupled to an electric motor that that may be located at the sub-surface location, and coupled to the centrifugal pump by a shaft that extends from the centrifugal pump to the motor.

Submersible pumps are also commonly used in well-sampling and monitoring applications. In such applications, however, the submersible pump must be suitably dimensioned to be removably positioned in a bore hole of relatively small diameter (e.g., approximately one to four inches in diameter), while providing acceptable performance over a wide range of well depths and flow rates. In selected instances, the submersible pump may be operated intermittently, so that the well is periodically sampled.

In the interest of reducing size, complexity and manufacturing costs, centrifugal pumps in well-sampling and monitoring applications generally employ a single impeller that is closely coupled to an electric motor that is positioned with a sealed enclosure. Accordingly, numerous difficulties are encountered in the design and operation of well-sampling and monitoring applications that are not present in larger multi-stage devices. For example, relatively long electrical lead lengths may introduce undesired transient electrical loading conditions that may adversely affect the motor, the power supply, or both.

Therefore, what is needed in the art are submersible pumping systems, apparatuses and methods that extracting liquids in deep well applications.

The various embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic block view of a submersible pumping system, according to the various embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic block view of another submersible pumping system, according to the various embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic block view of a power converter according to the various embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic block view of another power converter according to the various embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic block view of a feedback system according to the various embodiments, which will be used to further describe the closed feedback loop previously discussed in connection with FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic block view of a subsurface unit according to the various embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic block view of a subsurface controller according to the various embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a graphical representation of a motor speed distribution according to the various embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a partial cross sectional view of a subsurface unit according to the various embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a frontal plan view of the front shroud of the centrifugal pump of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the front shroud of FIG. 10.

• Provisional Patent
• Utility Patent

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