U.S. patent application number 14/472649 was filed with the patent office on 2014-12-18 for flexible joint connection.
The applicant listed for this patent is GE Oil & Gas ESP, Inc.. Invention is credited to Charles Collins, Aaron Noakes, Jeromy Pinkham.
Application Number | 20140370995 14/472649 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52019691 |
Filed Date | 2014-12-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140370995 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Collins; Charles ; et
al. |
December 18, 2014 |
FLEXIBLE JOINT CONNECTION
Abstract
A pumping system is configured for deployment in a non-vertical
wellbore. The pumping system includes a plurality of articulating
components. Each of the plurality of articulating components is
connected to an adjacent other of the plurality of articulating
components with an articulating joint. In preferred embodiments,
the articulating joint is a ball-and-socket mechanism. The
articulating components include a body having a first end and a
second end, a ball connected to the first end the body and a socket
connected to the second end of the body. A locking collar is
connected to the socket to secure the ball portion of an adjacent
articulating component to the socket.
Inventors: |
Collins; Charles; (Oklahoma
City, OK) ; Noakes; Aaron; (Norman, OK) ;
Pinkham; Jeromy; (Oklahoma City, OK) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GE Oil & Gas ESP, Inc. |
Oklahoma City |
OK |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52019691 |
Appl. No.: |
14/472649 |
Filed: |
August 29, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13727300 |
Dec 26, 2012 |
|
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|
14472649 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
464/138 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04C 2/1071 20130101;
F16D 3/16 20130101; E21B 17/02 20130101; F16D 3/845 20130101; E21B
17/04 20130101; E21B 43/121 20130101; F04C 15/0061 20130101; F16D
3/185 20130101; F04B 47/02 20130101; E21B 43/128 20130101; F04C
13/008 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
464/138 |
International
Class: |
E21B 17/02 20060101
E21B017/02; F16D 3/48 20060101 F16D003/48 |
Claims
1. An articulating component for use in a downhole pumping system,
the articulating component comprising: a body having a first end
and a second end; a ball connected to the first end the body; a
socket connected to the second end of the body; and a locking
collar connected to the socket.
2. The articulating component of claim 1, wherein the locking
collar is a unitary locking collar that is configured for threaded
engagement with the socket.
3. The articulating component of claim 1, wherein the locking
collar is a split-ring locking collar that is configured for
threaded engagement with the socket.
4. The articulating component of claim 3, wherein the split-ring
locking collar includes two halves and fasteners that releasably
join the two halves.
5. The articulating component of claim 1 further comprising a
plurality of rollers connected to the body.
6. The articulating component of claim 5, wherein each of the
plurality of rollers is selected from the group consisting of
casters, bearings and roller balls.
7. The articulating component of claim 1, wherein the articulating
component is selected from the group consisting of pumps, motors,
seal sections, intakes, sensor modules, pump discharges and fluid
conduits.
8. The articulating component of claim 7, wherein the articulating
component further comprises: an upstream shaft; a downstream shaft;
and an articulating shaft coupler.
9. The articulating component of claim 8, wherein the articulating
component further comprises an internal fluid path.
10. The articulating component of claim 7, wherein the articulating
component further comprises an internal fluid path.
11. A pumping system for use in a downhole well, the pumping system
comprising a plurality of articulating components, wherein each of
the plurality of articulating components is connected to another of
the plurality of articulating components with an articulating
joint.
12. The pumping system of claim 11, where each of the plurality of
articulating components is connected to another of the plurality of
articulating components with an articulating ball-and-socket
joint.
13. The pumping system of claim 12, wherein each of the plurality
of interconnected articulating components is selected from the
group consisting of pumps, motors, seal sections, intakes, sensor
modules, pump discharges and fluid conduits.
14. The pumping system of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality
of articulating components comprises: a body having a first end and
a second end; a ball connected to the first end the body; a socket
connected to the second end of the body; and a locking collar
connected to the socket.
15. The pumping system of claim 14, wherein each of the plurality
of articulating components further comprises a plurality of rollers
connected to the body.
16. A pumping system comprising: a first articulating component,
wherein the first articulating component comprises: a body; and a
ball extending from the body; and a second articulating component,
wherein the second articulating component comprises: a body; a
socket extending from the body of the second articulating
component, wherein the socket receives the ball of the first
articulating component; and a locking collar that captures the ball
of the first articulating component within the socket of the second
articulating component.
17. The pumping system of claim 16, wherein the locking collar is a
unitary locking collar that is configured for threaded engagement
with the socket.
18. The pumping system of claim 16, wherein the locking collar is a
split-ring locking collar that is configured for threaded
engagement with the socket.
19. The pumping system of claim 16, wherein the first articulating
component further comprises one or more rollers connected to the
body of the first articulating component.
20. The pumping system of claim 16, wherein the first articulating
component includes a first shaft and the second articulating
component includes a second shaft, and wherein the first and second
shaft are connected by an articulating shaft coupler within the
body of the first articulating component.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/727,300, filed Dec. 26, 2012 entitled
"Flexible Joint Connection," the disclosure of which is herein
incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to the field of electrical
submersible pumping systems, and more particularly, but not by way
of limitation, to adapters for connecting components within the
pumping system.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Submersible pumping systems are often deployed into wells to
recover petroleum fluids from subterranean reservoirs. Typically, a
submersible pumping system includes a number of components,
including an electric motor coupled to one or more high performance
pump assemblies. Production tubing is connected to the pump
assemblies to deliver the petroleum fluids from the subterranean
reservoir to a storage facility on the surface.
[0004] The motor is typically an oil-filled, high capacity electric
motor that can vary in length from a few feet to nearly one hundred
feet, and may be rated up to hundreds of horsepower. Prior art
motors often include a fixed stator assembly that surrounds a rotor
assembly. The rotor assembly rotates within the stator assembly in
response to the sequential application of electric current through
different portions of the stator assembly. The motor transfers
power to the pump assembly through a common shaft keyed to the
rotor. For certain applications, intermediate gearboxes can be used
to increase the torque provided by the motor to the pump
assembly.
[0005] Pump assemblies often employ axially and centrifugally
oriented multi-stage turbomachines. Most downhole turbomachines
include one or more impeller and diffuser combinations, commonly
referred to as "stages." In many designs, each impeller rotates
within adjacent stationary diffusers. During use, the rotating
impeller imparts kinetic energy to the fluid. A portion of the
kinetic energy is converted to pressure as the fluid passes through
the downstream diffuser. The impellers are typically keyed to the
shaft and rotate in unison.
[0006] Often, it is desirable to deploy the pumping system in an
offset, deviated, directional, horizontal or other non-vertical
well. In these applications, the length and rigidity of the pumping
system must be considered as the system is deployed and retracted
through curved or angled portions of the well. As the incidence of
non-vertical wellbores increases, there is need for a pumping
system that can navigate these non-vertical deployments. It is to
this and other deficiencies in the prior art that the present
invention is directed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In preferred embodiments, the present invention includes a
pumping system configured for deployment in a non-vertical
wellbore. In a first aspect, the pumping system includes a
plurality of articulating components. Each of the plurality of
articulating components is connected to an adjacent other of the
plurality of articulating components with an articulating joint. In
preferred embodiments, the articulating joint is a ball-and-socket
mechanism.
[0008] In another aspect, the preferred embodiments include an
articulating component that has a body having a first end and a
second end, a ball connected to the first end the body and a socket
connected to the second end of the body. A locking collar is
connected to the socket to secure the ball portion of an adjacent
articulating component to the socket.
[0009] In yet another aspect, the preferred embodiments include a
first articulating component that has a body and a ball extending
from the body. The pumping system further includes a second
articulating component that has a body, a socket extending from the
body that receives the ball of the first articulating component,
and a locking collar that captures the ball of the first
articulating component within the socket of the second articulating
component.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a downhole pumping
system constructed in accordance with a presently preferred
embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a first
preferred embodiment of a flexible pump adapter of the pumping
system of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a second
preferred embodiment of a flexible pump adapter of the pumping
system of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a third
preferred embodiment of a flexible pump adapter of the pumping
system of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fourth preferred
embodiment of a flexible pump adapter of the pumping system of FIG.
1.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the fourth preferred
embodiment of FIG. 5.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a flexible motor adapter
constructed in accordance with a first preferred embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the flexible motor
adapter of FIG. 7.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the flexible motor adapter
of FIG. 7 with the outer shield and inner membrane removed for
clarity.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a flex receiver constructed
in accordance with a first preferred embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a flex receiver constructed
in accordance with a second preferred embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of a first
preferred embodiment of the flexible pump adapter of the pumping
system of FIG. 1 in which the flexible pump adapter is integral
with the upstream pump assembly.
[0022] FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of an articulating
component that includes an integral articulating joint constructed
in accordance with a fifth preferred embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 14a is a partial cross-sectional view of two
articulating components connected by the integral articulating
joint of FIG. 13.
[0024] FIG. 14b is a partial cross-sectional view of two
articulating components connected by the integral articulating
joint of FIG. 13.
[0025] FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of an articulating
component that includes an articulating joint constructed in
accordance with a sixth preferred embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 16a is a front view of the split-ring locking collar of
the integral articulating joint of FIG. 15 in disassembled
condition.
[0027] FIG. 16b is a front view of the split-ring locking collar of
the integral articulating joint of FIG. 15 in assembled
condition.
[0028] FIG. 17a is a partial cross-sectional view of two
articulating components connected by the integral articulating
joint of FIG. 15.
[0029] FIG. 17b is a partial cross-sectional view of two
articulating components connected by the integral articulating
joint of FIG. 15.
[0030] FIG. 18 is a side view of an articulating component
incorporating casters.
[0031] FIG. 19 is a side view of a pair of articulating components
of FIG. 18.
[0032] FIG. 20 is a side view of an articulating component
incorporating bearing strips.
[0033] FIG. 21 is a side view of an articulating component
incorporating ball-point rollers.
[0034] FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of a pumping system
constructed in accordance with an alternate preferred embodiment
that includes a series of interconnected articulating
components.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0035] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of a downhole
pumping system 100 attached to production tubing 102. The downhole
pumping system 100 and production tubing 102 are disposed in a
wellbore 104, which is drilled for the production of a fluid such
as water or petroleum. The downhole pumping system 100 is shown in
a non-vertical well. This type of well is often referred to as a
"directional," "deviated" or "horizontal" well. Although the
downhole pumping system 100 is depicted in a horizontal well, it
will be appreciated that the downhole pumping system 100 can also
be used in non-horizontal wells.
[0036] As used herein, the term "petroleum" refers broadly to all
mineral hydrocarbons, such as crude oil, gas and combinations of
oil and gas. The production tubing 102 connects the pumping system
100 to a wellhead 106 located on the surface. Although the pumping
system 100 is primarily designed to pump petroleum products, it
will be understood that the present invention can also be used to
move other fluids. It will also be understood that, although each
of the components of the pumping system 100 are primarily disclosed
in a submersible application, some or all of these components can
also be used in surface pumping operations.
[0037] The pumping system 100 preferably includes a combination of
one or more pump assemblies 108, one or more motor assemblies 110
and one or more seal sections 112. In the preferred embodiment
depicted in FIG. 1, the pumping system 100 includes a single motor
assembly 110, a single seal section 112 and two separated pump
assemblies 108a, 108b. The two pump assemblies 108a, 108b are
connected by a flexible pump adapter 114. The pumping system 100
further includes a flexible motor adapter 116 that connects the
motor assembly 110 to the seal section 112. As used in this
disclosure, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" provide relative
positional information for components within the pumping system 100
with reference to the flow of pumped fluids through the pumping
system 100. In this way, the pump assembly 108a is the "upstream"
pump assembly and the pump assembly 108b is the "downstream" pump
assembly. Although a single motor assembly 110 is depicted in FIG.
1, it will be understood that the pumping system 100 may include
multiple motor assemblies 110 that are concatenated or trained
together. It will further be appreciated that the pumping system
100 may also include multiple seal sections 112.
[0038] The motor assembly 110 is an electrical motor that may
receive its power from a surface-based supply. The motor assembly
110 converts the electrical energy into mechanical energy, which is
transmitted to the pump assemblies 108a, 108b by one or more
shafts. The pump assemblies 108a, 108b then transfer a portion of
this mechanical energy to fluids within the wellbore, causing the
wellbore fluids to move through the production tubing 102 to the
surface. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the pump
assemblies 108a, 108b are turbomachines that use one or more
impellers and diffusers to convert mechanical energy into pressure
head. In an alternative embodiment, the pump assemblies 108a, 108b
include a progressive cavity (PC) or positive displacement pump
that moves wellbore fluids with one or more screws or pistons. The
seal section 112 shields the motor assembly 110 from mechanical
thrust produced by the pump assembly 108. The seal section 112 is
also preferably configured to prevent the introduction of
contaminants from the wellbore 104 into the motor assembly 110.
[0039] The flexible pump adapter 114 is configured to connect two
adjacent components within the pumping system 100 with a mechanism
that permits a degree of angular offset between the components. In
preferred embodiments, the flexible pump adapter 114 transfers
torque from an upstream component to a downstream component, and
includes an internal path for transferring pumped fluids between
the two components. Accordingly, the flexible pump adapter 114 is
preferably utilized for connecting two components within the
pumping system 100 that together provide a path for pumped fluids.
As depicted in FIG. 1, the flexible pump adapter 114 provides a
fluid flow path from the discharge of the upstream pump assembly
108a to the intake of the downstream pump assembly 108b. Notably,
the flexible pump adapter 114 can be used to provide an
articulating connection between any two components within the
pumping system 100, including, for example, seal section-to-seal
section connections and seal section-to-intake adapter
connections.
[0040] The flexible motor adapter 116 is configured to connect two
adjacent components within the pumping system 100 with a mechanism
that permits a degree of angular offset between the components. In
preferred embodiments, the flexible motor adapter 116 transfers
torque from an upstream component to a downstream component, where
the connection does not require an internal path for transferring
pumped fluids. Accordingly, the flexible motor adapter 116 is
designed for connecting two components within the pumping system
100 that do not cooperatively provide a path for pumped fluids. As
depicted in FIG. 1, the flexible motor adapter 116 connects the
motor assembly 110 and the seal section 112. Notably, the flexible
motor adapter 116 can be used to provide an articulating connection
between any two components within the pumping system 100,
including, for example, to provide an articulating joint for pump
assemblies placed below the motor(s) in what is referred to as a
"sumped" configuration.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 2, shown therein is a cross-section
view of a first preferred embodiment of the flexible pump adapter
114. Generally, the flexible pump adapter 114 provides an
articulating connection between two adjacent components with the
pumping system 100. The flexible pump adapter 114 includes an
upstream section 118 for connecting to an upstream component and a
downstream section 120 for connecting to a downstream component. In
the preferred embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the upstream section
is connected to the upstream pump assembly 108a and the downstream
section 120 is connected to the downstream pump assembly 108b.
Unless otherwise noted, each component of the flexible pump adapter
114 is manufactured from a suitable metal or metal alloy, such as,
for example, steel, stainless steel, or Inconel. Although the
upstream section 118 and downstream section 120 are depicted as
separate elements that can be attached to upstream and downstream
components within the pumping system 100, it will be understood
that the upstream section 118 and downstream section 120 can also
be formed as an integral part of the respective upstream or
downstream component, as illustrated in FIG. 12. For example, the
upstream section 118 could be part of the pump assembly 108a, while
the downstream section 120 could be part of the pump assembly 108b.
For these embodiments, the flexible pump adapter 114 incorporates
elements from the adjacent components within the pumping system
100, including a common upstream shaft 136 extending from the pump
assembly 108a into the upstream section 118.
[0042] Turning back to FIG. 2, the flexible pump adapter 114
further includes a plurality of axial bolts 122, an upstream
retainer 124, a downstream retainer 126 and a joint guard 128. The
axial bolts 122 extend through, and connect, the upstream section
118 and the downstream section 120. Each of the upstream section
118 and downstream section 120 include axial bolt bores 130 that
receive a corresponding one of the plurality of axial bolts 122.
The diameter of the axial bolt bores 130 is larger than the outer
diameter of the corresponding axial bolts 122. The axial bolts 122
are therefore provided a small degree of lateral movement within
the axial bolt bores 130. Each axial bolt 122 includes a pair of
axial bolt caps 132 that are preferably configured for threaded
engagement with the opposing distal ends of each axial bolt 122.
The axial bolt caps 132 are larger than the axial bolt bores 130.
Each axial bolt 122 further includes a pair of axial bolt inner
limiters 134 located at a predetermined distance from the ends of
the axial bolt 122. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, the axial
bolt inner limiters 134 are presented as larger diameter shoulders
on the axial bolts 122, but it will be appreciated that the axial
bolt inner limiters 134 can also be nuts, flanges or pins.
[0043] During angular articulation, portions of the upstream
section 118 and downstream section 120 separate, while opposite
portions approximate. As depicted in FIG. 2, the right-hand side of
the upstream section 118 and downstream section 120 have separated,
while the left-hand side of the upstream section 118 and downstream
section 120 have been pushed together. The axial bolts 122 on the
right-hand side are placed in tension as the axial bolt caps 132
press against the separating portions of the upstream section 118
and downstream section 120. In contrast, the axial bolts 122 and
axial bolt bores 130 positioned on the opposite side of the
flexible pump adapter 114 allow the upstream section 118 and
downstream section 120 to be drawn together until the upstream
section 118 and downstream section 120 contact the axial bolt inner
limiters 134. Once the upstream and downstream sections 118, 120
contact the axial bolt inner limiters 134, the corresponding axial
bolts 122 are placed into compression. In this way, the axial bolts
122, axial bolt bores 130, axial bolt caps 132 and axial bolt inner
limiters 134 form an "articulating joint" that permits a degree of
angular articulation between the upstream section 118 and
downstream section 120, while limiting the rotational movement and
axial dislocation between the upstream and downstream sections 118,
120. Importantly, the flexible pump adapter 114 is designed to
transfer the weight of upstream components within the pumping
system 100 to downstream components when the pumping system 100 is
placed in a non-horizontal deployment. The axial bolt caps 132 and
axial bolt inner limiters 134 provide a facilitated method for
controlling the extent of articulation within the flexible pump
adapter 114. By adjusting or fixing the relative distances between
the axial bolt caps 132 and axial bolt inner limiters 134, the
degree of articulation can be consistently controlled.
[0044] Continuing with FIG. 2, the flexible pump adapter 114
further includes an adapter drivetrain that includes an upstream
shaft 136, a downstream shaft 138 and a shaft coupling 140. The
upstream shaft 136 is configured for connection to the upstream
component within the pumping system 100 (e.g., the upstream pump
assembly 108a) and the downstream shaft 138 is configured for
connection to the downstream component within the pumping system
100 (e.g., the downstream pump assembly 108b). The upstream shaft
136 and the downstream shaft 138 are connected by the shaft
coupling 140. In a presently preferred embodiment, the shaft
coupling 140 is a conventional u-joint mechanism that includes a
cross member that connects to offset yokes on the upstream and
downstream shafts 136, 138.
[0045] Alternatively, the shaft coupling 140 can be configured as a
ball-and-socket arrangement that includes a rounded spline
connection with a receiving splined socket. Turning to FIGS. 10 and
11, shown therein are alternative embodiments of the shaft coupling
140. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 10, the shaft coupling 140
includes a flex receiver 200 that includes an upstream receptacle
202, a downstream receiver 204 and a divider 206. Each of the
upstream and downstream receptacles 202, 204 has a series of convex
curved splines 208 that mate with straight splines 210 on the ends
of the upstream and downstream shafts 136, 138. The convex curved
splines 208 may be provided as inserts within the flex receiver
200. The placement of the straight splines 210 within the curved
splines 208 allows the upstream and downstream shafts 136, 138 to
rock while maintaining contact with the flex receiver 200. The
divider 206 limits the axial displacement of the upstream and
downstream shafts 136, 138.
[0046] In the alternative embodiment depicted in FIG. 11, the flex
receiver 200 includes straight splines 210 within the upstream
receiver 202 and downstream receiver 204. The ends of the upstream
and downstream shafts 136, 138 (only the upstream shaft 136 is
depicted in FIG. 11) are provided with convex curved splines 208.
In this way, the upstream and/or downstream shafts 136, 138 are
allowed to articulate within the flex receiver 200. In a
particularly preferred embodiment, the convex curved splines 208 of
the upstream and downstream shafts 136, 138 are presented on a
separate head attachment that fits over a standard splined end of
the upstream and downstream shafts 136, 138. The use of a separate
convex splined shaft adapter reduces manufacturing and material
costs and permits the use of the flex receiver 200 with standard
shafts. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 11, the divider 206
includes a single post rather than a larger partition between the
upstream and downstream receivers 202, 204. In yet other
embodiments, the shaft coupling 140 is configured as a constant
velocity (CV) joint or Birfield-type joint.
[0047] Returning to FIG. 2, the flexible pump adapter 114 further
includes a coupling housing 142, a coupling cap 144 and coupling
bellows 146. The coupling housing 142 is preferably secured to the
upstream shaft 136 and the coupling cap 144 is secured to the
downstream shaft 138. The coupling housing 142 and coupling cap 144
cooperate to shield the shaft coupling 140 from debris and fluids
moving through the flexible pump adapter 114. The coupling bellows
146 isolate the shaft coupling 140 from fluid and debris present
within the coupling housing 142. In a presently preferred
embodiment, the coupling bellows 146 are manufactured from a folded
and flexible elastomer or polymer. To further protect the shaft
coupling 140, a second bellows (not shown) may be used to prevent
migration of fluid and debris between the coupling cap 144 and the
coupling housing 142. Alternatively, the coupling bellows 146 are
manufactured from a metal or a combination of metal and
polymer.
[0048] The joint guard 128 surrounds the shaft coupling 140, the
coupling housing 142 and the coupling cap 144. The joint guard 128
is preferably configured as a substantially cylindrical tube, with
a tapered downstream end. The upstream end of the joint guard 128
is held in position adjacent the upstream section 118 by the
upstream retainer 124. Alternatively, the upstream end of the joint
guard 128 can be connected to the upstream section 118 with a
welded or threaded connection, or presented as a unitary
construction. The conical shape of the downstream side of the joint
guard 128 allows the upstream and downstream sections 118, 120 to
articulate.
[0049] To isolate the interior of the flexible pump adapter 114
from the surrounding wellbore 104, the flexible pump adapter 114
includes a flexible outer housing 148. The outer housing 148 is
preferably constructed from a flexible, impermeable material that
is sufficiently durable to withstand the internal pressures of the
pumped fluid and the inhospitable external environment. Suitable
materials include creased metal, woven metal mesh and elastomers.
In a particularly preferred embodiment, the outer housing 148
includes a woven metal mesh exterior with a polymer liner. Suitable
polymers include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), perfluoroalkoxy
(PFA), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), tetrafluoroethylene/propylene
(TFE/P)(Aflas), fluorine terpolymer (FKM) (Viton), highly saturated
nitrile (HSN) or hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR), and
metallized polymers. The outer housing 148, joint guard 128,
coupling housing 142 and coupling cap 144 cooperate to protect the
shaft coupling 140 while permitting the upstream and downstream
sections 118, 120 to articulate.
[0050] It will be noted that the flexible pump adapter 114 also
includes an internal fluid passage 150 for pumped fluids exchanged
between the upstream and downstream components connected to the
flexible pump adapter 114. To this end, the upstream section 118
includes an upstream section throat 152 and the downstream section
120 includes a downstream section throat 154. The upstream section
throat 152 includes an annular space around the upstream shaft 136.
The downstream section throat 154 includes an annular space around
the downstream shaft 138. The fluid passage 150 is created by the
annular spaces within the upstream and downstream section throats
152, 154 and the annular space between the joint guard 128 and the
coupling housing 142 and coupling cap 144.
[0051] Accordingly, although it is not required that the flexible
pump adapter 114 be connected between adjacent pump assemblies 108,
the flexible pump adapter 114 is particularly well-suited for
providing a point of articulation between two components within the
pumping system 100 that are configured for providing a passage for
the movement of pumped fluids. It will be noted, however, that in
certain applications, it may be desirable to remove the upstream
and downstream shafts 136, 138, the shaft coupling 140, the
coupling housing 142, the coupling cap 144 and the coupling bellows
146. In these alternate embodiments, the flexible pump adapter 114
is not configured to transfer torque from an upstream shaft to a
downstream shaft, but only provides a point of articulation between
two components within the pumping system 100 that are configured
for providing a passage for the movement of pumped fluids. For
example, it may be desirable to use the flexible pump adapter 114
without the adapter drivetrain to connect the discharge side of the
pump assembly 108b to the production tubing 102.
[0052] Turning to FIG. 3, shown therein is a cross-sectional
depiction of a second preferred embodiment of the flexible pump
adapter 114. Unless otherwise indicated, the second preferred
embodiment of the flexible pump adapter 114 includes the same
components identified during the description of the first preferred
embodiment shown in FIG. 2. Unlike the first preferred embodiment,
the second preferred embodiment does not include axial bolts 122
that extend through axial bolt bores 130 in the upstream and
downstream sections 118, 120. Instead, the second preferred
embodiment of the flexible pump adapter 114 makes use of an
articulating joint formed by a rigid joint chamber 156 that is
pivotally connected to the upstream and downstream sections 118,
120.
[0053] The joint chamber 156 is preferably cylindrical and includes
a large central chamber 158 that tapers on both ends to flange ends
160. The central chamber accommodates the lateral displacement of
the shaft coupling 140 during the articulation of the flexible pump
adapter 114. The joint chamber 156 includes flared ends 162 at the
open end of each flange end 160.
[0054] The upstream and downstream sections 118, 120 both include a
receiving recess 164 that is configured to receive the flared end
162 of the joint chamber 156. Each of the upstream and downstream
sections 118, 120 further includes a locking collar 166 that
captures the flared ends 162 of the joint chamber 156 within the
respective upstream and downstream section 118, 120. The locking
collars 166 are secured to flanges of upstream and downstream
sections 118, 120 with collar bolts 168. In a particularly
preferred embodiment, the locking collar 166 is configured as a
split collar that includes two or more separate pieces that can be
placed around the outside of the flange ends 160 of the joint
chamber 156. The locking collars 166 include a central opening 170
that extends the receiving recess 164 of the upstream and
downstream sections 118, 120. Although the locking collars 166 are
shown bolted to the upstream and downstream sections 118, 120, the
locking collars 166 may alternatively be configured for a threaded
engagement with the upstream and downstream sections 118, 120.
[0055] The receiving recesses 164 and locking collars 166 are
configured to permit the slight movement of the flared ends 162
relative to the upstream and downstream sections 118, 120. Thus,
the flared ends 162 are somewhat loosely captured within the
receiving recesses 164, but prohibited from being removed from the
receiving recesses 164 of the locking collar 166. This permits the
angular articulation of the upstream and downstream sections 118,
120 around the joint chamber 156. In a particularly preferred
variation of this embodiment, the receiving recesses 164 are
machined with close tolerances to the width of the flared ends 162
such that the extent of articulation is limited as the flared ends
160 bind within the receiving recesses 164. In addition to limiting
the extent of articulation, the close tolerances presented between
the flared ends 162 and the receiving recess 164 creates a
substantially impermeable seal between the upstream and downstream
sections 118, 120 and the joint chamber 156.
[0056] Turning to FIG. 4, shown therein is a cross-sectional
depiction of a third preferred embodiment of the flexible pump
adapter 114. Unless otherwise indicated, the third preferred
embodiment of the flexible pump adapter 114 includes the same
components identified during the description of the first preferred
embodiment shown in FIG. 2. Unlike the first preferred embodiment,
the third preferred embodiment does not include axial bolts 122
that extend through axial bolt bores 130 in the upstream and
downstream sections 118, 120. Instead, the third preferred
embodiment of the flexible pump adapter 114 makes use of an
articulating joint formed by pivoting flanges connected to a rigid
joint chamber that together provide a degree of articulation.
[0057] In the third preferred embodiment, the flexible pump adapter
114 includes an upstream pivot section 172, a fixed coupling
chamber 174 and a downstream pivot section 176. Each of the
upstream and downstream pivot sections 172, 176 includes a rounded
base 178. The flexible pump adapter 114 further includes cap pieces
180 that hold the upstream pivot section 172 and downstream pivot
section 176 in place within the fixed coupling chamber 174. The cap
pieces 180 are preferably bolted onto the coupling chamber 174.
Alternatively, the cap pieces 180 may be configured for a threaded
engagement with the upstream and downstream pivot sections 172,
176. Although not depicted in FIG. 4, it may be desirable in
certain applications to place a bellows, boot or other articulating
sealing mechanism around the outer surfaces of the cap pieces 180
and the respective upstream and downstream pivot sections 172, 176.
The outer sealing mechanism further restricts the passage of fluids
into, and out of, the fixed coupling chamber 174.
[0058] The fixed coupling chamber 174 and the cap pieces 180 each
include an interior profile that forms a socket 182 that matingly
receives the rounded base of each of the upstream and downstream
pivot sections 172, 176. The interior profile of the coupling
chamber 174 further includes an interior shoulder 184 that prevents
the upstream and downstream pivot sections 172, 176 from being
pushed into the coupling chamber 174. In this way, the coupling
chamber 174, cap pieces 180 and the rounded bases 178 of the
upstream and downstream pivot sections 172, 176 create a
ball-and-socket articulating joint that permits angular
articulation about the flexible pump adapter 114, but resists
separation or compression along the longitudinal axis of the
flexible pump adapter 114.
[0059] Turning to FIGS. 5 and 6, shown therein are perspective and
cross-sectional views, respectively, of a fourth preferred
embodiment of the flexible pump adapter 114. In the fourth
preferred embodiment, the flexible pump adapter 114 includes a
flexible metal casing 185 extending between the upstream section
118 and the downstream section 120. The flexible metal casing 185
is preferably constructed by creating spiral or parallel grooves
around the outer diameter of a metal cylinder. The resulting ribbed
exterior 187 of the metal casing 185 permits a degree of bending
when exposed to lateral stress, but will not crush under axial
(longitudinal) stress. In addition to the ribbed exterior 187, the
metal casing 185 may optionally, or alternatively, include a ribbed
internal surface (not shown in FIGS. 5 and 6). Although the metal
casing 185 is depicted as a unitary part of the upstream section
118 and downstream section 120, it will be appreciated that the
metal casing 185 can be manufactured as a separate component that
can be attached to the upstream and downstream sections 118, 120.
As depicted in FIG. 6, the fourth preferred embodiment of the
flexible pump adapter 114 preferably includes the flex receiver 200
between the upstream and downstream shafts 136, 138. It will be
noted that fourth preferred embodiment of the flexible pump adapter
114 can employ other shaft couplings 140, and can also be used
without shafts.
[0060] Turning now to FIGS. 7 and 8, shown therein are perspective
and cross-sectional views, respectively, of the flexible motor
adapter 116. Unless otherwise indicated, the flexible motor adapter
116 includes the same components identified during the description
of the first preferred embodiment of the flexible pump adapter 114
shown in FIG. 2. Unlike the flexible pump adapter 114, however, the
flexible motor adapter 116 does not include the fluid passage 150
and is not configured to permit the passage of pumped fluids
between components connected to the flexible motor adapter 116.
Instead, the flexible motor adapter 116 is configured to transfer
torque with a flexible connection between two components of the
pumping system 100. It will be noted that the flexible motor
adapter 116 includes passages to permit the passage of motor
lubricants or other internal fluids between adjacent components
within the pumping system 100. The flexible motor adapter 116 may
also include pass-through ports that permit the internal routing of
electrical wiring between adjacent components within the pumping
system 100.
[0061] The flexible motor adapter 116 preferably includes an
exterior shield 186 and an interior barrier 188. In a particularly
preferred embodiment, the exterior shield 188 rides between the
axial bolt inner limiters 134, which are configured as nuts in this
embodiment. In this way, the exterior shield 186 is not rigidly
affixed to the upstream and downstream sections 118, 120. The
exterior shield 186 is preferably constructed from a suitable metal
or metal alloy and protects the axial bolts 122 and interior
barrier 188 from mechanical impact and abrasion.
[0062] The interior barrier 188 extends between the upstream
retainer 124 and the downstream retainer 126. The interior barrier
188 is preferably constructed from a flexible, impermeable membrane
that prohibits the passage of external fluids into the interior of
the flexible motor adapter 116. In particularly preferred
embodiment, the interior barrier 188 is manufactured from a
polymer, such as, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE),
perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), polyetheretherketone (PEEK),
tetrafluoroethylene/propylene (TFE/P)(Aflas), fluorine terpolymer
(FKM) (Viton), highly saturated nitrile (HSN) or hydrogenated
nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR), and metallized polymers.
[0063] Referring now also to FIG. 9, shown therein is a perspective
view of the flexible motor adapter 116 with the exterior shield 186
and the interior barrier 188 removed for clarity. The flexible
motor adapter 116 includes an upstream cup 190 and a downstream cup
192 that are each attached, respectively, to the upstream and
downstream sections 118, 120. The upstream cup 190 and downstream
cup 192 are preferably sized such that the open end of one of the
cups fits within the open end of the other cup. In the embodiment
depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8, the downstream cup 192 partially extends
inside the upstream cup 190. The upstream and downstream cups 190,
192 protect the flexible interior barrier 188 from contact with the
rotating shaft coupling 140 and critical internal components.
[0064] Accordingly, the flexible motor adapter 116 is well-suited
for providing a point of articulation between two components within
the pumping system 100 through which a shaft is used to transfer
mechanical energy. It will be noted, however, that in certain
applications, it may be desirable to remove the upstream and
downstream shafts 136, 138, the shaft coupling 140 and the upstream
and downstream cups 190, 192. In these alternate embodiments, the
flexible motor adapter 116 is not configured to transfer torque
from an upstream shaft to a downstream shaft, but only provides a
point of articulation between two components within the pumping
system 100. For example, it may be desirable to use the flexible
motor adapter 116 without the drivetrain to connect the motor
assembly 110 to monitoring modules connected upstream of the motor
assembly 110. Furthermore, although the flexible motor adapter 116
has been described with an articulating joint that uses axial bolts
122 and axial bolt bores 130, it will be appreciated that the
flexible motor adapter 116 can also employ the articulating joints
depicted in the second and third embodiments of the flexible pump
adapter 114. Specifically, it is contemplated that the flexible
motor adapter 116 can make use of the flared-end and recess
articulating joint depicted in FIG. 3 and the ball-and-socket
articulating joint depicted in FIG. 4. It will also be noted that
the presently preferred embodiments contemplate the use of multiple
flexible pump adapters 114 and flexible motor adapters 116. As
non-limiting examples, two flexible pump adapters 114 or two
flexible motor adapters 116 can be connected to provide
articulating joints that provide an increased range of motion. In
certain embodiments, it may be desirable to include a series of
radial support bearings within the flexible motor adapter 116 or
flexible pump adapter 114 to support the upstream and downstream
shafts 136, 138 if they are rotated while in an offset angular
alignment.
[0065] Turning to FIG. 13, shown therein is a partial
cross-sectional view of an articulating component 300. The
articulating component 300 includes a body 302, a ball 304, a
socket 306 and a locking collar 308. Like the flexible pump adapter
114 and flexible motor adapter 116, the articulating component 300
can be configured to transmit pumped fluids and torque through
internal shafts or linkages. Generally, the articulating component
300 is configured to provide an integral ball-and-socket connection
between adjacent components within the pumping system 100. For
example, the articulating component 300 may include any component
within the pumping system 100, including a pump, motor, seal
section, sensor package, intake, gas separator, or production
tubing.
[0066] FIGS. 14a and 14b illustrate the connection between two
adjacent articulating components 300 that include an upstream shaft
136, a downstream shaft 138 and a shaft coupling 140. The unitary
locking collar 308 is configured for threaded engagement with the
socket 306. The socket 306 includes a bowl 310 that is configured
to receive the ball 304 of the adjacent component 300. The unitary
locking collar 308 is designed to be placed over the ball 304 of an
adjacent articulating component 300. Screwing the locking collar
308 onto the threaded socket 306 approximates the ball 304 of the
adjacent articulating component 300 to the socket 306. In a
particularly preferred embodiment, the locking collar 308 includes
one or more seal rings 312 that provide a redundant seal around the
ball 304. In this way, the ball-and-socket mechanism of the
articulating components 300 provides a jointed connection between
adjacent components within the pumping system 100. Notably, the use
of the ball-and-socket mechanism provides both angular and
rotational articulation between the adjacent components 300.
[0067] Turning to FIG. 15, shown therein is a cross-sectional view
of an alternate embodiment of the articulating component 300. The
alternate embodiment depicted in FIG. 15 includes a split-ring
locking collar 314. As best illustrated in FIGS. 16a and 16b, the
split-ring locking collar 314 is configured as separate halves that
are joined together with fasteners 316. The split-ring locking
collar 314 is useful in applications where the unitary threaded
locking collar 308 is unable to fit over the upstream articulating
component 300. The use of the split-ring locking collars 314 is
depicted in FIGS. 17a and 17b, which illustrate the angular
movement between adjacent articulating components 300. In the
embodiment depicted in FIGS. 17a and 17b, the articulating
components 300 are configured to pass fluids like the flexible pump
adapter 114 and do not include torque-transferring shafts found in
the flexible motor adapter 116. Such components may include, for
example, articulated production tubing and pump discharge
heads.
[0068] Turning to FIG. 18, shown therein is a side view of an
articulating component 300 constructed in accordance with another
preferred embodiment. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 18, the
articulating component 300 includes a series of rollers along the
body 302. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 18, the rollers are
casters 316 preferably include a mount 318 to which each caster 316
is secured. The use of casters 316 allows the component 300 to roll
along the wellbore 104. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 18, the
articulating component 300 includes eight casters 316 disposed
about the body 302. It will be appreciated, however, that fewer or
greater numbers of casters 316 is encompassed within the scope of
preferred embodiments. FIG. 19 illustrates two adjacent
articulating components 300 that include casters 316.
[0069] Turning to FIG. 20, shown therein is a side view of the
articulating component 300 with an alternate embodiment of the
rollers. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 20, the articulating
component 300 includes a plurality of angularly offset bearing
strip assemblies 320. Each bearing strip assembly 320 includes a
base block 322 fixed to the body 302 and a plurality of
substantially spherical bearings 324. The spherical bearings 324
are configured to rotate within the base block 322 to facilitate
the movement and centralization of the component 300 within the
wellbore 104. In a particularly preferred embodiment, there are
four, six or eight bearing strip assemblies 320 disposed about the
circumference of the body 302. In an alternate preferred
embodiment, the base block 322 is incorporated as a unitary part of
the body 302 to provide for a lower profile component 300.
[0070] FIG. 21 provides a partial cross-sectional side view of a
component 300 constructed in yet another preferred embodiment. As
depicted in FIG. 21, the component 300 includes rollers that are
embodied by ball-point roller assemblies 326. Each ball-point
roller assembly includes a pedestal 328 mounted to the body 302 and
a roller ball 330 captured within the pedestal 328. In a highly
preferred embodiment, one or more of the ball-point roller
assemblies 326 further includes a spring 332 within the pedestal
328 that provides the roller ball 330 with a degree of vertical
articulation. It will be appreciated that in low-profile
applications, it may be desirable to integrate the roller ball 330
and optional spring 332 into the body 302 of the component 300.
[0071] FIG. 22 is a side view of a pumping system 100 constructed
in accordance with an alternate preferred embodiment that includes
the use of multiple articulating components 300 disposed in the
non-vertical portion of the wellbore 104. As illustrated in FIG.
22, the pumping system 100 includes a sensor package 300a, a motor
300b, a seal section 300c, a pump assembly 300d and a plurality of
articulating conduits 300e. Each of these articulating components
300 includes a ball-and-socket mechanism that provides a degree of
angular articulation between adjacent components. In a particularly
preferred embodiment, each of the articulating components 300 also
includes casters 316, bearings 326 or roller balls 330 to
facilitate the movement of the articulating components 300 along
the wellbore 104. The use of the articulating components 300
permits the deployment and operation of the pumping system 100 into
undulated, horizontal portions of the wellbore 104.
[0072] Thus, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 22, the pumping
system 100 includes a number of interconnected articulating
components 300 that collectively provide flexible train that can be
extended into non-vertical wellbores. It will be appreciated that
certain of the articulating components 300 may not include the ball
304 and socket 306. For example, at the distal end of the pumping
system 100, the sensor package 300a may not include a socket 306
because it is not connected to any upstream components. As an
additional example, in certain applications it may be desirable to
rigidly fix the motor 300b to the pump 300d to prevent
counter-rotation of these devices in response to the application of
torque from the motor 300b. The last link of the articulating
conduit 300e may not include a ball 304 because it includes a rigid
connection to the production tubing 102 in the vertical portion of
the wellbore 104.
[0073] It is to be understood that even though numerous
characteristics and advantages of various embodiments of the
present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description,
together with details of the structure and functions of various
embodiments of the invention, this disclosure is illustrative only,
and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of
structure and arrangement of parts within the principles of the
present invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general
meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. It
will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the teachings
of the present invention can be applied to other systems without
departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.
* * * * *