Pipe joints or couplings – Particular interface – Interlocked or overlapped
Reexamination Certificate
2001-05-23
2003-05-06
Browne, Lynne H. (Department: 3679)
Pipe joints or couplings
Particular interface
Interlocked or overlapped
C285S913000, C285S387000, C285S388000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06557905
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to submersible well pump assemblies used to produce hydrocarbons from oil and gas wells. More particularly, the present invention relates to the specific manner in which the various components of a submersible well pump assembly are joined.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Submersible well pump assemblies generally include a pump to propel well bore fluid and a motor to drive the pump. Centrifugal pumps have an equalizer or seal section to isolate the lubricant fluid in the interior of the motor compartment from the well bore fluid while equalizing pressure between the well bore fluid and the interior of the motor compartment. Other components may also be included in appropriate subsurface environments such as a gas separator, and in the case of a progressive cavity pump, a gearbox that reduces rotational speed.
Prior submersible well pump assemblies typically are joined by bolts using flanges. A disadvantage of such a connection is the difficulty of making the necessary connection out in the field. The entire assembly must by assembled in a piecewise fashion while on the drilling platform. Aligning the flanges and inserting and securing the bolts can be a cumbersome and time-consuming procedure, particularly in cold or harsh weather.
Another disadvantage concerns the restriction in fluid flow caused by the flanged joint. The open space of a well bore of a producing well generally is limited by the inner diameter of the casing. Thus, the outer diameter of the submersible well pump assembly must fit within that inner diameter. Where a flanged connection is made, the diameter of the internal flow passage for well bore fluid is necessarily reduced to accommodate the width of the flange lip. The narrowed passage reduces throughput and can accelerate the wear rate of end connections, particularly when abrasive fluids are being pumped.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention comprises a submersible well pump assembly having at least two housings, a clamp ring, and at least one anti-rotation member. The first housing has an end having an outer surface, an end face, and a shoulder on that outer surface. The second housing has an end having an outer surface and an end face. The outer surface of the second housing has external threads formed thereon and the end face of the second housing abuts the end face of the first housing.
The clamp ring is rotatably and slidably carried on the first housing and has internal threads that engage the external threads of the second housing. The clamp ring also has an internal shoulder that engages the shoulder of the first housing. To keep the connection secure, the assembly has at least one anti-rotation member having a cooperative element on each end of each housing to inhibit rotation of one housing relative to the other.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2314867 (1943-03-01), Boynton
patent: 2501217 (1950-03-01), Hawn
patent: 3623753 (1971-11-01), Henry
patent: 4209193 (1980-06-01), Ahlstone
patent: 4350911 (1982-09-01), Wilson et al.
patent: 4500226 (1985-02-01), Romand-Monnier et al.
patent: 4549756 (1985-10-01), Basile
patent: 4658895 (1987-04-01), Brisco
patent: 4913630 (1990-04-01), Cotherman et al.
patent: 5474334 (1995-12-01), Eppink
patent: 6352288 (2002-03-01), Calkins
patent: 3812211 (1989-11-01), None
Brown Donn J.
Mack John J.
Wilson Brown L.
Baker Hughes Incorporated
Bracewell & Patterson L.L.P.
Browne Lynne H.
Dunwoody Aaron
LandOfFree
Anti-rotational submersible well pump assembly does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Anti-rotational submersible well pump assembly, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Anti-rotational submersible well pump assembly will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3064558