Abstract: A diffuser subassembly for use in downhole submersible pump assemblies includes a bearing set for supporting a drive shaft of the pump assemblies. The bearing set includes a sleeve for supporting the drive shaft in upward, downward and radial directions. The sleeve includes a central flange captured axially between a pair of bushings fixed to a diffuser body. Axial loads from the drive shaft may be transferred through the central flange of the sleeve to one or the other of the bushings into the diffuser body to accommodate upward and downward thrust forces. The bushings may be keyed to discourage rotational motion with respect to the diffuser body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a centrifugal pump according to which an annular retainer is positioned around a first end portion of a pump shaft, an open end portion of a compression cylinder is positioned around the first end portion of the pump shaft so that the pump shaft extends within an internal cavity of the compression cylinder, the compression cylinder is moved towards an annular groove formed in the first end portion of the pump shaft, and the annular retainer is sprung into the annular groove. In some embodiments, springing the annular retainer into the annular groove constrains one or more impellers and one or more annular spacers between the annular retainer and another annular retainer connected to the pump shaft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a centrifugal pump according to which an annular retainer is positioned around a first end portion of a pump shaft, an open end portion of a compression cylinder is positioned around the first end portion of the pump shaft so that the pump shaft extends within an internal cavity of the compression cylinder, the compression cylinder is moved towards an annular groove formed in the first end portion of the pump shaft, and the annular retainer is sprung into the annular groove. In some embodiments, springing the annular retainer into the annular groove constrains one or more impellers and one or more annular spacers between the annular retainer and another annular retainer connected to the pump shaft.

Abstract: A system for orienting and positioning a downhole ESP string in a deviated well includes a downhole ESP string, an accelerometer, and a data acquisition system. The string includes an intake port. The accelerometer is coupled to the string and measures the orientation of the intake port and the orientation of the string with respect to the vertical. The data acquisition system receives the orientation data, determines an offset value, and causes an adjustment in the orientation of the section. The string is oriented so that the intake port is on the bottom of the string facing towards the floor of the well and the intake port is positioned within the well where a deviation from a vertical path to a horizontal path takes place.

Abstract: A diffuser subassembly for use in downhole submersible pump assemblies includes a bearing set for supporting a drive shaft of the pump assemblies. The bearing set includes a sleeve for supporting the drive shaft in upward, downward and radial directions. The sleeve includes a central flange captured axially between a pair of bushings fixed to a diffuser body. Axial loads from the drive shaft may be transferred through the central flange of the sleeve to one or the other of the bushings into the diffuser body to accommodate upward and downward thrust forces. The bushings may be keyed to discourage rotational motion with respect to the diffuser body.