Abstract: Submersible pumps, diffuser assemblies, and related methods for pumping a fluid having a substantial sand content, are provided. A diffuser assembly for a submersible pump can include anti-swirl ribs forming sand dams positioned on an upper surface of the diffuser bowl floor at an acute angle to guide trapped between the bottom shroud of an impeller and the diffuser bowl to the inner surface of the diffuser bowl outer wall and back into the production fluid stream. The diffuser assembly can also include sand jump ramps each separately positioned adjacent the outer peripheral surface of one of the sand dams and positioned adjacent a separate portion of the inner surface of the diffuser bowl outer wall to further enhance deflection of sand back into the production fluid stream.

Abstract: Submersible pumps, diffuser assemblies, and related methods for pumping a fluid having a substantial sand content, are provided. A diffuser assembly for a submersible pump can include anti-swirl ribs forming sand dams positioned on an upper surface of the diffuser bowl floor at an acute angle to guide trapped between the bottom shroud of an impeller and the diffuser bowl to the inner surface of the diffuser bowl outer wall and back into the production fluid stream. The diffuser assembly can also include sand jump ramps each separately positioned adjacent the outer peripheral surface of one of the sand dams and positioned adjacent a separate portion of the inner surface of the diffuser bowl outer wall to further enhance deflection of sand back into the production fluid stream.

Abstract: An electrical submersible well pump assembly having a progressing cavity pump, a pump motor, a flex shaft connecting the pump motor to the pump, and a gas/liquid separator on the inlet to the pump. An inner and outer housing circumscribe a portion of the flex shaft, each having fluid inlets. The fluid inlets on the outer housing are above the inner housing inlets and an annulus is formed between the inner and outer housing. Wellbore fluid enters the assembly through the outer housing inlets, flows downward through the annulus, and into the inner housing inlets. Gas separates from the liquid as the fluid flows downward from the outer housing inlets to the inner housing inlets.

Abstract: An electrical submersible well pump assembly having a progressing cavity pump, a pump motor, a flex shaft connecting the pump motor to the pump, and a gas/liquid separator on the inlet to the pump. An inner and outer housing circumscribe a portion of the flex shaft, each having fluid inlets. The fluid inlets on the outer housing are above the inner housing inlets and an annulus is formed between the inner and outer housing. Wellbore fluid enters the assembly through the outer housing inlets, flows downward through the annulus, and into the inner housing inlets. Gas separates from the liquid as the fluid flows downward from the outer housing inlets to the inner housing inlets.