Abstract: Low voltage starting of a three-phase submersible pump motor in a shallow well is achieved by employing a high-impedance transformer for supplying the three-phase power to the motor. Upon starting, the normally heavy current drawn by the motor results in a voltage drop through the high-impedance transformer sufficient to substantially lower the voltage across the motor and hence the starting current. In the absence of limiting the starting current, abnormally high starting torques will be produced on the motor shaft resulting in mechanical fatigue and eventually shaft breakage.

Abstract: A gas-liquid separator, especially for use with a submersible well pump, having a substantially conical-shaped mesh member in the path of flow of gas-laden liquid. The majority of the liquid flows through the mesh; gas bubbles are trapped by the mesh and are swept by the flow of the liquid to a location where they are removed with a relatively small amount of bleed liquid from the separator Any particulate foreign matter in the gas-laden liquid, is trapped by the mesh and is swept along with the gas bubbles to the gas removal location.

Abstract: A tandem thrust bearing arrangement associated with a rotating shaft which is subjected to an axial load having spaced first and second annular members or thrust runners fixed to the shaft and first and second thrust bearings associated with the respective annular members and means axially movable with respect to the shaft supporting one of the thrust bearings which activates pivotable means applying load to the other thrust bearing.