Abstract: A method for operating a pumping system includes placing the pumping system in a first mode of operation in which the passage of pressurized reservoir fluids through the pump induces a rotation in the pump that is transferred to a motor. The induced rotation in the motor generates electricity. The method includes the step of shifting the electric submersible pumping system Method of Operating ESP into a second mode of operation in which a drive current is applied to the motor to drive the pump to provide an artificial lift-based recovery of the reservoir fluids from the well. While the pumping system is operating in a generator mode, the pumping system can be configured to act as a choke to moderate the pressure Primary Recovery Under and flow of reservoir fluids under reservoir pressures.

Abstract: A seal section for use in a downhole submersible pumping system includes a lower chamber, an upper chamber and an intermediate guide section between the lower chamber and the upper chamber. The lower chamber includes a seal bag assembly that has a seal bag containing motor oil and an exterior space around the seal bag that contains high density oil that is denser than the motor oil. The upper chamber includes a volume of the high density oil at the bottom of the upper chamber and a gravity trap connected to the exterior space through an intermediate passage in the intermediate guide section. The gravity trap includes an opening submerged in the volume of high density oil in the upper chamber.

Abstract: A dynamometer is used to dynamically evaluate an electrical submersible pump (“ESP”) motor while both are inside of a well. The dynamometer includes a ESP dyno that is mechanically coupled to the ESP motor. The ESP motor and ESP dyno can be a permanent magnet motor or an induction motor, and can have the same or similar values of inertia. Energy absorbed by the ESP dyno can be regenerated as electricity that is transmitted back to a power source, or converted to heat energy in a resistive load bank.

Abstract: A method for handling polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) powder, the method including receiving PTFE powder into a hopper having a conical section; reducing a sticking force (1) between an inner surface of the conical section of the hopper and the PTFE powder, (2) among particles of the PTFE powder, or both; discharging the PTFE powder from an outlet located near a base of the conical section of the hopper into a transfer channel; applying a pressure differential to the transfer channel to convey the PTFE powder in a dilute phase including a gas and the PTFE powder along the transfer channel; and at an outlet of the transfer channel, separating the PTFE powder from the gas, in which the separated PTFE powder has a particle morphology that is sufficient for dry manufacturing of film battery electrodes.

Abstract: A dynamometer is used to dynamically evaluate an electrical submersible pump (“ESP”) motor while both are inside of a well. The dynamometer includes a ESP dyno that is mechanically coupled to the ESP motor. The ESP motor and ESP dyno can be a permanent magnet motor or an induction motor, and can have the same or similar values of inertia. Energy absorbed by the ESP dyno can be regenerated as electricity that is transmitted back to a power source, or converted to heat energy in a resistive load bank.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring and suppressing a back EMF generated by an ESP motor when the ESP system is moved in a well. Embodiments provide both electrical braking to reduce the rotation of the motor (and corresponding back EMF) and warnings to alert users to hazardous conditions caused by the back EMF. One embodiment includes an ESP system having a permanent magnet motor, a back EMF safety system, and a power cable connected between them. The proximal ends of the cable's conductors are connected terminals of the back EMF safety system, which has switches that are closed to short circuit the conductors so that back EMF currents from rotation of the motor induce electrical braking in the motor. Currents and phase-to-phase voltages on the conductors are monitored to detect overcurrent and overvoltage conditions that may trigger alarms or other actions.

Abstract: A method of assembling a tandem permanent magnet motor includes the steps of using an external visual reference system to align the stator assembly of the upper permanent magnet motor with the stator assembly of the lower permanent magnet motor. The external visual reference system includes a series of external reference marks that provide a mechanism for quickly aligning the upper and lower permanent magnet motors in the field prior to installation in a well as part of an electric submersible pumping system.

Abstract: A seal section for use in a downhole submersible pumping system includes a lower chamber, an upper chamber and an intermediate guide section between the lower chamber and the upper chamber. The lower chamber includes a seal bag assembly that has a seal bag containing motor oil and an exterior space around the seal bag that contains high density oil that is denser than the motor oil. The upper chamber includes a volume of the high density oil at the bottom of the upper chamber and a gravity trap connected to the exterior space through an intermediate passage in the intermediate guide section. The gravity trap includes an opening submerged in the volume of high density oil in the upper chamber.

Abstract: A gas mitigation system for controlling the amount of gas that reaches a submersible pumping system deployed in a wellbore includes a well zone isolation device disposed in the wellbore between the submersible pumping system and a gas collecting region. The gas mitigation system further includes a back pressure control module and a gas vent line extending from the gas collecting region through the well zone isolation device to the back pressure control module. A liquid intake line extends from the well zone isolation device to an area of the wellbore upstream from the gas collecting region.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring and suppressing a back EMF generated by an ESP motor when the ESP system is moved in a well. Embodiments provide both electrical braking to reduce the rotation of the motor (and corresponding back EMF) and warnings to alert users to hazardous conditions caused by the back EMF. One embodiment includes an ESP system having a permanent magnet motor, a back EMF safety system, and a power cable connected between them. The proximal ends of the cable's conductors are connected terminals of the back EMF safety system, which has switches that are closed to short circuit the conductors so that back EMF currents from rotation of the motor induce electrical braking in the motor. Currents and phase-to-phase voltages on the conductors are monitored to detect overcurrent and overvoltage conditions that may trigger alarms or other actions.

Abstract: A gas mitigation system for controlling the amount of gas that reaches a submersible pumping system deployed in a wellbore includes a well zone isolation device disposed in the wellbore between the submersible pumping system and a gas collecting region. The gas mitigation system further includes a back pressure control module and a gas vent line extending from the gas collecting region through the well zone isolation device to the back pressure control module. A liquid intake line extends from the well zone isolation device to an area of the wellbore upstream from the gas collecting region.

Abstract: A gas mitigation system for controlling the amount of gas that reaches a submersible pumping system deployed in a wellbore includes a well zone isolation device disposed in the wellbore between the submersible pumping system and a gas collecting region. The gas mitigation system further includes a back pressure control module and a gas vent line extending from the gas collecting region through the well zone isolation device to the back pressure control module. A liquid intake line extends from the well zone isolation device to an area of the wellbore upstream from the gas collecting region.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for analyzing samples, including for example, samples containing nucleic acids, antibodies, and/or antigens are described. The apparatus may include a frame having a cartridge receiver, two optical devices, thermal cycler, lysis assembly, hybridization heater, and sample transfer assembly. In use, the apparatus may perform multiple sample preparation and analysis processes within the same disposable cartridge including, for example, performing a PCR assay and immunoassay in the same cartridge.

Abstract: A seal section for use in a downhole submersible pumping system includes one or more fluid separation mechanisms, a shaft, a mechanical seal chamber and a mechanical seal inside the mechanical seal chamber. The seal section further comprises a mechanical seal protector around the mechanical seal. The mechanical seal protector includes a cap that surrounds a portion of the mechanical seal and a filter screen. The cap may also include one or more expulsion ports extending through the cap. The cap may be stationary or connected to the shaft and configured for rotation.

Abstract: A submersible pumping system has an electric motor, a rotary hydraulic pump driven by the electric motor, and a linear hydraulic pump that is configured to move a production fluid. The rotary hydraulic pump produces a pressurized working fluid that drives the linear hydraulic pump. In another aspect, a method is disclosed for controlling the temperature of an electric motor within a submersible pumping system disposed in a wellbore. The method includes the steps of circulating motor lubricant through a hydraulically driven production pump to reduce the temperature of the motor lubricant.

Abstract: Methods and systems for magnetic mixing. Particular embodiments relate to applying a magnetic field to move a magnetically responsive component in a chamber.

Abstract: A method of operating a submersible pumping system includes the steps of placing the pumping system in a normal mode of operation and then detecting the possible presence of a gas slug in proximity to the pumping system by measuring a decrease in the load on the motor. Once the possibility of a gas slug has been detected, the method continues by placing the pumping system in a reduced speed cycle. The pumping system is kept in the reduced speed cycle until the absence of a gas slug in proximity to the pumping system is detected by evaluating two independent conditions within the pumping system.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for analyzing samples, including for example, samples containing nucleic acids, antibodies, and/or antigens are described. The apparatus may include a frame having a cartridge receiver, two optical devices, thermal cycler, lysis assembly, hybridization heater, and sample transfer assembly. In use, the apparatus may perform multiple sample preparation and analysis processes within the same disposable cartridge including, for example, performing a PCR assay and immunoassay in the same cartridge.

Abstract: A submersible pumping system has an electric motor, a rotary hydraulic pump driven by the electric motor, and a linear hydraulic pump that is configured to move a production fluid. The rotary hydraulic pump produces a pressurized working fluid that drives the linear hydraulic pump. In another aspect, a method is disclosed for controlling the temperature of an electric motor within a submersible pumping system disposed in a wellbore. The method includes the steps of circulating motor lubricant through a hydraulically driven production pump to reduce the temperature of the motor lubricant.