Abstract: Systems and features for improving sand control in pumps are provided. These features can be used in centrifugal pumps employed in a variety of oilfield applications, such as in electric submersible pumping systems positioned downhole in a wellbore to pump oil or other fluids. Such features include shielded anti-swirl ribs positioned in the balance chamber.

Abstract: Systems and features for improving sand control in pumps are provided. These features can be used in centrifugal pumps employed in a variety of oilfield applications, such as in electric submersible pumping systems positioned downhole in a wellbore to pump oil or other fluids. Such features include shielded anti-swirl ribs positioned in the balance chamber.

Abstract: A radial bearing assembly for a centrifugal pump can include a first component that has a longitudinal axis and that includes discrete radial surfaces separated by undercuts, the discrete radial surfaces disposed at a radial distance from the longitudinal axis; a second component that has a longitudinal axis and that includes a radial surface disposed at a radial distance from the longitudinal axis; and, formed by concentric alignment of the longitudinal axis of the first component and the longitudinal axis of the second component, a journal and bearing clearance, defined by the difference between the radial distance of the radial surfaces of the first component and the radial distance of the radial surface of the second component, and axially deviant particle passages defined by the undercuts and the radial surface of the second component. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system usable with a well includes a waveform generator for enhancing fluid recovery from a reservoir by controlling a production pump or an injection pump downhole in the well with waveform signals to create a pressure wave which propagates into the reservoir and enhances the recovery of the fluid.

Abstract: A system usable with a well includes a waveform generator for enhancing fluid recovery from a reservoir by controlling a production pump or an injection pump downhole in the well with waveform signals to create a pressure wave which propagates into the reservoir and enhances the recovery of the fluid.

Abstract: A system usable with a well includes a waveform generator for enhancing fluid recovery from a reservoir by controlling a production pump or an injection pump downhole in the well with waveform signals to create a pressure wave which propagates into the reservoir and enhances the recovery of the fluid.

Abstract: A system usable with a well includes a waveform generator for enhancing fluid recovery from a reservoir by controlling a production pump or an injection pump downhole in the well with waveform signals to create a pressure wave which propagates into the reservoir and enhances the recovery of the fluid.

Abstract: A technique that is usable with a well includes communicating fluid downhole in the well. The technique includes enhancing fluid recovery from a reservoir by, downhole in the well, controlling the pumping of the fluid to create a pressure wave which propagates into the reservoir.

Abstract: A radial bearing assembly for a centrifugal pump can include a first component that has a longitudinal axis and that includes discrete radial surfaces separated by undercuts, the discrete radial surfaces disposed at a radial distance from the longitudinal axis; a second component that has a longitudinal axis and that includes a radial surface disposed at a radial distance from the longitudinal axis; and, formed by concentric alignment of the longitudinal axis of the first component and the longitudinal axis of the second component, a journal and bearing clearance, defined by the difference between the radial distance of the radial surfaces of the first component and the radial distance of the radial surface of the second component, and axially deviant particle passages defined by the undercuts and the radial surface of the second component. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.

Abstract: A technique is provided for improving the efficiency of a centrifugal pump. The centrifugal pump comprises diffusers that optimize the area schedule through the diffuser to diffuse the total fluid velocity and recover dynamic head while minimizing flow separation. Each diffuser comprises an improved transition from the diffuser blade into the diffuser discharge duct to remove abrupt changes in area and to reduce fluid separation. The impellers also can be constructed with impeller transitions able to reduce fluid separation and improve the efficiency of the pump.

Abstract: A pump stage is disclosed for use with an electrical submersible pump. The stage includes an impeller and diffuser, each having a hub, blades and an outside ring. In such pump stage, the stage flow area is constructed from separate segments manufactured from wear resistant material. Furthermore, each separate segment is retained by the hub using an external compression fit ring.

Abstract: A technique improves the pumping performance of a centrifugal pump in a cost-effective manner. The centrifugal pump comprises a pumping component having one or more vanes defining fluid flow paths. A passage is formed through at least one vane such that an end of the passage is exposed to a low energy flow, i.e. secondary flow, region. Each passage enables the flow of a small amount of fluid from the low energy region to an opposite side of the vane to reduce the secondary flow effects and improve pumping efficiency.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump includes a rotatable shaft; and at lest one impeller attached to the rotatable shaft, wherein the at least one impeller includes a top plate, and a bottom plate, and a plurality of vanes enclosed between the top plate and the bottom plate, wherein at least one of the plurality of vanes has a trailing end that comprises a first surface that adjoins the top plate substantially at an outer edge of the top plate and a second surface that is substantially flush with an axially outward surface of the bottom plate.

Abstract: A technique is provided for improving the efficiency of a centrifugal pump. The centrifugal pump comprises diffusers that optimize the area schedule through the diffuser to diffuse the total fluid velocity and recover dynamic head while minimizing flow separation. Each diffuser comprises an improved transition from the diffuser blade into the diffuser discharge duct to remove abrupt changes in area and to reduce fluid separation. The impellers also can be constructed with impeller transitions able to reduce fluid separation and improve the efficiency of the pump.

Abstract: A technique that is usable with a well includes communicating fluid downhole in the well. The technique includes enhancing fluid recovery from a reservoir by, downhole in the well, controlling the pumping of the fluid to create a pressure wave which propagates into the reservoir.

Abstract: A technique improves the pumping performance of a centrifugal pump in a cost-effective manner. The centrifugal pump comprises a pumping component having one or more vanes defining fluid flow paths. A passage is formed through at least one vane such that an end of the passage is exposed to a low energy flow, i.e. secondary flow, region. Each passage enables the flow of a small amount of fluid from the low energy region to an opposite side of the vane to reduce the secondary flow effects and improve pumping efficiency.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump includes a rotatable shaft; and at lest one impeller attached to the rotatable shaft, wherein the at least one impeller includes a top plate, and a bottom plate, and a plurality of vanes enclosed between the top plate and the bottom plate, wherein at least one of the plurality of vanes has a trailing end that comprises a first surface that adjoins the top plate substantially at an outer edge of the top plate and a second surface that is substantially flush with an axially outward surface of the bottom plate.

Abstract: A pump stage is disclosed for use with an electrical submersible pump. The stage includes an impeller and diffuser, each having a hub, blades and an outside ring. In such pump stage, the stage flow area is constructed from separate segments manufactured from wear resistant material. Furthermore, each separate segment is retained by the hub using an external compression fit ring.

Abstract: Inflatable packers are provided with one or more components to improve longevity and/or functionality. One or more of the packer components utilizes reinforced materials incorporated in a manner that enables the improved longevity and/or functionality.

Abstract: Centrifugal pumps and methods of making and using them are disclosed. One inventive pump includes a plurality of flow passages, at least one pump component having one or more non-axisymmetric flow passage contours defined at least in part by non-equal blade or vane heights. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).