Abstract: The present hydraulic system for driving a submersible pumping unit has an above-ground pump for pumping oil through a hydraulic motor in the submersible pumping unit, and a check valve between the above-ground pump and that hydraulic motor to prevent the reverse flow of oil after the submersible pumping unit is turned off. A pressure regulating valve limits the oil pressure to the hydraulic motor. The inlet flow to the above-ground pump is filtered.

Abstract: In a pumping installation having an above-ground prime mover driving an axial-flow pump below through a relatively long drive shaft unit, the drive shaft unit is coupled to the pump shaft through a sliding coupling which accommodates axial expansion and contraction of the relatively long drive shaft unit due to temperature changes. The pump shaft is provided with combined rotational and axial thrust bearings for taking up axial thrusts in either direction, and an improved shaft seal is provided for the pump shaft.

Abstract: The present apparatus includes a mobile cart which supports a winch at one end and a pulley at the opposite end for operating a cable to raise and lower a submersible pumping unit. The submersible pumping unit comprises a rigid discharge pipe supported from below near one end by a pipe support on a slide on the cart. The slide has a horizontal transverse pivot which enables the pipe support to accomodate the tilting of the discharge pipe as its opposite intake end is lowered or raised. The cart carries an engine driving a pump which operates a hydraulic motor for the winch. A basket on the cart holds a flexible discharge hose for attachment to the discharge end of the discharge pipe. The engine-driven pump on the cart is connected through hydraulic lines to a hydraulic motor in the submersible pumping unit, which motor drives a pump inside the discharge pipe near its intake end.