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 seal section for use in a downhole submersible pumping system includes one or more fluid separation mechanisms, a shaft and one or more primary mechanical seals. Each of the one or more primary mechanical seals is disposed along the shaft. The seal section also includes one or more redundant shaft seals that each substantially surrounds a corresponding one of the one or more primary mechanical seals. In another aspect, a seal section for use in a pumping system includes one or more fluid separation mechanisms, a shaft, a primary mechanical seal and a redundant shaft seal. The redundant shaft seal substantially surrounds the primary mechanical seal. The seal section further includes an internal seal chamber defined by the annular space between the primary mechanical seal and the redundant shaft seal.

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 seal section for use in a downhole submersible pumping system includes one or more fluid separation mechanisms, a shaft and one or more primary mechanical seals. Each of the one or more primary mechanical seals is disposed along the shaft. The seal section also includes one or more redundant shaft seals that each substantially surrounds a corresponding one of the one or more primary mechanical seals. In another aspect, a seal section for use in a pumping system includes one or more fluid separation mechanisms, a shaft, a primary mechanical seal and a redundant shaft seal. The redundant shaft seal substantially surrounds the primary mechanical seal. The seal section further includes an internal seal chamber defined by the annular space between the primary mechanical seal and the redundant shaft seal.

Abstract: A pumping system useful for pumping fluids from a subterranean formation to a surface facility includes a first component and a second component connected to the first component with a neck flange. The pumping system further includes a motor lead cable that provides electrical power from the surface facility to the pumping system and a cable protector connected to the neck flange that secures the motor lead cable to the first and second components. The cable protector includes a first clamp section and a second clamp section. The second clamp section includes a lead cable recess that extends in a longitudinal direction along the exterior of the second clamp section and a band recess that extends in a circumferential direction along the exterior of the second clamp section. A tie or band resides in the band recess and extends around the circumference of the cable protector to secure the motor lead cable within the lead cable recess.

Abstract: A seal section for use in a downhole submersible pumping system includes redundant fluid separation mechanisms. The fluid separation mechanisms are bag seal assemblies, labyrinth seals, pistons and bellows. The seal section further includes a shaft, one or more shaft seals and a bag support tube. An annulus between the shaft and the shaft support tube provides a fluid flow path from a motor to the fluid separation mechanisms.