Abstract: Aspects of this invention include a method for deploying a small diameter submersible pump in a deviated wellbore. The submersible pump is first lowered into the production tubing under the influence of gravity. The pump includes a sealing member deployed thereabout which provides a releasable seal with an interior surface of the production tubing. The pump is then forced deeper into the production tubing (e.g., into a deviated section of the wellbore). This is accomplished via introducing a column of liquid (such as water) into the production tubing above the pump. The liquid exerts a force on the pump and sealing member so as to force the pump deeper into the well, thereby drawing one or more power lines into the wellbore with the pump. The invention advantageously enables a small diameter submersible pump to be economically deployed in a highly deviated wellbore. The invention also advantageously enables deployment into partially obstructed and/or damaged tubing.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for well pumping utilizing a submersible system comprising a pump body having a pump chamber and a hydraulic chamber. A diaphragm is disposed within the pump chamber and divides the pump chamber into a pumped fluid chamber and a hydraulic fluid chamber. A piston is disposed within the hydraulic chamber such that movement of the piston within the hydraulic chamber creates a differential pressure across the diaphragm. A coupling is connected to the piston and operable to connect the piston to a rod extending from the top of the well.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for pumping fluids from a well utilizing a submersible pumping system. In one embodiment, the pump comprises a pump body operable to be disposed within tubing within a well. The pump body encloses a pump chamber having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is in fluid communication with the well. A diaphragm is disposed within the pump chamber and forms a boundary between the pump chamber and a diaphragm chamber. A piston is moveably disposed within the diaphragm chamber. The piston may be moved within the diaphragm chamber by a pressure intensifier supplied with a pressure differential from the surface.

Abstract: A composite diaphragm for a hydraulically driven diaphragm pump that incorporates both non-rigid and semi-rigid materials to obtain the benefits of both, wherein the non-rigid materials provide desired resistance to flex fatigue, and wherein the semi-rigid materials provide desired shape characteristics to thereby increase pumping capacity of a hydraulically driven positive displacement diaphragm pump.