Abstract: A surface-driven fluid recovery system for recovery of hydrocarbons, having an uphole prime mover, typically an electric motor, and an uphole speed-reduction transmission to reduce speed of rotation supplied by the prime mover to a rod string to thereby reduce frictional and cyclic fatigue stresses imparted on the rod string. A downhole speed-increasing transmission is provided to increase rotational speed prior to supply of rotational energy to a downhole centrifugal or progressive cavity pump. A magnetic coupling is interposed between the prime mover and the speed reduction gearbox or between the speed reduction gearbox and the rod string, to provide damping of high transient rotational stresses between the prime mover and the rod string and/or provide a method for selectively coupling or partially coupling/decoupling the rod string to the prime mover.

Abstract: A surface-driven fluid recovery system for recovery of hydrocarbons, having an uphole prime mover, typically an electric motor, and an uphole speed-reduction transmission to reduce speed of rotation supplied by the prime mover to a rod string to thereby reduce frictional and cyclic fatigue stresses imparted on the rod string. A downhole speed-increasing transmission is provided to increase rotational speed prior to supply of rotational energy to a downhole centrifugal or progressive cavity pump, to thereby allow optimal rotational speeds to be supplied to the downhole pump. A magnetic coupling is interposed between the prime mover and the speed reduction gearbox or between the speed reduction gearbox and the rod string, to advantageously provide damping of high transient rotational stresses between the prime mover and the rod string and/or provide a means for selectively coupling or partially coupling/decoupling the rod string to the prime mover.

Abstract: A submersible pump assembly configured to manipulate the flow of fluids to achieve sufficient flow rate and fluid pressure to efficiently pump viscous or solids-laden fluid, while minimizing the risk of pump clogging and/or damage due to the solids content of the fluid. The submersible pump assembly comprising a cylindrical housing having an intake disposed at an upstream end for receiving viscous and/or solids-laden fluid and an outlet disposed at a downstream end opposite the intake for discharging the fluid to the surface. A rotating shaft extending through the cylindrical housing along a center axis of the housing and adapted to be driven by a submersible motor. A plurality of successive pumping stages disposed in a co-axial arrangement along the rotating shaft and a helical inducer coupled to the shaft between the intake and the plurality of pumping stages. The helical inducer comprising at least a single helical turn that directly converges into the plurality of pumping stages.

Abstract: A pump apparatus comprising a series of stacked impellers rotating about a common axis, for pumping a viscous fluid mixture upwardly from an underground location. The pump apparatus comprises a generally cylindrical housing having an intake at or near its suction end. A plurality of impellers are mounted in the housing to rotate about a shaft, which each induce flow of the mixture toward the discharge end of the pump. Each impeller has a series of radially outwardly extending vanes, one or more of such vanes having a radially-extending horizontal slot and arranged to generate an upwardly moving column of fluid. Without being limited to the theory of operation, the horizontal slot in the vanes assists in creating laminar flow and reducing turbulent flow.

Abstract: A pump apparatus comprising a series of stacked impellers rotating about a common axis, for pumping a viscous fluid mixture upwardly from an underground location. The pump apparatus comprises a generally cylindrical housing having an intake at or near its suction end. A plurality of impellers are mounted in the housing to rotate about a shaft, which each induce flow of the mixture toward the discharge end of the pump. Each impeller has a series of radially outwardly extending vanes, one or more of such vanes having a radially-extending horizontal slot and arranged to generate an upwardly moving column of fluid. Without being limited to the theory of operation, the horizontal slot in the vanes assists in creating laminar flow and reducing turbulent flow.