Abstract: A submersible pumping system includes a pump assembly, a motor and a seal section positioned between the pump assembly and the motor. The seal section includes a clean fluid circulation system, a contaminated fluid circulation system and at least one bag seal assembly. The bag seal assembly includes an upper mounting block, a lower mounting block and a bag seal extending over the upper mounting block and lower mounting block and providing a path for the clean fluid circulation system. The bag seal assembly further includes a mounting plate connected to the upper mounting block that limits the axial travel of the bag seal on the upper mounting block. The bag seal assembly optionally includes a breather tube connected to the mounting plate and extending along the exterior of the bag seal.

Abstract: A seal section for use with a downhole pumping system includes a rotatable shaft, a seal section head and a mechanical seal chamber inside the seal section head. The mechanical seal chamber is bounded by a floor and a wall. The mechanical seal chamber includes a trench disposed in the floor that is configured to entrap solid particles in the mechanical seal chamber at a distance spaced apart from the mechanical seal.