Abstract: Systems and methods for downhole component monitoring including a monitored component doped with a pre-selected neutron absorbent, the monitored component being part of a downhole tool and a neutron monitoring system positioned relative to the monitored component. The neutron monitoring system includes a neutron source positioned at a first location relative to the monitored component and a neutron detector positioned at a second location relative to the monitored component, the neutron detector configured to detect neutrons from the neutron source and count said detected neutrons. A control unit is in communication with the neutron detector and configured to determine a status of the monitored component from the neutron count received from the neutron detector.

Abstract: Systems and methods for downhole component monitoring including a monitored component doped with a pre-selected neutron absorbent, the monitored component being part of a downhole tool and a neutron monitoring system positioned relative to the monitored component. The neutron monitoring system includes a neutron source positioned at a first location relative to the monitored component and a neutron detector positioned at a second location relative to the monitored component, the neutron detector configured to detect neutrons from the neutron source and count said detected neutrons. A control unit is in communication with the neutron detector and configured to determine a status of the monitored component from the neutron count received from the neutron detector.

Abstract: A method of measuring and controlling a temperature distribution at a member is disclosed. A probe is placed proximate the member. The probe has a plurality of longitudinally-spaced reflective elements. An ultrasonic pulse is generated at a selected location of the probe so as to propagate along the probe. Reflected pulses are received at the selected location from the plurality of longitudinally-spaced reflective elements. The distribution of temperature at the member is determined from the reflected pulses. The determined distribution of temperature may be used in controlling the temperature of the member. The member may be a solid or fluid.

Abstract: A method of measuring and controlling a temperature distribution at a member is disclosed. A probe is placed proximate the member. The probe has a plurality of longitudinally-spaced reflective elements. An ultrasonic pulse is generated at a selected location of the probe so as to propagate along the probe. Reflected pulses are received at the selected location from the plurality of longitudinally-spaced reflective elements. The distribution of temperature at the member is determined from the reflected pulses. The determined distribution of temperature may be used in controlling the temperature of the member. The member may be a solid or fluid.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring partial discharge within a remotely located and inaccessible electric motor. One embodiment comprises a downhole electric motor of an electric submersible pump system positioned in a well. The motor includes a partial discharge monitoring system coupled to the motor's power terminals. The partial discharge monitoring system includes a filter subsystem, a processing subsystem, and a communication subsystem. The filter subsystem allows higher frequency signals to pass from the terminals to the processing subsystem. The processing subsystem identifies signal constituents that are associated with partial discharge, and may perform various types of processing or analysis of the signal received from the processing subsystem. The partial discharge information generated by the processing subsystem is passed to the communication subsystem, which communicates the information to remotely located surface equipment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for connecting an electrical cable having multiple conductors to a submersible pump. A terminal housing defines at least one bore for sealingly engaging a sealing element through which the electrical cable passes. The first sealing element engages the outer jacket of the electrical cable. A gland secured to the terminal housing urges the first sealing element into sealing contact with the terminal housing bore. A second sealing element carried by the housing includes bores for receiving the individual conductors. A pressing element urges the second element into sealing engagement with the terminal housing and the outside surfaces of the conductors. Each individual conductor of a cable terminates in a connector that is releasably connectable to a corresponding mating connector in the submersible pump. The connectors are inter-engageable to form a unitary connector that is easily released from the wiring in the submersible pump.

Abstract: A pump assembly that includes a pump housing defining an inlet for receiving fluid to be pumped and an outlet for discharging fluid. A rotatable impeller operatively coupled to a drive motor includes a plurality of vane structures integrally formed with a shroud. Each vane structure includes a curved, axial vane segment extending axially from the shroud. A compound, multi-step auxiliary vane extends transversely from each axial vane segment. The auxiliary vane or wing includes at least first and second sections, with the second section overlying the first section in a staggered configuration such that the trailing edges of the first and second sections are spaced apart to form a step. The second auxiliary vane section includes an axial surface that also forms a working vane surface for the auxiliary vane.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring partial discharge within a remotely located and inaccessible electric motor. One embodiment comprises a downhole electric motor of an electric submersible pump system positioned in a well. The motor includes a partial discharge monitoring system coupled to the motor's power terminals. The partial discharge monitoring system includes a filter subsystem, a processing subsystem, and a communication subsystem. The filter subsystem allows higher frequency signals to pass from the terminals to the processing subsystem. The processing subsystem identifies signal constituents that are associated with partial discharge, and may perform various types of processing or analyses of the signal received from the processing subsystem. The partial discharge information generated by the processing subsystem is passed to the communication subsystem, which communicates the information to remotely located surface equipment.

Abstract: A pump impeller for a centrifugal pump. The impeller is defined by a shroud rotatable about an axis of rotation. At least two pump vanes extend axially from the shroud, each of the vanes configured as a blunted tear drop shape and having an inside wall and an outside wall, the leading edges of which are interconnected by a blunt wall. The trailing edges of the inside and outside walls merge together. A substantially constant width flow channel is defined between the blunted wall of one vane and a confronting surface defined by an inside wall of the other vane. The vanes are tapered in the axial directions by inclining the inside wall of each vane radially outwardly.

Abstract: A pump impeller for a centrifugal pump The impeller is defined by a shroud rotatable about an axis of rotation At least two pump vanes extend axially from the shroud, each of the vanes configured as a blunted tear drop shape and having an inside wall and an outside wall, the leading edges of which are interconnected by a blunt wall The trailing edges of the inside and outside walls merge together A substantially constant width flow channel is defined between the blunted wall of one vane and a confronting surface defined by an inside wall of the other vane The vanes are tapered in the axial directions by inclining the inside wall of each vane radially outwardly.

Abstract: A pump assembly that includes a pump housing defining an inlet for receiving fluid to be pumped and an outlet for discharging fluid. A rotatable impeller operatively coupled to a drive motor includes a plurality of vane structures integrally formed with a shroud. Each vane structure includes a curved, axial vane segment extending axially from the shroud. A compound, multi-step auxiliary vane extends transversely from each axial vane segment. The auxiliary vane or wing includes at least first and second sections, with the second section overlying the first section in a staggered configuration such that the trailing edges of the first and second sections are spaced apart to form a step. The second auxiliary vane section includes an axial surface that also forms a working vane surface for the auxiliary vane.

Abstract: A seal cartridge for providing a fluid seal between a rotating shaft and a housing such as found in a centrifugal pump. The seal cartridge includes rotating and non-rotating seal portions. The non-rotating seal portion includes a seal ring seat that is connected to the support sleeve by a frangible element. During installation, the frangible element is separated to release the non-rotating portion of the seal from the support member. The non-rotation seal portion includes an O-ring held by a stationary seal holder. An O-ring seal seals a circumferential periphery of the seal ring to inhibit fluid leakage between the holder and the seal ring. An inside radial end face of the seal ring abuttingly engages a radial end face defined by the holder which enhances heat transfer between the seal ring and the holder.

Abstract: A vacuum assisted priming system for a fluid pump including a housing defining a hopper that communicates with a pump inlet. The housing mounts a first port that communicates with the source of vacuum and a second port that communicates with atmosphere. A check valve allows atmospheric air to flow into the housing under certain operating conditions but inhibits reverse flow. A valve member pivotally mounted within a valve chamber carries first and second sealing elements that are engageable with first and second seats. The lever arm is operatively connected to a float via a lost motion connection. When the fluid level in the hopper rises to a predetermined level, an actuating rod moves the lever arm to a first sealing position. When the fluid level falls to a predetermined level, the actuating rod moves the lever arm to a second sealing position.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for end squaring and/or dividing elongated materials by determining an actual orientation of the elongated material, or an actual position of an associated pair of positioning mechanisms that are contactable with the elongated material, and changing the actual orientation to correspond with a desired orientation through independent movement of the positioning mechanisms prior to or during the end squaring and/or dividing operation.

Abstract: An earth moving and tamping apparatus rig is provided which can backfill a trench and compact the backfill materials up to 100% compaction. A bucket and a vibrator are attached to a backhoe. The bucket retrieves the filling material and either dumps the material into a trench or sifts it through adjustable screening blades that form the bottom of the bucket. The apparatus includes a means to swivel the bucket with respect to the vibrator. The end of the bucket then compacts the filling materials into the trench. Each moving rig apparatus may also be equipped with an alternative two-bucket system, where one bucket fits inside the other one or is along side thereof. For trenches as wide as two feet to increase the area of dirt tamped, the two-bucket may be secured in juxtaposition to each other. For more narrow trenches, the second bucket may be secured inside the first bucket and the area tamped will only be the width of a single bucket.

Abstract: An earth moving and tamping apparatus rig is provided which can backfill a trench and compact the backfill materials up to 95% compaction. A bucket and a vibrator are attached to a backhoe. The bucket retrieves the filling material and either dumps the material into a trench or sifts it through adjustable screening blades that form the bottom of the bucket. The apparatus includes a means to swivel the bucket 360.degree. with respect to the boom. The end of the bucket then compacts the filling materials into the trench. Each moving rig apparatus may also be equipped with an alternative two-bucket system, where one bucket fits inside the other one or is along side thereof. For trenches as wide as two feet to increase the area of dirt tamped, the two-bucket may be secured in juxtaposition to each other. For more narrow trenches, the second bucket may be closed inside the first bucket and the area tamped will only be the width of a single bucket.

Abstract: An air cushion mount system is provided between a backhoe system and a vibrator-compactor system for tampering material in a trench which is being filled. This air cushion mount consists of a tire having a wheel rim positioned on the inside rim of a steel pipe having an annular peripheral flange. A flange plate is coupled to the annular peripheral flange of the steel pipe so that the tire can be placed in operative condition or removed from operative condition. The elements of the backhoe are coupled to flanges fixed to the wheel hub. The cushion air mount is coupled by a plate member to the vibrator, and the latter in turn is affixed to a compactor for tampering material in a trench being filled with the same.