Improved stator assembly for progressive cavity pumping systems

Abstract

A stator for use in a progressive cavity pump is provided, comprising a housing having a suction end and a discharge end, and an elastomeric liner disposed within the housing that defines a passageway for receiving a rotor of the pump. The elastomeric liner comprises a reinforced component that is proximate to the discharge end and that provides a landing surface to resist passage of a rotor head through the passageway.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a national stage application under 35 U.S.C. §371(c) of prior filed, co-pending PCT application serial number PCT / US2014 / 048524, filed on Jul. 29, 2014, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 861,802, titled “IMPROVED STATOR ASSEMBLY FOR PROGRESSIVE CAVITY PUMPING SYSTEMS”, filed Aug. 2, 2013. The above-listed applications are herein incorporated by reference.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not applicable.REFERENCE TO APPENDIX[0003]Not applicable.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]Embodiments of the invention relate generally to pumping equipment; and more specifically related to an improved stator assembly for use with progressive cavity and similar pumps, and a downhole pump assembly including the improved stator.Description of the Related Art[0005]A progressive cavity or eccentric screw pump is generally known in the art and is suitable for many ap...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes an improved stator assembly for use in progressive cavity pumps and a downhole pump assembly including the stator. The stator includes a housing with a reinforced component and an elastomeric liner that defines a passageway for the rotor. The elastomeric liner is deformable to provide a compression fit between the stator and rotor to define discrete cavities between them. The reinforcing component of the stator is preferably a material with greater resistance to deformity than the elastomeric liner. The stator is designed to improve pump performance and efficiency. The downhole pump assembly includes the stator and is suitable for use in oil wells and similar applications. The method of operating the pump involves installing the stator, lowering the rotor on a rod string into the stator, and pumping material through the stator and rotor.

Problems solved by technology

A disadvantage of the prior art tag plate, however, is that it could restrict slurries and solids from entering into the stator opening.

It could also obstruct the passage of wireline tools that the operator wishes to lower into the wellbore, past the lower end of the stator.

Moreover, the lower end of the rotor may strike or drag across the tag plate or bar during installation, potentially damaging the rotor or coating.

However, because the shoulder is positioned in the tubing string or connector above the stator, these solutions present an additional obstacle to the rotor as it is lowered through the tubing string or connector above the stator.

A metal shoulder may cause scratches or other damage to the rotor as it descends past the shoulder.

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