COUPLING HOUSING

Abstract

An electric submersible pump (ESP) assembly. The ESP assembly comprises a first ESP component having a first drive shaft defining a plurality of male grooves and defining at least one cutout area; a second ESP component having a second drive shaft defining a plurality of male grooves; a coupling housing defining a first plurality of female grooves configured to match the male grooves of the first drive shaft, a second plurality of female grooves configured to match the male grooves of the second drive shaft, and at least one opening configured to align with the cutout area of ​​the first drive shaft; and at least one removable lug having a pin configured to extend through the flange opening in the coupling housing to engage at least one cutout area of ​​the first drive shaft.

Description

ELECTRIC SUBMERSIBLE PUMP (ESP) ASSEMBLY SHAFT COUPLING WITH AXIAL LOAD HANDLING CAPACITY CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] None. STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY GRANTED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable. REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX

[0003] Not applicable. BACKGROUND

[0004] Electric submersible pump (ESP) assemblies may be installed in wells to raise fluid in the wellbore, e.g., to raise fluid in production tubing installed upstream of the ESP assembly. The ESP assembly may comprise an electric motor, a seal unit coupled to the electric motor upstream of the electric motor, and a pump assembly coupled to the seal unit upstream of the electric motor. The pump assembly may comprise one or more centrifugal pump stages, where each pump stage comprises an impeller and a diffuser. Typically, a drive shaft of the electric motor couples to a drive shaft in the seal unit, and the drive shaft in the seal unit couples to a drive shaft in the pump assembly, whereby the electric motor supplies rotational power to the pump assembly.More specifically, the impeller(s) are coupled to the driveshaft in the pump assembly and impart power and pressure to the fluid, and diffusers direct the fluid toward the next-stage impeller or toward the production tubing. It is understood that other ESP components may be part of the ESP assembly in different environments. For example, in some cases, a gas separator may be located uphole of the seal unit and downhole of the pump assembly. In this case, the driveshaft of the seal unit is coupled to a driveshaft in the gas separator, and the driveshaft in the gas separator is coupled to the driveshaft in the pump assembly. In some installations, a sensor package or sensor unit may be coupled to the ESP assembly downhole of the electric motor.An electric power cable may be coupled to the electric motor and extend to a surface to an electrical power supply on the surface, for example, a variable speed drive or other power source 1 239014. 2085191 of 17 electric. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the following brief description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts.

[0006] Figure 1 is an illustration of an electric submersible pump (ESP) assembly in a well according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0007] Figure 2 is an illustration of an axial coupling system according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0008] Figures 3A and 3B are illustrations of another axial coupling system according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0009] Figure 3C is an illustration of yet another axial coupling system according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0010] Figures 4, 4B and 4C are illustrations of yet another axial coupling system in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0011] Figure 5 is a flow diagram of a method according to an embodiment of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] It should be understood from the outset that while illustrative implementations of one or more embodiments are illustrated below, the disclosed systems and methods may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether presently known or not yet existing. The disclosure is not to be limited in any way to the illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.

[0013] As used herein, the terms upstream, downstream, top, and bottom orientation are defined with respect to the direction of flow of the wellbore fluid in the wellbore casing. Upstream is directed opposite to the direction of flow of the wellbore fluid, toward the source of the wellbore fluid (e.g., toward perforations in the wellbore casing through which hydrocarbons flow from a subterranean formation and into the casing). Downstream is directed in the direction of flow of the wellbore fluid, away from the source of the wellbore fluid. Downstream is directed opposite to the direction of flow of the wellbore fluid, toward the source of the wellbore fluid. Upstream is directed in 2085191 of 17 the direction of flow of the well fluid, away from the source of the well fluid.

[0014] Electric submersible pump (ESP) assemblies typically comprise a plurality of components having drive shafts driven by a drive shaft of an electric motor. The electric motor can be viewed as a prime mover, and the other drive shafts receive rotational power transferred to them directly or indirectly from the prime mover's drive shaft. These other drive shafts are coupled together, typically by a coupling housing having female splines that mate with male splines on the ends of the two mating drive shafts. The conventional coupling housing provides only rotary coupling and does not provide axial coupling.In other words, conventional coupling housings allow the drive shafts of ESP components to slide in and out of the coupling housing's female slots unless limited by other structures (e.g., thrust bearings) within the ESP assembly.

[0015] Because ESP assemblies can be designed to exert only a downward thrust (e.g., downhole) based on conventional pump assembly direction and operation, a thrust bearing can be installed in a sealed section of the ESP assembly to support this downward thrust. In installations that can exert upward thrust, and even in conventional installations that may experience upward thrust under transient or unusual operating conditions, a second thrust bearing may need to be installed to support the upward thrust. This additional thrust bearing may not be desirable because it increases the cost of the ESP assembly and / or because it takes up limited space within the ESP components.The present disclosure teaches new structures and assembly methods that provide an alternative low-cost axial coupling that obviates the need for a second thrust bearing.

[0016] In one embodiment, an axial coupling is provided at one end of the coupling housing which retains a ball in a race coupled to the coupling housing and a bolt or screw in a threaded opening of the race drives the ball within an opening in the wall of the coupling housing to engage a circumferential groove in a first drive shaft inserted in the coupling housing, thereby axially coupling the first drive shaft with the coupling housing. Another axial coupling mechanism may be used in 3 239014 2085191 of 17 the opposite end of the coupling housing for axially coupling a second drive shaft to the first drive shaft. The coupling housing further rotatably couples the first and second drive shafts via mating splines.

[0017] In another embodiment, removable lugs are inserted into a shoulder opening in an exterior surface of the coupling housing, a pin of the removable lugs passes through an opening in the wall of the coupling housing, and engages a cutout area of ​​the exterior surface of the first drive shaft. The removable lugs are then secured by fitting bolts or screws into threaded holes in the shoulder opening in the exterior surface of the coupling housing. The removable lugs may be secured by other types of fasteners, for example, a band, bracket, or clamp that passes around an exterior of the coupling housing. The pin of the removable lugs axially couples the first drive shaft to the coupling housing.Another axial coupling mechanism, or the same removable lug axial coupling mechanism, can be used to axially couple the second drive shaft to the first drive shaft. The coupling housing also rotatably couples the first and second drive shafts via mating splines.

[0018] In yet another embodiment, locking lugs are formed on an outer surface of the first drive shaft that mates with channels or grooves in an inner surface of the coupling housing. The locking lugs slide axially within the coupling housing, the first drive shaft is rotated to seat the locking lugs into one stop of the channels, then the first drive shaft is driven axially further into the coupling housing to secure the locking lugs into a second stop of the channels. In this position, a threaded screw is threaded into a threaded hole in the wall of the coupling housing and one end of the threaded screw engages the retainer on the outer surface of the first drive shaft and the locking lugs within the channels, wherein the first drive shaft axially couples to the coupling housing.Another axial coupling mechanism, or the same channel-and-locking-lug coupling mechanism, may be used to axially couple the second drive shaft to the first drive shaft. The coupling housing also rotatably couples the first and second drive shafts. The details of these different embodiments are described below with reference to the Figure. 239014 2085191 of 17 2, Figure 3A, Figure 3B, Figure 3C, Figure 4A, Figure 4B and Figure 4C.

[0019] Referring now to Figure 1, a well site 100 is described. The well site 100 comprises a wellbore 102 optionally cased with a liner 104, an electric submersible pump (ESP) assembly 132 in the wellbore 102, and a production tubing string 134. The ESP assembly 132 comprises an optional sensor unit 120 at a downhole end, an electric motor 122 coupled to the sensor unit 120 uphole of the sensor unit 120, a seal section 124 coupled to the electric motor 122 uphole of the electric motor 122, a fluid inlet 126 coupled to the seal section 124 uphole of the seal section 124, a pump assembly 128 coupled to the fluid inlet 126 uphole of the fluid inlet 126, and a pump discharge 130 coupled to the assembly. of pump 128 upwell of pump assembly 128. Pump discharge 130 is coupled to production tubing string 134.In one embodiment, a motor head or pressure reduction head (not shown) is coupled between the electric motor 122 and the sealing section 124.

[0020] In one embodiment, casing 104 has perforations 140 that allow reservoir fluid 142 to enter wellbore 102 and flow downstream toward fluid inlet 126. Reservoir fluid 142 enters inlet ports 129 of fluid inlet 126, flows from fluid inlet 126 to an inlet of pump assembly 128, is pumped by pump assembly 128 to exit pump assembly 128 toward pump discharge 130 upstream of production tubing string 134 to a wellhead 156 located at surface 134. In one embodiment, an electrical cable 136 is connected to electric motor 122 and provides electrical power from a surface located electrical power source 158 to electric motor 122 to cause electric motor 122 to rotate and supply rotational power to the pump assembly. 128.In one embodiment, the electric cable 136 is connected to the electric motor 122 through a motor head or pressure reduction head.

[0021] In one embodiment, the pump assembly 128 comprises one or more centrifugal pump stages, each centrifugal pump stage comprising an impeller coupled to a drive shaft of the pump assembly 128 and a diffuser retained by a housing of the pump assembly 128. An upper end of a drive shaft of the electric motor 122 is coupled to a lower end of a drive shaft of the sealing section 124. An upper end of the drive shaft of the sealing section 124 is coupled to a lower end of the drive shaft of the 5 239014 2085191 of 17 pump assembly 128. Rotational power is transferred from the electric motor driveshaft 122 to the seal section driveshaft 124 and from the seal section driveshaft 124 to the pump assembly driveshaft 128. In some contexts, the production pump assembly 128 may be referred to as a centrifugal pump assembly. The pump assembly 128 may be said to lift the reservoir fluid 154 through the production tubing 134 to the surface 158.

[0022] In one embodiment, the ESP assembly 132 may comprise additional components. For example, the ESP assembly 132 may comprise a gas separator component uphole of the fluid inlet 126 and downhole of the pump assembly 128. In this case, an upper end of the fluid inlet 126 may be coupled to a lower end of the gas separator, and an upper end of the gas separator may be coupled to a lower end of the pump assembly 128. The gas separator may comprise a driveshaft that is coupled at a lower end to the upper end of the driveshaft of the seal section 124 and that is coupled at an upper end to the lower end of the driveshaft of the pump assembly 128. For example, the ESP assembly 132 may comprise a cargo pump component uphole of the fluid inlet 126 and downhole of the gas separator.The charge pump may impart energy and velocity to the reservoir fluid 142 to improve the performance of the gas separator. In this case, the upper end of the fluid inlet 126 may be coupled to a lower end of the charge pump, and an upper end of the charge pump may be coupled to the lower end of the gas separator. The charge pump may comprise a drive shaft that is coupled at a lower end to the upper end of the seal section drive shaft 124 and that is coupled at an upper end to the lower end of the gas separator drive shaft.

[0023] Each of the components of the electric motor 122, the sealing section 124, the pump assembly 128, the optional gas separator, and the optional charge pump can be said to be an ESP component. It is a teaching of the present disclosure that a coupling rod can be used to fix any of these ESP components to each other, through the drive shafts of the components, to prevent a portion of the ESP assembly 132 from falling to the downhole in the event of separation of the ESP assembly 132. This coupling rod and associated structures are described below with reference to Figure 2A, the 6 239014 2085191 of 17 Figure 2B, Figure 2C, Figure 2D and Figure 2E.

[0024] An orientation of the wellbore 102 and ESP assembly 132 is illustrated in Figure 1 by an x-axis 160, a y-axis 162, and a z-axis 164. While the wellbore 102 is illustrated in Figure 1 as having an offset portion or a substantially horizontal portion 106, the ESP assembly 132 may be used in a substantially vertical wellbore 102. While the well site 100 is illustrated as being onshore, the ESP assembly 132 may also be used in an offshore location.

[0025] Referring to Figure 2, a first driveshaft 202 is illustrated mating with a coupling housing 206. The first driveshaft 202 defines a circumferential slot 204 and a plurality of male slots 205. When the first driveshaft 202 is inserted into the coupling housing 206, the male slots 205 mate with female slots 207 defined by an interior of the coupling housing 206 and couples the first driveshaft 202 to the coupling housing 206. In one embodiment, the coupling housing 206 comprises a plate 218 that stops the first driveshaft 202 when it is fully inserted within the interior of the coupling housing 206. The coupling housing further defines female slots 220 on an opposite side of the plate 218 from the female slots 207.The female splines 220 may mate with the male splines of a second drive shaft (not shown) that may be inserted into the coupling housing at the open end opposite the end receiving the first drive shaft 202, and thereby rotatably couple the first drive shaft 202 to the second drive shaft.

[0026] The coupling housing 206 defines a plurality of openings 216. A plurality of axial coupling mechanisms 208 are provided, each of which comprises a ball 212 and a channel or track 210 that is attached to the exterior of the coupling housing 206 and has a threaded opening for receiving a bolt 214 or screw. Aperture 216, race 210, and pin 214 capture ball 212. When pin 214 is not fully seated in the threaded opening of race 210, ball 212 may move away from opening 216 and back along race 210 toward the opening of race 210, until stopped by the end of pin 214. This freedom of movement is best seen in axial coupling mechanism 208b and ball 212b, race 210b, pin 214b, and opening 216b.It is understood that the coupling mechanism 208 may be used to axially couple a second drive shaft (not shown) inserted into the coupling housing 206 on an opposite side of the plate 218 from the first drive shaft 202 or a 7 239014 may be used. 2085191 of 17 distinct axial coupling mechanism. While the axial coupling mechanisms 208 are illustrated in Figure 2 protruding from one side of the coupling housing 206 by nearly 1L the inside diameter of the coupling housing 206, it is not intended to draw Figure 2 to scale, the coupling mechanisms 208 are drawn large for visibility and understanding of the operation of the axial coupling mechanisms 208, and in a practical implementation the coupling mechanisms 208 may be significantly smaller than their depiction in Figure 2.

[0027] When the first shaft 202 is fully inserted into the coupling housing 206 and stopped by the plate 218, the circumferential groove 204 aligns with the openings 216. By screwing the bolt 214 into the race 210, the ball 212 is urged into the opening 216 and engages the circumferential groove 204 such that the first drive shaft 202 and the coupling housing 206 are axially coupled. This axial coupling is best seen in the axial coupling mechanism 208a and the ball 212a, the race 210a, the bolt 214a and the opening 216a.

[0028] Referring to Figure 3A, Figure 3B, and Figure 3C, a distinct axial coupling mechanism is described. A first drive shaft 302 defines male splines 319 that mate with female splines 320 defined by the interior of a coupling housing 306. A plate 318 may be part of the coupling housing 306 and provides a stop for one end of the first drive shaft 302 inserted into an open end of the coupling housing 306. The coupling housing 306 defines female splines 321 at one end of the coupling housing 306 opposite the female splines 320 that may mate with the male splines of a second drive shaft (not shown) that may be inserted into an open end of the coupling housing 306 on the other side of the plate 318, and thereby rotatably couple the first drive shaft 302 to the second drive shaft.

[0029] The cutouts 322 may be defined by the male slots 319. The coupling housing 306 may define shoulder notches 310 and openings 312 that align with the cutouts 322 when the first drive shaft 302 is fully inserted into the opening of the coupling housing 306 and seated against the plate 318. Coupling lugs 308 having a pin 309 may be inserted into the openings 312 and engage the cutouts 322 in the surface of the male slots 319. Shoulders 324 of the coupling lugs 308 seat in the shoulder notches 310. The coupling lugs 308 may be secured in place by attachment members 316 (e.g., bolts or screws) that engage the 8 239014 2085191 of 17 threaded holes 314 in the shoulder grooves 310. [Inventors: suggest more suitable terminology, if possible, for “shoulder groove 310”, “shoulders 324”, “coupling lug 308”.] In one embodiment, the coupling lugs 308 may be securely attached to the coupling housing 306 by various attachment elements, for example, by brackets, bands or clamps. In one embodiment, a seal may be provided between the mating lugs 308 and the opening 312 and / or the shoulder notches 310, whereby fluid may be prevented from flowing through the openings 312. In one embodiment, a housing of an ESP assembly component 132 may provide access ports through which the mating lugs 308 may be installed and attachment elements 316 may be installed.In one embodiment, the access ports may be closed by covers that are secured in place on the outside of the ESP component housing. When secured in place, pins 309 of coupling lugs 308 axially couple coupling housing 306 and first drive shaft 302. Pins 309 of coupling lugs 308 also rotatably couple coupling housing 306 and first drive shaft 302. Furthermore, the mating of male slots 319 with female slots 320 also rotatably couple coupling housing 306 and first drive shaft 302.

[0030] In one embodiment, the cutouts 322 are not located in the male splines 319 but in the spline-free area 326 of the first driveshaft 302. In some embodiments, this may be a preferred configuration because it provides better integrity (e.g., greater strength) of the male splines 319 if they are not cut by a machining process to produce xxx cutouts.

[0031] With respect to Figure 4A, Figure 4B and Figure 4C, a different axial coupling mechanism is described. In one embodiment, a first driveshaft 402 defines a plurality of locking lugs 406 comprising raised areas on the surface of the first driveshaft 402. While illustrated in Figure 4A and Figure 4B as a column with a square cross-sectional geometry, the locking lugs 406 may have other shapes. For example, the locking lugs 406 may have an oval cross-section, a circular cross-section, or some other cross-sectional geometry.

[0032] A coupling housing 404 defines channels 408 that are defined by an inner surface of the coupling housing 404. In a 9-shape 239014 In another embodiment, the channels 408 may be machined into the inner surface of the coupling housing 404. In one embodiment, the channels 408 may be cast into the inner surface of the coupling housing 404. In one embodiment, the coupling housing 404 may be formed in a 3-D printing process and may define the channels 408 in the printing process. The channels 408 define stops 412 at a point where the channel makes a turn and define stops 414 at the end of the channels 408. In one embodiment, the channels 408 form an L-shaped profile.

[0033] The end of the first drive shaft 402 where the locking lugs 406 are defined can be inserted into the open end of the coupling housing 404, where the locking lugs 406 pass into the coupling housing 404. When the locking lugs 406 align with the openings of the channels 408, the first drive shaft 402 can be rotated to cause the locking lugs 406 to enter the channels 408 and rotate until the stops 412 stop the locking lugs 406. The first drive shaft 402 can then be inserted further axially into the coupling housing 404 until the stops 414 stop the locking lugs 406. In this position, the channels 408 and the locking lugs 406 rotatably couple the first drive shaft 402 to the housing. coupling 404.In one embodiment, the ESP assembly 132 may be operated with the first driveshaft 402 and coupling housing 404 coupled in this manner and a second driveshaft rotatably and axially coupled to the coupling housing 404 at an opposite end of the coupling housing 404. The locking lugs 406 may be axially movable relative to the coupling housing 404 within a narrow axial path while being stopped against the stops 412 during operation.

[0034] In one embodiment, the coupling housing 404 defines one or more threaded holes 420 that receive a bolt 424 or screw that threadably mates with the threaded holes 420. When the coupling lugs 406 are seated against the stop 414, the threaded holes 420 align with detents 418 or holes in the surface of the first driveshaft 402. When the bolts 424 are fully engaged, the end of the bolt 424 engages the detents 418 and also axially couples the first driveshaft 402 to the coupling housing 404.

[0035] When the ESP assembly 132 is removed from the well 102 and disassembled, the axial coupling of the first drive shaft 402 to the coupling housing 404 can be released by removing the bolts 424, if applicable, by axially pulling the first 10 239014 2085191 of 17 driveshaft 402 and separate it from the coupling housing 404 such that the locking lugs 406 move away from the stop 414, and rotate the first driveshaft 402 to move the locking lugs 406 away from the stops 412 and the channels 408. The first driveshaft 402 may then be completely removed from the coupling housing 404.

[0036] Referring now to Figure 5, a method 500 is described. In one embodiment, the method 500 is a method for assembling an electric submersible pump (ESP) assembly. At block 502, the method 500 comprises inserting an end of a first driveshaft of a first ESP component into a first open end of a coupling housing, wherein the outer surface of the end of the first driveshaft defines a plurality of locking lugs and the inner surface of the coupling housing defines a plurality of locking channels, wherein a second open end of the coupling housing couples to an end of a second driveshaft of a second ESP component.

[0037] At block 504, method 500 comprises rotating the first drive shaft relative to the coupling housing to seat the locking lugs against a rotational stop defined by the plurality of locking channels. At block 506, method 500 comprises urging the first drive shaft further axially within the coupling housing to seat the locking lugs against an axial stop defined by the plurality of locking channels and rotationally capturing the locking lugs.

[0038] In one embodiment, the method 500 further comprises threading coupling elements in a threaded hole in the coupling housing that are aligned with a detent on the outer surface of the first drive shaft until an end of the coupling element engages the detent on the outer surface of the first drive shaft. In one embodiment, the method 500 further comprises, after screwing the coupling element into the threaded hole in the coupling housing, unscrewing the coupling element from the threaded hole; and, after unscrewing the coupling element, rotating the first drive shaft relative to the coupling housing to release the locking lugs against the rotation stop defined by the plurality of locking channels; and removing the end of the first drive shaft from the coupling housing.

[0039] In one embodiment, the first ESP component is an electric motor and the second ESP component is a sealing section. In one embodiment, the first ESP component is a sealing section and the second 11 239014 2085191 of 17 ESP component is a gas separator. In one embodiment, the first ESP component is a sealing section and the second ESP component is a pump assembly. In one embodiment, the drive shaft of the electric motor may be axially coupled to the drive shaft of the sealing section as described in method 200; the drive shaft of the sealing section is axially coupled to the drive shaft in the gas separator as described in method 200; and the drive shaft of the gas separator is axially coupled to the drive shaft in the pump assembly as described in method 200. ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURE

[0040] A first embodiment is a coupling housing configured to axially and rotationally couple two drive shafts to each other, comprising: a first plurality of female splines defined at a first end of an interior of a coupling housing, wherein the first plurality of female splines are configured to rotatably engage corresponding male splines defined by a first one of the two drive shafts;and a plurality of axial coupling fittings, wherein each axial coupling fitting comprises a metal ball captured between an opening in a side wall of the coupling housing and a bearing coupled to the outside of the side wall of the coupling housing and an adjusting bolt threaded in a threaded hole of the bearing that is configured to cause the metal ball to engage a circumferential groove defined by an outside of the first of the two drive shafts;

[0041] A second embodiment, which is the coupling housing according to the first embodiment, wherein the coupling housing defines a second plurality of female slots at a second end of the interior of the coupling housing that is configured to rotatably engage with corresponding male slots defined by a second of the two drive shafts and wherein the coupling housing is configured to axially engage the second of the two drive shafts via coupling lugs.

[0042] A third embodiment, which is the coupling housing according to the first embodiment, wherein the coupling housing defines a plurality of locking channels at a second end of the interior of the coupling housing that is configured to engage with locking lugs defined by 12 239014 2085191 of 17 an exterior of the second drive shaft to be axially and rotationally coupled to the second drive shaft.

[0043] A fourth embodiment, which is the coupling housing according to the first embodiment, further comprises a second plurality of axial coupling fittings, wherein each axial coupling fitting comprises a metal ball captured between an opening in a side wall of the coupling housing and a bearing coupled on the outside of the side wall of the coupling housing and an adjusting bolt threaded in a threaded hole of the bearing that is configured to cause the metal ball to engage with a circumferential groove defined by an outside of a second one of the two drive shafts.

[0044] A fifth embodiment, which is the coupling housing according to the first embodiment, wherein the first drive shaft is located in a first component of an electric submersible pump (ESP) assembly and the second drive shaft is located in a second component of the ESP assembly.

[0045] A sixth embodiment, which is the coupling housing according to the fifth embodiment, wherein the first component and the second component are selected from the list of components consisting of an electric motor, a sealing section, a pump assembly, a gas separator and a charge pump.

[0046] A seventh embodiment, which is an electric submersible pump (ESP) assembly, comprising: a first ESP component having a first drive shaft defining a plurality of male splines and defining at least one cutout area; a second ESP component having a second drive shaft; a coupling housing defining a first plurality of female splines configured to mate with the male splines of the first drive shaft and at least one shoulder opening configured to align with the cutout area of ​​the first drive shaft; and at least one removable lug having a pin that is configured to extend through the shoulder opening in the coupling housing to engage the at least one cutout area of ​​the first drive shaft.

[0047] An eighth embodiment, which is the ESP assembly according to the seventh embodiment, wherein the at least one cut-out area is defined in at least one of the male splines of the first drive shaft. 239014 2085191 of 17

[0048] A ninth embodiment, which is the ESP assembly according to the seventh embodiment, wherein the at least one cut-out area is defined in an area of ​​a surface of the first drive shaft that does not have male splines.

[0049] A tenth embodiment, which is the ESP assembly according to the seventh embodiment, wherein a housing of the first ESP component or a housing of the second ESP component defines at least one access port for accessing the at least one removable lug.

[0050] An eleventh embodiment, which is the ESP assembly according to the seventh embodiment, wherein the at least one removable lug is secured to the coupling housing by using at least one threaded bolt or at least one threaded screw.

[0051] A twelfth embodiment, which is the ESP assembly according to the seventh embodiment, wherein the at least one removable lug is secured to the coupling housing by using at least one bracket.

[0052] A thirteenth embodiment, which is the ESP assembly according to the seventh embodiment, wherein the at least one removable lug is secured to the coupling housing by using at least one clamp.

[0053] A fourteenth embodiment, which is the ESP assembly according to the seventh embodiment, wherein the second drive shaft defines at least one cutout area and the coupling housing defines at least one flange opening configured to align with the at least one cutout area defined by the second drive shaft.

[0054] A fifteenth embodiment, which is a method of assembling an electric submersible pump (ESP) assembly, comprising: inserting an end of a first driveshaft of a first ESP component into a first open end of a coupling housing, wherein the outer surface of the end of the first driveshaft defines a plurality of locking lugs and the inner surface of the coupling housing defines a plurality of locking channels, wherein a second open end of the coupling housing couples to an end of a second driveshaft of a second ESP component; rotating the first driveshaft relative to the coupling housing to seat the locking lugs against a rotational stop defined by the plurality of locking channels;and urging the first drive shaft further axially within the coupling housing to seat the locking lugs against an axial stop defined by the plurality of locking channels and rotationally capturing the locking lugs. 239014 2085191 of 17

[0055] A sixteenth embodiment, which is the method according to the fifteenth embodiment, further comprising threaded coupling elements in a threaded hole in the coupling housing that are aligned with a retainer on the outer surface of the first drive shaft until one end of the coupling element engages with the retainer on the outer surface of the first drive shaft.

[0056] A seventeenth embodiment, which is the method according to the sixteenth embodiment, further comprising: after screwing the coupling member into the threaded hole in the coupling housing, unscrewing the coupling member from the threaded hole; after unscrewing the coupling member, rotating the first drive shaft relative to the coupling housing to release the locking lugs against the rotation stop defined by the plurality of locking channels; and removing the end of the first drive shaft from the coupling housing.

[0057] An eighteenth embodiment, which is the method according to the fifteenth embodiment, wherein the first ESP component is an electric motor and the second ESP component is a sealing section.

[0058] A nineteenth embodiment, which is the method according to the fifteenth embodiment, wherein the first ESP component is a sealing section and the second ESP component is a gas separator.

[0059] A twentieth embodiment, which is the method according to the fifteenth embodiment, wherein the first ESP component is a sealing section and the second ESP component is a pump assembly.

[0060] While various embodiments have been provided in the present disclosure, it should be understood that the disclosed systems and methods may be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. The present examples are to be considered illustrative and not restrictive, and the intent is not to be limited to the details given herein. For example, the various elements or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or certain features may be omitted or not implemented. In addition, the techniques, systems, subsystems, and methods described and illustrated in the various embodiments as discrete or separate may be combined or integrated with other systems, modules, techniques, or methods without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Other elements shown or discussed as being directly coupled or in direct communication with each other may be coupled. 2085191 of 17 indirectly or in indirect communication through some interface, device, or intermediate component, whether electrical, mechanical, or otherwise. A person of average skill can determine other examples of changes, substitutions, and alterations and can make them without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed herein. 239014 2085191 of 17 20225952036 CRISTIAN DANIEL BITTEL - 20225952036 Digitally signed by PORTALTRAMITES - INPI Date: 2022.12.15 16:49:39 -03:00 Reason: Digitally signed by the INPI Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina 2085191

Claims

1. A coupling housing configured to axially and rotationally couple two transmission shafts to each other, characterized in that it comprises: a first plurality of female grooves defined at a first end of an interior of the coupling housing, wherein the first plurality of female grooves is configured to be rotationally coupled with the corresponding male grooves defined by a first transmission shaft of the two transmission shafts;and a first plurality of axial coupling accessories, wherein each of the first plurality of axial coupling accessories comprises a metal sphere captured between an opening in a side wall of the coupling housing and a bearing coupled to an exterior of the coupling housing and an adjusting bolt threaded in an axially directed threaded hole of the bearing that is configured to cause the metal sphere to engage radially with a circumferential groove defined by an exterior of the first drive shaft of the two drive shafts. Three claims follow;