Submersible pump

Abstract

A submersible pump includes a rotating assembly and a rotating assembly housing. The rotating assembly has a plurality of linearly arranged flow inducing sections. A central longitudinal axis of each of the flow inducing sections extends collinear with a rotational axis of the rotating assembly. A downstream end portion of the flow pressurization section is engaged with an upstream end portion of the rotating flow amplification section. A downstream end portion of the rotating flow magnification section is engaged with an upstream end portion of the flow outlet section. The rotary assembly housing has an interior space extending along a central axis of the rotary assembly housing. The rotating assembly is arranged in the inner space of the rotating assembly shell. The rotating assembly and the rotating assembly housing are collectively configured such that the axis of rotation extends collinear with a central longitudinal axis of the rotating assembly housing.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an application with an application date of June 8, 2023, application number 202380011505.5, and invention name “Submersible Pump”. CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This patent application claims the benefit of priority from co-pending U.S. provisional patent application serial number 63 / 388,308, entitled “SUBMERSIBLE PUMP,” filed on July 12, 2022, and co-pending U.S. non-provisional patent application serial number 18 / 149,463, entitled “SUBMERSIBLE PUMP,” filed on January 3, 2023, both of which have common applicants with this application and are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The disclosure herein relates generally to flowable material pumps and, more particularly, to submersible pumps for flowable fluid materials such as liquids. Background Art

[0004] An electric submersible pump (ESP) is a flowable material pump known in the art. An ESP is typically disposed at the end of a length of a fluid flow conduit (e.g., a pipe or tube) within a wellbore that extends generally vertically through a geological formation. Fluid pumping is accomplished through a plurality of successive fluid pressurization stages that are rotationally driven (i.e., powered) by an electric motor. Depending on the specific design of the ESP, the plurality of fluid pressurization stages may include one or more centrifugal discs, one or more impellers, etc. The basic function of the fluid pressurization stages is to pressurize the fluid to cause the fluid to flow along the axial length of the fluid flow conduit (e.g., the fluid flow conduit may extend vertically).

[0005] It is known that conventional ESPs exhibit various disadvantages. One such disadvantage is that when the fluid flows through the various fluid pressurization stages, pumping losses are caused due to changes in the directionality of the fluid flow. For example, each change in the direction of the fluid flow results in a momentum loss at the inlet region of the ESP. This momentum loss results in the need for additional energy to mitigate the associated volumetric flow losses. The load generated by this additional energy (i.e., the additional operating power used to mitigate the associated volumetric flow loss power) can have the effect of accelerating internal pump wear, thereby reducing the overall life of the ESP. Another such disadvantage is that the fluid pressurization stages produce turbulent fluid flows that decay into laminar straight-line flows, which result in pumping losses caused by increased sidewall resistance within the fluid flow conduits.

[0006] Therefore, an ESP that overcomes the shortcomings associated with conventional ESPs would be advantageous, desirable, and useful. Summary of the invention

[0007] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to submersible pumps (electric or otherwise) that overcome the shortcomings associated with conventional ESPs. To this end, submersible pumps according to embodiments disclosed herein advantageously reduce pumping pressure losses, reduce pumping energy, provide enhanced volumetric flow efficiency caused by increased flow velocity, and exhibit enhanced operating life relative to conventional ESPs. Unlike conventional ESPs, which exhibit considerable energy inefficiencies (as described above) caused by pumping losses caused by directional changes in fluid flow as the fluid flows through various fluid pressurization stages, ESPs according to embodiments disclosed herein exhibit significant reductions in relative energy consumption and increases in flow capacity as a result of linearly arranged flow, thereby reducing (if not eliminating) harmful directional changes in fluid flow and associated frictional flow losses. In addition, submersible pumps according to embodiments disclosed herein advantageously mitigate (if not eliminate) common cavitation problems exhibited in many centrifugal ESPs and other types of pump designs. These enhanced features result in enhanced performance, reliability, and durability.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the submersible pump includes a rotating assembly and a rotating assembly housing. The rotating assembly has a plurality of linearly arranged flow inducing sections. The central longitudinal axis of each of the flow inducing sections extends colinearly with the rotation axis of the rotating assembly. The downstream end portion of the flow pressurizing section engages with the upstream end portion of the rotating flow amplifying section. The downstream end portion of the rotating flow amplifying section engages with the upstream end portion of the flow outlet section. The rotating assembly housing has an internal space extending along the central longitudinal axis of the rotating assembly housing. The rotating assembly is disposed within the internal space of the rotating assembly housing. The rotating assembly and the rotating assembly housing are configured together to extend the rotation axis colinearly with the central longitudinal axis of the rotating assembly housing.

[0009] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, a submersible pump includes a rotating assembly having a rotation axis and a rotating assembly housing having an internal space extending along the central axis of the rotating assembly housing. The rotating assembly is disposed in the internal space of the rotating assembly housing, and the rotation axis of the rotating assembly extends colinearly with the central longitudinal axis of the rotating assembly housing. The rotating assembly includes an impeller, a rotating flow amplification body, and an outlet body. The impeller has a sidewall extending around the rotation axis to define the internal space of the impeller. The sidewall is tapered so that the impeller has a first cross-sectional area at a first end portion of the impeller and a second cross-sectional area at a second end portion of the impeller. The second cross-sectional area is larger than the first cross-sectional area. The sidewall includes a plurality of flow inducing protrusions, each of which extends outward away from the internal space of the impeller and extends obliquely upward from the vicinity of the first end portion of the impeller in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the rotating assembly. Each flow inducing protrusion extends from the vicinity of the first end portion of the impeller to the vicinity of the second end portion of the impeller. Each flow inducing protrusion has a front edge and a rear edge relative to the rotation direction. Each flow inducing protrusion has a fluid flow channel extending through the front edge along at least a portion of the front edge. The rotating flow amplification body has a first end portion, which is engaged with the second end portion of the impeller in a manner that inhibits unrestricted rotational movement between the first end portion of the rotating flow amplification body and the second end portion of the impeller in at least the rotational direction. The rotating flow amplification body has a central channel extending along the entire length of the rotating flow amplification body. The central axis of the rotating flow amplification body extends colinearly with the rotation axis. A plurality of blades extend from the inner surface of the rotating flow amplification body that defines the central channel of the rotating flow amplification body. Each blade extends obliquely upward in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the rotating assembly from near the first end portion of the rotating flow amplification body. The outlet body has a first end portion of the outlet body, which is engaged with the second end portion of the rotating flow amplification body in a manner that inhibits unrestricted rotational movement between the first end portion of the outlet body and the second end portion of the rotating flow amplification body in at least the rotational direction. The central axis of the outlet body extends colinearly with the rotation axis.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the rotating flow amplification section includes a plurality of bearings integral to an outer surface of the rotating flow amplification section, and each bearing has a circumferential outer surface that engages a mating portion of an interior surface defining an interior space of a rotating assembly housing.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, each bearing includes one or more grooves located within a circumferential outer surface of each bearing.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the inner space of the flow pressurizing section continuously extends to the central channel of the rotating flow amplifying section, and the central channel of the rotating flow amplifying section continuously extends to the central channel of the flow outlet section.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the closed end portion of the internal space of the flow pressurization section opposite to the downstream end portion of the flow pressurization section has a maximum internal diameter that is smaller than the maximum internal diameter of the internal space of the flow pressurization section at the downstream end portion of the flow pressurization section. The internal space of the flow pressurization section at the downstream end portion of the flow pressurization section has a maximum internal diameter that is substantially the same as the maximum internal diameter of the central channel of the rotating flow amplification section. The central channel of the rotating flow amplification section has a maximum internal diameter that is substantially the same as the maximum internal diameter of the central channel of the flow outlet section at the upstream end portion of the rotating flow amplification section, and the central channel of the flow outlet section has a cross-sectional area along the length of the central channel that gradually decreases from the maximum internal diameter at the upstream end portion of the central channel to the smaller internal diameter at the downstream end portion of the central channel.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the flow pressurizing section includes an impeller having a sidewall extending about a rotation axis to define an interior space of the impeller, the sidewall being tapered so that the impeller has a first cross-sectional area near a first end portion of the impeller and a second cross-sectional area near a second end portion of the impeller, the second cross-sectional area being greater than the first cross-sectional area, the sidewall including a plurality of flow inducing protrusions, each flow inducing protrusion extending outwardly away from the interior space of the entry space and extending obliquely upward from near the first end portion of the impeller in a direction opposite to a rotation direction of the rotating assembly, each flow inducing protrusion extending from near the first end portion of the impeller to near the second end portion of the impeller, each flow inducing protrusion having a front edge and a rear edge relative to the rotation direction, and each flow inducing protrusion having a fluid flow channel extending along at least a portion of a front edge of each flow inducing protrusion.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, each flow inducing protrusion has an interior surface that is offset from its exterior surface by a substantially uniform distance such that each flow inducing protrusion defines a cavity within the interior surface of the sidewall.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the fluid flow channel of each flow inducing protrusion extends only along the central portion of the corresponding flow inducing protrusion, thereby defining a first fluid flow segment between the first end portion of the impeller and the first end portion of the fluid flow channel, a second fluid flow segment between the first end portion of the fluid flow channel and the second end portion of the fluid flow channel, and a third fluid flow segment between the second end portion of the fluid flow channel and the second end portion of the impeller.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the rotating flow amplification body has a central channel, a plurality of blades extend from an inner surface of the rotating flow amplification body defining the central channel of the rotating flow amplification body, and each blade extends upwardly obliquely from near a first end portion of the rotating flow amplification body in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the rotating component.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, each of the blades has a cup-shaped surface on a downstream facing side of each blade.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, each of the blades extends continuously along substantially the entire length of the interior surface of the rotating flow amplifying body.

[0020] These and other objects, embodiments, advantages and / or distinctions of the present invention will become apparent upon further reading of the following specification, the associated drawings and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 is a side view showing an electric submersible pump (ESP) according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein; Figure 2A is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along the center line 2A-2A; Figure 2B It is taken from Figure 2A An enlarged partial view of Figure 2C It is taken from Figure 2A An enlarged partial view of Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A first perspective view of a rotating assembly of an ESP is shown; Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1 a second perspective view of the rotating assembly of the ESP shown; Figure 5 It is shown Figure 1 A first perspective view of an impeller of an ESP is shown; Figure 6 It is shown Figure 1A second perspective view of an impeller of the ESP is shown; Figure 7 The counterclockwise rotation is shown as viewed from the inlet end of the ESP. Figure 1 A perspective view of the rotating flow magnified body of the ESP is shown; Figure 8 The figure shows the ESP from the outlet end. Figure 7 An upstream end view of the rotating flow magnified body of the ESP is shown rotating counterclockwise at the inlet end of the ESP. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Figures 1 to 8 An electric submersible pump (i.e., pump 100) according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein is shown, which is configured for flowable fluid materials, such as, for example, liquids. Pump 100 employs a structural arrangement that beneficially reduces pumping pressure losses, reduces pumping energy, provides enhanced volumetric flow efficiency caused by increased flow rates, and mitigates (if not eliminates) common cavitation problems. These enhanced features result in enhanced performance, reliability, and durability.

[0023] like Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 2B As best shown, the pump 100 includes a rotating assembly 102 and a rotating assembly housing 104. The rotating assembly housing 104 has an interior space S1 extending along a central axis A of the rotating assembly housing 104. The rotating assembly 102 is disposed within the interior space S1 of the rotating assembly housing 104. The rotating assembly 102 has a rotating axis R1 extending colinearly with the central longitudinal axis A of the rotating assembly housing 104.

[0024] like FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C As shown, the rotating assembly 102 has a plurality of in-line flow inducing sections: a flow pressurizing section 102A, a rotating flow amplifying section 102B, and a flow outlet section 102C. The downstream end portion of the flow pressurizing section 102A is joined to the upstream end portion of the rotating flow amplifying section 102B. The downstream end portion of the rotating flow amplifying section 102B is joined to the upstream end portion of the flow outlet section 102C. The central longitudinal axis (central longitudinal axes A1, A2, A3, respectively) of each flow inducing section extends colinearly with the rotation axis R1 of the rotating assembly 102.

[0025] As discussed in more detail below, the rotation of the rotating assembly 102 relative to the rotating assembly housing 104 causes the fluid present outside the inlet end IE of the submersible pump 100 to be sucked into the internal space S1 of the rotating assembly housing 104 through the inlet port 108 within the rotating assembly housing 104. A filter body 109 can be disposed above the inlet port 108 to limit the entry of debris. The rotation also causes the fluid sucked into the internal space S1 of the rotating assembly housing 104 to be sucked into the internal space S2 of the flow pressurizing section 102A and pressurized within the internal space S2. The pressurized fluid is pushed through the rotating flow amplification section 102B to obtain a rotating flow about the rotation axis R1 applied to the rotating flow amplification section 102B. Thereafter, the rotating fluid flow is gathered by the flow outlet section 102C at the outlet end OE of the rotating assembly housing 104 before being output via the outlet port 112 of the flow outlet section 102C. The rotation also causes fluid to flow through the interior space S1 of the rotating assembly housing 104 between the rotating assembly 102 and the interior surface of the rotating assembly housing 104 for providing cooling and lubrication to the contact points between the rotating assembly 102 and the rotating assembly housing 104 .

[0026] The submersible pump 100 may include a motor 1 for rotating a rotating assembly 102 relative to a rotating assembly housing 104. The motor 1 may be connected to the rotating assembly 102 and the rotating assembly housing 104 by any suitable means capable of rotating the rotating assembly 102 relative to the rotating assembly housing 104. For example, a body 5 (e.g., a housing or casing) of the motor 1 may be attached to the rotating assembly housing 104, and a rotating power output portion 10 of the motor 1 may be attached to the rotating assembly 102 so that the rotating power generated by the motor 1 can be applied to the rotating assembly 102. The motor 1 may be attached to the rotating assembly 102 via a coupling 15 having a first portion engaged with the motor 1 and a second portion engaged with the rotating assembly 102, and inhibiting relative rotational movement between the motor 1 and the rotating assembly 102.

[0027] In one or more preferred embodiments, the motor 1, the rotating assembly 102, and the rotating assembly housing 104 are configured together to maintain the rotating assembly 102 in compression engagement with the rotating assembly housing 104. This compression engagement provides at least two purposes. The first purpose is to allow the rotating assembly 102 to rotate in a controlled manner around the rotation axis R1 at one or more rotational speeds. To this end, the attachment of the motor 1 to the rotating assembly housing 104 can provide radial constraints on the end portions of the adjacent rotating assemblies 102 so as to rotate around the rotation axis R1 in a controlled manner. Optionally or additionally, a support body (e.g., a bracket) can be located between the motor and the rotating assembly 102 to provide or increase such radial constraints on the end portions of the adjacent rotating assemblies 102. The second purpose is to control (e.g., inhibit) the uncontrolled axial movement of the rotating assembly 102 relative to the rotating assembly housing 104 along the central axis A of the rotating assembly housing 104 during such rotation of the rotating assembly 102.

[0028] To support the above rotation considerations, FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C As best shown, the submersible pump 100 preferably includes a plurality of journal bearings 114 and one or more thrust bearings 116. The journal bearings 114 are axially spaced from one another and are disposed between the outer surface 103 of the rotating assembly 102 and the inner (i.e., defining the central passage) surface 118 of the rotating assembly housing 104. The journal bearings 114 and the rotating assembly 102 and the inner surface 118 of the rotating assembly housing 104 of the central passage 120 are collectively configured to radially constrain the rotating assembly 102 relative to the inner surface 118 of the rotating assembly housing 104, i.e., to provide rotation of the rotating assembly 102 about the rotation axis R1 in a controlled manner. In a preferred embodiment, the journal bearings 114 are integral with the outer surface 103 of the rotating assembly 102, defining the outer surface 103 of the rotating assembly 102, and each journal bearing 114 engages a mating portion of the inner surface 118 of the rotating assembly housing 104.

[0029] like Figure 7As best shown, each journal bearing 114 may include one or more grooves 115. Each groove 115 extends across the entire width of a corresponding one of the journal bearings 114. In a preferred embodiment, rotation of the rotating assembly 102 causes the flow pressurization portion 102A to cause a portion of the fluid drawn into the interior space S1 of the rotating assembly housing 104 to be pushed along the central passage 120 of the rotating assembly housing 104 between the rotating assembly 102 and the interior surface 118 of the rotating assembly housing 104. Each groove 115 serves as a flow-through passage to easily allow fluid to flow through each journal bearing 114. Beneficially, the fluid flow between the rotating assembly 102 and the interior surface 118 of the rotating assembly housing 104 serves to cool and lubricate the contact points between the mating portions of the journal bearing 114 and the rotating assembly housing 104.

[0030] At the outlet end OE of the submersible pump 100, one or more thrust bearings 116 are located between the end face 122 of the rotating assembly 102 and the inner end face 124 of the rotating assembly housing 104. The end face 122 of the rotating assembly 102, the inner end face 124 of the rotating assembly housing 104, and the one or more thrust bearings 116 (in combination with an implementation device for forcibly biasing the rotating assembly 102 in the downstream direction) are collectively configured to axially constrain the rotating assembly 102 relative to the rotating assembly housing 104 while achieving uniform and controlled rotational movement around the rotation axis R1. In a preferred embodiment, a cylindrical roller thrust bearing is used between the end face 122 of the rotating assembly 102 and the inner end face 124 of the rotating assembly housing 104 to axially constrain the rotating assembly 102 relative to the rotating assembly housing 104.

[0031] Regarding the implementation means for forcibly biasing the rotating assembly 102 in the downstream direction, the rotating assembly 102 may be biased toward the outlet end OE of the submersible pump 100 to generate a compressive force at the interface between the one or more thrust bearings 116, the rotating assembly 102, and the rotating assembly housing 104. In one example, the motor 1 may be directly (e.g., fixedly) engaged with the rotating assembly 102 to forcibly bias the rotating assembly 102 toward the closed end face 124 of the rotating assembly housing 104 (i.e., in the downstream direction). In another example, an elastic biasing member (e.g., one or more compression springs, such as a disc spring washer) for applying a balancing torque may be provided between the motor 1 and the rotating assembly 102 to forcibly bias the rotating assembly 102 toward the closed end face 124 of the rotating assembly housing 104.

[0032] In one or more embodiments, forcibly biasing the rotating assembly 102 in the downstream direction to generate a compressive force at the interface between the one or more thrust bearings 116, the rotating assembly 102, and the rotating assembly housing 104 can be achieved using a motor mount that interlockingly engages the rotating assembly housing 104 to urge the motor 1 into compressive engagement with the one or more thrust bearings 116 toward the downstream end portion of the rotating assembly housing 104. The interlocking arrangement of the motor mount and the rotating assembly housing 104 secures the motor mount to the rotating assembly housing 104 and biases the rotating assembly 102 against the one or more thrust bearings 116. For example, the motor mount can include a body having a threaded portion that engages a mating threaded portion of the rotating assembly housing 104, through which an axial compressive (i.e., preload) force can be applied to the interface between the one or more thrust bearings 116, the rotating assembly 102, and the rotating assembly housing 104. The motor mount may include a resilient member (eg, a compression spring) that exerts a compressive force on the motor 1 in response to the motor mount being interlockingly engaged with the rotating assembly housing 104 .

[0033] like Figure 2A , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As best shown, the rotating assembly 102 includes an impeller 130, a rotating flow amplification body 132, and an outlet body 134. As described above, the rotating assembly 102 has a plurality of linearly arranged flow inducing sections: a flow pressurizing section 102A, a rotating flow amplifying section 102B, and a flow outlet section 102C. The impeller 130 is an embodiment of the flow pressurizing section 102A. The rotating flow amplifying body 132 is an embodiment of the rotating flow amplifying section 102B. The outlet body 134 is an embodiment of the flow outlet section 102C.

[0034] The impeller 130 has a side wall 136 extending around the rotation axis R1 to define an inner space S2 of the impeller. The side wall 136 is tapered so that the impeller 130 has a first cross-sectional area adjacent to the first end portion EP130-1 and a second cross-sectional area adjacent to the second end portion EP130-2. The second cross-sectional area is larger than the first cross-sectional area. In a preferred embodiment, the impeller 130 is in the form of an inverted truncated cone. The central longitudinal axis A1 of the impeller 130 extends colinearly with the rotation axis R1.

[0035] The side wall 136 includes a plurality of flow inducing protrusions 138, each of which extends outward from the interior space S2 of the impeller 130. Each flow inducing protrusion 138 extends from near the first end portion EP130-1 of the impeller 130 to near the second end portion EP130-2 of the impeller 130. Each flow inducing protrusion 138 has a leading edge LE and a trailing edge TE relative to the rotation direction RD. Each flow inducing protrusion 138 has a fluid flow channel 140 extending through the leading edge LE along at least a portion of the leading edge LE.

[0036] In one or more embodiments, the inlet port 108 may be inclined to have the same or similar inclination as the protrusion 138 of the impeller 130. In one or more embodiments, the inlet port 108 may include a protrusion located at the inner surface of the rotating assembly housing 104, and the protrusion at the inner surface of the rotating assembly housing 104 has the same or similar profile as the protrusion 138 of the impeller 130. Preferably, the inlet port protrusion of the rotating assembly housing 104 extends inwardly from the outer wall of the rotating assembly housing 104. Such an inlet port inclination and inlet port protrusion arrangement beneficially affects the flow of fluid from the inlet port through the inner space S entering the impeller 130.

[0037] Each flow inducing protrusion 138 extends upwardly obliquely from the vicinity of the first end portion EP130-1 of the impeller 130 in a direction opposite to the rotation direction RD of the rotating assembly 102. The term upwardly oblique disclosed herein includes that at least a portion of the flow inducing protrusion extends in a non-parallel direction relative to a reference axis extending radially from the rotation axis R1, that is, the leading edge LE faces upstream. For example, the flow inducing protrusion 138 may have a straight longitudinal axis inclined relative to the rotation axis, or may have a longitudinal axis that is at least partially curved, so that at least a portion of the longitudinal axis is inclined relative to the rotation axis.

[0038] Preferably, if Figure 5 and Figure 6 As best shown, each flow inducing protrusion 138 has an inner surface 136A and an outer surface 136B, which are opposite surfaces of the sidewall 136. The inner surface 136A is offset from the outer surface 136B by a substantially uniform distance (e.g., the thickness of the sidewall 136) such that each flow inducing protrusion 138 defines a louver-like body that protrudes outwardly from the outer surface of the impeller 130 and forms a corresponding cavity within the inner surface of the impeller 130. Preferably, as shown in FIG. Figure 6As best shown, the fluid flow passage 140 of each flow inducing protrusion 138 extends only along the central portion of the corresponding flow inducing protrusion. In this manner, a first fluid flow stage FFS1 of each flow inducing protrusion 138 is defined between the first end portion EP130-1 of the impeller 130 and the lower (i.e., first) end portion of the fluid flow passage 140, a second fluid flow stage FFS2 is defined between the lower end portion of the fluid flow passage 140 and the second (i.e., upper) end portion of the fluid flow passage 140, and a third fluid flow stage FFS3 is defined between the upper end portion of the fluid flow passage 140 and the second end portion EP130-2 of the impeller 130. The first fluid flow stage FFS1 is the lowest area on the impeller 130, has the smallest diameter, has the smallest cut angle, and the lower corner may be cased or otherwise closed.

[0039] The rotating flow amplification body 132 has a first end portion EP132-1, which is engaged with the second end portion EP130-2 of the impeller 130 in a manner that inhibits unrestricted rotational movement between the second end portion EP130-2 and the first end portion EP132-1. In a preferred embodiment, this engagement includes a first interlocking interface 142, such as in the form of interlocking shoulders 142A, 142B. The interlocking shoulders 142A, 142B can have a trapezoidal profile so that the application of torque causes the interface to pull itself into an interlocking configuration-that is, in view of the mating conical edge surface of the trapezoidal profile. Beneficially, the interlocking shoulder with a trapezoidal profile provides an active locking interface (positive locking interface) that resists the separation of sections caused by vibrations in the pump 100 during operation (i.e., the application of rotational torque). For certain applications, the rotating flow amplification body disclosed herein can be configured to be stackable (e.g., via end-to-end mating of relative interlocking interfaces), such as for increasing downhole depth pumping capacity.

[0040] The rotating flow amplification body 132 has a central channel 144. Preferably, the central channel 144 of the rotating flow amplification body 132 is circular and has a uniform maximum diameter. Preferably, the central axis A2 of the rotating flow amplification body 132 extends colinearly with the rotation axis R1, and the central channel 144 of the rotating flow amplification body 132 extends continuously with the internal space S1 of the impeller 130. A plurality of blades 146 (e.g., spiral, such as conical semi-spiral) extend from the inner surface 148 of the outer wall 149, which defines the central channel 144 of the rotating flow amplification body 132. Each blade 146 extends upwardly obliquely from the first end portion of the rotating flow amplification body in a direction opposite to the rotation direction RD. Each blade 146 can extend continuously along substantially the entire length of the inner surface 148 of the rotating flow amplification body 132. Each blade 146 is preferably equal in total length and has the same profile.

[0041] Preferably, if Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the downstream-facing surface 146A of each blade 146 and the inner surface 148 of the rotating flow amplification body 132 together form a cup surface 150. The cup surface 150 can extend along all or part of the total length of each blade 146. The cup surface 150 forms an elongated receiving space 151, and during the rotation of the rotating assembly 102, a portion of the fluid in the central passage 144 is trapped in the elongated receiving space 151 (at least temporarily). Advantageously, this entrapment of the fluid causes the rotating flow amplification body 132 to apply a greater amount of energy to the trapped fluid compared to blades that do not form a cup surface and the resulting receiving space. The greater amount of energy comes from the increased magnitude of the force applied to the trapped fluid by the cup surface 150 and the duration of such trapped fluid in the receiving space 151. In one or more embodiments, the cup surface 150 and the receiving space 151 can be configured according to a Pelton-style cup vane.

[0042] like Figure 8As best shown, each blade 146 can be tilted at a certain angle (e.g., tilted 45 degrees or more relative to a radial reference line). In addition to the function of rotational flow amplification, this tilt also serves to assist in generating strong axial loads during rotation of the rotating assembly 102. The width and angle of the blades 146 can be such that the inner edges 153 of each blade 146 are spaced apart from each other, so that the central area of ​​the rotating flow amplification body 132 is open (i.e., unobstructed). The open central area is where the fluid flowing through the rotating flow amplification body 132 converges and allows any suspended particles to pass freely without causing blockage. At the second end portion EP132-2 of the rotating flow amplification body 132, each blade 146 can have a radius at which each blade 146 terminates to allow a wider flow and help the fluid flow rotationally when the fluid flows into the outlet body 132.

[0043] like Figure 2A and Figure 2C As best shown, the outlet body 132 has a first end portion EP134-1 that engages with a second end portion EP132-2 of the rotating flow amplification body 132 in a manner that inhibits unrestricted rotational movement between the first end portion EP134-1 and the second end portion EP132-2. In a preferred embodiment, this engagement includes a first interlocking interface 152, such as in the form of interlocking shoulders 152A, 152B. The interlocking shoulders 152A, 152B can have a trapezoidal profile so that the application of torque causes the interface to pull itself into an interlocking configuration - that is, in view of the mating tapered edge faces of the trapezoidal profile.

[0044] The outlet body 134 has a central passage 154 that terminates at the outlet port 112 (i.e., the fluid outlet of the pump 100). Preferably, the central axis A3 of the outlet body 134 extends colinearly with the rotation axis R1, and the central passage 154 of the outlet body 134 extends continuously with the central passage 144 of the rotating flow amplification body 132. The central passage 154 of the outlet body 134 preferably has a uniform diameter portion 154A and a contraction portion 154B located downstream of the uniform diameter portion 154A. The uniform diameter portion 154A is a flow gate leading to the contraction portion 154B. In a preferred embodiment, the contraction portion 154B has a contraction taper of 3:1 over the length of the central passage 144 relative to the inner diameter of the central passage 144 of the rotating flow amplification body 132. The contraction portion 154B can have a straight tapered inner wall surface (as shown) or a nonlinear inner wall surface as desired. The flow gate can be before a similar uniform diameter portion of the rotating flow amplification body 132 downstream of the terminal end of the blade 146.

[0045] Turning now to the operation of the pump 100, the motor 1 is used to rotate the rotating assembly 102 relative to the rotating assembly housing 104. With at least the inlet end IE of the pump 100 positioned within a fluid (e.g., water) source, the rotation results in the absorption, pressurization, rotational flow conversion and output of the fluid from the pump. In contrast to conventional ESPs, the operation of the pump 100 (i.e., a pump according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein) advantageously provides enhanced operating functions, which results in enhanced performance, reliability and durability. These enhanced operating functions come from the structural arrangement of the pump 100, which beneficially reduces pumping pressure losses, reduces pumping energy and provides enhanced volumetric flow efficiency caused by increased flow velocity.

[0046] Advantageously, the rotation of the rotating assembly 102 generates a total dynamic head (TDH) that increases with the net positive suction head (NPSH) formed at the fluid inlet of the impeller 130. NPSH is a measure of the pressure experienced by the fluid on the suction side of the pump. Therefore, for the pump 100, the NPSH combined with the siphon together helps to accelerate the fluid into the rotating flow amplification body 132.

[0047] The rotation of the impeller 130 (ie, the flow pressurizing section of the rotating assembly 102) results in the absorption and pressurization of the fluid within which at least the inlet end of the pump 100 is located. Figure 6As discussed above, the fluid flow passage 140 of each flow inducing protrusion 138 extends only along the central portion of the corresponding flow inducing protrusion, so that the impeller 130 preferably includes a first fluid flow stage FFS1 (i.e., a portion of the impeller located below the lower edge of the fluid flow passage 140), a second fluid flow stage FFS2 (i.e., a portion of the impeller extending vertically along the length of the fluid flow passage 140), and a third fluid flow stage FFS3 (i.e., a portion of the impeller located above the upper edge of the fluid flow passage 140). In this regard, each flow inducing protrusion 138 has three different functions. The first fluid flow stage FFS1 generates a siphon effect that promotes the flow of fluid from the outside of the impeller 130 into the internal space S2 of the second fluid flow stage FFS2. In combination with the siphon effect of the first fluid flow stage FFS1, the second fluid flow stage FFS2 draws fluid into the internal space S2 of the second fluid flow stage FFS2 and compresses the fluid. The internal profile of the impeller 130 at the second fluid flow stage FFS2 and the third fluid flow stage FFS3 pulls the fluid toward the rotation axis R1, begins to apply a rotational flow profile to the fluid, and pressurizes the fluid relative to the fluid inlet pressure. In this regard, after being subjected to the impeller 130, the fluid is provided to the rotational flow amplification body 132 (i.e., the rotational flow amplification section of the rotation assembly 102) in a state that exhibits at least a partial rotational flow profile (i.e., as opposed to a random or laminar flow profile) and is pressurized.

[0048] The rotation of the rotating flow amplification body 132 (i.e., the rotating flow amplification section of the rotating assembly 102) results in the continued conversion of the fluid into a rotating flow and any associated pressurization increase. To this end, the rotating flow amplification body 132 produces a fluid rotation (e.g., a 360-degree fluid rotation) over the total length of the rotating flow amplification body 132. Each blade 146 and the outer wall 149 together define a corresponding open-faced flow chamber through which the fluid partially travels, thereby amplifying the rotating flow of the fluid initially generated in the impeller 130. The upstream end face of each blade 146 can be spaced apart from the impeller 130 to assist in uniform mixing of the fluid as it flows into the rotating flow amplification body 132.

[0049] The outlet body 134 (i.e., the flow outlet section of the rotating assembly 102) is the third stage of the pump 100 and is the last stage. The function of the outlet body 134 is to merge the rotational fluid flow streams that leave the rotating flow amplification body 132 - that is, the fluid flows from the open flow chamber and the open central area of ​​the rotating flow amplification body 132. The taper of the contraction portion 134B of the outlet body 134 on the straight length produces a compressive strength in the rotating fluid flow stream. Kinetic energy accumulates within this linear length with its uniform distribution and intensity. When the fluid leaves the outlet body 134, the rotational flow pattern of the fluid is defined, and a focus of kinetic energy is generated in the output fluid flow. The life and flow distance of the focus are defined and controlled by parameters such as, for example, rotational speed, fluid viscosity, and transmission pipe diameter / length.

[0050] Although the present invention has been described with reference to several exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the words that have been used are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made within the scope of the appended claims, as presently described and amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention in all its aspects. Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular apparatus, materials, and embodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the details disclosed; on the contrary, the present invention extends to all functionally equivalent techniques, structures, methods, and uses, such as those within the scope of the appended claims.

[0051] The present invention also relates to the following aspects: 1. A submersible pump, comprising: a rotating assembly having a plurality of linearly arranged flow inducing sections, wherein a central longitudinal axis of each flow inducing section extends co-linearly with an axis of rotation of the rotating assembly, wherein a downstream end portion of a flow pressurizing section engages an upstream end portion of a rotating flow amplifying section, and wherein the downstream end portion of the rotating flow amplifying section engages an upstream end portion of a flow outlet section; and A rotating assembly housing has an interior space extending along a central longitudinal axis of the rotating assembly housing, wherein the rotating assembly is disposed within the interior space of the rotating assembly housing.

[0052] 2. The submersible pump according to aspect 1, wherein: The rotating flow amplification section includes a plurality of bearings integral to an exterior surface of the rotating flow amplification section; and Each of the bearings has a circumferential outer surface that engages a mating portion of an interior surface of the rotating assembly housing that defines the interior space of the rotating assembly housing.

[0053] 3. A submersible pump according to aspect 2, wherein each of the bearings includes a groove located within the circumferential outer surface of the bearing.

[0054] 4. The submersible pump according to aspect 1, wherein: The interior space of the flow pressurizing section extends continuously with the central passage of the rotating flow amplifying section; and The central passage of the rotational flow amplification section extends continuously with the central passage of the flow outlet section.

[0055] 5. The submersible pump according to aspect 4, wherein: a closed end portion of the interior space of the flow pressurizing section opposite the downstream end portion of the flow pressurizing section having a maximum interior diameter that is smaller than a maximum interior diameter of the interior space of the flow pressurizing section at the downstream end portion of the flow pressurizing section; the inner space of the flow pressurizing section at the downstream end portion of the flow pressurizing section has a maximum inner diameter that is the same as a maximum inner diameter of the central passage of the rotational flow amplification section; the central passage of the rotational flow amplification section has a maximum inner diameter that is the same as a maximum inner diameter of the central passage of the flow outlet section at the upstream end portion of the flow outlet section; and The central passage of the flow outlet section has a cross-sectional area that decreases gradually along its length from the maximum internal diameter at its upstream end portion to a smaller internal diameter at its downstream end portion.

[0056] 6. The submersible pump according to aspect 1, wherein: The flow pressurizing section includes an impeller having a sidewall extending about the rotation axis to define an interior space of the impeller; the sidewall being tapered such that the impeller has a first cross-sectional area adjacent a first end portion of the impeller and a second cross-sectional area adjacent a second end portion of the impeller; The second cross-sectional area is greater than the first cross-sectional area; the side wall including a plurality of flow inducing protrusions, each of the flow inducing protrusions extending outwardly away from the interior space of the impeller and extending obliquely from the vicinity of the first end portion of the impeller in a direction opposite to a rotation direction of the rotating assembly; Each of the flow inducing protrusions extends from near the first end portion of the impeller to near the second end portion of the impeller; Each of the flow inducing protrusions has a leading edge and a trailing edge relative to the direction of rotation; and Each of the flow inducing projections has a fluid flow channel at a leading edge thereof extending through the leading edge.

[0057] 7. A submersible pump according to aspect 6, wherein the fluid flow channel of each flow inducing protrusion extends only along the central portion of the corresponding flow inducing protrusion, thereby defining a first fluid flow segment between the first end portion of the impeller and the first end portion of the fluid flow channel, a second fluid flow segment between the first end portion of the fluid flow channel and the second end portion of the fluid flow channel, and a third fluid flow segment between the second end portion of the fluid flow channel and the second end portion of the impeller.

[0058] 8. The submersible pump of aspect 6, wherein each flow inducing protrusion defines a cavity within the interior surface of the side wall.

[0059] 9. The submersible pump according to aspect 6, wherein: The rotating flow amplifying body has an elongated central channel; a plurality of vanes extending from an interior surface of the rotating flow amplifying body defining the elongated central passage; and Each of the blades extends obliquely from the vicinity of the first end portion of the rotating flow amplifying body in a direction opposite to the rotating direction of the rotating assembly.

[0060] 10. A submersible pump according to aspect 9, wherein each of the blades has a cup-shaped surface on its downstream facing side.

[0061] 11. The submersible pump according to aspect 1, wherein: The rotating flow amplifying body has an elongated central channel; a plurality of vanes extending from an interior surface of the rotating flow amplifying body defining the elongated central passage; and Each of the blades extends obliquely from the vicinity of the first end portion of the rotating flow amplifying body in a direction opposite to the rotating direction of the rotating assembly.

[0062] 12. A submersible pump according to aspect 11, wherein each of the blades has a cup-shaped surface on its downstream facing side.

[0063] 13. The submersible pump according to aspect 11, wherein each of the blades extends continuously along the entire length of the inner surface of the rotating flow amplifying body.

[0064] 14. The submersible pump according to aspect 11, wherein: The inner space of the flow pressurizing section continuously extends to the central channel of the rotating flow amplifying section; The central channel of the rotating flow amplification section extends continuously to the central channel of the flow outlet section; a closed end portion of the interior space of the flow pressurizing section opposite the downstream end portion of the flow pressurizing section having a maximum interior diameter that is smaller than a maximum interior diameter of the interior space of the flow pressurizing section at the downstream end portion of the flow pressurizing section; the inner space of the flow pressurizing section at the downstream end portion of the flow pressurizing section has a maximum inner diameter that is the same as a maximum inner diameter of the central passage of the rotational flow amplification section; the central passage of the rotational flow amplification section has a maximum inner diameter that is the same as a maximum inner diameter of the central passage of the flow outlet section at the upstream end portion of the flow outlet section; and The central passage of the flow outlet section has a cross-sectional area that tapers along its length from the maximum internal diameter at its upstream end portion to a smaller internal diameter at its downstream end portion.

[0065] 15. A submersible pump according to aspect 14, wherein each of the blades has a cup-shaped surface on its downstream facing side.

[0066] 16. A submersible pump according to aspect 15, wherein each of the blades extends continuously along the entire length of the inner surface of the rotating flow amplifying body.

[0067] 17. The submersible pump according to aspect 1, wherein: A first of the in-line flow inducing sections includes an impeller; A second of the in-line flow inducing sections comprises a rotating flow amplifying body; and A third of the in-line flow inducing sections includes an outlet body.

[0068] 18. The submersible pump according to aspect 17, wherein: The impeller has a side wall extending around the rotation axis to define an interior space of the impeller; the sidewall being tapered such that the impeller has a first cross-sectional area proximate a first end portion of the impeller and a second cross-sectional area proximate a second end portion of the impeller; The second cross-sectional area is greater than the first cross-sectional area; The side wall includes a plurality of flow inducing protrusions, each of which extends outward from the interior space of the impeller and extends obliquely from the vicinity of the first end portion of the impeller in a direction opposite to a rotation direction of the rotating assembly; Each of the flow inducing protrusions extends from near the first end portion of the impeller to near the second end portion of the impeller; Each of the flow inducing protrusions has a leading edge and a trailing edge relative to the direction of rotation; and Each of the flow inducing projections has a fluid flow channel extending through the leading edge along at least a portion of the leading edge thereof.

[0069] 19. The submersible pump according to aspect 18, wherein: the rotating flow amplification body having a first end portion of the rotating flow amplification body, the first end portion of the rotating flow amplification body being engaged with the second end portion of the impeller in a manner that inhibits unrestricted rotational movement between the first end portion of the rotating flow amplification body and the second end portion of the impeller in at least the rotational direction; The rotating flow amplifying body has an elongated central channel; The central axis of the rotating flow amplification body extends colinearly with the rotation axis; a plurality of vanes extending from an interior surface of the rotating flow amplifying body defining the elongated central passage; and Each of the blades extends obliquely from the vicinity of the first end portion of the rotating flow amplifying body in a direction opposite to the rotating direction of the rotating assembly.

[0070] 20. The submersible pump according to aspect 19, wherein: The outlet body has a first end portion of the outlet body, the first end portion of the outlet body being engaged with the second end portion of the rotating flow amplification body in a manner that inhibits unrestricted rotational movement between the first end portion of the outlet body and the second end portion of the rotating flow amplification body in at least the rotational direction; and A central axis of the outlet body extends co-linearly with the rotation axis.

[0071] 21. The submersible pump according to aspect 19, wherein: The rotating flow amplification section includes a plurality of bearings integral to an exterior surface of the rotating flow amplification section; and Each of the bearings has a circumferential outer surface that engages a mating portion of an interior surface of the rotating assembly housing that defines the interior space of the rotating assembly housing.

[0072] 22. A submersible pump according to aspect 19, wherein each of the blades has a cup-shaped surface on its downstream facing side.

[0073] 23. The submersible pump of aspect 19, wherein each of the blades extends continuously along the entire length of the interior surface of the rotating flow amplifying body.

[0074] 24. The submersible pump of aspect 18, wherein each flow inducing protrusion has an interior surface offset a uniform distance from an exterior surface thereof such that each flow inducing protrusion defines a cavity within the interior surface of the side wall opposite the protrusion.

[0075] 25. A submersible pump according to aspect 18, wherein the fluid flow channel of each flow inducing protrusion extends only along the central portion of the corresponding flow inducing protrusion, thereby defining a first fluid flow segment between a first end portion of the impeller and a first end portion of the fluid flow channel, a second fluid flow segment between the first end portion of the fluid flow channel and a second end portion of the fluid flow channel, and a third fluid flow segment between the second end portion of the fluid flow channel and the second end portion of the impeller.

[0076] 26. The submersible pump of aspect 25, wherein each flow inducing protrusion has an interior surface offset a uniform distance from an exterior surface thereof such that each flow inducing protrusion defines a cavity within the interior surface of the side wall opposite the protrusion.

[0077] 27. The submersible pump according to aspect 26, wherein: the rotating flow amplification body having a first end portion of the rotating flow amplification body, the first end portion of the rotating flow amplification body being engaged with the second end portion of the impeller in a manner that inhibits unrestricted rotational movement between the first end portion of the rotating flow amplification body and the second end portion of the impeller in at least the rotational direction; The rotating flow amplifying body has an elongated central channel; The central axis of the rotating flow amplification body extends colinearly with the rotation axis; a plurality of vanes extending from an interior surface of the rotating flow amplifying body defining the elongated central passage; and Each of the blades extends obliquely from the vicinity of the first end portion of the rotating flow amplifying body in a direction opposite to the rotating direction of the rotating assembly.

[0078] 28. The submersible pump according to aspect 27, wherein: The outlet body has a first end portion of the outlet body, the first end portion of the outlet body being engaged with the second end portion of the rotating flow amplification body in a manner that inhibits unrestricted rotational movement between the first end portion of the outlet body and the second end portion of the rotating flow amplification body in at least the rotational direction; and A central axis of the outlet body extends co-linearly with the rotation axis.

[0079] 29. The submersible pump according to aspect 27, wherein: The rotating flow amplification section includes a plurality of bearings integral to an exterior surface of the rotating flow amplification section; and Each of the bearings has a circumferential outer surface that engages a mating portion of an interior surface of the rotating assembly housing that defines the interior space of the rotating assembly housing.

[0080] 30. The submersible pump of aspect 27, wherein: each said blade having a cup-shaped surface on its downstream facing side; and Each of the blades extends continuously along the entire length of the interior surface of the rotating flow amplifying body.

[0081] 31. The submersible pump of aspect 1, wherein: One of the plurality of in-line flow inducing sections includes a rotating flow amplifying body; The rotating flow amplification section includes a plurality of bearings integral to an exterior surface of the rotating flow amplification section; and Each of the bearings has a circumferential outer surface that engages a mating portion of an interior surface of the rotating assembly housing that defines an interior space of the rotating assembly housing.

[0082] 32. The submersible pump of aspect 1, wherein: One of the plurality of in-line flow inducing sections includes a rotating flow amplifying body; a plurality of vanes extending from an interior surface of the rotating flow amplifying body, the interior surface of the rotating flow amplifying body defining an elongated central passage of the rotating flow amplifying body; Each of the blades extends obliquely from the vicinity of the first end portion of the rotating flow amplifying body in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the rotating assembly; each said blade having a cup-shaped surface on its downstream facing side; and Each of the blades extends continuously along the entire length of the interior surface of the rotating flow amplifying body.

[0083] 33. A submersible pump according to aspect 32, wherein each of the blades has a cup-shaped surface on its downstream facing side.

[0084] 34. A submersible pump according to aspect 33, wherein each of the blades extends continuously along the entire length of the inner surface of the rotating flow amplifying body.

Claims

1. A pump comprising: A rotating member comprising an impeller and a flow-amplifying body, wherein an upstream end portion of the flow-amplifying body extends from a downstream end portion of the impeller, wherein a central passage of the flow-amplifying body comprises flow-amplifying blades, wherein the impeller comprises a sidewall at least partially defining an interior space of the impeller, wherein the sidewall comprises at least one flow-inducing protrusion extending outwardly from the sidewall, and wherein the at least one flow-inducing protrusion has a fluid flow passage extending therethrough.

2. The pump according to claim 1, further comprising: A housing having an interior space extending along a central longitudinal axis of the housing, wherein the rotating member is disposed in the interior space of the housing.

3. The pump of claim 2, wherein the flow amplifying body comprises a plurality of bearings integral to an exterior surface of the flow amplifying body.

4. The pump according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one flow inducing protrusion has a leading edge and a trailing edge; and The fluid flow channel of the at least one flow inducing protrusion extends through the leading edge at the leading edge of the at least one flow inducing protrusion.

5. The pump of claim 4, wherein the length of the fluid flow passage is less than the length of the leading edge. 6 . The pump according to claim 1 , wherein the inner space of the impeller communicates with the central passage of the flow amplification body.

7. The pump of claim 1, wherein: a closed end portion of the inner space of the impeller opposite to the downstream end portion of the impeller having a maximum inner diameter that is smaller than a maximum inner diameter of the inner space of the impeller at the downstream end portion of the impeller; and The inner space of the impeller at the downstream end portion of the impeller has a maximum inner diameter that is the same as a maximum inner diameter of the central passage of the flow amplification body.

8. The pump of claim 1, wherein the at least one flow inducing protrusion extends from near a first end portion of the impeller to near a second end portion of the impeller.

9. The pump of claim 1, wherein the at least one flow inducing protrusion extends outwardly away from the interior space of the impeller and extends from adjacent a first end portion of the impeller.

10. The pump according to claim 9, wherein: the fluid flow passage of the at least one flow inducing protrusion extending only along a central portion of the at least one flow inducing protrusion thereby defining a plurality of fluid flow stages of the impeller; a first fluid flow stage of the fluid flow stages being located between the first end portion of the impeller and the first end portion of the fluid flow passage to apply a siphon force to the fluid surrounding the impeller relative to the interior space of the impeller; a second fluid flow stage of the fluid flow stages being located between the first end portion of the fluid flow channel and the second end portion of the fluid flow channel so as to draw at least a portion of the fluid surrounding the impeller into the inner space of the impeller at the second fluid flow stage; and A third fluid flow stage section of the fluid flow stages is located between the second end portion of the fluid flow passage and the second end portion of the impeller to impart a flow pattern to the fluid within the interior space of the impeller.

11. The pump of claim 9, wherein each flow inducing protrusion defines a cavity within an interior surface of the sidewall.

12. The pump of claim 11, wherein the flow-amplifying body includes a plurality of vanes extending from an interior surface of the flow-amplifying body, the interior surface defining a central passage of the flow-amplifying body.

13. The pump of claim 1, wherein the flow-amplifying body includes a plurality of vanes extending from an interior surface of the flow-amplifying body, the interior surface defining a central passage of the flow-amplifying body.

14. The pump of claim 13, wherein each of the vanes extends continuously along the entire length of the interior surface of the flow amplifying body.

15. The pump of claim 13, wherein: The inner space of the impeller is in communication with the central channel of the flow amplification body; a closed end portion of the inner space of the impeller opposite to the downstream end portion of the impeller having a maximum inner diameter that is smaller than a maximum inner diameter of the inner space of the impeller at the downstream end portion of the impeller; and The inner space of the impeller at the downstream end portion of the impeller has a maximum inner diameter that is the same as a maximum inner diameter of the central passage of the flow amplification body.

16. A pump according to any one of claims 12, 14, and 15, wherein each of the vanes has a cup-shaped surface on its downstream facing side.

17. The pump of claim 13, wherein: The at least one flow inducing protrusion has a leading edge and a trailing edge; and The fluid flow channel of the at least one flow inducing protrusion extends through the leading edge at the leading edge of the at least one flow inducing protrusion.

18. The pump according to claim 17, wherein The pump has at least one of the following features: each said blade having a cup-shaped surface on its downstream facing side; and The at least one flow inducing protrusion extends outwardly away from the interior space of the impeller and extends from adjacent a first end portion of the impeller.

19. A pump comprising: A rotating member comprising an impeller and a flow amplification body, wherein an inlet of the flow amplification body is fluidly connected to an outlet of the impeller, wherein a central channel of the flow amplification body comprises at least one flow amplification blade, wherein the impeller comprises a side wall, wherein the side wall at least partially defines an interior space of the impeller, wherein the side wall comprises at least one flow inducing protrusion extending outwardly from the side wall, and wherein the at least one flow inducing protrusion has a fluid flow channel extending therethrough.

20. The pump according to claim 19, wherein: The inlet of the flow amplification body is located at an upstream end portion of the flow amplification body; and The outlet of the impeller is located at a downstream end portion of the impeller.

21. The pump of claim 20, wherein the flow amplifying body is directly attached to the impeller.

22. The pump of claim 19, wherein: The at least one flow inducing protrusion has a leading edge and a trailing edge; and The fluid flow channel of the at least one flow inducing protrusion extends through the leading edge at the leading edge of the at least one flow inducing protrusion.

23. The pump of claim 22, wherein the length of the fluid flow channel is less than the length of the leading edge.

24. The pump according to claim 19, wherein the inner space of the impeller communicates with the central passage of the flow amplification body at the inlet of the flow amplification body.

25. The pump of claim 19, wherein the at least one flow inducing protrusion extends from near a first end portion of the impeller to near a second end portion of the impeller.

26. The pump of claim 19, wherein the at least one flow inducing protrusion extends outwardly away from the interior space of the impeller and extends from adjacent a first end portion of the impeller.

27. A pump according to claim 26, wherein: the fluid flow passage of the at least one flow inducing protrusion extending only along a central portion of the at least one flow inducing protrusion thereby defining a plurality of fluid flow stages of the impeller; a first fluid flow stage of the fluid flow stages being located between the first end portion of the impeller and the first end portion of the fluid flow passage to apply a siphon force to the fluid surrounding the impeller relative to the interior space of the impeller; a second fluid flow stage of the fluid flow stages being located between the first end portion of the fluid flow channel and the second end portion of the fluid flow channel so as to draw at least a portion of the fluid surrounding the impeller into the inner space of the impeller at the second fluid flow stage; and A third fluid flow stage section of the fluid flow stages is located between the second end portion of the fluid flow passage and the second end portion of the impeller to impart a flow pattern to the fluid within the interior space of the impeller.

28. The pump of claim 26, wherein each flow inducing projection defines a cavity within the interior surface of the sidewall.

29. A pump according to claim 28, wherein: The at least one flow amplification blade is a plurality of flow amplification blades; and Each of the flow amplifying vanes has a cup-shaped surface on its downstream facing side.

30. The pump of claim 19, wherein the at least one flow-amplifying vane has a cup-shaped surface on its downstream-facing side.

31. A pump according to claim 19 or 30, wherein: a closed end portion of the inner space of the impeller opposite to a downstream end portion of the impeller having a maximum inner diameter that is smaller than a maximum inner diameter of the inner space of the impeller at the downstream end portion of the impeller; and The inner space of the impeller at the downstream end portion of the impeller has a maximum inner diameter that is the same as a maximum inner diameter of the central passage of the flow amplification body.

32. The pump of claim 19, wherein: The at least one flow amplification blade is a plurality of flow amplification blades; and Each of the flow amplifying vanes has a cup-shaped surface on its downstream facing side.

33. A pump according to claim 32, wherein: a closed end portion of the inner space of the impeller opposite to the downstream end portion of the impeller having a maximum inner diameter that is smaller than a maximum inner diameter of the inner space of the impeller at the downstream end portion of the impeller; and The inner space of the impeller at the downstream end portion of the impeller has a maximum inner diameter that is the same as a maximum inner diameter of the central passage of the flow amplification body.

34. A pump according to claim 33, wherein: The inlet of the flow amplification body is located at an upstream end portion of the flow amplification body; The outlet of the impeller is located at a downstream end portion of the impeller; The flow amplification body is directly attached to the impeller; The at least one flow inducing protrusion has a leading edge and a trailing edge; and The fluid flow channel of the at least one flow inducing protrusion extends through the leading edge at the leading edge of the at least one flow inducing protrusion.

35. The pump of claim 19, wherein the at least one flow amplifying vane is a plurality of flow amplifying vanes.

36. A pump according to claim 35, wherein each of the flow-amplifying vanes extends continuously along the entire length of the interior surface of the flow-amplifying body.

37. A pump according to claim 36, wherein each of the flow-amplifying vanes has a cup-shaped surface on its downstream-facing side.

38. The pump of claim 35, wherein: The inner space of the impeller is in communication with the central channel of the flow amplification body; a closed end portion of the inner space of the impeller opposite to a downstream end portion of the impeller having a maximum inner diameter that is smaller than a maximum inner diameter of the inner space of the impeller at the downstream end portion of the impeller; and The inner space of the impeller at the downstream end portion of the impeller has a maximum inner diameter that is the same as a maximum inner diameter of the central passage of the flow amplification body.

39. A pump according to claim 38, wherein: The inlet of the flow amplification body is located at an upstream end portion of the flow amplification body; The outlet of the impeller is located at a downstream end portion of the impeller; and The flow amplifying body is directly attached to the impeller.

40. A pump according to any one of claims 19, 21, 23, 24 and 39, wherein The pump has at least one of the following features: The at least one flow amplifying blade has a cup-shaped surface on its downstream facing side; and The at least one flow inducing protrusion extends outwardly away from the interior space of the impeller and extends from adjacent a first end portion of the impeller.

41. A pump according to claim 40, wherein: a closed end portion of the inner space of the impeller opposite to the downstream end portion of the impeller having a maximum inner diameter that is smaller than a maximum inner diameter of the inner space of the impeller at the downstream end portion of the impeller; and The inner space of the impeller at the downstream end portion of the impeller has a maximum inner diameter that is the same as a maximum inner diameter of the central passage of the flow amplification body.

42. A pump according to claim 26 or 41, wherein: The inlet of the flow amplification body is located at an upstream end portion of the flow amplification body; The outlet of the impeller is located at a downstream end portion of the impeller; and The flow amplifying body is directly attached to the impeller.

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