A downhole tool including a retaining clamp assembly to keep a head member flange and base member flange engaged with one another

Abstract

Provided is a downhole tool, a well system, and a method. The downhole tool, in one aspect, includes a head member having a head member flange and a base member having a base member flange, the head member flange and base member flange brought together to form a combined flange having a width (W3). The downhole tool, in at least one aspect, further includes a retaining clamp assembly positioned radially about the combined flange to keep the head member flange and base member flange engaged with one another.

Description

A DOWNHOLE TOOL INCLUDING A RETAINING CLAMP ASSEMBLY TO KEEP A HEAD MEMBER FLANGE AND BASE MEMBER FLANGE ENGAGED WITH ONE ANOTHERCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Application Serial No. 19 / 036,354, filed on January 24, 2025, entitled “DOWNHOLE TOOL INCLUDING A RETAINING CLAMP ASSEMBLY TO KEEP A HEAD MEMBER FLANGE AND BASE MEMBER FLANGE ENGAGED WITH ONE ANOTHER,” which is commonly assigned with this application and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Fluid, such as gas, oil or water, is often located in subterranean formations. In many such situations, the fluid must be pumped to the earth’s surface so that it can be collected, separated, refined, distributed and / or sold. Pump assemblies, such as electric submersible pumps, are often used to lift well fluid to the earth’s surface. Pump assemblies are also used in water well applications, and numerous surface industrial applications ranging from nuclear, petrochemicals, process, city. etc.BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0003] Reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0004] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a well system designed, manufactured, and / or operated according to one or more examples of the disclosure;

[0005] FIGs. 2A and 2B illustrate two different longitudinal cross-sectional views of a downhole tool designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, as might be used in a well system such as the well system 100 of FIG. 1;

[0006] FIGs. 2C and 2D illustrate front and back views of one embodiment of the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions held together with one or more pins;

[0007] FIGs. 3A through 3F illustrate longitudinal cross-sectional views of a downhole tool designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure at various different stages of installation;

[0008] FIGs. 4A and 4B illustrate two different longitudinal cross-sectional views of a downhole tool designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, as might be used in a well system such as the well system 100 of FIG. 1;

[0009] FIGs. 5A through 5G illustrate longitudinal cross-sectional views of a downhole tool designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure at various different stages of installation;

[0010] FIG. 6 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a downhole tool designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more alternative embodiments of the disclosure, as might be used in a well system such as the well system 100 of FIG. 1;

[0011] FIGs. 7A through 7E illustrate longitudinal cross-sectional views of a downhole tool designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure at various different stages of installation;

[0012] FIG. 8 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a downhole tool designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more alternative embodiments of the disclosure, as might be used in a well system such as the well system 100 of FIG. 1;

[0013] FIGs. 9A through 9E illustrate longitudinal cross-sectional views of a downhole tool designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure at various different stages of installation;

[0014] FIG. 10 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a downhole tool designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more alternative embodiments of the disclosure, as might be used in a well system such as the well system 100 of FIG. 1;

[0015] FIGs. 11A through 1 IF illustrate longitudinal cross-sectional views of a downhole tool designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure at various different stages of installation;

[0016] FIG. 12 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a downhole tool designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more alternative embodiments of the disclosure, as might be used in a well system such as the well system 100 of FIG. 1;

[0017] FIGs. 13A through 13F illustrate longitudinal cross-sectional views of a downhole tool designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure at various different stages of installation;

[0018] FIG. 14 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a downhole tool designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more alternative embodiments of the disclosure, as might be used in a well system such as the well system 100 of FIG. 1; and

[0019] FIGs. 15A through 15F illustrate longitudinal cross-sectional views of a downhole tool designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure at various different stages of installation.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] In the drawings and descriptions that follow, like parts are typically marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals, respectively. The drawn figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features of the disclosure may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form and some details of certain elements may not be shown in the interest of clarity and conciseness. The present disclosure may be implemented in embodiments of different forms. Specific embodiments arc described in detail and are shown in the drawings, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the disclosure, and is not intended to limit the disclosure to that illustrated and described herein. It is to be fully recognized that the different teachings of the embodiments discussed herein may be employed separately or in any suitable combination to produce desired results.

[0021] Unless otherwise specified, use of the terms “connect,” “engage,” “couple,” “attach,” or any other like term describing an interaction between elements is not meant to limit the interaction to direct interaction between the elements and may also include indirect interaction between the elements described. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, use of the terms “up,” “upper,” “upward,” “uphole,” “upstream,” or other like terms shall be construed as generally toward the surface of the subterranean formation; likewise, use of the terms “down,” “lower,” “downward,” “downhole,” “downstream,” or other like terms shall be construed as generally toward the bottom, terminal end of a well, regardless of the wellbore orientation. Use of any one or more of the foregoing terms shall not be construed as denoting positions along a perfectly vertical axis. Additionally, unless otherwise specified, use of the term “subterranean formation” shall be construed as encompassing both areas below exposed earth and areas below earth covered by water such as ocean or fresh water.

[0022] Various values and / or ranges are explicitly disclosed in certain embodiments herein. However, valucs / rangcs from any lower limit may be combined with any upper limit to recite a range not explicitly recited. Similarly, values / ranges from any lower limit may be combined with any other lower limit to recite a range not explicitly recited. In the same way, values / ranges from any upper limit may be combined with any other upper limit to recite a range not explicitly recited. Additionally, whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any included range falling within the range are specifically disclosed. In particular', every range of values (of the form, “from about a to about b,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a to b,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a-b”) disclosed herein is to be understood to set forth every number and range encompassed within the broader range of values even if not explicitly recited. Thus, every point or individual value may serve as its own lower or upper limit combined with any other point or individual value or any other lower or upper limit, to recite a range not explicitly recited. Similarly, an individual value disclosed herein may be combined with another individual value or range disclosed herein to form another range.

[0023] The term “substantially XYZ,” as used herein, means that it is within 10 percent of perfectly XYZ. The term “significantly XYZ,” as used herein, means that it is within 5 percent of perfectly XYZ. The term “ideally XYZ,” as used herein, means that it is within 1 percent of perfectly XYZ. The monicker “XYZ” could refer to parallel, perpendicular, alignment, or other relative features disclosed herein.

[0024] The present disclosure is based, at least in part, on the recognition that flanged connections experience many difficulties, particularly when being place downhole within a wellbore, many times thousands of feet below the earth’s surface. The present disclosure has recognized that flanged connections associated with downhole pump assemblies experience considerable issues. For example, during operation of the downhole pump assembly, considerable stress may develop in the threaded fasteners (e.g., axially aligned threaded fasteners) keeping the flanged connection together. These threaded fasteners at the flanged connection must handle all of the weight of the equipment there below, while also handling the static and dynamic axial downforces from the column of the fluid moving to the earth’s surface above it. Failed fasteners often lead to costly fishing jobs, as well as unproductive downtime for producers.

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a well system 100 designed, manufactured, and / or operated according to one or more examples of the disclosure. As depicted, the well system 100 includes a wellbore 110 extending from the earth’s surface 120 and penetrating a subterranean formation 130 for the purpose of, for example recovering fluid (e.g., hydrocarbons) therefrom. The subterranean formation 130 may be located below exposed earth, as shown, as well as areas below earth covered by water, such as ocean or fresh water.

[0026] The wellbore 110 may be drilled into the subterranean formation 130 using any suitable drilling technique. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the wellbore 110 extends substantially vertically away from the earth's surface 120. In alternative operating environments, all or portions of a wellbore 110 may be vertical, deviated at any suitable angle, horizontal, and / or curved. The wellbore 110 may be a new wellbore, an existing wellbore, a straight wellbore, an extended reach wellbore, a sidetracked wellbore, a multi-lateral wellbore, or any other type of wellbore for drilling and completing one or more production zones. In one or more examples, the wellbore 110 includes wellbore casing 115, which may be cemented into place in the wellbore 110. In other examples, all or a portion of the wellbore 110 is uncased or partially cased.

[0027] The well system 100 of FIG. 1 additionally includes a wellhead 140, in this embodiment positioned at the earth’s surface, as well as a wellbore conveyance 150 extending from the wellhead 140 into the one or more subterranean formations 130. The example shown in FIG. 1 illustrates the wellbore conveyance 150 in the form of production tubing disposed in the wellbore 110. It should be understood that the wellbore conveyance 150 is equally applicable to any type of wellbore conveyance being inserted into a wellbore 110, including as non-limiting examples pipe, casing, liners, jointed tubing, coiled tubing, etc. Further, the wellbore conveyance 150 may operate in any of the wellbore orientations (e.g., vertical, deviated, horizontal, and / or curved) and / or types described herein.

[0028] Coupled to the wellbore conveyance 150, in the example illustrated in FIG. 1, is a pump assembly 160. The pump assembly 160, in this embodiment, is an electric submersible pump assembly coupled proximate a lower end of the production tubing (e.g., wellbore conveyance 150) and employed to help raise fluid (e.g., hydrocarbons) from deep within the wellbore 110 to the wellhead 140 at the earth’s surface 120. The pump assembly 160, in the illustrated embodiment, includes a rotary actuator 165. The rotary actuator 165 can be any direct andindirect driver including but not limited to an electric motor, a turbine, a hydraulic motor, a gearbox, belt driven actuator, chain driven actuator, or any other mechanism for providing rotary motion to the pump. The rotary actuator 165, in this embodiment, is an electric motor. For example, the electric motor might be the deepest component of the pump assembly 160 (e.g., other than downhole sensors). The rotary actuator 165 may be a two-pole, three-phase squirrel cage induction motor, in one embodiment. Other rotary actuators, however, are within the scope of the disclosure. For example, any rotary actuator 165 capable of imparting rotational motion (e.g., on the shaft of the centrifugal pump) could be used.

[0029] Uphole of the rotary actuator 165, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, is a seal section 170. The seal section 170, in this embodiment, carries the thrust of a centrifugal pump 180, and equalizes pressure to the rotary actuator 165. One or more intakes 175 may be uphole of the seal section 170, and serve as the intakes for well fluid into the pump assembly 160. The intakes 175 may include intake ports and / or one or more slotted or perforated screens.

[0030] The centrifugal pump 180, in accordance with the disclosure, includes one or more stages, each stage including an impeller that is attached to and configured to rotate with a central shaft driven by the rotary actuator 165, as well as a stationary diffuser. In operation, as the central shaft turns, and thus the impeller turns, vanes on the impeller impart velocity to the wellbore fluid (e.g., crude oil). As the wellbore fluid is carried to the outermost portion of the impeller vanes, it is transferred to the adjoining stationary diffuser. The diffuser transforms the fluid velocity into hydraulic head, or pressure. In turn, the diffuser guides the fluid upward into the impeller of the next stage, and ultimately up the wellbore conveyance 150 to the wellhead 140 located at the earth’s surface. The centrifugal pump 180 may include any number of stages and remain within the disclosure. In some multistage centrifugal pumps, the diffusers are bolted together and not housed in a housing. In some pumps the diffuser is replaced with volute and / or casing. Volute or casing can be in one or more pieces.

[0031] The well system 100, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, additionally includes one or more flanged connections 190 designed, manufactured and or operated according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the one or more flanged connections 190 are configured to couple the wellbore conveyance 150 and the pump assembly 160. In yet another embodiment, the one or more flanged connections 190 are configured to couple a bolt-on discharge to a pump, a pump to another pump, a pump to an intake, a pump to agas separator, a pump intake to a seal, a gas separator to a seal, a seal to a motor, etc. Notwithstanding, a flanged connection according to the disclosure may exist anywhere within the wellbore 110, and thus unless otherwise required is not limited for use with a pump assembly 160. Similarly, a flanged connection according to the disclosure may exist in other non-oil / gas applications.

[0032] FIGs. 2A and 2B illustrate two different longitudinal cross-sectional views of a downhole tool 200 designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, as might be used in a well system such as the well system 100 of FIG. 1. The downhole tool 200, which in one embodiment may be a portion of a pump assembly (e.g., electric submersible pump assembly among other downhole tools), includes a head member 210 (e.g., downhole head member) in one or more embodiments. The head member 210, in one or more embodiments, includes a first head member end 215a and a second head member end 215b. In at least one embodiment, the first head member end 215a is an uphole head member end, and the second head member end 215b is a downhole head member end.

[0033] The head member 210, in one or more embodiments, further includes a head member circumferential groove 230 located in a main head member portion 220 proximate the first head member end 215a. The term “proximate,” as used herein in relation to the head member circumferential groove 230, means that the head member circumferential groove 230 is located more proximate the first head member end 215a than the second head member end 215b. In at least one embodiment, however, the head member circumferential groove 230 is located less than 91 cm (e.g., approximately 36 inches) from the first head member end 215a. In yet another embodiment, the head member circumferential groove 230 is located from 2.54 cm (e.g., approximately 1 inch) to 30 cm (e.g., approximately 12 inches) from the first head member end 215a. In even yet another embodiment, the head member circumferential groove 230 is located from 5 cm (e.g., approximately 2 inches) to 15 cm (e.g., approximately 6 inches) from the first head member end 215a.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the head member circumferential groove 230 extends at least partially circumferentially around the main head member portion 220 to form a head member flange 235. For example, in at least one embodiment, the head member circumferential groove 230 extends at least 90 degrees around the main head member portion 220, if not at least 180 degrees around the main head member portion 220, to form the head member flange 235. Inat least one embodiment, the head member circumferential groove 230 is a 360 degree groove that exists in the main head member portion 220, for example forming a 360 degree head member flange. While the embodiment of FIGs. 2A and 2B employs a head member circumferential groove 230 having a rectangular cross-section, other embodiments exist wherein the head member circumferential groove 230 has a non-rectangular cross-sectional shape (e.g., circular, oval, etc.).

[0035] In one or more embodiments, the main head member portion 220 has an outer diameter (Di), the head member circumferential groove 230 has an outer diameter (D2), and the head member flange 235 has an outer diameter (D3) and width (Wi). In one or more embodiments, the outer diameter (D ) is less than the outer diameter (D3), and the outer diameter (D3) is less than the outer diameter (Di). In at least one embodiment, the outer diameter (D3) being less than the outer diameter (Di) allows a retaining clamp assembly to be insert around the head member flange 235 and within the head member circumferential groove 230 and not extend outside of a cross-sectional footprint of the main head member portion 220.

[0036] The downhole tool 200, in one or more embodiments, further includes a base member 240 (e.g., uphole base member). The base member 240, in one or more embodiments, includes a first base member end 245a and a second base member end 245b. In at least one embodiment, the first base member end 245a is a downhole base member end, and the second base member end 245b is an uphole base member end.

[0037] The base member 240, in one or more embodiments, further includes a base member circumferential groove 260 located in a main base member portion 250 proximate the first base member end 245a. The term “proximate,” as used herein in relation to the base member circumferential groove 260, means that the base member circumferential groove 260 is located more proximate the first base member end 245a than the second base member end 245b. In at least one embodiment, however, the base member circumferential groove 260 is located less than 91 cm (e.g., approximately 36 inches) from the first base member end 245a. In yet another embodiment, the base member circumferential groove 260 is located from 2.54 cm (e.g., approximately 1 inch) to 30 cm (e.g., approximately 12 inches) from the first base member end 245a. In even yet another embodiment, the base member circumferential groove 260 is located from 5 cm (e.g., approximately 2 inches) to 15 cm (e.g., approximately 6 inches) from the first base member end 245a.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the base member circumferential groove 260 extends at least partially circumferentially around the main base member portion 250 to form a base member flange 265. For example, in at least one embodiment, the base member circumferential groove 260 extends at least 90 degrees around the main base member portion 250, if not at least 180 degrees around the main base member portion 250, to form the base member flange 265. In at least one embodiment, the base member circumferential groove 260 is a 360 degree groove that exists in the main base member portion 250, for example forming a 360 degree base member flange. While the embodiment of FIGs. 2A and 2B employs a rectangular base member circumferential groove 260 having a rectangular cross-section, other embodiments exist wherein the base member circumferential groove 260 has a non-rectangular cross-sectional shape (e.g., circular, oval, etc.).

[0039] In one or more embodiments, the main base member portion 250 has an outer diameter (D4), the base member circumferential groove 260 has an outer diameter (D5), and the base member flange 265 has an outer diameter (De) and width (W2). In one or more embodiments, the outer diameter (D5) is less than the outer diameter (De), and the outer diameter (De) is less than the outer diameter (D4). In at least one embodiment, the outer diameter (De) being less than the outer diameter (D4) allows a retaining clamp assembly to be insert around the base member flange 265 and within the base member circumferential groove 260 and not extend outside of a cross-sectional footprint of the main base member portion 250.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, such as the embodiment of FIGs. 2A and 2B, at least one of the head member 210 or the base member 240 includes a male insert portion 270 that extends within a female insert portion 272 of the other of the base member 240 or the head member 210. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGs. 2 A and 2B, the head member 210 includes the male insert portion 270 and the base member 240 includes the female insert portion 272, but the opposite could hold true. As shown, in one or more embodiments at least one of the male insert portion 270 or the female insert portion 272 may include one or more seal grooves 274 and seals 276. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGs. 2A and 2B, the one or more seal grooves 274 and seals 276 are located in the male insert portion 270, but the opposite could hold true.

[0041] In at least one embodiment, for example when the head member 210 and the base member 240 are brought together, the head member flange 235 and the base member flange 265 form a combined flange 280 having a width (W3). The combined flange 280, in one or moreembodiments, has a combined flange face 282, a combined flange head member edge 284 (e.g., formed via the head member circumferential groove 230), and a combined flange base member edge 286 (e.g., formed via the base member circumferential groove 260). In at least one embodiment, such as that shown, the combined flange head member edge 284 is a rounded combined flange head member edge and the combined flange base member edge 286 is a rounded combined flange base member edge.

[0042] The downhole tool 200, in one or more embodiments, further includes a retaining clamp assembly 290 positioned radially about the combined flange 280, the retaining clamp assembly 290 configured to keep the head member flange 235 and base member flange 265 engaged with one another. In accordance with one embodiment, the retaining clamp assembly 290 includes two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions 290a, 290b (e.g., a split ring) that come together (e.g., directly or indirectly come together) to form the retaining clamp assembly 290. In at least one embodiment, the retaining claim 290 includes only two retaining clamp assembly member portions 290a, 290b, or only three retaining clamp assembly member portions, or only four retaining clamp assembly member portions, or only five retaining clamp assembly member portions, etc.

[0043] In one or more embodiments, each of the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions 290a, 290b include a retaining clamp assembly face portion 292, the retaining clamp assembly face portion separating a first retaining clamp assembly edge 294 and a second retaining clamp assembly edge 296. In at least one embodiment, the retaining clamp assembly face portions 292 are configured to engage with the combined flange face 282, the first retaining clamp assembly edge 294 is configured to engage with the combined flange head member edge 284, and the second retaining clamp edge 296 is configured to engage with the combined flange base member edge 286.

[0044] In at least one embodiment, each of the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions 290a, 290b is a C-clamp configured to have an interference fit with the combined flange 280. For example, in one or more embodiments, the interference fit is provided between retaining clamp assembly radius of curvatures of the retaining clamp assembly face portions 292 and a combined flange radius of curvature of the combined flange face 282. In at least one embodiment, the retaining clamp assembly radius of curvatures range from 90% to 110% of the combined flange radius of curvature. In yet another embodiment, the retaining clamp assemblyradius of curvature ranges from 95% to 105% of the combined flange radius of curvature. In even yet another embodiment, the retaining clamp assembly radius of curvature ranges from 98% to 102% of the combined flange radius of curvature, if not from 99% to 101%.

[0045] In even yet another embodiment, the interference fit is provided between a width (W4) of the retaining clamp assembly face portion 292 and the width (W3) of the combined flange 280. For example, in one or more embodiments, the width (W4) ranges from 90% to 110% of the width (W3). In yet another embodiment, the width (W4) ranges from 95% to 105% of the width (W3). In even yet another embodiment, the width (W4) ranges from 98% to 102% of the width (W3), if not from 99% to 101%.

[0046] The first and second retaining clamp assembly edges 294, 296 may comprise many different shapes and remain within the scope of the disclosure. In at least one embodiment, the first retaining clamp assembly edges 294 are first rounded retaining clamp assembly edges configured to engage with the rounded combined flange head member edge, and the second retaining clamp assembly edges 296 are second rounded retaining clamp assembly edges configured to engage with the rounded combined flange base member edge. In yet another embodiment, as discussed below, the edges may be angled edges rather than rounded edges, among other shapes.

[0047] The two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions 290a, 290b may be held together using a variety of different techniques and remain within the scope of the disclosure, for example to secure the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions 290a, 290b with the combined flange 280. In at least one embodiment, the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions 290a, 290b are two or more hinged retaining clamp assembly member portions. In at least one embodiment, the hinges are held together with pins (e.g., ones of pins) at a back side thereof, and in even yet another embodiment, one or more securing fasteners (e.g., pins, threaded fasteners, etc.) are employed at a front side thereof to secure the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions 290a, 290b with the combined flange 280 (e.g., retaining the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions 290a, 290b in the closed state), for example as shown in the back and front views of FIGs. 2C and 2D, respectively. In even yet another embodiment, whether in combination with or separate from the hinged retaining clamp assembly member portions, the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions 290a, 290b employ one or more threaded openings 298 and one or more threaded fasteners 299 tosecure the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions 290a, 290b with the combined flange 280. Ultimately, in at least this one embodiment of FIGs. 2A and 2B, the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions 290a, 290b of the retaining clamp assembly 290 are radially held together via the one or more threaded openings 298 and the one or more threaded fasteners 299, and thus the retaining clamp assembly 290 prevents the head member 210 and the base member 240 from axially disengaging from one another.

[0048] Turning now to FIGs. 3 A through 3F, illustrated are longitudinal cross-sectional views of a downhole tool 300 designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure at various different stages of installation. The downhole tool 300 of FIGs. 3A through 3F is similar in many respects to the downhole tool 200 of FIGs. 2A and 2B. Accordingly, like reference numbers have been used to indicated similar, if not identical, features. FIG. 3A illustrates the downhole tool 300 at one stage of installation, FIG. 3B illustrates the downhole tool 300 at another later stage of installation, FIGs. 3C and 3D illustrate the downhole tool 300 at another even later stage of installation (e.g., albeit illustrating different longitudinal cross-sectional views), and FIGs. 3E and 3F illustrate the downhole tool 300 at yet another even later stage of installation (e.g., albeit illustrating different longitudinal cross-sectional views).

[0049] Turning to FIG. 3A, illustrated is the downhole tool 300 at an initial stage of installation, for example wherein the head member 210 and the base member 240 are separated from one another. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 3A, the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions 290a, 290b are also separated from one another, and thus are not yet fixed together to form the retaining clamp assembly 290. Accordingly, the head member 210 and the base member 240 are free to move axially and rotationally relative to one another.

[0050] Turning now to FIG. 3B, illustrated is the downhole tool 300 of FIG. 3A after bringing the head member 210 and the base member 240 together to form a combined flange 280. Still, as shown in FIG. 3B, the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions 290a, 290b remain separated from one another, and thus are not yet fixed together to form the retaining clamp assembly 290. Accordingly, the head member 210 and the base member 240 are still free to move axially and rotationally relative to one another.

[0051] Turning to FIGs. 3C and 3D, illustrated is the downhole tool 300 of FIG. 3B after bringing the two more retaining clamp assembly member portions 290a, 290b together to formthe retaining clamp assembly 290. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining clamp assembly 290 is positioned radially about the combined flange 280 to keep the head member flange 235 and base member flange 265 engaged with one another. In at least this one embodiment, the retaining clamp assembly face portions 292 engage with the combined flange face 282, the first retaining clamp assembly edges 294 engage with the combined flange head member edge 284, and the second retaining clamp assembly edges 296 engage with the combined flange base member edge 286.

[0052] In at least one embodiment, depending on the amount of interference fit, the two more retaining clamp assembly member portions 290a, 290b may easily engage with the combined flange 280. In yet another embodiment, for example wherein the interference fit is significant, a hammer or mallet might be required to engage the two more retaining clamp assembly member portions 290a, 290b with the combined flange 280. In even yet another embodiment, a press or clamp may be required to engage the two more retaining clamp assembly member portions 290a, 290b with the combined flange 280.

[0053] Turning to FIGs. 3E and 3F, illustrated is the downhole tool 300 of FIGs. 3C and 3D after fixing the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions 290a, 290b together, for example to the secure the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions 290a, 290b with the combined flange 280. In the illustrated embodiment, the one or more threaded openings 298 and one or more threaded fasteners 299 fix the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions 290a, 290b together, for example to secure the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions 290a, 290b with the combined flange 280. At this stage, barring the one or more threaded fasteners 299 being removed or sheared (e.g., a shear plane of which is parallel to any possible sliding of the head member 210 and base member 240), the retaining clamp assembly 290 remains engaged with the combined flange 280, and thus the head member 210 and the base member 240 are prevented from axially sliding relative to one another. The two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions 290a, 290b, in at least one embodiment, contain no axial load bearing fasteners, and thus rely upon the interference fit and the one or more threaded fasteners 299 to keep the head member 210 and the base member 240 engaged with one another.

[0054] Turning to FIGs. 4A and 4B, illustrated are two different longitudinal cross-sectional views of a downhole tool 400 designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or morealternative embodiments of the disclosure, as might be used in a well system such as the well system 100 of FIG. 1. The downhole tool 400 of FIGs. 4A and 4B is similar in many respects to the downhole tool 200 of FIGs. 2A and 2B. Accordingly, like reference numbers have been used to indicate similar, if not identical, features. The downhole tool 400 differs, for the most part, from the downhole tool 200 in that its two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions 490a, 490b include first angled retaining clamp assembly edges 494 configured to engage with an angled combined flange head member edge 484, and second angled retaining clamp assembly edges 496 configured to engage with an angled combined flange base member edge 486.

[0055] Turning now to FIGs. 5A through 5G, illustrated are longitudinal cross-sectional views of a downhole tool 500 designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure at various different stages of installation. The downhole tool 500 of FIGs. 5A through 5G is similar in many respects to the downhole tool 400 of FIGs. 4A and 4B. Accordingly, like reference numbers have been used to indicate similar, if not identical, features. FIG. 5A illustrates the downhole tool 500 at one stage of installation, FIG. 5B illustrates the downhole tool 500 at another later stage of installation, FIG. 5C illustrates the downhole tool 500 at another later stage of manufacture, FIGs. 5D and 5E illustrate the downhole tool 500 at another even later stage of installation (e.g., albeit illustrating different longitudinal cross-sectional views), and FIGs. 5F and 5G illustrate the downhole tool 500 at yet another even later stage of installation (e.g., albeit illustrating different longitudinal cross-sectional views). The installation flow of FIGs. 3A through 3F discussed above is informative as to the installation flow of FIGs. 5A through 5G, thus no additional formal discussion is needed.

[0056] Turning to FIG. 6, illustrated is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a downhole tool 600 designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more alternative embodiments of the disclosure, as might be used in a well system such as the well system 100 of FIG. 1. The downhole tool 600 of FIG. 6 is similar in many respects to the downhole tool 200 of FIGs. 2A and 2B. Accordingly, like reference numbers have been used to indicate similar, if not identical, features. The downhole tool 600 differs, for the most pail, from the downhole tool 200 in that each of the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions 690a, 690b includes a threaded retaining clamp assembly tail portion 610. In at least one embodiment, the threaded retaining clamp assembly tail portions 610 are configured to engage with a threaded circumferential member 620 to secure the two or more retaining clamp assembly memberportions 690a, 690b with the combined flange 280. Tn one or more embodiments, the threaded retaining clamp assembly tail portions 610 arc straight threaded retaining clamp assembly tail portions configured to engage with a straight threaded circumferential member. It should be noted, however, that other styles of threads may be used beyond straight threads, and thus the present disclosure is not limited to any specific type of threads.

[0057] In one or more embodiments, the downhole tool 600 additionally includes a lock feature 630 coupled with the threaded circumferential member 620. In at least this one embodiment, the lock feature 630 is configured to prevent the threaded circumferential member 620 from disengaging from the threaded retaining clamp assembly tail portions 610. The lock feature 630 may comprise many different designs and remain within the scope of the disclosure. In at least one embodiment, however, the lock feature 630 is a set screw.

[0058] Turning now to FIGs. 7A through 7E, illustrated are longitudinal cross-sectional views of a downhole tool 700 designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure at various different stages of installation. The downhole tool 700 of FIGs. 7A through 7E is similar in many respects to the downhole tool 600 of FIG. 6. Accordingly, like reference numbers have been used to indicate similar, if not identical, features. FIG. 7A illustrates the downhole tool 700 at one stage of installation, FIG. 7B illustrates the downhole tool 700 at another later stage of installation, FIG. 7C illustrates the downhole tool 700 at another later stage of installation, FIG. 7D illustrates the downhole tool 700 at another even later stage of installation, and FIG. 7E illustrates the downhole tool 700 at another even later stage of installation. The installation flow of FIGs. 3A through 3F discussed above is informative as to the installation flow of FIGs. 7A through 7E, thus no additional formal discussion is needed.

[0059] Turning to FIG. 8, illustrated is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a downhole tool 800 designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more alternative embodiments of the disclosure, as might be used in a well system such as the well system 100 of FIG. 1. The downhole tool 800 of FIG. 8 is similar in many respects to the downhole tool 600 of FIG. 6. Accordingly, like reference numbers have been used to indicate similar, if not identical, features. The downhole tool 800 differs, for the most part, from the downhole tool 600 in that each of the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions 890a, 890b includes a tapered threaded retaining clamp assembly tail portion 810. In at least one embodiment, the tapered threadedretaining clamp assembly tail portions 810 are configured to engage with a tapered threaded circumferential member 820 to secure the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions 890a, 890b with the combined flange 280.

[0060] Turning now to FIGs. 9A through 9E, illustrated are longitudinal cross-sectional views of a downhole tool 900 designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure at various different stages of installation. The downhole tool 900 of FIGs. 9A through 9E is similar in many respects to the downhole tool 800 of FIG. 8. Accordingly, like reference numbers have been used to indicate similar, if not identical, features. FIG. 9A illustrates the downhole tool 900 at one stage of installation, FIG. 9B illustrates the downhole tool 900 at another later stage of installation, FIG. 9C illustrates the downhole tool 900 at another later stage of installation, FIG. 9D illustrates the downhole tool 900 at another even later stage of installation, and FIG. 9E illustrates the downhole tool 900 at another even later stage of installation. The installation flow of FIGs. 3A through 3F discussed above is informative as to the installation flow of FIGs. 9A through 9E, thus no additional formal discussion is needed.

[0061] Turning to FIG. 10, illustrated is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a downhole tool 1000 designed, manufactured, and / or operated according to one or more alternative embodiments of the disclosure, as might be used in a well system such as the well system 100 of FIG. 1. The downhole tool 1000 of FIG. 10 is similar' in many respects to the downhole tool 200 of FIGs. 2A and 2B. Accordingly, like reference numbers have been used to indicate similar, if not identical, features. The downhole tool 1000 differs, for the most part, from the downhole tool 200 in that it further includes an axially movable sleeve 1040 positioned radially about the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions 1090a, 1090b. In at least this one embodiment, the axially movable sleeve 1040 is configured to secure the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions 1090a, 1090b with the combined flange 280.

[0062] Further to the embodiment of FIG. 10, at least one of the main head member portion 220 or the main base member portion 250 includes threads 1050. In at least this one embodiment, a threaded circumferential member 1060 is engaged with the threads 1050 and the axially movable sleeve 1040, the threaded circumferential member 1060 configured to rotate about the threads 1050 to axially slide the axially movable sleeve 1040 to be positioned radially about the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions 1090a, 1090b. Additionally, a lock feature1070 may be coupled with the threaded circumferential member 1060, the lock feature 1070 configured to axially and rotationally fix the threaded circumferential member 1060 to secure the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions 1090a, 1090b with the combined flange 280. Furthermore, the downhole tool 1000 may additionally include an anti-rotation feature 1090 positioned between the head member 210 and the base member 240, the anti-rotation features 1080 configured to prevent the head member 210 and the base member 240 from rotating relative to one another as the axially movable sleeve 1040 is being set.

[0063] Turning now to FIGs. 11A through 11F, illustrated are longitudinal cross-sectional views of a downhole tool 1100 designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure at various different stages of installation. The downhole tool 1100 of FIGs. 11A through 1 IF is similar in many respects to the downhole tool 1000 of FIG.10. Accordingly, like reference numbers have been used to indicate similar, if not identical, features. FIG. HA illustrates the downhole tool 1100 at one stage of installation, FIG. 11B illustrates the downhole tool 1100 at another later stage of installation, FIG. 11C illustrates the downhole tool 1100 at another later stage of installation, FIG. HD illustrates the downhole tool 1100 at another even later stage of installation, FIG. HE illustrates the downhole tool 1100 at another even later stage of installation, and FIG. 11F illustrates the downhole tool 1100 at another even later stage of installation. The installation flow of FIGs. 3A through 3F discussed above is informative as to the installation flow of FIGs. 11A through 1 IF, thus no additional formal discussion is needed.

[0064] Turning to FIG. 12, illustrated is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a downhole tool 1200 designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more alternative embodiments of the disclosure, as might be used in a well system such as the well system 100 of FIG. 1. The downhole tool 1200 of FIG. 12 is similar in many respects to the downhole tool 1000 of FIG. 10. Accordingly, like reference numbers have been used to indicate similar, if not identical, features. The downhole tool 1200 differs, for the most part, from the downhole tool 1000 in that its axially movable sleeve 1240 includes a threaded circumferential member 1260 (e.g., formed integral therewith) engaged with the threads 1050, the axially movable sleeve 1240 and threaded circumferential member 1260 configured to rotate about the threads 1050 to axially move the axially movable sleeve 1240 to be positioned radially about the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions 1090a, 1090b.

[0065] Turning now to FIGs. 13A through 13F, illustrated are longitudinal cross-sectional views of a downhole tool 1300 designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure at various different stages of installation. The downhole tool 1300 of FIGs. 13A through 13F is similar in many respects to the downhole tool 1200 of FIG.12. Accordingly, like reference numbers have been used to indicate similar, if not identical, features. FIG. 13A illustrates the downhole tool 1300 at one stage of installation, FIG. 13B illustrates the downhole tool 1300 at another later stage of installation, FIG. 13C illustrates the downhole tool 1300 at another later stage of installation, FIG. 13D illustrates the downhole tool 1300 at another even later stage of installation, FIG. 13E illustrates the downhole tool 1300 at another even later stage of installation, and FIG. 13F illustrates the downhole tool 1300 at another even later stage of installation. The installation flow of FIGs. 3A through 3F discussed above is informative as to the installation flow of FIGs. 13A through 13F, thus no additional formal discussion is needed.

[0066] Turning to FIG. 14, illustrated is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a downhole tool 1400 designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more alternative embodiments of the disclosure, as might be used in a well system such as the well system 100 of FIG. 1. The downhole tool 1400 of FIG. 14 is similar in many respects to the downhole tool 1200 of FIG. 12. Accordingly, like reference numbers have been used to indicate similar, if not identical, features. The downhole tool 1400 differs, for the most part, from the downhole tool 1200 in that its axially movable sleeve 1440 is simply a sliding sleeve (e.g., does not include the threaded circumferential member 1260) that is set in place with a lock feature 1470. Accordingly, the downhole tool 1400 does not require the threads 1050 that the embodiment of FIGs. 10 and 12 employ.

[0067] Turning now to FIGs. 15A through 15F, illustrated are longitudinal cross-sectional views of a downhole tool 1500 designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure at various different stages of installation. The downhole tool 1500 of FIGs. 15A through 15F is similar in many respects to the downhole tool 1400 of FIG.14. Accordingly, like reference numbers have been used to indicate similar, if not identical, features. FIG. 15A illustrates the downhole tool 1500 at one stage of installation, FIG. 15B illustrates the downhole tool 1500 at another later stage of installation, FIG. 15C illustrates the downhole tool 1500 at another later stage of installation, FIG. 15D illustrates the downhole tool1500 at another even later stage of installation, FIG. 1 E illustrates the downhole tool 1500 at another even later stage of installation, and FIG. 15F illustrates the downhole tool 1500 at another even later stage of installation. The installation flow of FIGs. 3A through 3F discussed above is informative as to the installation flow of FIGs. 15A through 15F, thus no additional formal discussion is needed.

[0068] Aspects disclosed herein include:A. A downhole tool, the downhole tool including: 1) a head member, the head member including: a) a first head member end and a second head member end; and b) a head member circumferential groove located in a main head member portion proximate the first head member end, the head member circumferential groove extending at least partially circumferentially around the main head member portion to form a head member flange; 2) a base member, the base member including: a) a first base member end and a second base member end; and b) a base member circumferential groove located in a main base member portion proximate the first base member end, the base member circumferential groove extending at least partially circumferentially around the main base member portion to form a base member flange, the head member flange and base member flange brought together to form a combined flange having a width (Ws); and 3) a retaining clamp assembly positioned radially about the combined flange to keep the head member flange and base member flange engaged with one another.B. A well system, the well system including: 1) a wellbore extending through one or more subterranean formations; 2) a wellhead positioned over the wellbore; 3) production tubing extending from the wellhead through at least one of the one or more subterranean formations; and 4) a pump assembly coupled proximate a lower end of the production tubing, the pump assembly including: a) a head member, the head member including: i) a first head member end and a second head member end; and ii) a head member circumferential groove located in a main head member portion proximate the first head member end, the head member circumferential groove extending at least partially circumferentially around the main head member portion to form a head member flange; b) a base member, the base member including: i) a first base member end and a second base member end; and ii) a base member circumferential groove located in a main base member portion proximate the first base member end, the base member circumferential groove extending at least partially circumferentially around the main base member portion to form a base member flange, the head member flange and base member flangebrought together to form a combined flange having a width (W3); and c) a retaining clamp assembly positioned radially about the combined flange to keep the head member flange and base member flange engaged with one another.C. A method, the method including: 1) providing a downhole tool, the downhole tool including: a) a head member, the head member including: i) a first head member end and a second head member end; and ii) a head member circumferential groove located in a main head member portion proximate the first head member end, the head member circumferential groove extending at least partially circumferentially around the main head member portion to form a head member flange; b) a base member, the base member including: i) a first base member end and a second base member end; and ii) a base member circumferential groove located in a main base member portion proximate the first base member end, the base member circumferential groove extending at least partially circumferentially around the main base member portion to form a base member flange, the head member flange and base member flange brought together to form a combined flange having a width (W3); and 2) fixing a retaining clamp assembly radially about the combined flange to keep the head member flange and base member flange engaged with one another.

[0069] Aspects A, B, and C may have one or more of the following additional elements in combination: Element 1: further including two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions fixed together to form the retaining clamp assembly, wherein each of the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions includes: a retaining clamp assembly face portion configured to engage with a combined flange face of the combined flange; a first retaining clamp assembly edge configured to engage with a combined flange head member edge of the combined flange; and a second retaining clamp assembly edge configured to engage with a combined flange base member edge of the combined flange. Element 2: wherein each of the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions is a C-clamp configured to have an interference fit with the combined flange. Element 3: wherein the interference fit is provided between retaining clamp assembly radius of curvatures of the retaining clamp assembly face portion and a combined flange radius of curvature of the combined flange face, and further wherein the retaining clamp assembly radius of curvatures range from 90% to 110% of the combined flange radius of curvature. Element 4: wherein the interference fit is provided between a width (W4) of the retaining clamp assembly face portion and the width (W3) of the combined flange, andfurther wherein the width (W4) range from 90% to 110% of the width (W3). Element 5: wherein the first retaining clamp assembly edge is a first rounded retaining clamp assembly edge configured to engage with a rounded combined flange head member edge and the second retaining clamp assembly edge is a second rounded retaining clamp assembly edge configured to engage with a rounded combined flange base member edge. Element 6: wherein the first retaining clamp assembly edge is a first angled retaining clamp assembly edge configured to engage with an angled combined flange head member edge and the second retaining clamp assembly edge is a second angled retaining clamp assembly edges configured to engage with an angled combined flange base member edge. Element 7: wherein the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions are two or more hinged retaining clamp assembly member portions. Element 8: wherein the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions employ one or more threaded openings and one or more threaded fasteners to secure the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions with the combined flange. Element 9: wherein each of the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions includes a threaded retaining clamp assembly tail portion, the threaded retaining clamp assembly tail portions configured to engage with a threaded circumferential member to secure the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions with the combined flange. Element 10: wherein the threaded retaining clamp assembly tail portion is a straight threaded retaining clamp assembly tail portion configured to engage with a straight threaded circumferential member. Element 11: wherein the threaded retaining clamp assembly tail portion is a tapered threaded retaining clamp assembly tail portions configured to engage with a tapered threaded circumferential member. Element 12: further including a lock feature coupled with the threaded circumferential member, the lock feature configured to prevent the threaded circumferential member from disengaging from the threaded retaining clamp assembly tail portion. Element 13: further including an anti-rotation feature positioned between the head member and the base member. Element 14: further including an axially movable sleeve positioned radially about the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions, the axially movable sleeve configured to secure the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions with the combined flange. Element 15: wherein at least one of the main head member portion or the main base member portion includes threads, and further wherein a threaded circumferential member is engaged with the threads and the axially movable sleeve, the threaded circumferential member configured to rotate about the threads to axiallyslide the axially movable sleeve to be positioned radially about the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions. Element 16: further including a lock feature coupled with the threaded circumferential member, the lock feature configured to axially and rotationally fix the threaded circumferential member to secure the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions with the combined flange. Element 17: wherein at least one of the main head member portion or the main base member portion includes threads, and further wherein the axially movable sleeve includes a threaded circumferential member engaged with the threads, the axially movable sleeve and threaded circumferential member configured to rotate about the threads to axially move the axially movable sleeve to be positioned radially about the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions. Element 18: further including a lock feature coupled with the axially movable sleeve, the lock feature configured to axially and rotationally fix the axially movable sleeve to secure the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions with the combined flange. Element 19: further including an anti-rotation feature positioned between the head member and the base member.

[0070] Those skilled in the art to which this application relates will appreciate that other and further additions, deletions, substitutions and modifications may be made to the described embodiments.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A downhole tool, comprising:a head member, the head member including:a first head member end and a second head member end; anda head member circumferential groove located in a main head member portion proximate the first head member end, the head member circumferential groove extending at least partially circumferentially around the main head member portion to form a head member flange;a base member, the base member including:a first base member end and a second base member end; anda base member circumferential groove located in a main base member portion proximate the first base member end, the base member circumferential groove extending at least partially circumferentially around the main base member portion to form a base member flange, the head member flange and base member flange brought together to form a combined flange having a width (W3); anda retaining clamp assembly positioned radially about the combined flange to keep the head member flange and base member flange engaged with one another.

2. The downhole tool as recited in Claim 1, further including two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions fixed together to form the retaining clamp assembly, wherein each of the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions includes:a retaining clamp assembly face portion configured to engage with a combined flange face of the combined flange;a first retaining clamp assembly edge configured to engage with a combined flange head member edge of the combined flange; anda second retaining clamp assembly edge configured to engage with a combined flange base member edge of the combined flange.

3. The downhole tool as recited in Claim 2, wherein each of the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions is a C-clamp configured to have an interference fit with the combined flange.

4. The downhole tool as recited in Claim 3, wherein the interference fit is provided between retaining clamp assembly radius of curvatures of the retaining clamp assembly face portion and a combined flange radius of curvature of the combined flange face, and further wherein the retaining clamp assembly radius of curvatures range from 90% to 110% of the combined flange radius of curvature.

5. The downhole tool as recited in Claim 3, wherein the interference fit is provided between a width (W4) of the retaining clamp assembly face portion and the width (W3) of the combined flange, and further wherein the width (W4) range from 90% to 110% of the width (W3).

6. The downhole tool as recited in Claim 2, wherein the first retaining clamp assembly edge is a first rounded retaining clamp assembly edge configured to engage with a rounded combined flange head member edge and the second retaining clamp assembly edge is a second rounded retaining clamp assembly edge configured to engage with a rounded combined flange base member edge.

7. The downhole tool as recited in Claim 2, wherein the first retaining clamp assembly edge is a first angled retaining clamp assembly edge configured to engage with an angled combined flange head member edge and the second retaining clamp assembly edge is a second angled retaining clamp assembly edges configured to engage with an angled combined flange base member edge.

8. The downhole tool as recited in Claim 2, wherein the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions are two or more hinged retaining clamp assembly member portions.

9. The downhole tool as recited in Claim 2, wherein the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions employ one or more threaded openings and one or more threaded fasteners to secure the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions with the combined flange.

10. The downhole tool as recited in Claim 2, wherein each of the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions includes a threaded retaining clamp assembly tail portion, the threaded retaining clamp assembly tail portions configured to engage with a threaded circumferential member to secure the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions with the combined flange.

11. The downhole tool as recited in Claim 10, wherein the threaded retaining clamp assembly tail portion is a straight threaded retaining clamp assembly tail portion configured to engage with a straight threaded circumferential member.

12. The downhole tool as recited in Claim 10, wherein the threaded retaining clamp assembly tail portion is a tapered threaded retaining clamp assembly tail portions configured to engage with a tapered threaded circumferential member.

13. The downhole tool as recited in Claim 10, further including a lock feature coupled with the threaded circumferential member, the lock feature configured to prevent the threaded circumferential member from disengaging from the threaded retaining clamp assembly tail portion.

14. The downhole tool as recited in Claim 10, further including an anti-rotation feature positioned between the head member and the base member.

15. The downhole tool as recited in Claim 2, further including an axially movable sleeve positioned radially about the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions, the axially movable sleeve configured to secure the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions with the combined flange.

16. The downhole tool as recited in Claim 15, wherein at least one of the main head member portion or the main base member portion includes threads, and further wherein a threaded circumferential member is engaged with the threads and the axially movable sleeve, the threaded circumferential member configured to rotate about the threads to axially slide theaxially movable sleeve to be positioned radially about the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions.

17. The downhole tool as recited in Claim 16, further including a lock feature coupled with the threaded circumferential member, the lock feature configured to axially and rotationally fix the threaded circumferential member to secure the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions with the combined flange.

18. The downhole tool as recited in Claim 15, wherein at least one of the main head member portion or the main base member portion includes threads, and further wherein the axially movable sleeve includes a threaded circumferential member engaged with the threads, the axially movable sleeve and threaded circumferential member configured to rotate about the threads to axially move the axially movable sleeve to be positioned radially about the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions.

19. The downhole tool as recited in Claim 16, further including a lock feature coupled with the axially movable sleeve, the lock feature configured to axially and rotationally fix the axially movable sleeve to secure the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions with the combined flange.

20. The downhole tool as recited in Claim 15, further including an anti-rotation feature positioned between the head member and the base member.

21. A well system, comprising:a wellbore extending through one or more subterranean formations;a wellhead positioned over the wellbore;production tubing extending from the wellhead through at least one of the one or more subterranean formations; anda pump assembly coupled proximate a lower end of the production tubing, the pump assembly including:a head member, the head member including:a first head member end and a second head member end; and a head member circumferential groove located in a main head member portion proximate the first head member end, the head member circumferential groove extending at least partially circumferentially around the main head member portion to form a head member flange;a base member, the base member including:a first base member end and a second base member end; anda base member circumferential groove located in a main base member portion proximate the first base member end, the base member circumferential groove extending at least partially circumferentially around the main base member portion to form a base member flange, the head member flange and base member flange brought together to form a combined flange having a width (W3); anda retaining clamp assembly positioned radially about the combined flange to keep the head member flange and base member flange engaged with one another.

22. The well system as recited in Claim 21, further including two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions fixed together to form the retaining clamp assembly, wherein each of the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions includes:a retaining clamp assembly face portion configured to engage with a combined flange face of the combined flange;a first retaining clamp assembly edge configured to engage with a combined flange head member edge of the combined flange; anda second retaining clamp assembly edge configured to engage with a combined flange base member edge of the combined flange.

23. The well system as recited in Claim 22, wherein each of the two or more retaining clamp assembly member portions is a C-clamp configured to have an interference fit with the combined flange.

24. The well system as recited in Claim 23, wherein:the interference fit is provided between retaining clamp assembly radius of curvatures of the retaining clamp assembly face portion and a combined flange radius of curvature of the combined flange face, and further wherein the retaining clamp assembly radius of curvature range from 90% to 110% of the combined flange radius of curvature; orthe interference fit is provided between a width (W4) of the retaining clamp assembly face portion and the width (W3) of the combined flange, and further wherein the width (W4) range from 90% to 110% of the width (W3).

25. A method, comprising:providing a downhole tool, the downhole tool including:a head member, the head member including:a first head member end and a second head member end; anda head member circumferential groove located in a main head member portion proximate the first head member end, the head member circumferential groove extending at least partially circumferentially around the main head member portion to form a head member flange;a base member, the base member including:a first base member end and a second base member end; anda base member circumferential groove located in a main base member portion proximate the first base member end, the base member circumferential groove extending at least partially circumferentially around the main base member portion to form a base member flange, the head member flange and base member flange brought together to form a combined flange having a width (W3); andfixing a retaining clamp assembly radially about the combined flange to keep the head member flange and base member flange engaged with one another.

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