Centrifugal Well Pump Threaded Diffuser Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centrifugal pumps used in subsurface wells face challenges in assembly and reconfiguration due to the need for lengthy specialized tooling and inefficient use of design/flow area, particularly for small diameter pumps, which limits their performance and requires significant space for assembly and repair.
Innovation Solution
A centrifugal pump design where diffusers are coupled end-to-end with threaded couplings that form a metal-to-metal seal, allowing for easy reconfiguration and re-staging without the need for lengthy assembly apparatus, and featuring a drive shaft and motor assembly that can be quickly adapted for different applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If diffusers are assembled using traditional compression methods into a pump housing, then the pump structure is compact, but the assembly requires lengthy specialized tooling and significant space (minimum twice the length of pump housing or drive shaft)
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly is segmented into modular diffuser units, each with integrated threaded couplings. This allows individual diffusers to be assembled separately and then connected sequentially, eliminating the need for lengthy specialized tooling and reducing assembly space requirements while maintaining structural integrity.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional assembly methods are used to insert and compress a stack of stages into a pump housing, then the pump housing contains all components, but the method requires inefficient use of valuable design/flow area especially for small diameter pumps
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded coupling features are integrated directly into the diffuser bodies, merging the connection function with the diffuser structure itself. This eliminates the need for separate housing and compression assembly steps, optimizing flow area utilization in small diameter pumps while reducing assembly method complexity.
3Reliability
If long specialized tooling is used for assembly and repair or resizing of pumps, then reliable assembly is achieved, but the space required is minimum twice the length of pump housing or drive shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded couplings are self-contained features integrated into the diffuser bodies, allowing assembly and disassembly using standard threading tools rather than lengthy specialized tooling. This maintains assembly reliability through precise threading while significantly reducing the space required for assembly and repair operations.
4Stability of the object's composition
If pumps are designed with fixed number of stages assembled by compression, then structural integrity is maintained, but reconfiguration to different number of stages requires lengthy assembly apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded coupling system enables dynamic reconfiguration of the pump by allowing easy addition or removal of diffuser stages. The structural integrity is maintained through precise threading and sealing features, while the adaptability is enhanced by enabling quick reconfiguration to different numbers of stages without requiring lengthy assembly apparatus.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design enhances pump performance by increasing flow and head capabilities, reduces the need for specialized tooling and space, and allows for quicker turnaround between applications, making it suitable for frequent re-staging and reducing material and machining costs.
Implementation Method 1
The first threaded coupling on one diffuser and the second threaded coupling on another diffuser may form a metal to metal seal when threadedly engaged to each other.
Implementation Method 2
The first threaded coupling may be sealed with an O-ring or similar elastomeric seal, or may be sealed with an elastomer seal and a metal-metal seal.
Data Source
AI summary
A well pump includes a plurality of diffusers, wherein each diffuser comprises a first threaded coupling on one longitudinal end and a second threaded coupling on an opposed longitudinal end. An impeller is disposed in each diffuser. The plurality of diffusers are coupled end to end to form a pump housing, in which the first threaded coupling on one diffuser is threadedly engaged to the second threaded coupling on adjacent diffuser.