High Temperature Radial Bearing for Electrical Submersible Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radial bearings in electrical submersible well pump assemblies fail to maintain radial stability and prevent rotation at high temperatures, particularly in steam-assisted gravity type (SAGD) wells where temperatures exceed 302 °C (575 °F), due to thermal expansion differences between materials.
Innovation Solution
A metal annular radially deflectable spring is used between the carrier body and the outer sleeve, with outward- and inward-extending indentations providing static frictional engagement and radial forces to prevent rotation and accommodate thermal growth, while maintaining stability and damping vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If elastomers are used between the carrier body and outer sleeve to prevent rotation and dampen vibration, then vibration damping and rotation prevention are improved, but the bearing assembly becomes inapplicable to high-temperature environments (above 302°C)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces elastomeric elements with a metal spring that can withstand high temperatures. The spring is designed as a sacrificial component that may deform or fail under extreme thermal conditions, protecting more critical bearing components. This allows the bearing assembly to function in high-temperature environments where elastomers would degrade.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from elastomer to metal spring, fundamentally altering the thermal resistance property. The metal spring maintains its mechanical properties at temperatures above 302°C where elastomers would soften and lose functionality, thereby expanding the temperature range applicability of the bearing assembly.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If different materials with different coefficients of expansion are used for the carrier body and sleeve, then thermal expansion accommodation is improved, but radial stability and rotation prevention deteriorate at high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a radially deflectable metal spring that dynamically adjusts to thermal expansion differences between the carrier body and sleeve. The spring's radial deflectability allows it to accommodate dimensional changes due to thermal expansion while continuously maintaining radial stability and preventing rotation through its elastic restoring force.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal spring acts as an intermediary element between the carrier body and outer sleeve. It mediates the thermal expansion differences between these two components by absorbing dimensional changes through radial deflection, thereby preventing direct contact and potential rotation while maintaining stable separation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid connection is used between the carrier body and outer sleeve to prevent rotation, then rotation prevention is improved, but the ability to accommodate thermal growth deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible metal spring instead of a rigid connection between the carrier body and outer sleeve. The spring's flexibility in the radial direction allows it to accommodate thermal growth and dimensional changes, while its frictional engagement and elastic properties prevent rotation of the outer sleeve relative to the carrier body.
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
The metal spring effectively maintains radial force and stability even at high temperatures, preventing rotation of the outer sleeve and accommodating thermal expansion, ensuring reliable operation and reduced vibration in high-temperature environments.
Implementation Method 1
An annular metal radially deflectable spring is located between and in contact with an outer diameter surface of an outer one of the sleeves and with an inner diameter surface of the carrier body. The spring applies radial forces to prevent the outer sleeve from rotating or moving axially within the carrier body.
Implementation Method 2
The spring has a wall having a plurality of indentations for undulations formed therein. The indentations may include outward-extending indentations formed in and extending around the wall, each of the outward-extending indentations protruding radially outward from the wall into static, frictional engagement with the inner diameter surface of the carrier body.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A submersible pump assembly includes a rotary pump and an electrical motor operatively connected to the pump for driving the pump. A seal section is connected between the motor and the pump for reducing a pressure differential between lubricant in the motor and hydrostatic well fluid pressure. A shaft assembly extends from the motor through the seal section and the pump. A sleeve surrounds the shaft assembly. A carrier body has an inner diameter surface. An anti- rotation member is on an exterior of the carrier body in static engagement with an inner diameter surface of the pump assembly for preventing rotation of the carrier body. An annular metal radially deflectable spring is located between and in contact with an outer diameter surface of the sleeve and with the inner diameter surface of the carrier body. The spring is a wave spring with undulations.