Ring Latch Shaft Coupling for ESP Bidirectional Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric submersible pump (ESP) systems face challenges in efficiently managing bidirectional loading on inner shafts, requiring additional thrust bearings that are expensive and complicate assembly, especially when both tension and compression loads are applied during operations like fluid injection or pumping.
Innovation Solution
A locking coupling assembly is introduced that transfers tensile and compressive forces through a shaft locking mechanism, allowing for axial distance fixation between upper and lower shafts, thereby isolating the motor section from bidirectional forces without the need for additional thrust bearings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional thrust bearings are used to manage bidirectional loading on inner shafts, then the system can handle both tension and compression loads, but the system cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of torque transmission and bidirectional thrust support into a single coupling assembly. The coupling includes thrust faces that can support both compression loads (when pump section is above motor section) and tension loads (when pump section is below motor section), eliminating the need for separate thrust bearings and simplifying the overall system structure
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: transmitting torque between shafts and supporting axial loads in both directions. The thrust faces integrated into the coupling structure provide universal load-bearing capability, allowing the same component to handle different loading conditions depending on the ESP system configuration
2Reliability
If additional thrust bearings are installed to counteract loading in both directions, then bidirectional loading is managed, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of torque transmission and bidirectional thrust support into a single coupling assembly. The coupling includes thrust faces that can support both compression loads (when pump section is above motor section) and tension loads (when pump section is below motor section), eliminating the need for separate thrust bearings and simplifying the overall system structure
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: transmitting torque between shafts and supporting axial loads in both directions. The thrust faces integrated into the coupling structure provide universal load-bearing capability, allowing the same component to handle different loading conditions depending on the ESP system configuration
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical submersible pump assembly comprising a first section and a second section with an outer housing and a drive shaft. A coupling assembly comprising a coupling, a thrust pin, and a retainer ring mechanically couples the first drive shaft to the second drive shaft. The coupling is generally cylindrical in shape with splines formed along the inner surface configured to transfer torque from the first shaft to the second shaft. The thrust pin is installed in a pin bore in the lower shaft and extends into a retainer bore in the upper shaft. The retainer ring is installed between a groove in the retainer bore and a retainer groove on the outside of the thrust pin. The thrust pin is configured to transfer tensile stress from the retainer bore in first drive shaft to the pin bore in the second drive shaft.