A system and method for protecting a motor for a submersible pumping system. A variety of motor protectors are provided for application in variable temperature environments and multiple wellbore orientations. The motor protectors may include one or more of a positively pressurized bellows, a relatively balanced pressure bellows free of sliding seals, and a multi-orientable labyrinth. Each of these motor protectors also may have various moisture absorbents, filters, particle shedders and various conventional motor protector components.

Protector for electrical submersible pumps

Apparatus and pumping systems including the apparatus are described, the apparatus including a protector body comprising a material allowing expansion and contraction of an internal fluid, the body serving as a barrier between fluids external of the body and the internal fluid. The body has first and second ends, at least one end adapted to connect the body to other components, the protector body further comprising structural features permitting facile cleanout and reuse of the protector body. Methods of use of the apparatus and systems are described, particularly in oilfield exploration, testing, and production. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Apparatus, pumping systems incorporating same, and methods of protecting pump components

A technique is provided for pumping fluids in a subterranean wellbore. A submersible pumping system can be deployed in a wellbore for moving desired fluids within the wellbore. The pumping system energizes the desired fluid movement by reciprocating a working fluid between expandable members.

Submersible pumping system

A motor protection system that utilizes a motor protector in combination with a submersible motor. The motor protector allows for the free flow of an internal lubricating liquid therethrough to the connected submersible motor. The internal liquid prevents the migration of surrounding, environmental liquids to the interior of the motor while allowing the internal pressure of the motor to equalize with external pressure. Additionally, the design allows the use of a power cable connector that can be coupled to the submersible motor without being sealed with respect to the environmental fluids.

Technique for protecting a submersible motor

A bellows comprises a first fixed end, a second fixed end, a first collapsible section and a second collapsible section. The first collapsible section is in communication with the first fixed end and has a first cross-sectional area. The second collapsible section is in communication with the second fixed end and has a second cross-sectional area. A third collapsible section is between the first collapsible section and the second collapsible section. A first coupling member is between the first collapsible section and the third collapsible section. A second coupling member is between the second collapsible section and the third collapsible section. A volume within the bellows is varied by movement of the first coupling member and the second coupling member towards one of the first fixed end and the second fixed end.

Above the motor bellows expansion member for a submersible pump

A downhole pumping system includes a downhole pump that is coupled to a downhole motor. The downhole motor includes a motor protector that utilizes one or more retractable and extensible bellows, instead of an elastomeric bag, to accommodate motor oil contraction and expansion.

Kevin T. Scarsdale

Papers

Submersible pumping system utilizing a motor protector having a metal bellows