SUBMERSIBLE PUMP FOR OPERATION IN SANDY ENVIRONMENTS, DIFFUSER ASSEMBLY, AND RELATED METHODS

摘要

Submersible pumps (33), diffuser assemblies (51), and related methods for pumping a fluid (39) having a substantial sand content, are provided. A diffuser assembly (51) for a submersible pump (33) can include anti-swirl ribs (101) forming sand dams (101) positioned on an upper surface (67) of the diffuser bowl floor (65) at an acute angle (103) to guide trapped sand (113) between the bottom shroud (63) of an impeller (53) and the diffuser bowl (61) to the inner surface (100) of the diffuser bowl outer wall (71) and back into the production fluid stream (95). The diffuser assembly (51) can also include sand jump ramps (111) each separately positioned adjacent the outer peripheral surface of one of the sand dams (101) and positioned adjacent a separate portion of the inner surface (100) of the diffuser bowl outer wall (71) to further enhance deflection of sand (113) back into the production fluid stream (95).