US 11,939,991 B2
Sand protection device for downhole pump
Andrew Jardine Leitch, Olivella (ES); and Mark Robinson, Houston, TX (US)
Assigned to Oil Tool Solutions, Inc., Houston, TX (US)
Filed by OIL TOOL SOLUTIONS, INC., Houston, TX (US)
Filed on Aug. 2, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/879,105.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/334,899, filed on Apr. 26, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2023/0340964 A1, Oct. 26, 2023
Int. Cl. E21B 43/38 (2006.01); F04D 13/08 (2006.01); F04D 15/00 (2006.01); F04D 29/40 (2006.01)
CPC F04D 29/406 (2013.01) [E21B 43/38 (2013.01); F04D 13/08 (2013.01); F04D 15/0005 (2013.01)] 15 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A device for protecting a submersible pump, comprising:
a housing;
a shaft centrally located within the housing, forming an annulus between the shaft and the housing;
a plurality of helically shaped shelves disposed about the shaft within the annulus, wherein at least two shelves are longitudinally spaced from one another, and each shelf provides a surface for supporting and collecting sand or other solids within the housing; and
a restrictor assembly disposed at one end of the housing, the restrictor assembly configured to allow fluid flow through the housing in one direction and only partially restrict flow through the housing in an opposite, second direction.