Method and apparatus for controlling a submergible pumping system
US6045333A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 1, 1997 |
| Grant date | Apr 4, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 1, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF04B2203/0209
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A submergible pumping unit for raising viscous fluids from a well is driven by an electronic drive and control system, a first portion of which is located above the well, and a second portion of which is coupled to the submergible pumping unit. The drive and control system includes a power supply circuit located above the well for converting AC power from a source to DC power having current and voltage levels. The DC power is transmitted to the pumping unit via a two-conductor DC bus cable. The pumping unit includes a switching circuit which receives the DC power for driving a submergible motor, such as a permanent magnet brushless motor. The speed of the motor, and of a pump coupled thereto, is proportional to the voltage of the DC power applied to the pumping unit. The pump is preferably a progressive cavity pump, and the drive and control circuitry provides sufficient torque to start the pump from a static condition. A control circuit is provided for transmitting configuration and desired flow rate and speed data to the power supply.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.