Keyless nesting diffuser for centrifugal pumps

A pump for use within a pumping system, wherein the pump comprises:

• a first stage that includes a first impeller and a first diffuser;
• a second stage adjacent to the first stage, wherein the second stage includes a second impeller and a second diffuser;
• wherein the first diffuser and second diffuser each include means for nesting the first diffuser and second diffuser together in a rotationally fixed arrangement;
• a third stage that includes a third impeller and a third diffuser;
• a fourth stage adjacent to the third stage, wherein the fourth stage includes a fourth impeller and a fourth diffuser;
• and
• wherein the third diffuser and fourth diffuser each include means for nesting the third diffuser and fourth diffuser together in a rotationally fixed arrangement, wherein the means for nesting the third diffuser and fourth diffuser together prevent the third diffuser from nesting with the second diffuser.

A pump for use in a pumping system, the pump comprising:

• a pump housing;
• a first diffuser inside the pump housing, wherein the first diffuser comprises:
• a first end having a first diffuser receiver;
• and
• a second end having a first diffuser projection, wherein the first diffuser projection has a non-circular first diffuser projection outer surface;
• a second diffuser adjacent to the first diffuser inside the pump housing, wherein the second diffuser comprises:
• a first end having a second diffuser receiver, wherein the second diffuser receiver has a non-circular second diffuser receiver inner surface that matches the non-circular first diffuser projection outer surface;
• and
• a second end having a second diffuser projection;
• and
• wherein the first diffuser projection nests within the second diffuser receiver to prevent the second diffuser from rotating with respect to the first diffuser;
• and
• a third diffuser inside the pump housing, wherein the third diffuser comprises:
• a first end having a third diffuser receiver, wherein the third diffuser receiver has a third diffuser receiver inner surface that does not match the non-circular first diffuser projection outer surface.