Seal configuration for high density lubrication oils

A seal section for use in a downhole submersible pumping system deployable in a wellbore, the seal section comprising:

• a lower chamber, wherein the lower chamber comprises:
• a first separation mechanism;
• and
• an exterior space around the first separation mechanism that contains high density oil that is denser than motor oil;
• an intermediate guide section above the lower chamber, wherein the intermediate guide section includes an intermediate passage in fluid communication with the exterior space surrounding the first separation mechanism;
• and
• an upper chamber above the intermediate guide section, wherein the upper chamber comprises:
• a volume of the high density oil at the bottom of the upper chamber;
• and
• a gravity trap, wherein the gravity-trap comprises:
• a first end connected to the intermediate passage;
• a second end with an opening submerged in the volume of high density oil in the upper chamber;
• and
• a central section between the first end and the second end, wherein the central section is above the opening of the second end.

A downhole pumping system useable for recovering fluids from a wellbore, the pumping system comprising:

• a motor;
• a pump driven by the motor;
• and
• a seal section between the pump and the motor, wherein the seal section comprises:
• a lower chamber, wherein the lower chamber comprises:
• a seal bag assembly that comprises a seal bag that contains motor oil;
• and
• an exterior space around the seal bag that contains high density oil that is denser than the motor oil;
• and
• an upper chamber above the lower chamber, wherein the upper chamber comprises:
• a volume of the high density oil at the bottom of the upper chamber;
• and
• a gravity trap, wherein the gravity-trap comprises:
• a first end in fluid communication with the high density oil in the exterior space around the seal bag;
• a second end with an opening submerged in the volume of high density oil in the upper chamber;
• and
• a central section between the first end and the second end, wherein the central section is above the opening of the second end.