Flexible joint connection
AssigneeGE Oil & Gas ESP, Inc.
InventorsCharles Collins, Aaron Noakes, Jeromy Pinkham
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A pumping system is configured for deployment in a non-vertical wellbore. The pumping system includes a plurality of articulating components. Each of the plurality of articulating components is connected to an adjacent other of the plurality of articulating components with an articulating joint. In preferred embodiments, the articulating joint is a ball-and-socket mechanism. The articulating components include a body having a first end and a second end, a ball connected to the first end the body and a socket connected to the second end of the body. A locking collar is connected to the socket to secure the ball portion of an adjacent articulating component to the socket.
Claims20
An articulating component for use in a downhole pumping system, the articulating component comprising:
- a body having a first end and a second end;
- a ball connected to the first end the body;
- a socket connected to the second end of the body;
- and
- a locking collar connected to the socket.
A pumping system for use in a downhole well, the pumping system comprising a plurality of articulating components, wherein each of the plurality of articulating components is connected to another of the plurality of articulating components with an articulating joint.
A pumping system comprising:
- a first articulating component, wherein the first articulating component comprises:
- a body;
- and
- a ball extending from the body;
- and
- a second articulating component, wherein the second articulating component comprises:
- a body;
- a socket extending from the body of the second articulating component, wherein the socket receives the ball of the first articulating component;
- and
- a locking collar that captures the ball of the first articulating component within the socket of the second articulating component.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.