System and method for handling thrust loads in axial flow pump

Abstract

A technique facilitates handling of thrust loads in a pump, such as a submersible pump which may be used in an electric submersible pumping system. For example, the submersible pump may comprise a plurality of pump stages disposed within an outer pump housing. Individual pump stages of the plurality of pump stages each have an impeller and a diffuser with the impeller being rotatable relative to the diffuser via a shaft. Each individual pump stage also comprises a stage thrust bearing assembly to handle thrust loads generated during operation of the submersible pump via rotation of the impellers.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.