Patent ID: 8587163
Filing Date: 2013-11-19
Classification: E21B,H02K

Abstract:
1. An electric motor configured for deployment in a downhole well environment, the electric motor comprising: a housing containing a plurality of magnets, the plurality of magnets including at least two adjacent, axially-aligned stationary magnets; at least one movable magnet having a pump-side end, the at least one movable magnet being disposed adjacent to the stationary magnets and being movable axially between a first position proximate the outer end of one of the stationary magnets and a second position proximate the outer end of the other stationary magnet; a connector shaft connected to the at least one movable magnet for movement therewith wherein the connector shaft comprises a pump end for connection to a pump to pump well fluid and an annular component disposed between the pump end of the connector shaft and the pump-side end of the at least one movable magnet; and a supply of alternating current coupled to at least one of the magnets so as to alternate polarity to thereby cause the movable magnet to reciprocate between the first and second positions, and to thereby provide reciprocating linear output to drive the pump, wherein the at least one movable magnet is disposed in a through-going aperture defined by the housing, wherein the movable and stationary magnets are coaxially aligned, and wherein the annular component of the connector shaft substantially blocks well fluid pumped by the pump from flowing through the through-going aperture of the housing and contacting the at least one movable magnet.