Patent ID: 7882896
Filing Date: 2011-02-08
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A sea floor pump apparatus for installation in a caisson having an inlet at an upper end for receiving a flow of fluid containing gas and liquid, the apparatus comprising: a shroud for location within the caisson, the shroud having an inlet at a lower end for receiving fluid flowing into the caisson; an electrical submersible pump assembly mounted within the shroud, the pump assembly including a centrifugal pump having an intake within the shroud downstream of the inlet of the shroud for drawing fluid from an interior of the shroud into the pump, the pump having a discharge pipe for discharging the fluid out of the caisson; and at least one eduction tube having an open upper end extending exterior of the shroud for location within an upper portion of the caisson and an open lower end in fluid communication with an interior portion of the shroud at or below the intake of the pump for drawing gas that collects in the caisson into the intake of the pump.