Patent ID: 8556580
Filing Date: 2013-10-15
Classification: F04D

Abstract:
1. A diffuser assembly for a submersible multistage pump for pumping a fluid having a substantial sand content, the diffuser assembly configured to house an impeller assembly having an upper impeller body, a lower impeller body and a fluid passageway formed therebetween, the diffuser assembly further comprising: a diffuser bowl including: a plurality of circumferentially spaced anti-swirl ribs defining a plurality of sand dams connected to the proximal surface of the diffuser bowl floor, each of the plurality of sand dams positioned adjacent a separate portion of an inner surface of the diffuser bowl outer wall at an acute angle thereto to guide trapped sand particles to the inner surface of the diffuser bowl outer wall and into a primary fluid stream; and a plurality of tapered protuberances extending axially from the proximal surface of the diffuser bowl floor defining a corresponding plurality of sand jump ramps, each sand jump ramp separately positioned adjacent an outer peripheral surface of a corresponding one of the plurality of sand dams and positioned adjacent the separate portion of the inner surface of the diffuser bowl outer wall associated with the respective one of the plurality of sand dams to deflect the trapped sand particles into the primary fluid stream.