Adjustable shroud for a submergible pumping system and pumping system

Abstract

An adjustable shroud arrangement is disclosed for a submergible pumping system. The pumping system is of the type used to raise fluids from wells, such as petroleum production wells. The systems include a plurality of interconnected components, including a motor and a pump driven by the motor. The systems may also include a separator for separating production fluids from non-production fluids. The shroud serves to transfer fluids between system components, such as around the motor to promote convective cooling of the motor during operation. The shroud fits around a portion of the pumping unit to define a fluid flow path. The shroud is adjustable with respect to the pumping unit to permit relative thermal expansion and contraction of the shroud and the pumping unit components. In a preferred embodiment, the shroud has one end fixed to the pumping unit and a second end slidingly seals against a component of the pumping unit. In another embodiment, both ends of the shroud are fixed to the unit and an adjustable seal is provided along the length of the shroud.