Isolation container for a downhole electric pump

Abstract

An isolation container designed for use with a downhole electric pump assembly commonly used in oil and gas drilling and production operations is disclosed. The isolation container has an annular housing with an axial inlet and outlet bore. A downhole electric pump assembly is centrally located within the pressure isolation container. The downhole electric pump assembly includes an electric pump positioned above and coupled to a motor seal section which is positioned above and coupled to a centrifugal pump, thereby providing a means to power the centrifugal pump. A blind coupling is positioned above the electric motor with a tubular member connected thereto and extending through the inlet of the isolation container. The tubular member connects to a tubing string supplying fluid from the surface. The blind coupling has a plurality of radially disposed ports to allow pressurized fluid from the surface to flow into the annulus between the downhole electric pump and the isolation container. This fluid then flows to inlet ports on the downhole electric pump. The pressure of the pressurized fluid is then boosted or increased by the operation of the downhole electric pump. The fluid is then discharged through a tubular member, which is sealed in the outlet bore of the pressure isolation container. The tubular member extends through a packer positioned below the pressure isolation container and the boosted pressure fluid is injected into the subsurface formation. An electrical cable from the surface supplies power to the electric motor and a check valve is provided on the upper end of the pressure isolation container for releasing entrained air in the pressure isolation container.