CLAMPING SYSTEM FOR A PROGRESSING CAVITY PUMP

Abstract

A clamping system for a progressing cavity pump can include a first clamping element adapted to receive a first end portion of a stator housing of the progressing cavity pump, a second clamping element adapted to receive a second end portion of the stator housing of the progressing cavity pump, a first plurality of fasteners extending between the first clamping element and a first flange of the progressing cavity pump to compressively clamp the first end portion there between, and a second plurality of fasteners extending between the second clamping element and a second flange of the progressing cavity pump to compressively clamp the second end portion there between.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application pertains generally, but not by way of limitation, to progressing cavity pumps. More particularly, the present disclosure pertains to systems and methods for radially or axially clamping two or more axially split portions of a stator housing.

BACKGROUND

Moineau-type progressing cavity pumps are presently in widespread use in various different applications across a variety of industries. For example, progressing cavity pumps are often used for pumping fluids in Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH) conditions, such as when lifting fluids from subterranean reservoirs, or for pumping highly viscous fluids, highly abrasive fluids, and fluids containing relatively large particulates or solid masses. Progressing cavity pumps include a stationary component known as a stator and a rotatable component known as a rotor. The stator generally includes a liner received within a casing or outer housing. The liner defines an inner profile forming a plurality of stator lobes and the rotor defines an outer profile forming a plurality of rotor lobes corresponding in shape and size to the plurality of stator lobes.

During rotation of the rotor within the stator, the rotor lobes engage and seal against the stator lobes to form a plurality of progressing cavities which travel through the stator in a linear fashion. Over time, the dynamic radial load the rotor applies to the stator liner causes progressive erosion of the stator liner, reducing the efficiency and power output (e.g., available output torque or maximum rotor speed) of a progressing cavity pump. Eventually, the stator liner can deteriorate to a point where replacement of the stator liner is desirable, or necessary, to restore pump functionality. In order help facilitate removal of a stator liner from within a stator housing, many stator housings are axially split along a longitudinal axis into two or more separate radial sections or segments. However, such designs can result in a progressing cavity pump that is significantly more difficult and expensive to manufacture. For example, split stator housings often include precisely defined circumferential grooves adapted to receive retaining rings for axial clamping of the stator housing within the progressing cavity pump, and axial flanges adapted to receive a plurality of fasteners for radial clamping of the radial sections or segments to one another.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of such embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated embodiments; and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all embodiments, nor delineate the scope of any or all embodiments.

In one or more embodiments, a clamping system for a progressing cavity pump can include a stator housing, a first clamping element, a second clamping element, a first plurality of fasteners, and a second plurality of fasteners. The first clamping element can be adapted to receive a first end portion of the stator housing and the second clamping element can be adapted to receive a second end portion of the stator housing; and, the first plurality of fasteners can extend between the first clamping element and a first flange of the progressing cavity pump to compressively clamp the first end portion there between, and the second plurality of fasteners can extend between the second clamping element and a second flange of the progressing cavity pump to compressively clamp the second end portion there between.

In one or more embodiments, a progressing cavity pump can include an intake casing defining a first clamping flange, a pressure fitting defining a second clamping flange, a rotor defining a plurality of external lobes, a stator liner defining a plurality of internal lobes adapted to engage the plurality of external lobes of the rotor to form a plurality of progressing cavities during rotation of the rotor within the stator, a stator housing adapted to receive the stator liner, a first clamping element, and a second clamping element. The first clamping element can be adapted to receive a first end portion of the stator housing and the second clamping element can be adapted to receive a second end portion of the stator housing; and, the first plurality of fasteners can extend between the first clamping element and a first flange of the progressing cavity pump to compressively clamp the first end portion there between, and the second plurality of fasteners can extend between the second clamping element and a second flange of the progressing cavity pump to compressively clamp the second end portion there between.

In one or more embodiments, a method of coupling a stator to a progressing cavity pump can include inserting a first end portion of a stator housing into a first clamping element, securing the first end portion of the stator housing to the first clamping element and coupling the first clamping element to a first clamping flange of the progressing cavity pump, such as to compressively clamp the first end portion between the first clamping element and the first clamping flange and prevent rotation between the first end portion and the first clamping element. The method can also include inserting a second end portion of the stator housing into a second clamping element; securing the second end portion of the stator housing to the second clamping element; and coupling the second clamping element to a second clamping flange of the progressing cavity pump, such as to compressively clamp the second end portion between the second clamping element and the second clamping flange and prevent rotation between the second end portion and the second clamping element.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other examples of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the various embodiments of the present disclosure are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document.

FIG. 1A illustrates a side view of an assembled progressing cavity pump including a clamping system, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B illustrates a partial cross-section view of an example progressing cavity pump including a clamping system, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the clamping system of FIGS. 1A-1B, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A illustrates a front view of the first clamping element of FIGS. 1-2 in an unlocked orientation.

FIG. 3B illustrates a front view of the first clamping element of FIGS. 1-2 in a locked orientation.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-section of the progressing cavity pump including the clamping system of FIGS. 1-3B, in accordance with one or more examples of the present application.

FIG. 5 illustrates a method of coupling a stator to a progressing cavity pump.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure can help to address the above issues, among others, by providing a clamping system for a progressing cavity pump that can both axially clamp a stator housing within the progressing cavity pump, and radially clamp two or more split portions or segments of the stator housing to one another. For example, a first clamping element of the clamping system can encompass and secure a first end portion of the stator housing to the progressing cavity pump, and a second clamping element of the clamping system can encompass and secure a second end portion of the stator housing to the progressing cavity pump. In view of the above, the clamping system of the present disclosure can enable a split stator housing to be both radially and axially clamped within a progressing cavity pump without the need for retaining ring grooves in the stator housing, retaining rings, axial flanges for receiving fasteners, or other clamping features or components. This can help to significantly reduce the manufacturing cost of many progressing cavity pumps. Moreover, this can significantly improve the ease of maintenance of many progressing cavity pumps. For example, positioning a retaining ring over several radial segments or sections of a stator housing concurrently, or positioning a plurality of fasteners through axial flanges of several radial segments or sections of a stator housing concurrently, can be a time consuming and challenging operation for a user.

FIG. 1A illustrates a side view of an assembled progressing cavity pump 100 including a clamping system 102, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 1B illustrates a partial cross-section view of an example progressing cavity pump 100 including a clamping system 102, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Also shown in FIG. 1A are orientation indicators “Proximal” and “Distal”. FIGS. 1A-1B are discussed below concurrently. The progressing cavity pump 100 can include a stator 104 (FIG. 1B), a pressure fitting 106 (FIG. 1A), an intake casing 108 (FIG. 1A), a rotor 110 (FIG. 1A), and a driveshaft 112 (FIG. 1A). The rotor 110 can extend within the stator 104 and the driveshaft 112 can extend within the intake casing 108. In some examples, the driveshaft 112 can extend between a first joint 114 (FIG. 1A), such as connected to a shaft input connector 116 (FIG. 1A), and a second joint 115 connected to the rotor 110. In FIG. 1A, the driveshaft 112, the first joint 114, the shaft input connector 116, and the second joint 115 are shown in shadow. In such examples, the shaft input connector 116 can be adapted to receive a shaft of a motor to provide rotational drive to the rotor 110.

The stator 104 can include a stator housing 117 and a stator liner 120. The stator housing 117 can be an outer shell or casing of the stator 104. The stator housing 117 can be collectively formed by a first portion 118 and a second portion 119. The first portion 118 (FIG. 1A) and a second portion 119 (FIG. 1B) can be radial segments or sections of the stator housing 117. For example, the first portion 118 and the second portion 119 can each define a 180 degree radial section or segment of the stator housing 117. In other examples, the stator housing 117 can include other numbers of radial sections or segments, such as, but not limited to, three, four, or five radial sections or segments each defining about 120 degree, about a 90 degree, or about a 72 degree section or segment, respectively, of the stator housing 117. The stator liner 120 can define a plurality of internal lobes 122 (FIG. 1B) and the rotor 110 can define a plurality of external lobes 124 (FIG. 1B). The plurality of external lobes 124 can be sized and shaped to form a plurality of progressing cavities via contact with the plurality of internal lobes 122. For example, during rotation of the rotor 110, surface interaction between the plurality of external lobes 124 and the plurality of internal lobes 122 can cause fluid to be drawn into the intake casing 108, such as through an inlet pipe 125 (FIG. 1A) coupled thereto, and move distally through the stator 104 to an outlet pipe 127 (FIG. 1A) coupled to the pressure fitting 106.

The stator housing 117 can define a first end portion 126 and a second end portion 128. The first end portion 126 (FIG. 1A) and the second end portion 128 (FIG. 1A) can be opposite proximal and distal portions, respectively, of the stator housing 117. The clamping system 102 can include the stator housing 117, a first clamping element 130, a second clamping element 132 (FIG. 1A), a first plurality of fasteners 134 (FIG. 1A), a second plurality of fasteners 136 (FIG. 1A), a first clamping flange 138 (FIG. 1A) defined by the intake casing 108, and a second clamping flange 140 (FIG. 1A) defined by the pressure fitting 106. In FIG. 1A, the first clamping element 130 is shown in shadow. The first clamping element 130 can be adapted to receive the first end portion 126 of the stator housing 117, and the second clamping element 132 can be adapted to receive the second end portion 128 of the stator housing 117, to radially clamp the first portion 118 to the second portion 119, compress the stator liner 120 there between, and axially clamp the stator 104 within the progressing cavity pump 100.

First, for example, the first end portion 126 of the stator housing 117 can define a first flange 142 (FIG. 1B) and the second end portion 128 can define a second flange 144 (FIG. 1B). The first clamping element 130 can include one or more first set screws 146 (FIG. 1B) and the second clamping element 132 can include one or more second set screws 148. When the first end portion 126 is received within the first clamping element 130, the first flange 142 can be radially constrained by the first clamping element 130, and one or more first set screws 146 can apply a radial compression force to the first flange 142. Similarly, when the second end portion 128 is received within the second clamping element 132, the second flange 144 can be radially constrained by the second clamping element 132, and one or more second set screws 148 can apply a radial compression force to the second flange 144.

Second, the first end portion 126 of the stator housing 117 can define a first face 150 and the second end portion 128 of the stator housing 117 can define a second face 152. The first clamping element 130 can define a first pair of clamping surfaces 154 and the second clamping element 132 can define a second pair of clamping surfaces 156. Additionally, the first clamping element 130 and the first clamping flange 138 can be adapted to concurrently receive the first plurality of fasteners 134 therethrough to couple the stator 104 to the intake casing 108, and the second clamping element 132 and the second clamping flange 140 can be adapted to concurrently receive the second plurality of fasteners 136 therethrough to couple the second clamping element 132 to the pressure fitting 106.

Accordingly, when the first end portion 126 is received within the first clamping element 130, the first face 150 can be axially constrained in a distal direction by the first pair of clamping surfaces 154 and axially constrained in a proximal direction by the intake casing 108. Similarly, when the second end portion 128 is received within the second clamping element 132, the second face 152 can be axially constrained in a proximal direction by the second pair of clamping surfaces 156 and axially constrained in a distal direction by the pressure fitting 106. In view of the above, the clamping system 102 of the present disclosure can eliminate the need for retaining ring grooves, retaining rings, axial flanges for receiving fasteners, or other features or components adapted for axially and radially clamping an axially split stator housing to a progressing cavity pump.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the clamping system 102 of FIGS. 1A-1B, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3A illustrates a front view of the first clamping element 130 of FIGS. 1-2 in an unlocked orientation. FIG. 3B illustrates a front view of the first clamping element 130 of FIGS. 1-2 in a locked orientation. Also shown in FIG. 2 are orientation indicators “Proximal” and “Distal”; and a longitudinal axis Al defined by the stator housing 117. FIGS. 2-3A are discussed below concurrently. As shown in FIG. 2, the first flange 142 and the second flange 144 (FIG. 2) can each be an annular ridge or projection extending radially outward beyond an outer housing surface 158 (FIG. 2) defined collectively by the first portion 118 and the second portion 119. The first flange 142 can define the first face 150 (FIG. 2) and the second flange 144 can define the second face 152 (FIG. 2). The first end portion 126 (FIG. 2) can define a third face 160 (FIG. 2) and the second end portion 128 (FIG. 2) can define a fourth face 162 (FIG. 2).

The third face 160 can be at least partially defined by the first flange 142 and the fourth face 162 can be at least partially defined by the second flange 144. The first face 150 can be a distal-most surface of the first flange 142, and the third face 160 can be proximal-most surface of the first end portion 126. The second face 152 can be a proximal-most surface of the second flange 144, and the third face 160 can be proximal-most surface of the first end portion 126. The third face 160 can extend parallel to, and can be proximally offset from, the first face 150; and the fourth face 162 can extend parallel to, and can be distally offset from, the second face 152. The first face 150, the second face 152, the third face 160, and the fourth face 162 can extend orthogonally to the first axis A1. The first flange 142 can define a first outer surface 164 and the second flange 144 can define a second outer surface 166 (FIG. 2). The first outer surface 164 and the second outer surface 166 can be outer radial surfaces of the first flange 142 and the second flange 144, respectively. The first outer surface 164 and the second outer surface 166 can extend parallel to, and radially or laterally offset from, the longitudinal axis A1. The first outer surface 164 can include a first plurality of surfaces 168 and the second outer surface 166 can include a second plurality of surfaces 170 (FIG. 2).

Each surface of the first plurality of surfaces 168 and the second plurality of surfaces 170 can be a curved, or semi-annular portion or segment, of the first outer surface 164 and the second outer surface 166, respectively. The first plurality of surfaces 168 and the second plurality of surfaces 170 can each include, but are not limited to, four individual surfaces. The first outer surface 164 can define one or more first planar surfaces 172 and the second outer surface 166 can define one or more second planar surfaces 174 (FIG. 2). Each surface of the one or more first planar surfaces 172 and the one or more second planar surfaces 174 can be a flattened portion or segment of the first outer surface 164 and the second outer surface 166, respectively. The one or more first planar surfaces 172 and the one or more second planar surfaces 174 can each include, but are not limited to, one, two, three, or four individual surfaces. In one example, such as shown in FIG. 2, the one or more first planar surfaces 172 and the one or more second planar surfaces 174 can each include two individual surfaces radially offset, or otherwise circumferentially spaced apart, from each other about 180 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis A1.

The first outer surface 164 and the second outer surface 166 can include a first pair of intermediate surfaces 165 (FIG. 3A) and the second outer surface 166 can include a second pair of intermediate surfaces 167 (FIG. 2). The first pair of intermediate surfaces 165 and the second pair of intermediate surfaces 167 can be curved, or semi-annular portions or segments, of the first outer surface 164 and the second outer surface 166, respectively. The first pair of intermediate surfaces 165 and the second pair of intermediate surfaces 167 can each include, but are not limited to, two individual surfaces radially offset, or otherwise circumferentially spaced apart, from each other about 180 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis A1.

Each surface of the first pair of intermediate surfaces 165 can extend across the first portion 118 and the second portion 119 radially between two separate surfaces of the first plurality of surfaces 168. Each surface of the second pair of intermediate surfaces 167 can extend can across the first portion 118 and the second portion 119 radially between two surfaces of the second plurality of surfaces 170. The first pair of intermediate surfaces 165 and the second pair of intermediate surfaces 167 can define a shape or curvature that is different than a space or curvature of the first plurality of surfaces 168 and the second plurality of surfaces 170, respectively. For example, each surface of the first plurality of surfaces 168 can be located about the first flange 142 in a position located at a greater radial or lateral distance from the longitudinal axis A1 than each surface of the first pair of intermediate surfaces 165, and each surface of the second plurality of surfaces 170 can be located about the second flange 144 in a position located at a greater radial or lateral distance apart from the longitudinal axis A1 than each surface of the second pair of intermediate surfaces 167.

The first clamping element 130 and the second clamping element 132 can define various three-dimensional shapes, such as but not limited to, a square or rectangular shape. The first clamping element 130 can be similar, or identical, to the second clamping element 132. The first pair of clamping surfaces 154 (FIGS. 2 & 3A) and the second pair of clamping surfaces 156 (FIG. 2) can extend orthogonally to the longitudinal axis A1. Each clamping surface of the first pair of clamping surfaces 154 and the second pair of clamping surfaces 156 can extend radially or circumferentially around the longitudinal axis A1 by various radial distances based on the number of individual radial sections or segments that the stator housing 117 includes. For example, the first pair of clamping surfaces 154 and the second pair of clamping surfaces 156 can each extend radially around the longitudinal axis A1 by between, but not limited to, about 85 degrees and about 95 degrees when the stator housing 117 includes, or is collectively formed by, the first portion 118 and the second portion 119. As can be appreciated, in such an example, each of the first pair of clamping surfaces 154 and the second pair of clamping surfaces 156 can include two individual clamping surfaces. In another example, the first pair of clamping surfaces 154 and the second pair of clamping surfaces 156 can each extend radially around the longitudinal axis A1 by between, but not limited to, about 55 degrees and about 65 degrees when the stator housing 117 includes, or is collectively formed by, three separate radial sections or segments.

The first pair of clamping surfaces 154 of the first clamping element 130 can be sized and shaped to conform, or otherwise correspond, to the first face 150 and the second pair of clamping surfaces 156 of the second clamping element 132 can be sized and shaped to conform, or otherwise correspond, to the second face 152. For example, when the first clamping element 130 is in a locked orientation, such as shown in FIG. 3B, and the first flange 142 is received within or is circumferentially encompassed by the first clamping element 130, the first pair of clamping surfaces 154 can contact and engage the first face 150. Similarly, when the second clamping element 132 is in a locked orientation, and the second flange 144 is received within or circumferentially encompassed by the second clamping element 132, the second pair of clamping surfaces 156 can contact and engage the second face 152.

The first clamping element 130 can define a first pair of surfaces 176 (FIGS. 2 & 3A) and a third pair of surfaces 178 (FIGS. 2 & 3B). The second clamping element 132 can define a second pair of surfaces 180 (FIG. 2) and a fourth pair of surfaces 182 (FIG. 2). The first pair of surfaces 176, the third pair of surfaces 178, the second pair of surfaces 180, and the fourth pair of surfaces 182 can extend parallel to, and radially or laterally offset from, the longitudinal axis A1. The first pair of surfaces 176 can be sized and shaped to conform, or otherwise correspond, to the first plurality of surfaces 168 and the second pair of surfaces 180 can be sized and shaped to conform, or otherwise correspond, to the second plurality of surfaces 170. For example, when the first clamping element 130 is in a locked orientation, such as shown in FIG. 3B, and the first flange 142 is received within or is circumferentially encompassed by the first clamping element 130, the first pair of surfaces 176 can contact and engage the first plurality of surfaces 168. Similarly, when the second clamping element 132 is in a locked orientation, and the second flange 144 is received within or circumferentially encompassed by the second clamping element 132, the second pair of surfaces 180 can contact and engage the second plurality of surfaces 170.

The third pair of surfaces 178 can be sized and shaped to conform, or otherwise correspond, to the first pair of intermediate surfaces 165, and the fourth pair of surfaces 182 can be sized and shaped to conform, or otherwise correspond, to the second pair of intermediate surfaces 167. For example, when the first clamping element 130 is in an unlocked orientation, such as shown in FIG. 3A, and the first flange 142 is received within or is circumferentially encompassed by the first clamping element 130, the third pair of surfaces 178 can contact and engage the first pair of intermediate surfaces 165. Similarly, when the second clamping element 132 is in an unlocked orientation, and the second flange 144 is received with or is circumferentially encompassed by the second clamping element 132, the fourth pair of surfaces 182 can contact and engage the second pair of intermediate surfaces 167.

The radial positioning or location relative to the longitudinal axis A1 of the first plurality of surfaces 168, the one or more first planar surfaces 172, and the first pair of intermediate surfaces 165, together with the radial positioning or location of the first pair of clamping surfaces 154, the first pair of surfaces 176, and the third pair of surfaces 178, can define the locked orientation and the unlocked orientation for the first clamping element 130. For example, if an apex, relative to the longitudinal axis A1, of each of the first pair of clamping surfaces 154 and the first plurality of surfaces 168 are equivalent, or are otherwise axially aligned, and an apex of the third pair of surfaces 178 is spaced radially apart, or is circumferentially offset from, the apex of the first pair of clamping surfaces 154 and the first plurality of surfaces 168, the locked orientation shown in FIG. 3A can be radially offset from the locked orientation shown in FIG. 3B by about 90 degrees.

In view of the above, the first clamping element 130 can be rotated into the unlocked orientation to allow or enable insertion or removal of the first end portion 126 axially through the first clamping element 130; and rotated into the locked orientation to, for example, to prevent or disable insertion or removal of the first end portion 126 (FIG. 2) axially through the first clamping element 130. Similarly, in view of the above, the second clamping element 132 can be rotated into the unlocked orientation to allow or enable insertion or removal of the second end portion 128 (FIG. 2) axially through the second clamping element 132; and rotated into the locked orientation to, for example, to prevent or disable insertion or removal of the second end portion 128 axially through the second clamping element 132.

The first clamping element 130 can define one or more first bores 184 (FIG. 2) and the second clamping element 132 can define one or more second bores 186 (FIG. 2). The one or more first bores 184 and the one or more second bores 186 can extend radially through the first clamping element 130 and the second clamping element 132 orthogonally to the longitudinal axis A1. The one or more first bores 184 can extend through at least one surface of the first pair of surfaces 176 and the one or more second bores 186 can extend through at least one surface of the second pair of surfaces 180. The one or more first bores 184 can be adapted to receive the one or more first set screws 146 (FIGS. 2 & 3B) and the one or more second bores 186 can be adapted to receive the one or more second set screws 148 (FIG. 2). For example, the one or more first bores 184 can be adapted to contact and engage the one or more first set screws 146 and the one or more second set screws 148 can be adapted to contact and engage the one or more second bores 186.

In one such example, the one or more first bores 184 and the one or more second bores 186 can each define a first plurality of threads 185 adapted to threadedly receive and engage a second plurality of threads 187 defined by each of the one or more first set screws and each of the one or more second set screws 148, such as to enable the one or more first set screws 146 and the one or more second set screws 148 to be adjustably positioned within the first clamping element 130 and the second clamping element 132, respectively. The one or more first bores 184 and the one or more second bores 186 can each include, but are not limited to, one, two, three, or four bores; and, the one or more first set screws 146 and the one or more second set screws 148 can each include, but are not limited to, one, two, three, or four individual set screws. The number of individual bores that the one or more first bores 184 and the one or more second bores 186 includes, and the number of individual set screws the one or more first set screws 146 and the one or more second set screws 148 includes, can be proportional, or otherwise equal, to the number of individual surfaces that the one or more first planar surfaces 172 and the one or more second planar surfaces 174 includes.

Additionally, the radial position or orientation, relative to the longitudinal axis A1, of the one or more first bores 184 and the one or more second bores 186 can be proportional, or otherwise equal, to the radial position or orientation, relative to the longitudinal axis A1, of each individual surface of the one or more first planar surfaces 172 and the one or more second planar surfaces 174. This can enable each set screw of the one or more first set screws 146 to be adjustably positioned within each bore of the one or more first bores 184 to contact and engage each surface of the one or more first planar surfaces 172 of the first flange 142, and enable each set screw of the one or more second set screws 148 to be adjustably positioned within each bore of the one or more second bores 186 to contact and engage each surface of the one or more second planar surfaces 174 of the second flange 144. In this way, a user can selectively or otherwise adjustably radially compress the stator liner 120 between the first portion 118 and the second portion 119 by rotating the one or more first set screws 146 and the one or more second set screws 148.

The first clamping element 130 can define a first plurality of apertures 188 (FIG. 2) extending axially therethrough, and the second clamping element 132 can define a second plurality of apertures 190 (FIG. 2) extending axially there through. The first clamping flange 138 (FIG. 2) of the intake casing 108 (FIG. 2) can define a third plurality of apertures 191 extending axially there through, and the second clamping flange 140 (FIG. 2) of the pressure fitting 106 (FIG. 2) can define a fourth plurality of apertures 192 (FIG. 2) extending axially there through. The first plurality of apertures 188, the second plurality of apertures 190, the third plurality of apertures 191, and the fourth plurality of apertures 192 can extend parallel to, and radially or laterally offset from, the longitudinal axis A1. The first plurality of apertures 188, the second plurality of apertures 190, the third plurality of apertures 191, and the fourth plurality of apertures 192 can include various numbers of individual apertures, such as, but not limited to, two, three, five, or six apertures. In one example, such as shown in FIG. 2, the first plurality of apertures 188 and the second plurality of apertures 190 can each include four apertures.

The first plurality of apertures 188 and the third plurality of apertures 191 can be adapted to receive the first plurality of fasteners 134 (FIG. 2); and the second plurality of apertures 190 and the fourth plurality of apertures 192 can be adapted to receive the second plurality of fasteners 136 (FIG. 2). First, for example, each aperture of the first plurality of apertures 188 and the second plurality of apertures 190 can be sized and shaped to contact and engage each fastener of the first plurality of fasteners 134; and each aperture of the second plurality of apertures 190 and the fourth plurality of apertures 192 can be sized and shaped to contract and engage each fastener of the second plurality of fasteners 136. Second, each aperture of the first plurality of apertures 188 can be axially aligned with each aperture of the third plurality of apertures 191 when the first clamping element 130 is in the locked orientation, and each aperture of the second plurality of apertures 190 can be axially aligned with each aperture of the fourth plurality of apertures 192 when the second clamping element 132 is in the locked orientation.

In some examples, the first plurality of fasteners 134 can be similar, or identical, to the second plurality of fasteners 136, such as to improve the ease of assembly of the clamping system 102. In other examples, the first plurality of fasteners 134 can be different from the second plurality of fasteners 136. The number of individual fasteners that first plurality of fasteners 134 includes can be proportional to the number of individual apertures that the first plurality of apertures 188 and the third plurality of apertures 191 include, and the number of individual fasteners the second plurality of fasteners 136 includes can be proportional to the number of the individual apertures that the second plurality of apertures 190 and the third plurality of apertures 191 include.

In some examples, such as shown in FIG. 2, the first plurality of fasteners 134 and the second plurality of fasteners 136 can each include for example, but not limited to, a plurality of threaded bolts 193, a plurality of threaded nuts 194, a plurality of washers 195, and a plurality of lock washers 196. In one such example, the plurality of washers 195 can include two washers, and the plurality of lock washers 196 can include two lock washers, for each threaded bolt of the plurality of threaded bolts 193 and each threaded nut of the plurality of threaded nuts 194, such as to help the first plurality of fasteners 134 and the second plurality of fasteners 136 from loosening during operation of the progressing cavity pump 100. In view of the above, the first plurality of fasteners 134 can removably couple the first clamping element 130 to the intake casing 108 to thereby compressively clamp the first flange 142 between the first pair of clamping surfaces 154 and the first clamping flange 138; and the second plurality of fasteners 136 can removably couple the second clamping element 132 to the pressure fitting 106 to thereby compressively clamp the second flange 144 between the second pair of clamping surfaces 156 and the second clamping flange 140.

In some examples, the stator housing 117 can also define a third flange 198. The third flange 198 can each be an annular ridge or projection extending radially outward beyond an outer housing surface 158 defined collectively by the first portion 118 and the second portion 119. The third flange 198 can define various three-dimensional shapes, such as, but not limited to a cylindrical shape. The third flange 198 can be adapted to be engaged by a feature of an external device to couple the stator housing 117 thereto. For example, the third flange 198 can be sized and shaped to be encompassed, or otherwise enclosed by, a clamp of a mount secured to a base or ground surface, such as to help stabilize the stator housing 117 during rotation of the rotor 110 (FIG. 1B) therein.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-section of a progressing cavity pump 100 including the clamping system 102 of FIGS. 1-3B, in accordance with one or more examples of the present application. Also shown in FIG. 4 are orientation indicator “Proximal” and “Distal”; and a longitudinal axis A1. The progressing cavity pump 100 can include a first compression element 200, a second compression element 202, and a third compression element 204. The second compression element 202 can be a proximal end portion of the pressure fitting 106. For example, the second compression element 202 can be a portion of the pressure fitting 106 including the second clamping flange 140. The third compression element 204 can be a distal end portion of the intake casing 108. For example, the third compression element 204 can be a portion of the intake casing 108 including the first clamping flange 138. The first compression element 200 can generally be an annular spacer or adapter, such as configured to connect the third compression element 204 (e.g., the intake casing 108) to the stator housing 117 and the stator liner 120.

The first compression element 200 can define an outer annular surface 206 and the third compression element 204 can define an inner annular surface 208. The first compression element 200 can be adapted to be received within the third compression element 204. For example, the outer annular surface 206 can be sized and shaped to slidingly engage the inner annular surface 208, such as to enable the third compression element 204 to circumferentially encompass the first compression element 200. The third compression element 204 can define a first end surface 210 and the second compression element 202 can define a second end surface 212. The first end surface 210 can be a distal-most surface of the third compression element 204, and the second end surface 212 can be a proximal-most surface of the second compression element 202. The first end surface 210 and the second end surface 212 can extend orthogonally to the first axis A1.

When the first clamping element 130 is coupled to the first clamping flange 138 via the first plurality of fasteners 134, the first end surface 210 can contact and engage the third face 160 of the first flange 142 of the stator housing 117, and a first end 214 of the stator liner 120 can be compressively clamped between the first flange 142, and the first compression element 200 and the third compression element 204 to help prevent the stator liner 120 from rotating, or translating axially within, the stator housing 117 during rotation of the rotor 110. Additionally, when the first clamping element 130 is coupled to the first clamping flange 138, the first plurality of surfaces 168 (FIGS. 2 & 3A) and the one or more first planar surfaces 172 (FIGS. 2 & 3A) of the first outer surface 164 (FIGS. 2 & 3A) can contact and engage at least the first pair of surfaces 176 to maintain the first end portion 126 of the stator housing 117 in a position that is concentric, or is otherwise axially aligned with, the first axis A1, and help prevent the stator housing 117 from rotating within the first clamping element 130.

When the second clamping element 132 is coupled to the second clamping flange 140 via the second plurality of fasteners 136, the second end surface 212 can contact and engage the fourth face 162 of the second flange 144 of the stator housing 117, and a second end 216 of the stator liner 120 can be compressively clamped between the second flange 144 and the second compression element 202 to help prevent the stator liner 120 from rotating, or translating axially within, the stator housing 117 during rotation of the rotor 110. Additionally, when the second clamping element 132 is coupled to the second clamping flange 140, the second plurality of surfaces 170 (FIG. 2) and the one or more second planar surfaces 174 can contact and engage at least the second pair of surfaces 180 (FIG. 2) to maintain the second end portion 128 in a position that is concentric, or is otherwise axially aligned with, the first axis A1, and help prevent the stator housing 117 from rotating within the second clamping element 132.

In the operation of some examples, the stator liner 120 can be replaced by a user, such as when the plurality of internal lobes 122 have eroded to a point rendering the progressing cavity pump 100 inoperable, inefficient, or less efficient. The first plurality of fasteners 134 can be removed from the first clamping element 130 and the first clamping flange 138, the one or more first set screws 146 can be removed from the first clamping element 130, and the stator housing 117 can be moved in a distal direction away from the intake casing 108. The first clamping element 130 can then be rotated in clockwise or counterclockwise direction about the longitudinal axis A1 from a locked position to an unlocked position, such as by rotating the first clamping element 130 on, or otherwise relative to, the first flange 142 by about 90 degrees. As the first clamping element 130 rotates from a locked position to an unlocked position, the first plurality of surfaces 168 (FIG. 2) and the one or more first planar surfaces 172 can disengage the first pair of surfaces 176 and engage the third pair of surfaces 178 (FIG. 2). The first clamping element 130 can be removed from the stator housing 117 by translating or sliding the first clamping element 130 in a proximal direction along the first flange 142, such as until the third pair of surfaces 178 disengage the first plurality of surfaces 168.

Next, the second plurality of fasteners 136 can be removed from the second clamping element 132 and the second clamping flange 140, the one or more second set screws 148 can be removed from the second clamping element 132, and the stator housing 117 and the second clamping element 132 can be moved in a proximal direction away from the pressure fitting 106. The second clamping element 132 can then rotated in clockwise or counterclockwise direction about the longitudinal axis A1 from a locked position to an unlocked position, such as by rotating the second clamping element 132 on, or otherwise relative to, the second flange 144 by about 90 degrees. As the second clamping element 132 rotates from a locked position to an unlocked position, the second plurality of surfaces 170 (FIG. 2) and the one or more second planar surfaces 174 can disengage the second pair of surfaces 180 (FIG. 2) and engage the fourth pair of surfaces 182 (FIG. 2). The second clamping element 132 can be removed from the stator housing 117 by translating or sliding the second clamping element 132 in a distal direction along the second flange 144, such as until the fourth pair of surfaces 182 disengage the second plurality of surfaces 170.

The stator liner 120 can then be removed from the stator housing 117, such as by separating the first portion 118 (FIG. 2) from the second portion 119 (FIG. 2), removing the stator liner 120 from between the first portion 118 and the second portion 119, positioned a replacement stator liner 120 between the first portion 118 and the second portion 119, and moving the first portion 118 toward the second portion 119 until the first portion 118 and the second portion 119 collectively enclose or otherwise encompass the stator liner 120. The second clamping element 132 can be repositioned on the stator housing 117, such as by translating or sliding the second clamping element 132 in a proximal direction along the second flange 144; and rotating the second clamping element 132 from an unlocked position to a locked position. As the second clamping element 132 rotates from an unlocked position to a locked position, the second face 152 can engage the second pair of clamping surfaces 156, the second plurality of surfaces 170 and the one or more second planar surfaces 174 can engage the second pair of surfaces 180, and the fourth pair of surfaces 182 can disengage the second plurality of surfaces 170 and the one or more second planar surfaces 174.

The one or more second set screws 148 can be reinstalled within the second clamping element 132 to engage the one or more second planar surfaces 174, such as to thereby compressively clamp the stator liner 120 between the first portion 118 to the second portion 119 and help prevent rotation of the second flange 144 within the second clamping element 132, and the second plurality of fasteners 136 can be reinstalled through the second clamping flange 140 and the second clamping element 132 to couple the second clamping element 132 to the pressure fitting 106, such as to compressively clamp the second flange 144 there between. The first clamping element 130 can then be repositioned on the stator housing 117, such as by translating or sliding the second clamping element 132 in a distal direction along the first flange 142; and rotating the first clamping element 130 from an unlocked position to a locked position. As the first clamping element 130 rotates from an unlocked position to a locked position, the first face 150 can engage the first pair of clamping surfaces 154, the second plurality of surfaces 170 and the one or more first planar surfaces 172 can engage the first pair of surfaces 178, and the third pair of surfaces 178 can disengage the first plurality of surfaces 168 and the one or more first planar surfaces 172.

Finally, the one or more first set screws 146 can be reinstalled within the first clamping element 130 to engage the one or more first planar surfaces 172, such as to thereby compressively clamp the stator liner 120 between the first portion 118 to the second portion 119 and help prevent rotation of the first flange 142 within the first clamping element 130, and the first plurality of fasteners 134 can be reinstalled through the first clamping flange 138 and the first clamping element 130 to couple the first clamping element 130 to the intake casing 108, such as to compressively clamp the first flange 142 there between. In view of all the above, the clamping system 102 of the present disclosure can eliminate the need for retaining ring grooves, retaining rings, axial flanges for receiving fasteners, or other features or components adapted for axially and radially clamping the first portion 118 to the second portion 119, which can help to both reduce the production cost and increase the ease of maintenance of the progressing cavity pump 100.

FIG. 5 illustrates a method 300 of coupling a stator to a progressing cavity pump. The method 300 can include operation 302. The operation 302 can include inserting a first end portion of a stator housing into a first clamping element. For example, a user can pass a first flange of the first end portion of the stator housing axially, or otherwise longitudinally, through the first clamping element, such as until the first flange is received within, or is circumferentially encompassed by, the first clamping element. In some examples, the operation 302 can include rotating the first clamping element about a longitudinal axis defined by the stator housing into an unlocked orientation. For example, a user can align the first clamping element with a longitudinal axis of the stator housing and rotate the first clamping element about the longitudinal axis until a first plurality of surfaces of the first flange are aligned with a third pair of surfaces of the first clamping element.

The method 300 can include operation 304. The operation 304 can include securing the first end portion of the stator housing to the first clamping element. For example, a user can rotate the first clamping element about a longitudinal axis defined by the stator housing from unlocked orientation to a locked orientation and engage one or more planar surfaces of a first flange of the first end portion of the stator housing with one or more first set screws. In some examples, the operation 304 can include rotating one or more first set screws extending through the first clamping element into contact with a first flange of the first end portion to radially compress the first end portion. For example, a user can rotate each set screw of the one or more first set screws into a bore of one or more first bores defined by the first clamping element until each set screw contacts, and applies radial inward pressure, or a radial compression force, to the first flange of the first clamping element. In some examples, the operation 304 can include rotating the first clamping element about the longitudinal axis into a locked orientation. For example, a user can rotate the first clamping element about the longitudinal axis until a first face of the stator housing engages a first pair of clamping surfaces of the first clamping element and a first pair of surfaces of the first clamping element engages a first plurality of surfaces of a first flange of the stator housing.

The method 300 can include operation 306. The operation 306 can include coupling the first clamping element to a first clamping flange of the progressing cavity pump. For example, a user can insert a first plurality of threaded bolts of a first plurality of fasteners through the first clamping element and the first clamping flange, and subsequently thread a threaded nut onto each threaded bolt of the first plurality of fasteners to thereby prevent proximal and distal translation of the first plurality of fasteners relative to the longitudinal axis, and compressively clamp the first end portion of the stator between the first clamping element and the first clamping flange.

The method 300 can include operation 308. The operation 308 can include inserting a second end portion of the stator housing into a second clamping element. For example, a user can pass a second flange of the second end portion of the stator housing axially, or otherwise longitudinally, through the second clamping element, such as until the second flange is received within, or is circumferentially encompassed by, the second clamping element. In some examples, the operation 308 can include rotating the second clamping element about a longitudinal axis defined by the stator housing into an unlocked orientation. For example, a user can align the second clamping element with a longitudinal axis of the stator housing and rotate the second clamping element about the longitudinal axis until a second plurality of surfaces of the second flange are aligned with a fourth pair of surfaces of the first clamping element.

The method 300 can include operation 310. The operation 310 can include securing the second end portion of the stator housing to the second clamping element. For example, a user can rotate the second clamping element about a longitudinal axis defined by the stator housing from unlocked orientation to a locked orientation and engage one or more second planar surfaces of a second flange of the second end portion of the stator housing with one or more first second screws. In some examples, the operation 310 can include rotating one or more second set screws extending through the second clamping element into contact with a second flange of the second end portion to radially compress the second end portion. For example, a user can rotate each set screw of the one or more second set screws into a bore of one or more second bores defined by the second clamping element until each set screw contacts, and applies radial inward pressure, or a radial compression force, to the second flange of the second clamping element. In some examples, the operation 310 can include rotating the second clamping element about the longitudinal axis into a locked orientation. For example, a user can rotate the second clamping element about the longitudinal axis until a second face of the stator housing engages a second pair of clamping surfaces of the second clamping element and a second pair of surfaces of the second clamping element engages a second plurality of surfaces of a second flange of the stator housing.

The method 300 can include operation 312. The operation 312 can include coupling the second clamping element to a second flange of the progressing cavity pump. For example, a user can insert a second plurality of threaded bolts of a second plurality of fasteners through the first clamping element and the first clamping flange, and subsequently thread a threaded nut onto each threaded bolt of the second plurality of fasteners to thereby prevent proximal and distal translation of the second plurality of fasteners relative to the longitudinal axis, and compressively clamp the second end portion of the stator housing between the second clamping element and the second clamping flange.

The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein. In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and any documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in this document controls.

In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72 (b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure.

This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

EXAMPLES

The following, non-limiting examples, detail certain aspects of the present subject matter to solve the challenges and provide the benefits discussed herein, among others.

Example 1 is a clamping system for a progressing cavity pump, the clamping system comprising: a first clamping element adapted to receive a first end portion of a stator housing of the progressing cavity pump; a second clamping element adapted to receive a second end portion of the stator housing of the progressing cavity pump; a first plurality of fasteners extending between the first clamping element and a first clamping flange of the progressing cavity pump to compressively clamp the first end portion there between; and a second plurality of fasteners extending between the second clamping element and a second clamping flange of the progressing cavity pump to compressively clamp the second end portion there between.

In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 includes, wherein: the first end portion of the stator housing defines a first face; the second end portion of the stator housing defines a second face; the first clamping element defines a first pair of clamping surfaces adapted to engage the first face of the stator housing; and the second clamping element defines a second pair of clamping surfaces adapted to engage the second face of the stator housing.

In Example 3, the subject matter of Example 2 includes, wherein: the stator housing defines a longitudinal axis; and the first clamping element and the second clamping element are rotatable about the longitudinal axis between an unlocked orientation, in which the first pair of clamping surfaces of the first clamping element and the second pair of clamping surfaces of the second clamping element are positioned to allow insertion of the first end portion of the stator housing axially through the first clamping element and the second end portion of the stator housing axially through the second clamping element, and a locked orientation, in which the first pair of clamping surfaces of the first clamping element and the second pair of clamping surfaces of the second clamping element are positioned to engage the first face of the stator housing and the second pair of clamping surfaces of the second clamping element are positioned to engage the second face of the stator housing.

In Example 4, the subject matter of Example 3 includes, wherein: the stator housing defines an outer housing surface; the first end portion of the stator housing includes a first flange extending radially outward from the outer housing surface, wherein the first clamping element is adapted to circumferentially encompass the first flange; and the second end portion of the stator housing includes a second flange extending radially outward from the outer housing surface, wherein the second clamping element is adapted to circumferentially encompass the second flange.

In Example 5, the subject matter of Example 4 includes, wherein: the first flange defines a first plurality of surfaces; the second flange defines a second plurality of surfaces; the first clamping element defines a first pair of surfaces adapted to engage the first plurality of surfaces of the first flange when the first clamping element is in the locked orientation; and the second clamping element defines a second pair of surfaces adapted to engage the second plurality of surfaces of the second flange when the second clamping element is in the locked orientation.

In Example 6, the subject matter of Examples 4-5 includes, wherein: the first flange defines one or more first planar surfaces; the second flange defines one or more second planar surfaces; the first clamping element includes one or more first set screws, the one or more first set screws adapted to extend through the first pair of surfaces to engage the one or more first planar surfaces of the first flange to prevent relative rotation between the first end portion of the stator housing and the first clamping element; and the second clamping element includes one or more second set screws, the one or more second set screws adapted to extend through the second pair of surfaces to engage the one or more second planar surfaces of the second flange to prevent relative rotation between the second end portion of the stator housing and the second clamping element.

In Example 7, the subject matter of Example 6 includes, wherein: the one or more first planar surfaces and the one or more second planar surfaces each include two planar surfaces that are radially offset from each other by 180 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis; and the one or more first set screws and the one or more second set screws each include two set screws that are radially offset from each other within the first clamping element and the second clamping element, respectively, by about 180 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis.

In Example 8, the subject matter of Example 7 includes, wherein the stator housing includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion collectively defining the outer housing surface, the first flange, and the second flange.

In Example 9, the subject matter of Example 8 includes, wherein the stator housing includes a third flange extending radially outward from the outer housing surface, the third flange located between the first flange and the second flange.

Example 10 is a progressing cavity pump including: an intake casing defining a first clamping flange; a pressure fitting defining a second clamping flange; a rotor defining a plurality of external lobes; a stator liner defining a plurality of internal lobes adapted to engage the plurality of external lobes of the rotor to form a plurality of progressing cavities during rotation of the rotor within the stator liner; a stator housing adapted to receive the stator liner, the stator housing including a first end portion and a second end portion; a first clamping element adapted to receive a first end portion of the progressing cavity pump; a second clamping element adapted to receive a second end portion of the stator housing of the progressing cavity pump; a first plurality of fasteners extending between the first clamping element and the first clamping flange of the intake casing to compressively clamp the first end portion there between; and a second plurality of fasteners extending between the second clamping element and the second clamping flange of the pressure fitting to compressively clamp the second end portion there between.

In Example 11, the subject matter of Example 10 includes, wherein: the first clamping element includes one or more first set screws, the one or more first set screws adapted to engage a first flange of the first end portion of the stator housing to prevent relative rotation between the stator housing and the first clamping element; and the second clamping element includes one or more second set screws, the one or more second set screws adapted to engage a second flange of the second end portion of the stator housing to prevent relative rotation between the second end portion of the stator housing and the second clamping element.

In Example 12, the subject matter of Example 11 includes, wherein: the first plurality of fasteners and the second plurality of fasteners extend parallel to and laterally offset from a longitudinal axis defined by the stator housing; and the one or more first set screws and the one or more second set screws extend orthogonally to the longitudinal axis.

In Example 13, the subject matter of Examples 11-12 includes, wherein: the stator housing defines a longitudinal axis; and the first clamping element and the second clamping element are adapted to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis between an unlocked orientation for enabling insertion of the first end portion of the stator housing axially through the first clamping element and the second end portion of the stator housing axially through the second clamping element, and a locked orientation for preventing removal of the first flange of the stator housing axially through the first clamping element and the second flange of the stator housing axially through the second clamping element.

In Example 14, the subject matter of Example 13 includes, wherein: the first clamping element defines: a first pair of clamping surfaces adapted to engage the first flange when the first clamping element is in the locked orientation to limit axial movement of the first end portion along the longitudinal axis; a first pair of surfaces adapted to engage the first flange when the first clamping element is in the locked orientation to limit radial movement of the first end portion relative to the longitudinal axis; and the second clamping element defines: a second pair of clamping surfaces adapted to engage the second flange when the second clamping element is in the locked orientation to limit axial movement of the second end portion along the longitudinal axis; and a second pair of surfaces adapted to engage the second flange when the second clamping element is in the locked orientation to limit radial movement of the second end portion relative to the longitudinal axis.

Example 15 is a method of coupling a stator to a progressing cavity pump, the method comprising: inserting a first end portion of a stator housing into a first clamping element; securing the first end portion of the stator housing to the first clamping element; coupling the first clamping element to a first clamping flange of the progressing cavity pump; inserting a second end portion of the stator housing into a second clamping element; securing the second end portion of the stator housing to the second clamping element; and coupling the second clamping element to a second clamping flange of the progressing cavity pump.

In Example 16, the subject matter of Example 15 includes, wherein inserting the first end portion into the first clamping element includes rotating the first clamping element about a longitudinal axis defined by the stator housing into an unlocked orientation; and wherein inserting the second end portion into the second clamping element includes rotating the second clamping element about a longitudinal axis defined by the stator housing into an unlocked orientation.

In Example 17, the subject matter of Example 16 includes, wherein securing the first end portion of the stator housing to the first clamping element includes rotating the first clamping element about the longitudinal axis into a locked orientation; and wherein securing the second end portion of the stator housing to the second clamping element includes rotating the second clamping element about the longitudinal axis into a locked orientation.

In Example 18, the subject matter of Example 17 includes, degrees relative to the longitudinal axis.

In Example 19, the subject matter of Examples 17-18 includes, wherein securing the first end portion to the first clamping element includes rotating one or more first set screws extending through the first clamping element into contact with a first flange of the first end portion to radially compress the first end portion; and wherein securing the second end portion to the second clamping element includes rotating one or more first set screws extending through the second clamping element into contact with a second flange of the second end portion to radially compress the second end portion.

In Example 20, the subject matter of Examples 15-19 includes, wherein coupling the first clamping element to the first clamping flange includes inserting a first plurality of fasteners through the first clamping element and the first clamping flange; and wherein coupling the second clamping element to the second clamping flange includes inserting a second plurality of fasteners through the second clamping element and the second clamping flange.

Example 21 is at least one machine-readable medium including instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to perform operations to implement of any of Examples 1-20.

Example 22 is an apparatus comprising means to implement of any of Examples 1-20.

Example 23 is a system to implement of any of Examples 1-20.

Example 24 is a method to implement of any of Examples 1-20.

Claims

1. A clamping system for a progressing cavity pump, the clamping system comprising: a first clamping element adapted to receive a first end portion of a stator housing of the progressing cavity pump;a second clamping element adapted to receive a second end portion of the stator housing of the progressing cavity pump;a first plurality of fasteners extending between the first clamping element and a first clamping flange of the progressing cavity pump to compressively clamp the first end portion there between; anda second plurality of fasteners extending between the second clamping element and a second clamping flange of the progressing cavity pump to compressively clamp the second end portion there between.

2. The clamping system of claim 1, wherein: the first end portion of the stator housing defines a first face;the second end portion of the stator housing defines a second face;the first clamping element defines a first pair of clamping surfaces adapted to engage the first face of the stator housing; andthe second clamping element defines a second pair of clamping surfaces adapted to engage the second face of the stator housing.

3. The clamping system of claim 2, wherein: the stator housing defines a longitudinal axis; andthe first clamping element and the second clamping element are rotatable about the longitudinal axis between an unlocked orientation, in which the first pair of clamping surfaces of the first clamping element and the second pair of clamping surfaces of the second clamping element are positioned to allow insertion of the first end portion of the stator housing axially through the first clamping element and the second end portion of the stator housing axially through the second clamping element, and a locked orientation, in which the first pair of clamping surfaces of the first clamping element are positioned to engage the first face of the stator housing and the second pair of clamping surfaces of the second clamping element are positioned to engage the second face of the stator housing.

4. The clamping system of claim 3, wherein: the stator housing defines an outer housing surface;the first end portion of the stator housing includes a first flange extending radially outward from the outer housing surface, wherein the first clamping element is adapted to circumferentially encompass the first flange; andthe second end portion of the stator housing includes a second flange extending radially outward from the outer housing surface, wherein the second clamping element is adapted to circumferentially encompass the second flange.

5. The clamping system of claim 4, wherein: the first flange defines a first plurality of surfaces;the second flange defines a second plurality of surfaces;the first clamping element defines a first pair of surfaces adapted to engage the first plurality of surfaces of the first flange when the first clamping element is in the locked orientation; andthe second clamping element defines a second pair of surfaces adapted to engage the second plurality of surfaces of the second flange when the second clamping element is in the locked orientation.

6. The clamping system of claim 4, wherein: the first flange defines one or more first planar surfaces;the second flange defines one or more second planar surfaces;the first clamping element includes one or more first set screws, the one or more first set screws adapted to extend through the first pair of surfaces to engage the one or more first planar surfaces of the first flange to prevent relative rotation between the first end portion of the stator housing and the first clamping element; andthe second clamping element includes one or more second set screws, the one or more second set screws adapted to extend through the second pair of surfaces to engage the one or more second planar surfaces of the second flange to prevent relative rotation between the second end portion of the stator housing and the second clamping element.

7. The clamping system of claim 6, wherein: the one or more first planar surfaces and the one or more second planar surfaces each include two planar surfaces that are radially offset from each other by about 180 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis; andthe one or more first set screws and the one or more second set screws each include two set screws that are radially offset from each other within the first clamping element and the second clamping element, respectively, by about 180 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis.

8. The clamping system of claim 7, wherein the stator housing includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion collectively defining the outer housing surface, the first flange, and the second flange.

9. The clamping system of claim 8, wherein the stator housing includes a third flange extending radially outward from the outer housing surface, the third flange located between the first flange and the second flange.

10. A progressing cavity pump including: an intake casing defining a first clamping flange;a pressure fitting defining a second clamping flange;a rotor defining a plurality of external lobes;a stator liner defining a plurality of internal lobes adapted to engage the plurality of external lobes of the rotor to form a plurality of progressing cavities during rotation of the rotor within the stator liner;a stator housing adapted to receive the stator liner, the stator housing including a first end portion and a second end portion;a first clamping element adapted to receive the first end portion of the stator housing of the progressing cavity pump;a second clamping element adapted to receive the second end portion of the stator housing of the progressing cavity pump;a first plurality of fasteners extending between the first clamping element and the first clamping flange of the intake casing to compressively clamp the first end portion there between; anda second plurality of fasteners extending between the second clamping element and the second clamping flange of the pressure fitting to compressively clamp the second end portion there between.

11. The progressing cavity pump of claim 10, wherein: the first clamping element includes one or more first set screws, the one or more first set screws adapted to engage a first flange of the first end portion of the stator housing to prevent relative rotation between the stator housing and the first clamping element; andthe second clamping element includes one or more second set screws, the one or more second set screws adapted to engage a second flange of the second end portion of the stator housing to prevent relative rotation between the second end portion of the stator housing and the second clamping element.

12. The progressing cavity pump of claim 11, wherein: the first plurality of fasteners and the second plurality of fasteners extend parallel to and laterally offset from a longitudinal axis defined by the stator housing; and the one or more first set screws and the one or more second set screws extend orthogonally to the longitudinal axis.

13. The progressing cavity pump of claim 11, wherein: the stator housing defines a longitudinal axis; andthe first clamping element and the second clamping element are adapted to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis between an unlocked orientation for enabling insertion of the first end portion of the stator housing axially through the first clamping element and the second end portion of the stator housing axially through the second clamping element, and a locked orientation for preventing removal of the first flange of the stator housing axially through the first clamping element and the second flange of the stator housing axially through the second clamping element.

14. The progressing cavity pump of claim 13, wherein: the first clamping element defines:a first pair of clamping surfaces adapted to engage the first flange when the first clamping element is in the locked orientation to limit axial movement of the first end portion along the longitudinal axis;a first pair of surfaces adapted to engage the first flange when the first clamping element is in the locked orientation to limit radial movement of the first end portion relative to the longitudinal axis; andthe second clamping element defines:a second pair of clamping surfaces adapted to engage the second flange when the second clamping element is in the locked orientation to limit axial movement of the second end portion along the longitudinal axis; anda second pair of surfaces adapted to engage the second flange when the second clamping element is in the locked orientation to limit radial movement of the second end portion relative to the longitudinal axis.

15. A method of coupling a stator to a progressing cavity pump, the method comprising: inserting a first end portion of a stator housing into a first clamping element;securing the first end portion of the stator housing to the first clamping element;coupling the first clamping element to a first clamping flange of the progressing cavity pump by compressively clamping the first end portion between the first clamping element and the first clamping flange;inserting a second end portion of the stator housing into a second clamping element;securing the second end portion of the stator housing to the second clamping element; andcoupling the second clamping element to a second clamping flange of the progressing cavity pump by compressively clamping the second end portion between the second clamping element and the second clamping flange

16. The method of claim 15, wherein inserting the first end portion into the first clamping element includes rotating the first clamping element about a longitudinal axis defined by the stator housing into an unlocked orientation; and wherein inserting the second end portion into the second clamping element includes rotating the second clamping element about a longitudinal axis defined by the stator housing into an unlocked orientation.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein securing the first end portion of the stator housing to the first clamping element includes rotating the first clamping element about the longitudinal axis into a locked orientation; and wherein securing the second end portion of the stator housing to the second clamping element includes rotating the second clamping element about the longitudinal axis into a locked orientation.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein rotating the first clamping element from the unlocked orientation to the locked orientation includes rotating the first clamping element about 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis; and wherein rotating the second clamping element from the unlocked orientation to the locked orientation includes rotating the second clamping element about 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein securing the first end portion to the first clamping element includes rotating one or more first set screws extending through the first clamping element into contact with a first flange of the first end portion to radially compress the first end portion; and wherein securing the second end portion to the second clamping element includes rotating one or more first set screws extending through the second clamping element into contact with a second flange of the second end portion to radially compress the second end portion.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein coupling the first clamping element to the first clamping flange includes inserting a first plurality of fasteners through the first clamping element and the first clamping flange; and wherein coupling the second clamping element to the second clamping flange includes inserting a second plurality of fasteners through the second clamping element and the second clamping flange.