Circulation pump for cooling mechanical face seal of submersible well pump assembly

摘要

An electrical submersible pump assembly includes a production pump, a motor containing a motor lubricant, and a seal section coupled between the motor and the pump. A drive shaft extends through the seal section, the drive shaft being rotated by the motor for driving the production pump. A mechanical face seal in the seal section seals around the shaft. A circulation pump is mounted to the shaft above the face seal for rotation therewith. An inlet passage leads from an exterior of the seal section to the circulation pump to deliver well fluid to the circulation pump. An outlet passage leads from the circulation pump to the exterior of the seal section to discharge well fluid exterior of the seal section. The rotating component of the face seal is located in the outlet passage.