[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of priority to U S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/862,474, filed June 17, 2019, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to pumps and motors. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to progressive cavity pumps and motors. Still more particularly, the present disclosure relates to a rotor for use in progressive cavity pumps and motors, where the rotor provides for circulation of fluid within the rotor.

BACKGROUND

[0003] The background description provided herein is intended to generally present the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.

[0004] A progressive cavity pump is a type of positive displacement pump and is also known as a progressive (or progressing) cavity pump, eccentric screw pump, or cavity pump. Progressive cavity pumps transfer fluids through a sequence of small, fixed shape, discrete cavities, as a rotor is turned. The pumping of multiphase fluids through a progressive cavity pump may result in increased temperatures of the fluids. The increased temperatures may be due to limited inlet pressures and high gas compression resulting in high heat gain through heat of compression. This heat can be detrimental to the pump.

[0005] The increased temperatures may result in shorter lifespans and/or high degradation of elastomers used in constructing the pump stator and consequential loss of efficiency of the pump. One option to combat heat generation is to perform pumping across multiple stages with interstage cooling. Multistage pumping includes increasing the pressure of the fluids in incremental stages. Interstage cooling includes cooling the fluids in between each stage of pressure increase to remove heat generated via heat of compression. The cooling of the fluids in between each stage is beneficial because the lower fluid temperature helps to minimize degradation of the elastomers used in construction of the pump stator.

[0006] However, multistage cooling may be inefficient. The inefficiencies come from the equipment, time, and energy needed to cool the fluids in between pumping stages. Additional inefficiencies can also come from pressure loss due to the cooling of the fluids and additional plumbing needed to transfer and store the fluids during the cooling stages.

SUMMARY

[0007] 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.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, a pump may include a pump rotor. The pump rotor may include a first housing and a second housing. The second housing is located at least partially within the first housing such that a first surface of the first housing and a first surface of the second housing define an annulus. The first surface of the first housing and the first surface of the second housing further defining a flow path through the pump rotor.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, a progressive cavity pump may include a stator and a rotor. The stator defines a stator cavity, a stator inlet, and a stator outlet. The rotor is located at least partially within the stator cavity. The rotor includes a first housing, a second housing, and protrusions. The second housing is located at least partially within the first housing such that an inner surface of the first housing and an outer surface of the second housing define an annulus. The second housing defines a cavity and a hole located at a first end of the cavity. Each of the protrusions extends at least partially from the outer surface of the second housing to the inner surface of the first housing. Each of the protrusions are arranged to form a plurality of channels. Each of the plurality of channels extends from a first end to a second end of the annulus. [0010] In one or more embodiments, a method for pumping a working fluid includes pumping the working fluid through a stator cavity of a pump. The method may also include pumping a heat transfer fluid through one or more channels defined within a pump rotor. Pumping the heat transfer fluid through the one or more channels may cause a portion of energy within the working fluid to pass from the working fluid and through the pump rotor and into the heat transfer fluid or energy within the heat transfer fluid to pass from the heat transfer fluid and through the pump rotor and into the working fluid.

[0011] While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments 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 FIGURES

[0012] The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed herein.

[0013] FIG. 1 shows a pump consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.

[0014] FIG. 2 shows a rotor consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.

[0015] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the rotor in FIG. 2 consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.

[0016] FIG. 4 shows a housing consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.

[0017] FIG. 5 shows a rotor consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.

[0018] FIG. 6 shows a rotor consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.

[0019] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the rotor in FIG. 6 consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.

[0020] FIG. 8 shows a method consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, examples of which are illustrated in part in the accompanying drawings. While the disclosed subject matter will be described in conjunction with the enumerated claims, it will be understood that the exemplified subject matter is not intended to limit the claims to the disclosed subject matter.

[0022] As disclosed herein, heat may be removed directly from a pump and process fluids through cooling of the rotor directly. As disclosed herein, a pump’s rotor may include an internal structure to allow the direct flow of heat transfer fluid from a hub of the rotor to an end where the heat transfer fluid may exit the rotor. In addition, the heat transfer fluid may be redirected to travel back to the hub of the rotor before exiting the rotor. That is, in contrast to commonly used solid rotors, the present disclosure may provide for a fluid passageway within the rotor for purposes of circulating a cooling fluid. The internal structure or fluid passageway may allow for circulation of a heat transfer medium for heat transfer from the process fluid in contact with the rotor during pumping operation. As such, the process fluid temperature may be controlled independently of pump degradation, which may also be controlled or reduced.

[0023] The pumps and pump rotors disclosed herein may also be used to control the temperature of process fluids via both heating and cooling. That is, the system is not limited to cooling of the rotor and the process fluid. As disclosed herein, heat transfer fluid may either flow in or out of an inner cavity and flow out of or into the annulus respectively and the heat transfer fluid may have a temperature above or below the temperature of the process fluid. As a result, several options for cooling or warming of the pump and/or the process fluid are available through the use of the outer surface of the rotor acting as a heat transfer surface.

[0024] Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 shows a pump 100 consistent with examples disclosed herein. Pump 100 may include a stator 102, a rotor 104, a motor 106, an inlet flange 108, and an outlet flange 110. Motor 106 may be connected to rotor 104 via a shaft 1 12 and one or more unions 1 14 and 1 16. Inlet flange 108 may define a pump inlet 1 18 and outlet flange 110 may define a pump outlet 120. During use, one or more process fluids may enter pump inlet 1 18 and pass through a housing 122 and stator inlet 126 into a stator cavity 124 defined by stator 102. While in stator 102, the process fluids may be compressed due to rotation of rotor 104 within stator cavity 124. The process fluids may exit stator 102 via a stator outlet 128. Upon exiting stator 102, the process fluids may exit pump 100 via pump outlet 120. Pump 100 may be bolted, welded, or otherwise secured to a base 130 to increase stability of pump 100.

[0025] Stator 102 may be configured as a substantially stationary component that contains the process fluid and allows rotor 104 to rotate within it to pump the process fluid through stator 102. Stator 102 may have stator cavity 124 defined by an interior structure 132 having an interior shape that complements the shape of rotor 104. For example, the interior shape may include a twin helix shape. Interior structure 132 may be an elastomer material, which may allow for a tight seal between rotor 104 and interior structure 132. The tight seal between rotor 104 and interior structure 132 may allow pump 100 to increase the pressure of the working fluids as they progress through stator 102 via rotation of rotor 104 within stator cavity 124. For example, as can be seen in FIG. 1, as rotor 104 rotates, various portions of rotor 104 may contact portions of stator cavity 124 thereby creating a seal and forcing the working fluids through pump 100.

[0026] Unions 114 and 116 may be a collection of universal joints, bellows couplers, etc. Unions 114 and 1 16 may allow shaft 112 to move in an eccentrical manner that may be required due to the helical nature of rotor 104 and the fixed nature of motor 106. As shown in FIG. 1, shaft 112 may include an outer annulus 134 and an inner annulus 136. Outer annulus 134 and inner annulus 136 may allow for a coolant or warming fluid to flow into and out of rotor 104 as disclosed herein.

[0027] Motor 106 may be an AC (i.e., single or three-phase) or DC variable speed or fixed speed motor, a combustion engine, an air driven motor, etc. Motor 106 may be reversible or coupled to a transmission that allows for reverse operations. While not shown, pump 100 may include a variable frequency drive (VFD) to control speed and direction of motor 106 when motor 106 is an AC motor. The variable speed and reversible nature of motor 106 may allow for variable flow rates as well as reverse pumping of working fluids.

[0028] FIG. 2 shows rotor 104 from FIG. 1. FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of rotor 104 from FIG. 1. As mentioned, rotor 104 may be configured for pumping process fluid through stator 102 and for circulation of a heat transfer fluid within rotor 104 itself. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, rotor 104 may include a first housing 202 forming an outer surface of rotor 104 and a second housing 204 arranged at least partially within first housing 202. First housing 202 and second housing 204 may define an annulus 206 between them and second housing 204 may define a cavity or bore 208 within annulus 206 and separated therefrom by second housing 204. As disclosed herein, first housing 202 and second housing 204 may each have a helical shape. The helical shape may have a pitch and radius. The pitch and radius may correspond with the wavelength or pitch of stator cavity 124 or vice versa. The pitch and radius may be selected to accommodate differing fluids to be pumped using pump 100. For example, to pump high viscosity fluids at high pressures and high flow rates, rotor 104 may have a large radius and a low pitch. To pump high viscosity fluids at a low flow rate and low pressure, rotor 104 may have a small radius and a higher pitch.

[0029] Rotor 104 may include protrusions 210 for controlling and/or effecting the flow of heat transfer fluid within rotor 104. Protrusions 210 may include nibs, ribs, spokes, flares, etc. Protrusions 210 may also act as a heat sink or otherwise help to provide additional heat transfer through additional exposed surface area. As disclosed herein, protrusions 210 may extend from an outer surface 212 of second housing 204 to an inner surface 214 of first housing 202. Protrusions 210 may encircle second housing 204. As an example, protrusions 210 may encircle housing 204 in a helical arrangement. The helical arrangement may be in a direction of the twist of first housing 202 or in a direction opposite the direction of the twist of first housing 202. Stated another way, protrusions 210 may be arranged parallel to the twist of rotor 104 or counter to the twist of rotor 104. Protrusions 210 extending from outer surface 212 to inner surface 214 may define a plurality of channels 216 between protrusions 210. Each of protrusions 210 may have a thickness and a height. The height may define the height of plurality of channels 216, which may also be the same as the space between the first and second housings 202/204.

[0030] Plurality of channels 216 may extend and/or wrap around second housing 204 and define one or more fluid pathways. The one or more fluid pathways may extend from one of holes 218 located at a second end of second housing 204 to an annulus orifice 306. The fluid pathways may have a helical shape that is similar to the helical shape of rotor 104. The fluid pathways may have cross-sectional areas that are defined by the spacing between protrusions 210, outer surface 212 and inner surface 214. For example, each of protrusions 210 may have a height and may be spaced apart a distance that is greater than the height. As a result, the cross-sectional shape of the fluid pathways of channels 216 may be rectangular. Channels having other shapes may be provided by adjusting or changing the shape of protrusions 210 and/or the inner and outer surfaces.

[0031] Protrusions 210 may have straight sidewalls or curved sidewalls. For example, protrusions 210 may have curved sidewalls and may be spaced apart so as to form circul ar or ovoid shaped passages. The curved nature of the sidewalls may allow for greater heat transfer due to the increased surface area of each of protrusions 210.

[0032] Cavity 208 may have a helical shape. The helical shape of cavity 208 may match the pitch of annulus 206. Cavity 208 may define a fluid pathway that extends the length of second housing 204. The fluid pathway defined by second housing may extend from holes 218 located at a first end of second housing to a cavity orifice 302. Cavity 208 may have a constant cross-sectional area, such as a circle. Cavity 208 may also have a cross-sectional area that varies. For example, cavity 208 may have a conical shape such that the cross-sectional area varies with distance along an axial direction.

[0033] The structure of rotor 104 may allow rotor 104 to perform as a counterflow heat exchanger. For example, during operation, a fluid, a coolant or heating fluid, may be passed into cavity 208 via cavity orifice 302 located at the first end of second housing 204. The fluid may pass through second housing 204 as indicated by arrows 304. Plurality of holes 218 may allow the fluid to pass from cavity 208 into annulus 206. Once in annulus 206, the fluid may pass through plurality of channels 216 as indicated by arrows 220 and exit annulus 206 via annulus orifice 306.

[0034] Rotor 104 also may perform as a parallel flow heat exchanger. For example, during operation, a fluid, a coolant or heating fluid, may be passed into annulus 206 via annulus orifice 306. The fluid may pass through annulus 206 via plurality of channels 216 as indicated by arrows 222. Once reaching the first end of annulus 206 the fluid may pass through one or more holes 218 into cavity 208. Once in cavity 208, the fluid may travel from the second end of second housing 204 as indicated by arrows 308 and exit cavity 208 via cavity orifice 302.

[0035] The use of rotor 104 as a heat exchanger may allow for removal of heat generated during a pumping process. For instance, as the pressure of the process fluids is increased, heat may be generated via the heat of compression. To remove this heat, the coolant may be passed through rotor 104 as disclosed herein. For example, the coolant may pass through shaft 112 and into rotor 104 as described herein.

[0036] In other examples, the process fluids may also need to be heated. For example, the process fluids may have a high viscosity and heating the process fluids may lower the viscosity, which may make the process fluids easier to pump. To heat the process fluids, a heating fluid, such as steam, may be passed through shaft 1 12 and into rotor 104 as described herein.

[0037] First housing 202 may also define one or more holes 224. Holes 224 may be used to secure rotor 104 to union 114. For example, holes 224 may allow rotor 104 to be bolted to union 1 14. First housing 202 may have a machined surface 226 that may be coated with a sealant or a gasket that may be used to seal the connection between surface 226 and union 114.

[0038] While FIGS. 2 and 3 show protrusions 210 as continuous elements, protrusions 210 need not be continuous. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, protrusions 210 may be formed as segments. For instance, each of protrusions 210 may be formed as two or more segments 402.

[0039] While FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, show first housing 202 and second housing 204 each having an elongated shaft and protrusions 210 having a helical shape, protrusions 210 may have other patterns as well. For example, protrusions 210 may be straight and run parallel to a central axis of rotor 104. Plurality or protrusions 210 may also have a counter helical arrangement in which a twist of second housing 204 may be in a first direction and the twist of protrusions 210 may be in a second direction that is opposite the first direction.

[0040] While FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 also show multiple protrusions 210, the number of protrusions may be as few as one protrusion. The one protrusion may allow first housing 202 to be connected to second housing 204 to provide rigidity to rotor 104. Thus, the one protrusion, or plurality of protrusions, may help minimize movement of second housing 204 within first housing 202. In still other embodiments, protrusions 210 may be omitted entirely.

[0041] Annulus 206 and cavity 208 may have helical shapes that may match the shapes of first housing 202 and second housing 204. Stated another way, first housing 202 and second housing 204 may both twist in the same direction. [0042] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment where annulus 206, second housing 204, and cavity 208 each have a cylindrical shape. For example, annulus 206 may have a cylindrical shape in which second housing 204, which also may have a cylindrical shape, may fit. Cavity 208 may also have a cylindrical shape as well. Protrusions 210 may have a linear shape and may be arranged parallel to the central axis of rotor 104. Protrusions 210 may also have a helical arrangement as disclosed above with respect to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4.

[0043] FIG. 6 shows rotor 600. FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of rotor 600 from FIG. 6. Rotor 600 may be used in pump 100 shown in FIG. 1 in place of rotor 104 shown in FIG. 1. Rotor 600 may be configured for pumping process fluid through a stator, such as stator 102 and for circulation of a heat transfer fluid within rotor 600 itself. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, rotor 600 may include a first housing 602 forming an outer surface of rotor 600 and a second housing 604 arranged at least partially within first housing 602. First housing 602 and second housing 604 may define an annulus 606 between them and second housing 604 may define a cavity or bore 702 within annulus 606 and separated therefrom by second housing 604. As disclosed herein, first housing 602 and second housing 604 may each have a helical shape. The helical shape may have a pitch and radius that may correspond with the wavelength or pitch of a stator cavity or vice versa and the pitch and radius may be selected to accommodate differing fluids to be pumped as disclosed above.

[0044] Rotor 600 may include protrusions 610 for controlling and/or effecting the flow of heat transfer fluid within rotor 600. Protrusions 610 may include nibs, ribs, spokes, flares, etc. Protrusions 610 may also act as a heat sink or otherwise help to provide additional heat transfer through additional exposed surface area. As disclosed herein, protrusions 610 may extend from an outer surface 612 of second housing 604 to an inner surface 614 of first housing 602. Protrusions 610 may encircle second housing 604. As an example, protrusions 610 may encircle housing 604 in a helical arrangement. The helical arrangement may be in a direction of the twist of first housing 602 or in a direction opposite the direction of the twist of first housing 602. Stated another way, protrusions 610 may be arranged parallel to the twist of rotor 600 or counter to the twist of rotor 600. Protrusions 610 extending from outer surface 612 to inner surface 614 may define a plurality of channels 616 between protrusions 610. Each of protrusions 610 may have a thickness and a height. The height may define the height of plurality of channels 616, which may also be the same as the space between first and second housings 602/604.

[0045] Plurality of channels 616 may extend and/or wrap around second housing 604 and define one or more fluid pathways. The one or more fluid pathways may extend from a first annulus orifice 604 located at a first end of rotor 600 to a second annulus orifice 606 located at a second end of rotor 606. The fluid pathways may have a helical shape that is similar to the helical shape of rotor 600. The fluid pathways may have cross-sectional areas that are defined by the spacing between protrusions 610, outer surface 612 and inner surface 614. For example, each of protrusions 610 may have a height and may be spaced apart a distance that is greater than the height. As a result, the cross-sectional shape of the fluid pathways of channels 616 may be rectangular. Channels having other shapes may be provided by adjusti ng or changing the shape of protrusions 610 and/or the inner and outer surfaces.

[0046] Protrusions 610 may have straight sidewalls or curved sidewalls. For example, protrusions 610 may have curved sidewalls and may be spaced apart so as to form circular or ovoid shaped passages. The curved nature of the sidewalls may allow for greater heat transfer due to the increased surface area of each of protrusions 610.

[0047] Cavity 702 may have a helical shape. The helical shape of cavity 702 may match the pitch of annulus 606. Cavity 702 may define a fluid pathway that extends the length of second housing 604. The fluid pathway defined by second housing 604 may extend from a first cavity orifice 704 located at the first end of rotor 600 to a second cavity orifice 706 located at the second end of rotor 600. Cavity 702 may have a constant cross-sectional area, such as a circle. Cavity 702 may also have a cross-sectional area that varies. For example, cavity 702 may have a conical shape such that the cross-sectional area varies with distance along an axial direction.

[0048] The structure of rotor 600 may allow rotor 600 to perform as a parallel heat exchanger. For example, during operation, a heat transfer fluid, a coolant or heating fluid, may be passed into annulus 606 via first annulus orifice 604. The heat transfer fluid may pass through annulus 606 as indicated by arrows 618. Once passing through annulus 608 the heat transfer fluid may exit annulus 608 via second annulus orifices 606.

[0049] The structure of rotor 600 may also allow rotor 600 to perform as a counterflow heat exchanger. For example, during operation, a heat transfer fluid, a coolant or heating fluid, may be passed into annulus 606 via second annulus orifice 606. The heat transfer fluid may pass through annulus 606 as indicated by arrows 618. Once passing through annulus 608 the heat transfer fluid may exit annulus 608 via first annulus orifices 604.

[0050] The structure of rotor 600 may also for the heating or cooling of the heat transfer fluid via counterflow heat exchange. For example, during operation, a heat transfer fluid, a coolant or heating fluid, may be passed into cavity 702 via first cavity orifice 704. The heat transfer fluid may pass through second housing 604 as indicated by arrows 708. Once passing through second housing 604 the heat transfer fluid may exit second housing 604 via second cavity orifice 706.

[0051] The structure of rotor 600 may also for the heating or cooling of the heat transfer fluid via parallel flow heat exchange. For example, during operation, a heat transfer fluid, a coolant or heating fluid, may be passed into cavity 702 via second cavity orifice 706. The heat transfer fluid may pass through second housing 604 as indicated by arrows 710. Once passing through second housing 604 the heat transfer fluid may exit second housing 604 via first cavity orifice 704.

[0052] The heat transfer fluid pass through cavity 702 may be the same heat transfer fluid passed through annulus 606 or may be a different fluid. For example, the heat transfer fluid passed through annulus 606 may be a glycol based fluid and the heat transfer fluid passed through cavity 702 may be a water based fluid.

[0053] The use of rotor 600 as a heat exchanger may allow for removal of heat generated during a pumping process. For instance, as the pressure of the process fluids is increased, heat may be generated via the heat of compression. To remove this heat, the coolant may be passed through rotor 104 as disclosed herein. For example, the coolant may pass through shaft 1 12 and into annulus 606 and/or cavity 702 as described herein.

[0054] In other examples, the process fluids may also need to be heated. For example, the process fluids may have a high viscosity and heating the process fluids may lower the viscosity, which may make the process fluids easier to pump. To heat the process fluids, a heating fluid, such as steam, may he passed through shaft 112 and into annulus 606 and/or cavity 702 as described herein.

[0055] Rotor 600 may have a first housing 622 and a second housing 624. First and second housings 622/624 may define one or more holes 626. Holes 226 may be used to secure rotor 600 to unions, such as union 1 14. For example, holes 626 may allow rotor 600 to be bolted to union 114 and a second union not shown in FIG. 1. First and second housings 622/624 may have machined surfaces 228 that may be coated with a sealant or a gasket that may be used to seal the connection between surfaces 228 and unions of pump 100.

[0056] While FIGS. 6 and 7 show protrusions 610 as continuous elements, protrusions 610 need not be continuous. Protrusions 610 may be formed as segments as shown and described with respect to FIG. 4.

[0057] While FIGS. 6 and 7, show first housing 602 and second housing 604 each having an elongated shaft and protrusions 610 having a helical shape, protrusions 610 may have other patterns such as those described above with respect to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4. While FIGS. 6 and 7 also show multiple protrusions 610, the number of protrusions may be as few as one protrusion. The one protrusion may allow first housing 602 to be connected to second housing 604 to provide rigidity to rotor 600. Thus, the one protrusion, or plurality of protrusions, may help minimize movement of second housing 604 within first housing 602. In still other embodiments, protrusions 610 may be omitted entirely.

[0058] Annulus 606 and cavity 702 may have helical shapes that may match the shapes of first housing 602 and second housing 604. Stated another way, first housing 602 and second housing 604 may both twist in the same direction. Cavity 702 may also have a cylindrical shape as disclosed above with respect to FIG. 5.

[0059] The rotors disclosed herein may be manufactured from a variety of materi als and may be manufactured using a variety of manufacturing techniques. For instance, the rotors may be 3D printed using metal or ceramic powder that is then sintered to form a monolithic part. For example, using a 3D printing method, the first housing, the second housing, and protrusions may be formed simultaneously.

[0060] The rotors may also be manufactured via a casting process. For example, the first housing may be cast as a solid part and then a hole may be bored into first housing to form an annulus or cavity that has a cylindri cal shape as shown in FIG. 5. In addition, the first housing may be formed with an insert such that when molten metal is poured into the mold, the insert may form a space within the metal to form an annulus or cavity. The second housing may also be formed by casting a solid part and boring a hole to form a cavity. Once the cavity is formed, the second housing may be inserted into the first housing to form the annulus. The first housing and the second housing may also be cast simultaneously using lost foam techniques.

[0061] FIG. 8 shows a method 800 for pumping a working fluid. Method 800 may include pumping the working fluid through a stator cavity of a pump (802). The pumping of the working fluid may cause heat to be generated within the working fluid. This heat, sometimes referred to as the heat of compression, can cause damage to the elastomers used to create the internal structures of the stator.

[0062] To combat the heat, a heat transfer fluid may be pumped through one or more channels defined within a pump rotor (804). Pumping the heat transfer fluid through the one or more channels may cause a portion of the energy within the working fluid (e.g., heat generated due to compression) to pass from the working fluid and through the pump rotor and into the heat transfer fluid. For example, the rotor may be made of a metal and energy within the working fluid or heat generated while pumping the working fluid may flow from the working fluid and into the metal rotor. The energy transferred to the rotor may then flow into the heat transfer fluid being circulated through the one or more channels and carried away as the heat transfer fluid exits the rotor.

[0063] Pumping the heat transfer fluid through the one or more channels may cause a portion of the energy within the heat transfer fluid to pass from the heat transfer fluid and through the pump rotor and into the working fluid. For example, heating the working fluid may lower its viscosity. To heat the working fluid, energy from the heat transfer fluid may pass from the heat transfer fluid and into the rotor, which may be metal. The energy may then pass from the rotor and into the working fluid, thereby heating the working fluid.

[0064] As disclosed herein, the one or more channels may be arranged in a helical shape and pumping the heat transfer fluid through the one or more channels includes passing the heat transfer fluid through the one or more channels in a helical direction. [0065] Pumping the heat transfer fluid through the one or more channels may include passing the heat transfer fluid in a parallel direction to the working fluid. For example, as disclosed herein, the heat transfer fluid may pass into the one or more channels in a direction that is parallel to the direction of the flow of the working fluid. For instance, the heat transfer fluid may enter the rotor and flow through the one or more channels in a direction that is parallel to the flow of the working fluid. Upon reaching a first end of the rotor, the heat transfer fluid may flow through one or more holes and into a center cavity of the rotor. Upon entering the center cavity, the heat transfer fluid may flow back to the second end of the rotor where it may exit the rotor.

[0066] Pumping the heat transfer fluid through the one or more channels alternati vely may include passing the heat transfer fluid in a counter-flow direction to the working fluid. For instance, as disclosed herein, the heat transfer fluid may pass through a center cavi ty of the rotor to a first end of the rotor. Once at the first end, the heat transfer fluid may flow through one or more holes into the one or more channels where the heat transfer fluid may return to a second end of the rotor while traveling in a direction that is counter to the flow of the working fluid and exit the rotor.

[0067] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may be described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products. Although a flowchart or block diagram may illustrate a method as comprising sequential steps or a process as having a particular order of operations, many of the steps or operations in the flowchart(s) or block diagram(s) illustrated herein can be performed in parallel or concurrently, and the flowchart(s) or block diagram(s) should be read in the context of the various embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition, the order of the method steps or process operations illustrated in a flowchart or block diagram may be rearranged for some embodiments. Similarly, a method or process illustrated in a flow chart or block diagram could have additional steps or operations not included therein or fewer steps or operations than those shown. Moreover, a method step may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc.

[0068] As used herein, the terms“substantially” or“generally” refer to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, an object that is“substantially” or “generally” enclosed would mean that the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking, the nearness of completion will be so as to have generally the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained. The use of“substantially” or“generally” is equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, an element, combination, embodiment, or composition that is “substantially free of’ or “generally free of” an element may still actually contain such element as long as there is generally no significant effect thereof.

[0069] To aid the Patent Office and any readers of any patent issued on this application in interpreting the claims appended hereto, applicants wish to note that they do not intend any of the appended claims or claim elements to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless the words“means for” or“step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim.

[0070] Additionally, as used herein, the phrase“at least one of [X] and [Y],” where X and Y are different components that may be included in an embodiment of the present disclosure, means that the embodiment could include component X without component Y, the embodiment could include the component Y without component X, or the embodiment could include both components X and Y. Similarly, when used with respect to three or more components, such as“at least one of [X], [Y], and [Z],” the phrase means that the embodiment could include any one of the three or more components, any combination or sub-combination of any of the components, or all of the components.

[0071] In the foregoing description various embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The various embodiments were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principals of the disclosure and their practical application, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the present disclosure as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.