Patent attributes
An intake for a downhole pump includes an outer tubular member having a central axis. In addition, the intake includes an inner tubular member disposed within the outer tubular member. The inner tubular member is radially spaced from the outer tubular member to form an outer annular flow path radially positioned between the inner tubular member and the outer tubular member. Further, the intake includes a central shaft rotatably disposed within the inner tubular member. The central shaft is radially spaced from the inner tubular member to form an inner annular flow path radially positioned between the central shaft and the inner tubular member. Still further, the intake includes a plurality of inlet apertures extending radially through the outer tubular member and in fluid communication with the outer annular flow path. Each of the plurality of inlet apertures has a circumferential width W between 5% and 50% of a total circumference of the outer tubular member.