Patent attributes
An apparatus and system for sealing an electrical submersible pump (ESP) assembly are described. An ESP system includes a top portion of a seal section including a sand barrier portion defined by a sand barrier stop secured between the ESP intake and an adapter portion, the sand barrier portion including a sand barrier wedged between the sand barrier stop and the adapter portion, the adapter portion encasing a mechanical seal and secured between the sand barrier portion and a head portion, the head portion secured between the adapter portion and a seal section housing, the head portion including a thrust bearing and a thrust runner, wherein each of the thrust bearing and the thrust runner includes at least one pad having a diamond-like carbon (DLC) layer on an outer surface.