US Patent 8936430 Submersible centrifugal pump for solids-laden fluid

A submersible centrifugal pump is disclosed. The submersible centrifugal pump includes a pump housing having a pump intake disposed generally opposite a pump outlet. A shaft extends at least partially through the pump housing and is adapted to be driven by a submersible motor. A centrifugal impeller is attached to the shaft and has an opening for fluid intake. A diffuser is disposed corresponding to the centrifugal impellers to form a pump stage. And an auger is coupled to the shaft.