Device and method for removing oil used to lubricate vertical turbine pumps

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The lubricating oil removal assembly of the present invention provides a means for intercepting the oil used to lubricate the line shaft bearings before the oil can enter the pump.
In my invention, holes are provided in the oil tube below the bottom bearing to be lubricated and above the relief ports typically provided in the bowl assembly.
An annular relief collar is then provided around the oil tube at the location of the holes.
A drainage pipe allows oil to flow from the relief collar to a reservoir located on the outside of the column pipe.
A pump located within the reservoir lifts oil from the reservoir, through a tube, and onto the surface for reuse or disposal.
Thus, lubricating oil is prevented from ever coming into contact with the well water.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the oil tube with holes and annular collar together with the associated drainage pipe, oil reservoir and pump are manufactured as separate component parts which are joined with the column pipe and oil tube of the existing prior art pump structure.