A stabilizer is provided for stabilizing a rotary or progressive cavity
pump suspended from production tubing in well casing. The stabilizer is
connected between the production tubing and the pump. The stabilizer has
a tubular body having a cylindrical wall and a longitudinal bore
contiguous with the production tubing. A releasable sliding dog is
disposed on the exterior of the tubular body and is operatively connected
by a link to one or more pistons. Each piston is disposed in a piston
housing that is in fluid communication with the bore of the tubular body.
Circumferentially spaced-apart feet extend radially outwardly from the
tubular body. In operation, actuating fluid pressure advances the pistons
uphole, driving the sliding dog up one or more longitudinal outwardly
extending ramps to brace against the casing, with the feet contacting the
casing and bearing opposing reactive force. Preferably, the sliding dog
and the feet form a three-point contact with the casing that arrests
lateral movement in any direction. Under non-actuating pressure, upward
drag on the sliding dog compresses the pistons, retracting the dog, and
permitting removal of the stabilizer and pump.