A downhole dynamic compressor comprises an electric motor having a stator
6 with stationary windings and an armature with permanent magnets 7
supported on gas bearings 9, 10 for rotation relative to the stator. The
gas bearings 9 and 10 are arranged at the upstream and downstream
opposite ends of the motor, respectively. The dynamic compressor has a
bladed wheel 12 mounted on an overhanging end of the motor armature 7
that projects beyond the gas bearing 9 at the upstream end of the motor,
whereby all the gas bearings of the compressor and the electric motor are
arranged on the downstream side of the dynamic compressor.