Ultra-long stroke pumping system lowers lifting costs
- Highland Artificial Lift Systems, Midland, TX (United States)
- Amoco Production Company, Midland, TX (United States)
Over the course of the last four decades, numerous attempts were made to develop a reliable longstroke pumping system, but their success was limited partially or totally by the design parameters not being of a mechanical nature. In addition, several attempts to manufacture and market hydraulic rod pump units have been relatively unsuccessful. Beam units were the only reliable source of obtaining long strokes due to the design being 100% mechanical. Specifically, modified geometry and air balance units evolved to include longer 216-in. and 240-in. stroke lengths. However, structure and gearbox ratings for Class I and Class III lift systems are a function of stroke length. End results are pumping units requiring gearboxes of 1.28 million to 1.824 million in./lb and massive structural sizes. In 1985, a totally mechanical long stroke unit was designed and placed in limited production. Ten years later, an augmented design of the original ultra-long stroke pumping system (ULSPS) is a proven ULSPS. This paper discusses these lifts. The systems are available with surface stroke lengths of 288-in. and 306-in. These stroke lengths are obtained without the increased gearbox size required by beam units, but by transmitting rotary motion from a 228,000- or 320,000-in./lb gearbox to a 36-in. chain sprocket, therefore an 18-in. torque arm. The continuous rotational movement of the sprocket drives an enclosed chain that is directly tied to a mechanical reversing mechanism. The reversing mechanism has a totally enclosed built in counterweight box. Articulating pumping motion is created by connecting a shock absorbing load belt between the combination reversing mechanism counterweight box and the polish rod.
- OSTI ID:
- 93087
- Journal Information:
- Petroleum Engineer International, Journal Name: Petroleum Engineer International Journal Issue: 7 Vol. 68; ISSN 0164-8322; ISSN PEEID4
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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