Rod Pumping Overview
• Artificial lift is required when a well will
not flow or won’t produce at a
satisfactory rate
• Rod pumping is one of several forms of
artificial lift
Rod Pumping Overview
• Most popular method of artificial lift in
the United States
– Relatively low cost
– Capable of a wide range of operation
• High volumes at shallow depths
• Limited rates to 12,000+ feet
– Familiar system
– Good support infrastructure
Rod Pumping Overview
• Most understood method of lift
– Design has been standardized
• API Standards and RP’s
• Commercial computer programs available
– Advanced surveillance techniques
– Significant advancement in reducing
failures
• Alliances with suppliers
• RCFA implementation
Rod Pumping Overview
• Operating challenges
– High stress
• Gear box, beam and rods (cyclic)
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Corrosion
Erosion
Sand
Gas
CO2
H2S
High temperatures
Wellbore deviation
Rod Pumping Overview
• Opportunities for improvement
– Wide variance in how technology is
implemented
– New technology not readily or widely
accepted
– Many producing companies consider
artificial lift a commodity with little upside
potential for savings
Rod Pumping Overview
• Opportunities for improvement (cont.)
– Number of technical staff focused on AL in
operating companies is shrinking
– Alliance suppliers will have influence on
implementing new technology