Page 11 - Artificial Lift Methods

Reciprocating Rod Lift

Petroleum Extension-The University of Texas at Austin

Reciprocating

Rod Lift

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In this chapter:
• Typical applications of reciprocating rod systems
• Operating principles of a sucker rod pump

• Rod pump system design and components
• Types of surface rod pumping units
• Factors to consider when selecting and using rod string

he history of reciprocating rod lift is closely tied to the early
Toilwells that were established in 1859 by Edwin Drake in the The majority of artificial-
small, rural community of Titusville, Pennsylvania. Commonly lift systems in use are
referred to as the Drake well, this earliest of drilling sites forever reciprocating rod lift
shaped industry and trade while advancing human mobility. Around systems.
300 to 400 gallons (about 1,135 to 1,514 litres) were reportedly lifted
from the site each day; however, the drilling process was expensive,
tedious, and extremely dangerous.
Within ten years of the Drake well, conventional rod pump-
ing was becoming increasingly popular. Early rod-pumping systems
consisted of a standard cable tool drilling rig, placed in such a way
that the walking beam could be used to operate the pump. Prior,
rod-activated pumps had been used to produce brine. Similar to the
pump illustrated in figure 1, they consisted primarily of a cylinder
made up in the tubing string, a standing valve seated in the tubing
string, a plunger, and traveling valve. It is likely that flapper valves
were used rather than ball valves, which are depicted in the figure.
Originally, the plunger was reciprocated in the cylinder by means of
wooden sucker rods with wrought-iron end fittings for connections.

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