Sucker rod pumps are the most prevalent form of artificial lift utilized in oil wells globally. However, there are several specialized varieties of pumps, each engineered to excel in certain well conditions and applications. Vigor provides oil operators an overview of the major types, their distinguishing features, and the well parameters for which each variant is ideally suited.
1. The Standard Insertable Sucker Rod Pump
The conventional insertable pump provides reliable performance for most wells and remains the industry workhorse. As the name denotes, its nodular iron barrel and plunger assembly are inserted into the well rather than permanently installed. This allows pulling the pump for maintenance without swabbing the well. The polished rod and sucker rods connect to the subsurface pump. A surface beam pumping unit imparts the reciprocating motion to lift produced fluids. Simple, proven, and economical, these insertable pumps handle a wide range of well depths and production rates.
2. The Reverse Marking Pump
They substitute a hollow plunger enclosing the traveling valve, opposite from standard configurations. This shelters the valve from abrasives in sandy wells. The stationary seal seats outside the plunger barrel instead of within. The plunger reverses direction above the liquid level, reducing fluid pound and gas interference issues. These features make reverse marking pumps well-suited for abrasive or gassy wells and allow smoother operation at higher stroke rates.
3. The Hollow Rod Pump
As the name denotes, hollow rod pumps utilize tubular sucker rods rather than solid steel rods. This enables pumping fluids to the surface through the rod's interior rather than up the tubing annulus. Because the pumped liquid lubricates the rods, friction is reduced allowing deployment in deviated and deeper wells exceeding 10,000 feet. Hollow rods also resist corrosion and wear better with the pumped fluids providing continuous interior flushing. Hollow rod pumps are an excellent fit for offshore wells or remote onshore wells where minimizing service interventions is critical.
4. Plunger Lift Pumps
Plunger lift pumps combine with plunger lift gas lift technology in low-pressure gas wells. The plunger cycles up and down the tubing string, driven by surface gas pressure. On the downstroke, the plunger lifts accumulated liquids to the surface in the space above it. Check valves release gas below and retain it above on the upstroke. The rod string provides weight to enable sealing and down thrust. Plunger lift pumps remove liquids from the wellbore to maximize gas production rates in low-pressure wells.
5. Hydraulic Piston Pumps
Instead of rod strings, hydraulic piston pumps use pressurized water or oil in the tubing to reciprocate an enclosed plunger assembly. Strokes of 100 feet or more are possible. Surface hydraulic power units actuate the piston. Hydraulic oil pumps suit remote, subsea wells. Water versions work well for shallow onshore wells up to 1000 feet where abundant surface water is available. No rods mean zero friction, permitting greater depths. Hydraulic pumps also tolerate deviated wellbores. Their enclosed design handles abrasives well.
This summation of the major types of Sucker rod pumps available provides a reference for selecting the optimal configuration for your well conditions and parameters. Matching the capabilities of each pump variety to the well characteristics and artificial lift requirements facilitates productive, trouble-free operation.
Choose Vigor as your Sucker rod pumps manufacturer, please contact us at info@vigorpetroleum.com.
