Sucker Rod Pump Basics

- INTERNAL -
 Presentation Contents:
Sucker Rod Pumps
 The Five Basic Components of a Pump
 Operation of a Sucker Rod Pump
 Types of Sucker Rod Pumps
 Material Selection of Pump Components

Observations at the Bleeder Valve

Handling a Sucker Rod Pump

- INTERNAL -
The Five Basic Components
of a Sucker Rod Pump:
 Barrel Tube
 Plunger
 Traveling Valve
 Standing Valve
 Seating Assembly

- INTERNAL -
Basic
Components
of the
PLUNGER
Sucker
TRAVELING VALVE
Rod
Pump BARREL TUBE

STANDING VALVE

HOLD DOWN

- INTERNAL -
The Five Basic Components
of a Sucker Rod Pump:
Barrel Tubes

Thin Wall Heavy Wall Tubing Pump Tubing Pump

RW & RS RH Barrel TH Barrel TP Barrel
Barrel
- INTERNAL -
 The Five Basic Components
of a Sucker Rod Pump:
Plungers

Box End
Pin End
Spraymetal
Box End
Spraymetal
- INTERNAL
Spraymetal - Monel Pin
Spraymetal
Pressure
Actuated
Grooved
Plunger Plunger Plunger Plunger Plunger
The Five Basic Components
of a Sucker Rod Pump:

Rings for Soft-Packed Plungers

Composition Ring Split Composition Ring Pressure Actuated Ring

Flexite Ring Valve Cup

- INTERNAL -
The Five Basic Components
of a Sucker Rod Pump:

Traveling Valves

Closed-Type
Closed-Type Open-Type Closed-Type Cage for
Cage for Cage for Cage for Box-End
Pin-End Plunger Travel Barrel Pin-End Plunger
Insert Style Pump Plunger
- INTERNAL -
The Five Basic Components
of a Sucker Rod Pump:

Standing Valves

Closed-Type Open Cage Open Cage Closed Cage

Closed-Type Cage Traveling Tubing Pump Tubing Pump
Cage Barrel Type
Insert Style - INTERNAL -
The Five Basic Components
of a Sucker Rod Pump:

Valves for Traveling & Standing

Ball & Seat

Ball & Seat
Rib Type
Flat Type

- INTERNAL -
 The Five Basic Components
of a Sucker Rod Pump:

Seating Assemblies

3 Cup API
3 Cup API - INTERNAL - Bottom
3 Cup Type O Mechanical
Lock Mechanical
Top Bottom Top Lock
Bottom Hold Down Hold Down API Type
Hold Down API Type
The Five Basic Components
of a Sucker Rod Pump:

Seat / Unseat Requirements

TUBING SIZE
1.250" 1.500" 2.375" 2.875" 3.500"
LBS of Force LBS of Force LBS of Force LBS of Force LBS of Force
TYPE HOLD DOWN Required to Required to Required to Required to Required to

SEAT UNSEAT SEAT UNSEAT SEAT UNSEAT SEAT UNSEAT SEAT UNSEAT

585 380 800 425 850 500 975 650 1100 740
Cup, Type "O"

585 380 800 425 850 500 975 650 1100 740
Cup, Type "HR"
Mechanical Bottom
455 530 1200 1600 2250 2700
Lock API Type
Mechanical Top
825 1900 1750 3850
Lock API Type

- INTERNAL -
The Basic Operation of a
Sucker Rod Pump

A sucker rod pump is no more than a cylinder,

or tube, consisting of two sections or
chambers. One section is stationary or
secured to the tubing. The other section
travels with the sucker rod string. There are
usually two valves working with these
sections taking turns opening and closing.
The valves transfer fluid from the bottom
chamber to the top chamber and ultimately
into the tubing and- INTERNAL
up to- the wellhead.
Arrows SUCKER ROD
Show
Fluid
Travel TUBING
on the
Upstroke TRAVELING UNIT

STANDING UNIT

- INTERNAL -
Arrows SUCKER ROD
Show
Fluid
Travel TUBING

on the
Downstroke
TRAVELING UNIT

STANDING UNIT

- INTERNAL -
 Pressures in the Wellbore
P1 = Formation Pressure P2 = Inernal Pump Pressure P3 = Hydrostatic Pressure
UPSTROKE Downstroke Upstroke

Tubing

Well Head

Casing 0 0 0

Annulus Check Valve

Rod String

Pull Rod

Plunger
P3 P3
Travel Valve

Barrel

P3
Fluid Level

P2 P2 P2
Perforations

Standing Valve

Strainer Nipple

P1 P1 P1

P2 < P1 - INTERNAL
P2 > P3 - P2 < P1
Standing Valve Travel Valve Standing Valve
Opens Opens Opens
 API Bottomhole Pump Designation

Metal Plunger Soft-Packed Plunger

Pumps Pumps

Heavy Wall Thin Wall Heavy Wall Thin Wall

Type of Pump Barrel Barrel Barrel Barrel
Rod Pumps:
Stationary Barrel, Top Anchor RHA RWA RSA
Stationary Barrel, Bottom Anchor RWA RWB RSB
Traveling Barrel, Bottom Anchor RHT RWT RST
Tubing Pumps TH TP

XX-XXX-XXXX-X-X-X-X
Tubing Size: 15 - 1.900" OD Extension Length - Bottom - in Feet
20 - 2-3/8" OD
25 - 2-7/8" OD Extension Length - Top - in Feet
30 - 3-1/2" OD
40 - 4-1/2" OD Plunger Length in Feet
50 - 5-1/2" OD
Barrel Length in Feet
Pump Bore: 125 - 1-1/4"
150 - 1-1/2" Seating Assembly Type: C - friction cup
175 - 1-3/4" M - mechanical
178 - 1-25/32"
200 - 2" Location of Seating Assembly: A - top
225 - 2-1/4" B - bottom
250 - 2-1/2" T - bottom, travel barrel
275 - 2-3/4"
325 - 3-1/4" Barrel Type: H - heavy wall f/metal plunger
375 - 3-3/4" W - thin wall f/metal plunger
475- 4-3/4" P - heavy wall f/soft pack plunger
550 - 5-1/2" S - thin wall f/soft pack plunger
575 - 5-3/4"
775 - 7-3/4" Pump Type: R - rod
- INTERNAL - T - tubing
Types of Sucker Rod Pumps

Insert Type Pumps

 Installed on the end of a sucker rod

string as a complete unit.
 Can be ran deeper than Tubing Pump.
 Special service applications are
available for most types.
 Less service cost than a tubing pump.

- INTERNAL -
Types of Sucker Rod Pumps

Types of Insert Type Pumps

Bottom Hold Down: Top Hold Down:

 RWTC  RWAC
 RWBC  RHAC
 RHBC

- INTERNAL -
RWTC – API Insert Pump

Barrel Travels with Rod String.

Bottom Holddown.
Thin Wall Barrel.

- INTERNAL -
 RWTC – API Insert Pump
Advantages of RWTC Pumps: Disadvantages of RWTC
Pumps:
 Recommended for sandy wells.
 Not recommended for gassy
 Recommended for intermittent wells.
pumping wells.
 Not recommended for wells with
low fluid levels.

 Not recommended for deep

wells.

- INTERNAL -
RWAC – API Insert Pump

Plunger Travels with Rod String.

Top Holddown.
Thin Wall Barrel.
Barrel Extends Below Seating Nipple.

- INTERNAL -
 RWAC – API Insert Pump
Advantages of RWAC Pumps: Disadvantages of RWAC
 Recommended for sandy wells. Pumps:
 Not recommended for deep
 Recommended for low fluid wells.
level, gassy, or foamy wells.
 Valve rod is the weak link.
 Recommended for wells
requiring long pumps.  Not recommended for
intermittent pumping.

 Tubing erosion opposite top

guide.

- INTERNAL -
RWBC – API Insert Pump

Plunger Travels with Rod String.

Bottom Holddown.
Thin Wall Barrel.

- INTERNAL -
 RWBC – API Insert Pump
Advantages of RWBC Pumps: Disadvantages of RWBC
Pumps:
 Not recommended for sandy
 Recommended for deep wells. wells.

 Recommended for low fluid  Valve rod is the weak link.

levels.
 Not recommended for
intermittent pumping.

 Tubing erosion opposite top

guide.

 Barrel subject to corrosive

attack.
- INTERNAL -
RHBC – API Insert Pump

Plunger Travels with Rod String.

Bottom Holddown.
Heavywall Barrel.

- INTERNAL -
 RHBC – API Insert Pump
Advantages of RHBC Pumps: Disadvantages of RWBC
Pumps:
 Not recommended for sandy
 Recommended for deep wells. wells.

 Recommended for low fluid  Valve rod is the weak link.

levels.
 Not recommended for
 Recommended for stroke intermittent pumping in sandy
through design to combat scale wells.
and/or gyp.
 Tubing erosion opposite top
guide.

 Barrel subject to corrosive

- INTERNAL - attack.
RHAC – API Insert Pump
Plunger Travels with Rod String.
Top Holddown.
Heavy Wall Barrel
Barrel Extends Below Seating Nipple.

- INTERNAL -
 RHAC – API Insert Pump
Advantages of RHAC Pumps: Disadvantages of RWBC
 Recommended for sandy wells. Pumps:
 Not recommended for deep
 Recommended for low fluid wells.
levels, gassy, or foamy wells.
 Valve rod is the weak link.
 Recommended for stroke
through design to combat scale  Not recommended for
and/or gyp. intermittent pumping.

 Recommended for wells  Tubing erosion opposite top

requiring long pumps. guide.

- INTERNAL -
 Hollow Tube

Plunger Travels with Rod String.

Bottom Hold Down.
Available in Thin & Heavy Wall.
Available in Bottom & Top Hold Down.
Valve Rod is Replaced with Pull Tube.
Valve can be added on top of tube.
- INTERNAL -
 Hollow Tube
Advantages of Hollow Disadvantages of Hollow
Tube Pumps: Tube Pumps:
 Recommended for deep  Not recommended for
wells. sandy wells.
 Pump discharge is  Barrel subject to corrosive
spread across pump attack.
stroke (helps reduce
tubing erosion).
 Two Stage effect with
valve on top of tube.
 Pull Tube is more rigid
than typical valve rod.

- INTERNAL -
 Sand Pump

Can be built as Stationary or Travel

Barrel type pump.
Bottom Hold Down.
Heavy Wall Barrel construction.
Valve Rod is Replaced with Plunger.
Check Valve on top of pump.

- INTERNAL -
 Sand Pump
Advantages of San’ Disadvantages of San’
Pumps: Pumps:
 Recommended for wells  Stationary barrel design can
producing sand. sand in with extensive run
times.
 Recommended for low
fluid levels.  Not recommended for
pumping gassy wells.
 Plunger replaces pull rod.
 Barrel subject to corrosive
 Fluid discharged length attack unless upgraded
of pump stroke. material is used.

- INTERNAL -
 Volumax

Multiple volume type pump.

Obtains higher production than

tubing pumps.

Increases loads on sucker rod

strings
- INTERNAL -
 Volumax

Advantages of Disadvantages of
Volumax Pumps: Volumax Pumps:
 Produces large volumes  Initial cost of pump is higher
of fluid. than regular pump

 Produces same volume  Not recommended for

as tubing pump with pumping sandy wells.
reduced cycle rate.
 High unseating force on
 Insert type pump, can be pump requires special hold
pulled with rod string. down.

- INTERNAL -
 Three Tube
Outer and Inner Barrel Tubes travel
with rod string.
Standing Barrel (Middle Barrel Tube)
is stationary.
No plunger incorporated in pump.
Check valve on top of pump.
Requires faster Strokes per Minute
than conventional pumps due to
- INTERNAL -
 Three Tube
Advantages of Triax Disadvantages of Triax
Pumps: Pumps:
 Recommended for  Not recommended for
sandy wells.
gassy applications.

 Traveling barrel usually

keeps sand off hold  Not recommended for low
down assembly. fluid level wells.

 Top valve acts as check  Has depth limitations.

valve to keep sand out
of pump.

 Insert type pump, can be

pulled with rod string.
- INTERNAL -
 Circle-A-Pump
Non API pump design.
Designed for maximum flow
Designed for minimum turbulence.
Designed for maximum efficiency.
Can be built up to and including
3.50” bore size.

- INTERNAL -
 Circle-A-Pump
Advantages of Circle-A- Disadvantages of
Pumps: Circle-A-Pumps:
 Recommended for sandy  Valve rod is the weak link
wells.
in the rod string.

 Recommended for low

fluid level, gassy, or  Initial cost is higher than
foamy wells. conventional pump.

 Recommended for wells  Material selection is

requiring long pumps. limited.

 Recommended for deep

well applications.

- INTERNAL -
 Tension Pump
 Keeps the rod string in tension on the
downstroke.
 Raises the minimum load of the
sucker rod string.
 Can be configured as either a rod
pump or a tubing pump.
 Increase in bottomhole stroke.
 Good application for both steel and
fiberglass sucker rod strings.

- INTERNAL -
 Tension Pump
Advantages of Disadvantages of
Tension Pumps: Tension Pumps:

 Increase in Minimum
Sucker Rod Loads.
 Increase in Maximum
Allowable Sucker Rod
Stress.
 Reduction/Elimination
of Compressive Loads.
 Increase in Net Plunger
Travel.
 Decrease in Polish Rod
Horsepower.
 May not be good in gassy
applications.
 Reduced Pump Efficiency.
 Unsure a POC will
determine a pumped off
condition.
 Lack of existing software to
monitor loading.
 Higher pump cost than
standard pump.

- INTERNAL -
The “Gas Bailer” Pump

- INTERNAL -
Types of Sucker Rod Pumps

Tubing Pumps

 Typically produces more fluid than a rod

pump.
 More costly to service than a rod pump.
 Application is in shallow to medium
depth wells due to loading on rod string
and pumping unit.
 Not a good choice in gassy wells.
- INTERNAL -
THBC – API Tubing Pump

Plunger Travels with Rod String.

Barrel Ran on Bottom of Tubing String.
Plunger Ran on Bottom of Rod String.
Bottom Holddown.
Heavy Wall Barrel.

- INTERNAL -
Accessories Available for
Subsurface Pumps

Top Tubing
Top Bottom
Seal Drain
Check Discharge
Assembly
Valve Valve

- INTERNAL -
 Selecting a Subsurface Pump

What Information is Required?

 Casing & Tubing Size

 Equipment Available (Unit, Rods, etc.)

 Depth

 Fluid
 Production Required
 Viscosity
 Abrasion
 Corrosion - INTERNAL -
 How do These Conditions Affect
the Selection Process?
 Tubing / Casing Size:
 Pump Bore Size.
 Equipment Available:
 Pumping Unit & Rod Design Dictate Pump Size (Bore & Length).
 Depth:
 Type of Barrel That Can be Run.
 Holddown Position.
 Fluid:
 Size Pump Required to Reach Production Target.
 Pump Fit Required.
 Material Selection.
 Hold Down Position.
 - INTERNAL -
Type of Accessories Available.
 Determining Pump Length

Example: 3,000’ Well, Steel Sucker Rods, 120” Surface Stroke

Surface Stroke = 120"

Plunger Length= 36"

Pump Fittings= 12"

Spacing= 12"

Total Length= 180"

- INTERNAL -
 RW Barrel Selection
Steel Barrel Yield MAXIMUM SETTING DEPTH CHART Brass Barrel Yield
Strength = 60,000 PSI Strength = 60,000 PSI
RW (Thin Wall)

35000
MAXIMUM SETTING DEPTH CHART

Recommended Safety Factors:

For Bottom Hold Down Pumps --
30000 Divide Max. Set. Depth By 2

"
/4

"
1

/2
1-

1
For Top Hold Down Pumps --

1-
Divide Max. Set. Depth By 3
25000
EXAMPLE: 1-1/2" RW Pump, Bot. Hldn., Carbon Steel
Max. Set. Depth -- 14,000
Rec. Safety Set. Depth --7,000'

2"
Depth in Feet

20000

15000

10000

5000

0
0 30 50 70 90 110 130 150
- INTERNAL -
Material Yield Strength (Thousand PSI)
 RH & TH Barrel Selection
Steel Barrel Yield MAXIMUM SETTING DEPTH CHART Brass Barrel Yield
Strength = 60,000 PSI Strength = 60,000 PSI
RH (Heavy Wall
TH (Heavy Wall)

35000
RH TH
6" &
1/1 RH
1-
30000 RH 3/4" TH
" 1- /4"
1/2 H
2-
3
1- "R "
1/ 4
& TH
1- RH
4"
25000
2- 1/
Depth in Feet

20000

15000 MAXIMUM SETTING DEPTH CHART

Recommended Safety Factors:

For Bottom Hold Down Pumps --
Divide Max. Set. Depth By 2
10000
For Top Hold Down Pumps --
Divide Max. Set. Depth By 3

EXAMPLE: 1-3/4" RH Pump, Bot. Hldn., Carbon Steel

5000 Max. Set. Depth -- 18,000
Rec. Safety Set. Depth --9,000'

0
0 30 50 70 90 110 130 150
- INTERNAL -
Material Yield Strength (Thousand PSI)
 Barrel Tube Selection

C
ed

CP

C
P
C

C
C
C
riz

N
ar

ar

N
SS

ss

ss
bu

ss
ul

ul

l
ee
ra

ra
eg

eg

ra
ar

50

St
B

B
R

B
ROCKWELL HARDNESS 15 70 62 70 80B 70 *71 *71
None A A A A A A A A
None + Abrasion X A A A X A B B
Severe H2S X X X C A A A B
Severe H2S + Abrasion X X X X X A B B
Mild H2S C C X C B A A A
Mild H2S + Abrasion X X X C X A B B
Severe CO2 C C X B B B A B
Severe CO2 + Abrasion X C X X X B C B
Mild CO2 B B X B B B A A
Mild CO2 + Abrasion X B X X X B C B
Severe H2S + CO2 X X X C B C C B
Severe H2S + CO2 + Abrasion X X X X X C C B
Mild H2S + CO2 X X X C B B C B
Mild H2S + CO2 + Abrasion X X X X X B C B
Severe Brine B C B B A A A A
Severe Brine + Abrasion X C B X X A B B
Mild Brine B B A A A A A A
Mild Brine + Abrasion X B A X X A B B
Oxygen B B C B A A A A

"A" Material suitable under most conditions.

"B" Corrosion or erosion expected, but material may be suitable under some conditions.
"C" Corrosion or erosion usually too severe for successful use.
"X" Material not suitable for use.

*Nickel Carbide Coated barrels have a composite hardness of 71HRC due to the silicon carbide particles in the nickel matrix..
- INTERNAL -
 Plunger Selection

in

n
Pi
lP
y

el
ol

ke

on
M

ic
d

lM
e

lN
at

at

la

a
Pl

Pl

et

et

et
e

ym

ym

ym
m

m
ro

ro

ra

ra

ra
Ch

Ch

Sp

Sp

Sp
ROCKWELL HARDNESS 70 70 62 62 62
None A A A A A
None + Abrasion A A A A A
Severe H2S X X C A A
Severe H2S + Abrasion X X C A A
Mild H2S X X A A A
Mild H2S + Abrasion X X A A A
Severe CO2 X X C A A
Severe CO2 + Abrasion X X C A A
Mild CO2 B B A A A
Mild CO2 + Abrasion B B A A A
Severe H2S + CO2 X X X A A
Severe H2S + CO2 + Abrasion X X X A A
Mild H2S + CO2 X X B A A
Mild H2S + CO2 + Abrasion X X B A A
Severe Brine X X B A A
Severe Brine + Abrasion C C B A A
Mild Brine C C A A A
Mild Brine + Abrasion C C A A A
Oxygen C C B A A

"A" Material suitable under most conditions.

"B" Corrosion or erosion expected, but material may be suitable under some conditions.
"C" Corrosion or erosion usually too severe for successful use.
"X" Material not suitable for use.
- INTERNAL -
 Plunger Fit & Length Selection
The following recommendations are based upon years of experience in manufacturing and installation of subsurface
pumps. They are to be used as a guide in design of subsurface pumps.

Individual well conditions such as API gravity, Sand content, etc. must be considered in final plunger fit.

Maximum Plunger Fit

Size Fit Plunger Length Size Fit Plunger Length
1.06" & 1.25" -0.001" 2 ft. 2.25 & 2.50" -0.004" 2 ft.
1.50" -0.002" 2 ft. 2.75" & 3.75" -0.005" 2 ft.
1.75" & 2.00" -0.003" 2 ft. 4.75" & 5.75" -0.007" 2 ft.

Reduce fit (increase clearance) by -0.001" for each additional foot of length up to 4 ft.

Example: 2.25" x 3 ft. = -0.004" plus -0.01" = -0.005" fit

or
2.25" x 4 ft. = -0.004" plus -0.002" = -0.006 fit

Maximum Plunger Length

Well Producing Depth

Size 2,000' 3,000' 4,000' 5,000' 6,000' 7,000' 8,000'
1.06" 2' 2' 3' 3' 4' 4' 5'
1.25" 2' 2' 3' 3' 4' 4' 5'
1.50" 2' 2' 3' 3' 4' 4' 5'
1.75" 2' 2' 3' 3' 4' 4' 4'
2.00" 2' 2' 3' 3' 3' 4' 4'
2.25" 2' 2' 2' 3' 3' 4' 4'
2.50" 2' 2' 2' 3' 3' 3' -----
2.75" 2' 2' 2' 3' 3' ----- -----
3.75" 2' 2' 2' 2' ----- ----- -----
4.75" 2' 2' 2'
- INTERNAL
-----
-
----- ----- -----
5.75" 2' ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
 Ball & Seat Selection

l
t

al
l

a
al

Se
t

B
l

B
al

Se

e
b
B

de

de
at

id
l

ar
al

Se

35

44

bi

bi

itr
C
B

ar

ar

N
m
y

y
SS

SS

ic
lo

lo

n
u

am
co
al

al

ni
ng

ng
0C

0C

ex

ex

ta

er
li
Tu

Tu
44

44

Si
Ti
R

C
ROCKWALL HARDNESS 61 54 63 46 A89 A88 85 94 84
None A A A A A A A A A
None + Abrasion A A A A A A A A A
Severe H2S B B A A A A A A A
Severe H2S + Abrasion C C B B A A A A A
Mild H2S A A A A A A A A A
Mild H2S + Abrasion B B A A A A A A A
Severe CO2 A A A A A A A A A
Severe CO2 + Abrasion B B B B A A A A A
Mild CO2 A A A A A A A A A
Mild CO2 + Abrasion A A A A A A A A A
Severe H2S + CO2 B B A A A A A A A
Severe H2S + CO2 + Abrasion C C B B A A A A A
Mild H2S + CO2 A A A A A A A A A
Mild H2S + CO2 + Abrasion B B A A A A A A A
Severe Brine A A A A A A A A A
Mild Brine + Abrasion B B A A A A A A A
Oxygen A A A A A A A A A

"A" Material suitable under most conditions.

"B" Corrosion or erosion expected, but material may be suitable under some conditions.
"C" Corrosion or erosion usually too severe for successful use.
"X" Material not suitable for use.

- INTERNAL -
 Fitting Selection

None A A A A A A
None + Abrasion X A A A A A
Severe H2S X C C X B A
Severe H2S + Abrasion X C C X B A
Mild H2S B B B C B A
Mild H2S + Abrasion X B B C B A
Severe CO2 X X A A C A
Severe CO2 + Abrasion X X A A C A
Mild CO2 C C A A A A
Mild CO2 + Abrasion C C A A A A
Severe H2S + CO2 X X B X C A
Severe H2S + CO2 + Abrasion X X B X C A
Mild H2S + CO2 C C B C A A
Mild H2S + CO2 + Abrasion C C B C A A
Severe Brine X B B X B A
Mild Brine + Abrasion C B B B A A
Oxygen X C A A C A

"A" Material suitable under most conditions.

"B" Corrosion or erosion expected, but material may be suitable under some conditions.
"C" Corrosion or erosion usually too severe for successful use.
"X" Material not suitable for use. - INTERNAL -
 Spacing a Pump at the Wellsite

Steel Sucker Rod String

Fiberglass Sucker Rod String
2.0 x Footage of Steel Rods (ft)
= {1}
1,000 9.0 X Footage of Steel Rods (ft)
= {1}
1,000
2.0 x Seating Nipple Depth (ft)
= {2}
1,000 2.0 x Seating Nipple Depth (ft)
= {2}
1,000
Add { 1 } + { 2 } to get pump spacing off
bottom in inches. Rule of thumb. Add { 1 } + { 2 } to get pump spacing off

Steel Sucker Rod String

2.0 X 3,000 6,000

= = {6}
1,000 1,000

2.0 x 3,000 6,000

= = {6}
1,000 1,000

6" + 6" = 12" spaced off bottom

- INTERNAL -
How Important is Spacing ?
Hydrostatic
Pressure

@ 16" = 300#

@ 8" = 600#
2400#

@ 4" = 1200#

2400#

@ 2" = 2400#

Pump
Intake Pressure

- INTERNAL -
 Efficiencies of Sucker Rod Pumps

Theoretical Production:
Pump Constant x SPM x Surface Stroke Length
Actual Production:
Pump Constant x SPM x Net Plunger Stroke

Factors Causing Efficiency Losses

Rod Design: Stretch & Overtravel
Tubing: Anchored or Unanchored
Fluid Slippage: Viscosity, Pump Clearances, Pump Wear
Gas Interference: GOR & GLR

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 Pump Production Formula

Net Plunger Travel x SPM x Pump Constant

Pump Constants:

0.1316 = 1-1/16" 0.7285 = 2-1/2"

0.1821 = 1-1/4" 0.8814 = 2-3/4"
0.2622 = 1-1/2" 1.2310 = 3-1/4"
0.3569 = 1-3/4" 1.6390 = 3-3/4"
0.3695 = 1-25/32" 2.6297 = 4-3/4"
0.4662 = 2" 3.5258 = 5-1/2"
0.5901 = 2-1/4" 7.0006 = 7-3/4"

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- INTERNAL -
Observations at the Bleeder
for Sucker Rod Pumps

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Observations at the Bleeder
Suction on the Upstroke
Traveling Valve
Traveling Valve Assembly Leaking is not holding.
•Ball & Seat Leak
If the traveling assembly is •Ball bad
leaking, there will be a •Seat Bad

suction on the upstroke. •Cage Bad

This is caused by fluid

above the plunger rushing
downward to fill the area in
the pump chamber that is
vacated by the plunger as it
moves upward. - INTERNAL -
Observations at the Bleeder

Suction on the Upstroke

Rod Part (Tubing Partially Full of Fluid)

On the upstroke, the polish rod will

move up and out of the tubing which
can create a suction.

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Observations at the Bleeder
Blow on the Upstroke &
Suction on the Downstroke
Standing
Valve is not
Standing Valve Leaking holding.
•Ball & Seat Leak
If the standing valve is leaking •Ball bad
the rod pump will not displace •Seat Bad
fluid. It will take fluid into the •Cage Bad

pump chamber on the

upstroke, then release it back
into the well bore on the
downstroke. The fluid above
the traveling valve will ride up
and down with each stroke of
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the unit.
Observations at the Bleeder
Blow on the Upstroke &
Suction on the Downstroke

Gas Interference or “Gas Lock”

When gas interferes, the fluid and

gas in the pump chamber can not be
compressed to open the traveling
valve on the downstroke. At the
same time the gas/fluid mixture
maintains enough pressure to keep
the standing valve closed which
prevents more fluid from entering
the pump. The fluid above the
traveling valve will ride up and down
with each stroke of the unit. - INTERNAL -
 Observations at the Bleeder
Blow on the Upstroke &
Suction on the Downstroke

Well is “Pumped Off”

Pumped off is very similar to “Gas
Locked” at the bleeder. Fluid above the
traveling valve rides up and down with Incomplete
the unit. It is possible to encounter a Fillage in
“fluid pound” situation. The pump will the Pump
appear to be tagging even if it is Chamber
properly spaced. This can occur when
the lower chamber of the pump is only
partially filled with fluid. The traveling
valve is held closed with the hydrostatic
load, and on the downstroke it will slam
into the fluid above the standing valve.-
- INTERNAL
Observations at the Bleeder
Suction on the Upstroke
and Downstroke

Tubing Leaking
Tubing Leak
If the pump is operating
properly, on the
upstroke the plunger will
lift a column of fluid
toward the surface.
With a tubing leak, the
fluid will dump into the
annulus creating a
suction at the bleeder.
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Observations at the Bleeder
Blow on the Upstroke
and Downstroke

Flowing Well
This is a characteristic of a
well that flows the tubing dry
from pressure from the Formation
formation. When the Pressure
formation pressure is great
enough to overcome the
hydrostatic load on the
traveling valve, it will keep
both the traveling and
standing valves in the open
position.
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Observations at the Bleeder

Suction on the Upstroke and

Blow on the Downstroke

Rods Parted (Tubing is Full Of Fluid)

The suction is created when the polish
rod moves up and out of the tubing.
The blow occurs as the polish rod
moves down and into the fluid held in
the tubing.
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 Summary of
Observations at the Bleeder
 Suction on the Upstroke:
 Traveling Valve is Leaking.
 Rods Parted (Tubing partially full of Fluid).
 Blow on the Upstroke & Suction on the Downstroke:
 Standing Valve is Leaking.
 Gas Interference or “Gas Lock”.
 Well is Pumped Off.
 Suction on the Upstroke & Downstroke:
 Tubing is Leaking.
 Blow on the Upstroke and Downstroke:
 Well is trying to Flow.
 Suction on the Upstroke & Blow on the Downstroke:
 Sucker rods are parted (Tubing is Full of Fluid).
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Care & Handling of
Subsurface Pumps

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 Care & Handling of
Subsurface Pumps
Subsurface pumps are built with precision
components. The barrel and plunger are measured in
thousandths of an inch. The OD and ID of the pump
can have plating or coatings that can be damaged with
improper handling practices. A pumps efficiency and
run life can be effected by the way a pump is handled.
Is everyone that handles your pump aware what a
subsurface pump can cost?

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 Care & Handling of
Subsurface Pumps

Pump Storage at the Pump Shop

 The pump should have waterproof wrapping on

both ends and an identification tag secured .
 Pumps should be stored in a single layer on
horizontal racks.
 Supports should be spaced no more than six feet
apart.

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 Care & Handling of
Subsurface Pumps
Transportation by the Pump Shop

 Pumps with a barrel tube of 24’ or shorter may be

transported on the side of a vehicle.
 Pumps with a barrel tube longer than 24’ will be
transported on a trailer.
 There will be a minimum of three supports on the
vehicle, and each will be used to secure the pump.

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 Care & Handling of
Subsurface Pumps
Storage of the Pump on Location

 Pumps should have the waterproof wrapping on

both ends and stored on some type of horizontal
support.
 The supports should be similar in spacing to
pumps stored in the pump shop.
 Remember to never stack other equipment such
as sinker bars, polish rod and liner, and sucker
rods on top of the pump.
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 Care & Handling of
Subsurface Pumps
Running the Pump

 If the pump barrel is 20’ or longer, it is suggested that a pick

up clamp be used by the crew.
 Do not drag the bottom of the pump when it is being lifted by
the elevators.
 Longer pumps should be supported by the sand line being
attached in the middle of the pump.
 Gas anchors should be made up while the pump is in the
vertical position using a clamp on the gas anchor for safety.
 Adjustable wrenches are preferred over pipe wrenches in
making up the top and bottom connections of the pump.
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