Technical and Economical Optimization

of the Performance of Sucker Rod

Pumping System
By

Dr. Shedid A. Shedid, Professor*

Published in:
Petroleum Technology Development Journal (ISSN 1595-9104)
An International Journal

July 2012 - Vol. 2; No 2

Petroleum Technology Development Journal (ISSN 1595-9104): An International Journal; July 2012 - Vol. 2 1
 Abstract
Although the beam pumping system is considered the oldest and the most popular artificial lift
method, there is still an argument in the research and industry about application of long stroke
length with slow speed or short stroke length with high speed. The main objective of this study is
to provide an answer by investigating technically and economically the performance of sucker-
rod pumping with respect to stroke length (S) and pumping speed (N). The optimizing process is
based on maximizing production efficiency and minimizing operating costs. Actual well and
reservoir data of McElroy field are used to determine the optimal operating conditions of stroke
length and pumping speed on the southeastern tip of the central Permian basin.

The attained results indicated that using higher pumping speeds exert long-term stress and
frictional efficiency losses on the beam pumping system that increases capital depreciation
causing long-term financial losses on the operating system. The results also proved that
application of long-stroke pumping units with lower pumping speeds results in similar short-term
operating costs to a conventional unit with a lower stroke length and high pumping speed.
However, a conclusion can be drawn that over the long-term the application of long-stroke with
low-speed provides the best durability due to its financial and mechanical advantage for the
beam pumping unit.

1. Introduction and Review

World energy crisis makes the optimum selection and operating of the oil field production
equipment imperative. This is certainly very important for oil field pumping units, especially for
the developed/depleted wells. It is essential to optimize the pumping unit performance according
to the well conditions as accurate as possible. In the mean time, it is equally important to operate
the pumping unit within its optimum rate and speed to avoid the costly downtime due to
breakdown. This means obtaining a better understanding of the important factors affecting the
pump performance such as the influence of the stroke length and suitable speed, on both the
pump flow rate and expenses.

The purpose of the artificial lift methods is to maintain a reduced bottom-hole pressure so that
the producing formation can provide the desired flow rate of reservoir fluids. There are many
artificial lift systems 1 currently applicable in the petroleum industry. These systems include: (1)
Sucker rod pumping (Beam pumping), (2) Gas lift, (3) Electrical submersible pumping, (4)
Hydraulic (Piston and Jet) pumping, (5) progressive cavity pumping, (6) Plunger (Free-piston)

* Professor, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Petroleum Engineering, British University, Cairo,

Egypt
1
Gibbs, S. G., Predicting the Behavior of a Sucker Rod Pumping System, SPE Reprint Series, No. 12,
published by the Society of Petroleum Engineers of AIME, Edition of (1975), pp. 13-22. Brown, K. E.,
:The Technology of Artificial Lift Methods :, Vol. 2a, Pennwell Publishing Co., Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
(1980), p. 30. Nind, T. E. W. :Principles of Oil Well Production: McGraw-Hill Book Company, Second
Edition, New York, Chapter 9, (1981), P. 240-58.

Petroleum Technology Development Journal (ISSN 1595-9104): An International Journal; July 2012 - Vol. 2 2
lift, and (7) Other methods such as: Ball-pump and Gas-actuated pump. The beam pumping
system is the most popular artificial lift system all over the world since it represents more than
80 % of all artificially lifted wells.

The Beam pumping systems are recognized as the most widely applied mean of artificial lift
worldwide. About 75% of the one million wells utilizing artificial lift are run with a sucker-rod
pump. The popularity of this system is attributed to its durability, simplicity, and flexibility.

Considering beam pumping has maintained and is expected to continue its dominance as the
premier form of artificial lift, continuous optimization of the system plays an integral and
important role in maximizing production. The unit geometry and mechanics, downhole
assembly, and pump mechanism are critical components that must be functioning at optimal
levels for effective operations.

2. Beam Pumping System

A beam pumping system, Fig. 1, has various main components (Rowlan et al, 2007) as follows:
1. Prime mover- It is a gas or electric motor, carrying no more than half of the fluid load
provided by the pump on the upstroke;
2. Gearbox: It manages the loading of the system on up and down stroke transferred to prime
mover as the source of power for rotational motion of system;
3. Crank arms- connected to the gearbox transferring rotational motion to the vertical motion of
the of the sucker-rod downhole via the walking beam;
4. Counterweights- positioned on the crank arms ensuring a balanced unit to apply only half of
the fluid load to the prime mover;
5. Carrier Bar- Carrying the entire fluid load and weight of rods while clamped to polished
rod, which holds sucker-rods;
6. Sucker-rods- link between the carrier bar and the pump downhole at typically 30ft/joint;
7. Stuffing Box- rubber packing on surface to prevent fluid leak and maintain lubricated
polished rod for smooth translational movement;
8. Belts and Sheaves- provide rotational motion from flywheel to gearbox and should be
properly tightened to prevent wear as well as protected with a belt guard.

Fig. 1- Beam Pumping Unit (courtesy: Rowlan et al, 2007)

Petroleum Technology Development Journal (ISSN 1595-9104): An International Journal; July 2012 - Vol. 2 3
2.1 Types of Beam Pumping System
Ghareeb and Shedid (2007) indicated that there are three main beam pumping types/structures,
each one holding its own advantages and disadvantages, Fig. 2. The first type is the
conventional pumping unit is the most widely used surface structure, acting as the modern
version of the crank counter-balanced unit of 1926. Such a unit can be rotated clockwise as well
as counterclockwise with roughly similar efficiencies in both directions operating efficiently
between 0-3000 ft of depth. The second type is the Mark II pumping unit, which is known for
creating more uniform torque and less peak torque, limiting strain on the mechanical system. The
third type is the Reverse Mark pumping unit, which contains a phased counterbalance with 190
degrees of crank rotation on the upstroke and a 170 degree rotation to complete the down stroke
allowing for lower peak torque and less energy consumption.

Conventional unit Mark II Conventional Mark II Reverse

Fig. 2- Types of Beam Units (courtesy: Lufkin Industries)

Fig. 3- Sucker-Rod Pump (courtesy: University of Texas at Austin)

Petroleum Technology Development Journal (ISSN 1595-9104): An International Journal; July 2012 - Vol. 2 4
2.2 Sucker Rod Pump
Brown (1982 and Rowlan et al, 2 indicated that the sucker-rod pump, shown in Fig. 3 consists of
several components including:
1. Pump Barrel - attached to the internal production tubing of the well housing the remaining
pumping unit;
2. Plunger - travels vertically utilizing pressure differences to transfer fluid from below the
standing valve into the pump chamber and to tubing for surface production via traveling
valve;
3. Standing Valve - a static valve positioned at the bottom section of the pump transferring fluid
from well into pump chamber;
4. Traveling Valve - located above the standing valve and pump chamber moving vertically
with the sucker-rods acting to hold fluid in chamber and also bring fluid to surface on the
upstroke.

2.2.1 Action of Sucker Rod Pump

The action of the sucker-rod pump is presented in Figure 4 through a dynamometer card,
assisting the following detailed explanation as shown by Rowlan et al 3. It is important to note
that a beam pumping system converts the rotational motion on the surface to a vertical lifting
mechanism of the rod string and downhole plunger unit. This motion has an identifiable upstroke
and down stroke. The dynamometer conveys the plunger as its lowest position as point A. The
explanation begins at this point and transitioning through one complete cycle as follows:
1. At point A, the standing and traveling valves are both closed.
2. The path from point A to point B transition consists of the rods fully extended (stretch out) to
transfer the fluid load from the tubing to the rod string. As this occurs, the pressure inside the
pump starts to decrease; gas will expand from the tubing discharge pressure to below the
pump intake pressure.
3. At point B, the standing valve will open allowing fluid to enter from the tubing into the
chamber as a result of pressure differential from higher tubing pressure to below the pump
intake pressure.
4. The path from point B to point C transition consists of rods carrying fluid to surface line in
addition to reservoir fluid flowing into the pump downhole.
5. At point C, the down stroke begins and the standing valve will close halting fluid intake. The
traveling valve will remain closed at the start of the down stroke until pump pressure rises
above tubing discharge pressure.
6. The path from point C to point D transition consists of the plunger moving downward with gas
compressed as pressure within the pump increases on the fluid until is rises above tubing
discharge pressure, at which point the traveling valve will open.
7. At point D, the traveling valve opens allowing fluid to flow upward
8. The path from point D to point A transition consists of fluid moving from the pump and into
the tubing as the standing valve remains closed ensuring the fluid remains in the tubing during
this upward pressure differential induced upward movement.

2
Rowlan, L.O., Lea, J.F., McCoy, J.N., Overview of Beam Pump Operations, SPE 110234, The 2007
Annual SPE Annual Technical Conference Exhibition, Anaheim, CA, U.S.A., 11-14 November, 2007.
3
Ibid
Petroleum Technology Development Journal (ISSN 1595-9104): An International Journal; July 2012 - Vol. 2 5
 Fig. 4-Downhole Pump Dynamometer Card (courtesy: Echometer, 2003)

2.2.2. Design of Beam Pumping System

Several considerations should be made when designing the sucker-rod artificial lift system for a
specific well. Stroke length, strokes per minute (spm), rod string design, pump setting depth, and
plunger diameter are the main parameters for the pump design. Depending on the well, several
combinations are capable of producing identical pump displacement without overloading the
pumping system. 4 In addition, to maintain efficient production rates and energy consumption the
unit should be properly balanced, the pump should appropriately match fluid loads, no gas
interference should be present, and motor size is expected to suit the well load with an efficiency
of >50%.
2.2.3. Best Practices of Beam Pump Design
Along with design specifications, the following best practices should be noted to maximize
production and increase lifecycle of unit. 5 Typically, beam pumping units are appropriate for
lower to moderate volume (< 1000 BPD) wells at moderate depths (<10000ft). Rods must be
properly protected from corrosion and erosion threats in such adverse environments (ie.H2S
presence). Scale and Paraffin present can severely harm the operations of a sucker-rod system
leading to clogging and mechanical failures within the pump itself, if a problem persists.
Furthermore, free gas escaping solution if intake pressure is low enough causes a drop in
volumetric efficiency figures. Fluid levels should remain high within the well to ensure
protection from fluid pound, mechanical damages, and possible energy inefficiencies. Deviated
and horizontal wells are not compatible with sucker-rod systems, as problems arise with rod-
protectors in addition to rotating rod tools. Sand production can create clogging and erosion
difficulties with the downhole pump unless specific sand-proof pumps are utilized; noting that
such technology has come about only very recently as with be elaborated on further in this
review.

4
Ibid and Brown, K.E., Technology of Artificial Lift Methods, Petroleum Publishing Co., Tulsa, OK,
1984, Volume 4, pp. 230-47.
5
Byrd, J.P., Pumping Deep Wells with a Beam and Sucker Rod System, SPE 6436, The Drilling and
Production Symposium of the SPE, Amarillo, Texas, 17-19 April, 1977. Rowlan, L.O., Lea, J.F.,
McCoy, J.N., Overview of Beam Pump Operations, SPE 110234, The 2007 Annual SPE Annual
Technical Conference Exhibition, Anaheim, CA, U.S.A., 11-14 November, 2007. Hirschfeldt, M.,
Martinez, P., Fernando, D., Artificial-Lift Systems Overview and Evolution in a Mature Basin: Case
Study of Golfo San Jorge, SPE 108054, The SPE Latin American and Caribbean Petroleum Engineering
Conference, Buenos Aires, Argentina, 11-15 April, 2007

Petroleum Technology Development Journal (ISSN 1595-9104): An International Journal; July 2012 - Vol. 2 6
2.2.4. A. Advantages of Beam Pumping System
With a detailed look at beam units above, numerous professionals have concretely established
several advantages of the sucker-rod beam pumping system 6 follows:
1) Simple design and easily operated by field specialists without extensive training
2) Easily interchangeable between wells with changing conditions at minimum cost
3) Can be applied to small-diameter wells with multiple completions
4) Capable of lifting viscous fluids at high temperatures
5) Has flexibility with prime mover selection- gas or electric motor
6) Unique in ability to produce well down to very low pressures while maintaining
economical production rates
7) Maintenance work easily performed (i.e. Scale, corrosion treatment)
8) Production automatable and analyzable real-time without frequent on-site personnel
9) Flexibility with downhole pump sizing to adapt with changing economical production
rates

2.2.4. B. Disadvantages of Beam Pumping System

Despite the extensive advantages backing the utilization of beam units, disadvantages have been
experienced over the past few decades as well 7:
1) Depth has historically been an issue > 12000ft, mainly due to rod capabilities
2) Deviated and horizontal wells create inherent difficulties from the rod string, even with
rod rotators and roller-rod protectors
3) Gas production severely limits volumetric efficiency, due to dependence on pump
pressure mechanics to lift fluids to surface
4) Susceptible to paraffin and asphaltene presence (i.e. mechanical failures)
5) Limitations of downhole pump design with small-diameter wells

2.2.5. Efficiency and Power Loss of the Beam Pumping System

Typical inefficiencies of the system are summarized by Antoniolli and Stocco 8 to be:
1) Downhole losses
a. Pump losses:
(i) Mechanical friction- Sucker-rod barrel and plunger, and
(ii) hydraulic losses- improperly sized valves
b. Losses in Rod String: mechanical Friction- rod string rubbing on inside tubing wall
and from within the stuffing box (typically on a very small scale)
6
Byrd, Ibid; Rowlan, Ibid; Brown, K.E., Overview of Artificial Lift Systems, Journal of Petroleum
Technology, October 1982, pp.2384-96. Guirados, C., Sandoval, J., Rivas, O., and Troconis, H.,
Production Optimization of Sucker Rod Pumping Wells Producing Viscous oil in Boscan Field,
Venezuala, SPE 29536, The Production Operation Symposium, Oklahoma City, OK 1995.

7
Brown, K.E., Overview of Artificial Lift Systems, Journal of Petroleum Technology, October 1982, pp.2384-
96. Ghareeb, M., Shedid, S.A., Beam Pumping System for Deep & High Volume Wells,, Technology and
Solutions, Egypt Oil and Gas, February, 2007. Guarados et al, op. cit
8
Antoniolli, M., Stocco, A., Long Stroke Pumping System Improves the Energy Efficiency of the Production,
SPE 108122, The Latin American and Caribbean Petroleum Engineering Conference, Buenos Aires, Argentina,
15-18 April, 2007.

Petroleum Technology Development Journal (ISSN 1595-9104): An International Journal; July 2012 - Vol. 2 7
 c. Losses in Liquid Column:
(i) Liquid Friction-within the tubing-rod annulus,
(ii) Wellhead Pressure- creates more power loss on downhole dynamics, and
(iii) Damping- forces opposing motion of rod string, mainly from viscous forces of
well fluids
2) Surface Losses
a. Losses in drive train: mechanical Friction- sourced from structural bearings, gearbox,
and V-belts and sheaves
b. Prime Mover losses: mechanical losses- friction within structural bearings of motor

3. Field Overview
The McElroy field was discovered is 1926 along the southeastern border of the central Permian
basin platform, roughly 30 miles south of Midland, Texas, USA. The reservoir structure is an
asymmetrical anticline with the eastern portion falling off as a dip that leads into the Midland
basin. Moreover, the field covers over 17,000 acres of land. The McElroy field has a 160-ft thick
pay zone of the Permian-aged, dolomite composed Grayburg formation. Average drilling depth
is roughly 2900 ft.

Production levels peaked at 22 MBOPD early in 1974 with an additional peak in the early 1990s
due to a 10-acre spacing infill program. Waterflood has stimulated the vast majority of
production, having begun in 1948 and becoming an expanded full-field operation by 1966.
Currently, the McElroy field is producing 10 MBOPD and over 300 MBWPD with such a large
waterflood operation. Artificial lift dominates the production mechanism of the field with over
632 producing wells as of August 2008. Beam pumping covers over 90% of the fields artificial
lift followed by ESPs and a few Rotaflex units.

The flexibility and reliability of the beam pumping system has enabled to maintain its dominance
throughout the McElroy field and as production rates are relatively low per well, such a system
produces high quality results while minimizing costs. Moreover, several wells have been
producing for over 30 to 40 years with consistency, without TA or SI time, providing reliable
and highly comparable wells for this study of optimizing production through the variables of
stroke length and pumping speed 9.

4. System Design Considerations

Two wells are analyzed and optimal performance is determined with respect to maintaining
production levels and minimizing operating costs. This study is completed with the use of
Petroleum Production System, PPS, 10 predictive artificial lift software to analyze the effects on
power and operating cost as well as with a derived equation set, detailed in appendix A, to
determine effects of PPRL.

9
McElroy Field Description- Fact Sheet. McElroy team, Chevron USA. PowerPoint presentation, 2007.
10
Economides, M. J., Daniel-Hill, A., and Economides, C. E., Petroleum Production Systems, Prentice Hall
Petroleum Eng Series, 1993.

Petroleum Technology Development Journal (ISSN 1595-9104): An International Journal; July 2012 - Vol. 2 8
Applied well conditions are listed in Table 1, outlining the range of working conditions for this
study. Moreover, several consistent factors were established between all tested wells:
1. In all cases, tubing was anchored, therefore no tubing stretch was observed.
2. GOR was negligible, therefore 100% fluid production was considered.
3. All wells are operating from a conventional beam pumping unit.
4. Depth is in the range of 2500-2800ft for real field data wells
5. API gravity is in the range of 32-35.

To achieve the optimal performance, tests were completed to determine power, peak polished
rod load (PPRL), and electricity costs with respect to stroke length (S) and pumping speed (N).
All other design criteria remained constant in both the derived equation set and PPS analysis.

This study was achieved to answer the question of is it better to apply high speed with long
stroke length or low speed with high stroke length? The goal of this study was to optimize the
mechanics of the unit for maximum fluid production. Currently, these two variables are at center
stage of industry research, while experts search for an answer which will show the optimal
relationship with respect to optimal performance. For the purpose of this investigation, optimal
performance is measured on two levels:
1) Maintaining an optimal level of production- defined by the capability of each well
involved in the case study, and
2) Minimizing operating costs from a short and long term perspective.

5. Results and Discussion

5.1 Effects of stroke length on Power and PPRL
Through the petroleum production system (PPS) analysis, pumping speed of the well was kept at
a constant rate while stroke length was varied to achieve optimal pumping rates from 100 stb/day
to 1000stb/day. A linear relationship is depicted in Fig. 5 with respect to stroke length and prime
mover power.

Petroleum Technology Development Journal (ISSN 1595-9104): An International Journal; July 2012 - Vol. 2 9
 25
S hp = 0.0238(Q) + 0.2278 N hp = 0.0242(Q) + 0.1139
20
Prime Moevr Power (hp)

15

10
Prime Mover Power constant
pumping speed
5
Prime mover power constant stroke
length
0
0 200 400 600 800 1000
Production Rate (bfpd)

Fig. 5. Prime Mover Power versus S & N of field data.

It is clear from resulting graphical relationships in Fig.6 that stroke length has a direct linear
relationship with the peak polished rod load. In sharp contrast to the effects of pumping speed,
stroke length can be increased with minimal increases in the PPRL on the beam pumping system.

900
N y = 0.9105x + 4.282
800

700 S y = 0.8936x + 8.5641

Electricity Costs ($/month)

600

500

400

300
Electricity costs constant pumping
200
speed
100 Electricity costs constant stroke length

0
0 200 400 600 800 1000
Production Rate (bfpd)

Fig. 6: Electricity Costs ($/month) versus S & N of field data.

Petroleum Technology Development Journal (ISSN 1595-9104): An International Journal; July 2012 - Vol. 2 10
5.3 Effects of pumping speed on Power

From Fig. 5 analysis, an almost identical power relationship exists between pumping speed and
the prime mover power as that of stroke length. Again, the same method was used to optimize
production rates keeping stroke length constant and varying pumping speed to achieve the result,
which yielded a specific required hp by the systems power unit.

5.4 Effects of pumping speed on PPRL

Pumping speed carries a quadratic relationship with PPRL as also viewed from Fig. 6. In terms
of loading and wear and tear on the system, increasing pumping speed has drastic consequences
as it very sensitively affects the load on the polished rod.

5.5 Effect of Pumping Speed and Stroke length on Electricity Costs

As observed in Fig. 7, Pumping speed carries a direct relationship with respect to electricity
costs. This is expected considering the linear relationship between horsepower requirements and
following power supply brought to the system.

Fig. 7 also shows a direct relationship between electricity costs and stroke length. Such a
relationship allows the development of a thought that operating costs from an electricity
standpoint will be identical whether using pumping speed or stroke length to alter production
rates.

PPRL vs N (S=120in) PPRL vs N (S=140in) PPRL vs N (S=160in)

PPRL vs N (S=180in) PPRL vs S (N=5spm) PPRL vs S (N=10spm)
PPRL vs S (N=15spm) PPRL vs S (N=20spm)

Stroke Length (in)

0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240 260 280 300 320
15000.0

14000.0

13000.0

PPRL (lbs)12000.0

11000.0

10000.0

9000.0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32
Pumping Speed (spm)

Fig.7. PPRL vs S & N of field data.

Petroleum Technology Development Journal (ISSN 1595-9104): An International Journal; July 2012 - Vol. 2 11
5.7 Considerations of two general cases

From the previous equation set and Petroleum Production System (PPS) analysis of PPRL,
horsepower requirements, and electricity costs, it is clear that pumping speed and stroke length
play a very important role in optimizing the efficiency and production associated with a beam
pumping system. The graphical analysis shows that pumping speed only carries a non-linear
relationship will respect to PPRL. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the implications of two
general cases with respect to the efficiency and expected power losses of the system and whether
they are reduced or increased based on pumping speed and stroke length.

5.8 Considering the two general cases

5.8.1 Long stroke length, Low pumping speed

With respect to the inefficiencies mentioned above, a long stroke length with a low pumping
speed carries several advantages. Firstly, production optimization is maintained as the longer
stroke length enables more fluid to be brought to surface on each cycle.

Moreover, along with maintaining production levels low pumping speed is said to increase the
life span of the unit, decrease wear and tear of the units parts, and decrease the frequency of
maintenance of a beam pump. In addition to these benefits, a longer stroke length is known to
actually increase production as a result of providing for uniform polished rod movement.

This uniform polished rod movement and slower motion of the unit will decrease turbulent flow
of fluids into the pump barrel, maintain steady flow of hydrocarbons, and decrease the frictional
losses in power on all mechanical motion of the beam pumping downhole and surface
equipment 11.

5.8.2 Short stroke length, High pumping speed

Three of the main disadvantages associated with a high pumping speed are fluid pound, gas lock,
and cavitations within the pump. Such occurrences are detrimental to maintaining steady
production, usually harm downhole mechanisms, and severely decrease the efficiency with
which a sucker-rod pump can bring fluids to surface.

In addition, a high pumping speed leads to faster rod contraction reduces its life span, and also
increases torque on the gear reducer due to faster accelerations to complete more strokes per
minute. In theory, these disadvantages are well-founded and established in industry12.

11
Ewing, R.D., Long Stroke Pumping Unit, SPE 3186, Annual California Regional Meeting of the Society of
Petroleum Engineers of AIME, Santa Barbara, CA, U.S.A., 28-30 October, 1970.
12
Von Hollen, D.G., Newton, S.K., Pumping Unit Optimization, SPE 36081, Fourth Latin American and
Caribbean Petroleum Engineering Conference, Port-of-Spain, Trinadad & Tobago, 23-26 April, 1996

Petroleum Technology Development Journal (ISSN 1595-9104): An International Journal; July 2012 - Vol. 2 12
However, in most situations as also seen in this case study of two beam pumping wells on the
McElroy field the marginal benefits of maintaining a high stroke length and lower pumping
speed are not capitalized on due to belief in the fact that higher pumping speed will produce
more fluid. As seen from graphs two and three, this is clearly not the situation as pumping speed
increases production rates at a proportional rate with reference to stroke length while prime
mover power must also be increased to maintain increasing production levels.

6. Conclusions

Based up the conducted analysis, evaluation, and achieved simulation research using actual data
of the McElroy field, the following conclusions can be drawn:
1. The application of long-stroke length with lower pumping speeds for sucker rod pumping
units has resulted in similar operating costs to the same unit operated at shorter stroke
length with high pumping speed for a short tem application. However, over the long-term
application, the long-stroke with low-speed produces the best financial and mechanical
advantages for the beam pumping unit.
2. The use of higher pumping speeds exerts long-term stress and frictional efficiency losses
on the beam pumping system, which increases capital depreciation. Consequently, this
results in long-term financial losses on the operating system.
3. The change of pumping speed has shown an important and strong effect on loading and
stress of the beam pumping unit. This leads to various inefficiencies and creates a
financial loss in the long run.
4. The pumping speed and stroke length have shown very similar linear relationships with
the consumed electricity cost. Furthermore, the cost of running a beam unit using
electricity represents almost over 40% of field operating costs these days.

Nomenclature
Ap = Area of pump plunger, square inch
Atr = Cross-sectional area of top section of rod, square inch
K = Pump constant
Wr = Weight of the rod string, lb
Wf = Weight of the fluid, lb
a = Maximum stress on rods at top of string
SF = Service Factor
T = minimum tensile strength for the rods
S = Stroke length, inch
N = Pumping speed, stroke/min (spm)
PPRL = Peak Polished Rod Load, lb
TA = Temporarily Abandoned
SI = Shut In

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Appendix A

Table 1- Well Data for Field wells

Well CM470P Well CM67

Unit Type Conventional Conventional
Pump Type Insert Insert
Rod String Norris 90, tapered Norris 90, tapered
Surface Rod Diameter
[in] 1 1
Plunger size [in] 2.25 2.25
Oil Service Factor 0.9 0.9
Stroke length/S [in] 123 168
Pumping speed/N [spm] 6.91 5.54
Crank-to-pitman ratio 0.33 0.33
API oil gravity 32 32
Pump Depth 2651 2777
Tensile Strength (min)
[psi] 9.00E+04 1.15E+05
PPRL [lbs] 1.13E+04 1.65E+04
Production [bfpd] 176 398

Table 2- Sample Data Set for PPS Analysis

Well: CM470P
Length of Rod String/ L [ft] 2600
Rod Diameter/ D_r [in] 1
Rod Weight/ D_r [lb/ft] 2.5
Plunger diameter/ D_p [in] 2.25
Tubing I.D. [in] 2.441
Tubing O.D. [in] 2.875
Efficiency of pump/ E_v 75%
Young's Modulus/ E 3.E+07
Liquid specific gravity/ 0.85
Depth of liquid level H [ft] 2550
Surface tubing pressure [psi] 50
Safety factor 0.9
Formation factor 1.1

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Table 3: Sample Data Set for Derived Equation

Well: CM470P
Unit Type Conventional
Pump Type Insert
Rod String Grade K, tapered
Surface Rod Diameter [in] 1
Plunger size [in] 2.25
Oil Service Factor 0.9
Stroke length/S [in] 123
Pumping speed/N [spm] 6.91
Crank-to-pitman ratio 0.33
API oil gravity 32
Pump Depth 2651
Tensile Strength (min) [psi] 9.00E+04
PPRL [lbs] 1.13E+04
Production [bfpd] 1.76E+02

Table 4: Power and Electricity Requirements vs S & N

Resulting Calculated Data:

1
A_p [in^2] 3.976
A_tr [in^2] 0.785
K [in^2] 0.590
W_r [lbs] 5807
W_f 4426
2 Q vs N
3 Q vs S
4 PPRL vs N
5 PPRL vs S

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Well: CM470P @ 6.91spm
Prime Mover Power (hp) Electricity Costs ($/ month) Production Rate (bfpd) Stroke Length
2.5 94 100 43
5 188 200 79
7.4 278 300 114
9.8 368 400 150
12 451 500 186
14.7 553 600 222
17.1 643 700 257
18.7 703 800 293
21.8 820 900 329
24.2 910 1000 365

Well: CM470P @123in

Prime Mover Power (hp) Electricity Costs ($/ month) Production Rate Pumping Speed
2.5 94 100 2
4.9 184 200 4
7.4 278 300 6
9.8 368 400 8
12.3 462 500 11
14.7 553 600 13
17.1 643 700 15
19.5 733 800 17
21.8 820 900 18
24.2 910 1000 20

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