Paper: The Beam Pumping Design Chain

There are six basic API Loads critical to beam pumping. These loads interact during a complete pumping cycle. Fortunately these loads can be measured and compared against their respective counterparts. A building block approach which combines these basic loads aids in diagnosing operating and design problems. Standing and traveling valve actions tend to follow a fairly definite pattern during a normal pumping cycle. When abnormal pumping conditions occur, these valves may not conform to their respective normal patterns of opening and closing. A dynamometer is a useful instrument which can be used to record specific loads generated during the pumping cycle. Certain pumping equipment malfunctions can be diagnosed by interpreting dynamometer cards. Normal and abnormal valve action can also be detected using the principles associated with dynamometer card interpretation. There are many basic components which must be considered when designing or operating beam pumping equipment. These must be in harmony with each other to have a relatively trouble free pumping operation. When one of these components malfunctions or is changed, it may be necessary to change other parts of the system to maintain the desired relationship. Certain operating parameters can be established to promote optimum operating conditions. The use of dimensionless speeds, dimensionless loads and acceleration factors aids in determining the most trouble free portion of the beam pumping "operating window." It is equally important to operate the equipment with proper counterbalance. Over-pumping a well can aggravate an otherwise properly counterbalanced operation. In these situations it is necessary to bring the well outflow into a satisfactory relationship with the well inflow. Redesigning the producing equipment is one way to accomplish that objective. When changing the producing equipment might not be the practical thing to do, intermitting the pumping cycle is another often used and satisfactory method.