Walter Phillips, WANSCO
Nick Hooper, Continental Resources
Justin Bates, Echometer Company
Rod rotators are designed to distribute wear evenly around the circumference of sucker rods. However, in practice, rods, guides, and couplings frequently develop flat spots on one side, indicating uneven rotation. The industry has not adequately studied the implications of this condition on the entire pumping system. Instead, solutions have focused on implementing higher torque rotators or positive engagement mechanisms to force rod rotation. These solutions are not driven by comprehensive data and outcomes, but by the assumption that when it is rotating at surface, everything must be fine downhole.
This paper applies to wells where:
• Rods, couplings, or rod guides wear flat on one or more sides
• Rotators appear functional at surface but uneven wear patterns persist
• Excessive torque is present on the rods (i.e. during a workover or re-spacing)