R.K. Ivey
Inefficiencies in sucker rod pumping systems due to gas interference are major concerns for petroleum producing companies throughout the world. This paper describes an innovative cage design that is based on years of exposure to sucker rod pump inspection and repair from many varied field conditions and on compression and flow comparison testing. Observance of results obtained from working closely with the Alberta Research Council in Edmonton Alberta on numerous projects specifically related to conventional, thermal, vertical and horizontal sucker rod pumping was also influential. The creative cage design addresses the two features that are absolutely key to good standing cage performance. These two features are (I) high compression capability and (2) large flow capacity. The equipment used to perform the flow and compression testing allowed actual visual observation. The tests compared many different cage designs and demonstrated how those design differences affected cage performance.