Presenters
Robert H. Gault, Rod Pumping Consultant
Current API RPllL rod taper percentages are based on empirical formulas which were used to simplify the system calculations so that they could be made manually. The trend toward deeper, high volume pumping has resulted in higher rod loads and stresses so more accurate taper percentages are needed* The availability of the personal computer now makes it possible to design accurate rod tapers for each individual well. This paper presents a method for the determination-of rod stresses in the intermediate tapers of the rod string and an improved criteria for taper design.