Presenters
J.P. Byrd, Lufkin Industries Inc.
A faster downstroke in a beam and sucker rod pumping system, traditionally considered unfavorable to the best production practices, may have some surprising, beneficial side effects not readily apparent to the casual observer. This particular kinematic characteristic may increase productivity in several ways; reduce peak rod and structural load and maximum rod stress; deliver more safe work to the bottomhole pump; and in some cases even decrease rod load range and soften the impact resulting from fluid and gas pound. The following discussion illuminates some aspects of this often misunderstood characteristic of reverse geometry units like the air balance and Mark II.