Ernest W. Stokey, Johnston Testers, Inc.
Lifting problems in producing wells can drastically cut the oil operator's profit on initial investment. Well conditions that cause severe lifting problems are: 1. High sand content in the producing fluid which will often damage or freeze the bottom hole pump. 2. Paraffin or gyp accumulation on the tubing I.D. and sucker rods, resulting in eventual plugging. 3. The oil produced is of low gravity and cannot be efficiently pumped in cold weather. Wells with the above conditions are presently being pumped with optimum efficiency through use of a new method of artificial lift. The method applies the principle of sonic energy to oil well production. The equipment used will vibrate the tubing string in such a manner that valves in the tubing collars will lift the fluid to the surface.