Allen Lindsey and William Lynch, D-Jax Corp.
A simple low cost dynamometer has been developed to obtain qualitative dynamometer cards for rod-pumping wells. The dynamometer installs on the polished rod in a matter of seconds and transmits data to a portable computer via wireless communications. The dynamometer measures rod stretch through each stroke of the pumping cycle. A sensor attached to the polished rod detects the bottom of each stroke to obtain position. The data is sent to the portable computer using wireless technology therefore eliminating troublesome cables. The wireless design allows technicians to perform dynamometer surveys in ther vehicle up to 300 feet from the well. The qualitative dynamometer can determine pump off conditions, down hole pump condition and rod string problems. Quanitative data can be obtained by using software available from Theta Enterprises. The dynamometer is low cost alternative to high cost, complicated quanitative systems.