J. Taylor Hood, Lufkin Foundry & Machinerly Co.
This paper is divided into two sections-the first covering a discussion of the types of prime movers
used in the oil fields, their cooling systems and ignition. The second part covers fuel systems, lubrication
and general maintenance items. Almost all types of prime movers have been used at one time or another in the oil fields. Some of these have proven satisfactory, but many others have been discarded in favor of more acceptable types of equipment. Before we can properly operate and maintain oil field prime movers it is necessary that we understand the basic operation of the engine or motor. There are four basic types of prime movers used in the oil fields: (1) Electric motors. (2) Four cycle high speed multi-cylinder engines. (3) Four cycle slow speed engines. (4) Two cycle slow speed gas engines.