Rod Rotators are (Maybe…) Causing More Harm Than Good

Rod rotators are intended to evenly distribute wear around the circumference of the sucker rods. In practice however, a common occurrence is that rods and couplings wear flat on one side. Attention has not adequately been given to ramifications of this condition in the larger pumping system. Instead, the industry has trended to higher torque rotators, or positive engagement rotators to force the rods to turn. These solutions are not driven by comprehensive data and outcomes, but by the false assumption that when its rotating at surface, everything must be fine downhole.

This paper will discuss two areas of concern regarding rod rotation. First the negative effects of a nearly ever-present torque in the rod string. In particular this torque has a compounding negative effect on rod compression during the downstroke and altered loads on the upstroke. Second, possible accelerated wear under certain conditions, stemming from that imparted torque present in the rod-string, and focused on the point of downhole rotational resistance.

Lastly, a means to quantify rotational effectiveness will be presented. This may be used to determine when, while operating the well, it may be more beneficial to disable the rotator and carefully release torque.