Paper: MINIMIZE ROD BUCKLING TO REDUCE TUBING FAILURES

Repairing tubing leaks can easily result in the most expensive operating cost incurred in rod pumped wells. Tubing leak repairs are not only expensive but lost revenue from downtime can be significant. The prevention of tubing failures will greatly enhance operating profits from a rod pumping system. This paper will discuss rod buckling, which is one common cause of tubing failures, and how to minimize this problem by adjusting pumping parameters and installing a designed sinker bar section. Methods for designing a proper sinker bar section, utilizing dynamometer surveys and well failure histories, will also be discussed