Paper: Money Saving Ideas From A Dynamometer Card

Money saving ideas can be initiated by the analytical study of a dynamometer card obtained from a pumping well. This is illustrated by presenting methods of calculating polish rod horsepower, peak torque, and volumetric efficiency from typical dynamometer cards obtained from wells in West Texas and New Mexico. A brief discussion of the basic fundamentals of a dynamometer card in relation to the pumping cycle is presented and followed by the analysis of cards that have resulted in money saved. This analytical approach can be utilized to reduce the lifting cost per barrel of oil by applying it to three major problems. These are: (1) the initial design of a pumping installation, (2) modification of pumping conditions, hence, eliminating the expense of equipment changes, and (3) improving the efficiency of present pumping equipment. In essence the dynamometer card can be used to ascertain the optimum pumping conditions for any pumping well.