Paper: Pumping Unit Selection To Enhance Fiberglass Sucker-Rod

A 1985 survey of 123 oil operators across the United States by an independent market research company estimated that 8% of all sucker-rod purchases were fiberglass. That same poll estimated purchases in the West Texas and Eastern New Mexico region to be 18% of the share of all sucker-rod purchases for that area. Only 8% indicated they would never consider using fiberglass sucker-rod. The increased presence of this innovative product represents a significant change in an old system. The need to eliminate corrosion, increase production, and reduce kilowatt consumption has always been a problem in our industry. The urgency of this problem received considerable attention after the Arab oil embargo of the early 1970"s. The introduction of the fiberglass sucker-rod coincided with the times. The resistance to corrosion was perhaps the primary purpose for many evaluations of fiberglass sucker-rod. Other initial tests were begun because of the need for well-load reductions that would result in lower gear-reducer torques, less structure requirements, and reduced kilowatt consumption. Lighter loads also allowed for longer surface strokes and consequently, more fluid. The advantages of fiberglass sucker-rod were recognized and documented to be a valuable addition to the artificial beam-lift. in our industry. Today, this sucker-rod undoubtedly is a mainstay The widespread use and acceptance of fiberglass sucker-rod throughout the United States and particularly in West Texas is notable. The use, however, has been most often as a substitute for steel sucker-rod with few other changes in the rod pumping system. The advantages realized by injecting this new suckerrod into the conventional pumping system can be increased even further by changing the conventional pumping unit into a more compatible machine. The scope of this paper is to review those changes that will enhance the use of fiberglass sucker-rod. The proven advantages already noted can be extended over and beyond with the careful selection of the pumping unit.