Paper: Ultra Long Stroke Pumping System Reduces Mechanical Failures, Lowers Lifting Cost, While Increasing Production

Artificial lift technology advancements typically are derived through either evolution or revolutionary means. When an irrefutable lift system benefit is chosen to be enhanced, it may require a revolutionary design concept to obtain the desired feature. This is the scenario that lead to the development of the. Rotaflex, an ultra long stroke pumping system we will refer to as the ULSPS. It is widely accepted that a long, slow stroke, big bore pump is the preferred pumping parameter of many experienced artificial lift technicians. The following will examine the benefits derived from the use of a ULSPS and address the concerns stemming from the utilization of such a product. The discussion will focus on operating cost and the impact on lease operating expenses (LOE). With the exception of labor cost, electrical expenses and maintenance repair costs account for a significant portion of the yearly operating budget. As both are controllable expenses, they offer the greatest potential impact when seeking cost reduction measures. Case histories that encompass years of gathering data by a major producer within the Permian Basin will be drawn upon for conclusions. Examination of failure frequency, comparative lift cost per barrel and other tangible features will be examined. The data will then be compared to other comparable lift systems within the same field.