Oil pumpjack

Types of oil pumpjacks

An oil pumpjack (or oil sucker) is a strikingly simple machine used worldwide to extract crude oil from underground rock formations. The pump jack converts the high-pressure gas-powered hydraulic power unit into mechanical energy. That mechanical energy is used to extract the crude oil from the ground by moving the column of a drilling rig up and down.

Three main types of pump jacks are commonly used to extract oil from the ground, each with a different counterbalance mechanism and application.

• Counterweights: This is the most common pump jack and is easily identifiable by the large counterweights attached to the side and often painted red. This specific design is prevalent in North America, where oil extraction companies have used it for many years.
• Balance Weights: Also referred to as a natural balance weight pump jack, this model uses pendulum weights for counterbalancing the pumps. These weights can be calibrated based on the specific requirements of the pump and the pressure of the gas used in the hydraulic power unit.
• Motor and Gearbox: The geared pump jack uses a motor and gearbox for its drive system. The gearbox reduces the speed at which the pump needs to be driven as well as increases the torque that is required to extract the oil.

Others include the helical drive and the direct drive, which refer to the gear used to power the pump. The helical gear has greater load-carrying capacity, whereas the direct drive refers to a large disc that is usually made out of fiberglass and is mechanically bonded to an oil-encapsulated gear within the machine that is used to drive it.

Specifications and Maintenance of Pump Jacks

Specifications of Oil Pump Jacks

• Modes of Action:

  The oil pump jack commonly used at onshore crude oil extraction sites is a kind of balanced torque lift device, which utilizes the driving force of counterweights and crank sliders to crank up crude oil through the beam and its cantilever.

• Force Mechanism:

  Oil pump jacks mostly rely on the weight of counterweights and the torque generated by the crank to lift crude oil from the ground to the surface through the beam and its cantilever.

• Pumping Unit:

  The pumping unit of an oil pump jack generally consists of the following components: The Gearbox reduces the speed and increases the torque of the driving motor to powers the crank, which is Connected to the crank and mainly converts the circular motion of the crank into the linear reciprocating motion of the sucker rod. Sucker Rods are connected to the pump in oil wells. They are usually made of steel and are used to transmit crude oil extracted by the pump from the oil well to the surface. The Pump is the core component of the oil extraction process. It is responsible for extracting oil from the well. The Efficiency of The Pump directly affects the amount of oil that can be extracted.

Maintenance of Oil Pump Jacks

• Regular Lubrication:

  Oil pump jacks are often equipped with several lubrication points. Lubrication points may include grease fittings, oil cups, etc. Regularly add lubricants to these locations as per the maintenance manual. Ensure that each component is well-lubricated to reduce friction and wear.

• Tightening and Checking Fasteners:

  Regularly check the fasteners of the oil pump jack, such as bolts and nuts, to ensure they are tightened. This will avoid loosening and risk. Fasten the fasteners if they are loose, and check if the fasteners' surfaces and threads are worn or damaged; otherwise, they need to be replaced.

• Clean and Remove Debris:

  Clean the surfaces and gaps of the oil pump jack regularly to remove dust and debris. This will prevent clogging of the cooling and ventilation systems and ensure proper heat dissipation and breathability. Besides, cleaning the surfaces of equipment prevents oil residues and dirt from building up, which can affect the working efficiency and service life of the equipment.

• Checking Oil and Lubrication System:

  Occasionally check the oil level of the oil pump jack and supplement the lubricating oil per the equipment maintenance manual. Ensure Oil Quality Meets Standards and Lubricate oil is clean and effective.

Uses of Oil Pumpjacks

The primary use of an oil pump jack is to extract crude oil from the ground and pump it to the surface. They are particularly used in oil fields with substantial natural gas present underground, known as gas counterbalances, as they assist in reducing the amount of gas needed to be processed on-site. This can be between 60% to 90% of the total gas.

Oil pump jacks play a vital role in the global economy by enabling the extraction of crude oil, a primary energy source used for transportation and various products such as plastics. Despite challenges like fluctuating crude oil prices and the rise of alternative energy sources, oil pump jacks remain essential to crude oil extraction. Technological advancements are enhancing their efficiency further.

Contrary to popular belief, the pump jack does not directly pump oil. It instead pumps a thick, high-viscosity lubricant or crude oil like Lipstick or Honey, which is derived from the crude oil extraction process. This is referred to as the 'Artificial Lift.' Oil pump jacks are employed to extract this high-viscosity oil by means of the 'Artificial Lift' system. This system requires additional machines on the surface, such as the Counterweight, Gearbox, and Sucker Rods, which are all parts of the oil pump jack.

How to choose a good oil pumpjack

When choosing an oil pump jack, it is important to focus on the key features and specifications of the equipment. The following oil pumpjack factors will help make a better choice:

• Field Size and Production Rate

  The typical oil pump jack setups in the field will use oil pump jacks to pump a large number of wells. These could be on about a few hundred acres. Look at the field size where the oil pump jack will be used. Consider the production rate at which the oil has to be extracted. Normally, larger fields with higher production rates will need more powerful oil pump jacks.

• Horsepower Requirement

  Horsepower (HP) is the unit used to show how much work a motor can do. The amount of power needed to lift oil from the well is called its horsepower requirement. This requirement shows how much work the oil pump jack will do to bring up the oil. Choose an oil pump jack with the right amount of horsepower based on the well depth and oil volume.

• Gearbox Ratio

  The gearbox ratio tells how the motor's power is changed to a pulling force called torque. It explains how the motor’s rotation moves the pump jack’s arm. A higher gearbox ratio means more torque for deeper wells. Consider the well depth while choosing the gearbox ratio.

• Power Source

  Oil pump jacks use electricity or solar power as their sources of energy. Electricity from lines or solar panels provides the needed energy. In remote places without power lines, solar panels can work as a substitute for electricity. Think about what kind of power is available to select the right oil pump jack.

• Material and Build Quality

  Choose oil pump jacks made with high-grade materials and robust build. The cast iron used is strong and lasts long under heavy use. The gear, bearings, and seals must be made well to resist dirt, oil, and climate wear. Good material and build help the pump jack operate for a long time with low maintenance.

• Maintenance

  An easy-to-maintain oil pump jack helps keep servicing to a minimum. Look for designs that allow quick part-access, simple lubrication points, and replaceable components. Parts that wear out often should be removable easily. Manuals should give clear service steps. To lower total costs, choose a machine that needs less routine care.

• Safety Features

  When selecting oil pump jacks, be sure to check the safety features installed. Look at the emergency stop buttons, overload protection, and guard shielding. The emergency stop button allows the operator to quickly shut down the pump jack in emergencies. Overload protection prevents damage to the motor and gearbox from excessive loads. Guards shield moving parts to protect workers. These safety mechanisms protect workers from accidents and injuries that may occur during operation.

Oil Pump Jack FAQ

Q1: What are the recent trends of pump jacks in the oil and gas industry?

A1: Modernizing the pump jack's design for aesthetics and reducing noise pollution is a growing trend. The consolidation of industries has also spurred the need for efficient, cost-cutting pump jacks in various sectors.

Q2: What are the challenges facing the oil pump jack market?

A2: The primary challenge is the constant evolution of hydraulic and electric pumping technologies, which could overshadow the importance of traditional gear-driven pump jacks.

Q3: What is the future of the oil pump jack market?

A3: The oil pump jack market gears are driven by demand in the midstream and downstream sectors, increasingly overseeing oil refining, distribution, and resolution services, respectively. Gear-driven oil pump jacks will remain relevant as vital infrastructures for crude oil extraction.