Pumping unit oil equipment

Types of pumping unit oil equipments

Pumping unit oil equipment is a mechanical device used to extract crude oil from reservoirs. It is usually used in conjunction with the wellhead, casing head, and other parts of the oil pumping system to form a complete oil extraction unit.

According to working characteristics and structure, the oil extraction pumping units can be divided into the following four types:

• Rod pumping unit: A rod pumping unit, also known as a sucker rod pumping unit, is a common oil extraction device that uses a sucking rod to transport oil from the well bottom to the surface. The sucker rod is driven by an electric motor through a gear box, which causes it to oscillate. The oscillation of the sucker rod drives a pump jack to extract oil. This device is widely used in the oil industry. It is applicable to oil wells with different depths and yield conditions.
• Beam pumping unit: An oil beam pumping unit is a kind of mechanical device that uses a beam to transfer the motion of an electric motor to a pump located at the bottom of the well. The electric motor drive the rotation of the gear box, which causes the beam to swing. The swinging motion of the beam drives the pump to extract oil from the well. Oil beam pumping units have advantages such as simple structure, easy operation and maintenance. They are suitable for various geological conditions and oil well types.
• Solar pumping unit: A solar pumping unit is an oil extraction device that uses solar energy as its energy source. It converts solar energy into electricity through a solar panel, which drives the pump to extract oil. Solar pumping units have the advantages of renewable energy utilization and environmental friendliness. They are suitable for areas lacking electricity or with abundant sunshine.
• Progressing cavity pumping unit: The progressing cavity pumping unit is a device that uses the screw-shaped cavity to transport oil. This kind of pump has the advantage of high yield, low shear force and strong adaptability to medium. Moreover, the structure of the pump is compact. The installing and using processes are convenient and easy. Thus, it is suitable for extracting crude oil in complicated geological conditions.

Specification and Maintenance of Pumping Unit Oil Equipments

Specifications

• Production: The amount of oil a pumping unit can produce daily or monthly is often its main production feature.
• Work Efficiency: Refers to the number of oil wells that can be effectively managed in a unit time and the maintenance rate per oil well.
• Energy Consumption: Represent the electricity or oil used in pumping oil units per unit of oil, including its energy efficiency.
• Operating Environment: It includes the temperature range, humidity, dust concentration, and other environmental adaptability of pumping oil equipment.
• Equipment Management System: It includes the maintenance records, repair records, service life, asset management system of pumping oil equipment, etc.

Maintenance

• Lubrication Maintenance: Regularly check the oil level and working condition of the lubricating oil of key components, such as the gear box and bearings, and keep them properly lubricated.
• Electrical Maintenance: Periodically check electrical systems, including circuits, connectors, and switches, to ensure electrical systems are working right. Prevent oil pollution or damage to oil components during cleaning.
• Maintenance of Pumping Units: It frequently inspects its operating status, adjusts its tightness, and ensures its normal operation to avoid wear and damage.
• Timely Replacement of Consumables: Some parts of pumping oil equipment, such as seals, lubricants, etc., are consumables and must be replaced on schedule to maintain the equipment's stable operation.
• Regular Overhaul: In critical parts of pumping oil equipment, regular overhaul and maintenance are required. This includes cleaning, inspection, and repair of critical components to ensure their normal operation over a long time.

Scenarios

• Onshore oil fields:

  Pumping units are commonly used in onshore oil fields to extract crude oil. They are fixed on wells and extract oil through a series of mechanical actions. In some large onshore oil fields, centralized control systems are adopted, which can remotely monitor the operation status of each pumping unit and adjust parameters in real time to ensure optimal production efficiency.

• Offshore oil platforms:

  Pumping units are also used in some offshore oil extraction sites. They are installed on offshore platforms and connected to underwater oil wells to extract crude oil from the sea.

• Natural gas extraction:

  In some areas, pumping units are used to extract natural gas. They pump up the underground water to realize the gas extraction through the water-gas separation technology.

• Geothermal power generation:

  Pumping units can also be used in geothermal power generation. They promote the circulation of geothermal working medium to realize heat extraction and power generation.

• Emergency oil supply:

  Pumping units can provide temporary oil supply service in some emergency situations, such as natural disasters, oil spills, etc. Through quick stationing and operation, they extract crude oil to meet the emergency demand.

How to Choose Pumping Unit Oil Equipment

• Capacity and Tonnage:

  Capacity refers to the amount of oil a pumping unit can produce within a specific period. It's typically measured in barrels per day (BPD). When choosing a pumping unit, consider the required capacity based on the oil well's production potential. Additionally, understand the concept of tonnage, which indicates the weight of the counterbalance used to maintain the pumping unit's stability and operation.

• Pump Types:

  There are several types of pumps used in oil pumping units. TheProgressing Cavity Pump (PCP) has a unique helical design that enables it to handle high-viscosity fluids, varying fluid characteristics, and even handle some solids. PCPs are also known for their ability to maintain a constant flow rate and for their low maintenance needs, making them an attractive option for many oil extraction scenarios. The Sucker Rod Pumps, also known as the plunger lifting method, rely on the movement of a plunger to extract oil from the ground. Sucker rod pumps have a simple design and the typical ability to pull crude oil precisely. The Sucker Rod Pumps are very effective in deep wells where they can reach high depths through the use of rods connected to the plunger, moved by an electric or gas driven prime mover, usually an electric motor or gas-lift engine located at the top of the well or well head. Also located at the well head is a compression unit which then pushes the crude oil through pipes to a central separation facility, usually at the gathering facility. The Gas Lift method works by injecting gas into the crude oil to reduce its viscosity and allow it to flow more freely through the well. This method is particularly useful in wells where the natural pressure is insufficient to bring the crude oil to the surface. The gas lift is implemented by installing a gas lift valve under the oil in the well. An air compressor is used to inject gas into the well through the gas lift valves. The compressor used to inject gas into the well is sometimes called the electro-mechanical unit (the “ECM“), located at the well head and comprised of a gas compressor and valves. There may also be gas compressor units located at the gathering facility. The ECM and the gas valves at the well head provide a means of injecting gas into the oil well to retrieve the oil. Depending on the availability of gas and its ability to reduce the viscosity of the crude oil, gas lifting may be a more effective method of retrieving crude oil from deep within the earth. Each method, however, requires the need of a gas compressor to inject the gas into the oil well, which may be located at the gathering facility or near the well head.

  Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each pump's design, functionality, maintenance requirements, and suitability for different oil well conditions.

• Horsepower Requirements:

  Determine the horsepower needed to operate the pumping unit efficiently. Factors such as the well depth, production volume, and pumping unit type influence the horsepower requirements. Select a pumping unit with an adequate motor rating to meet the horsepower demands, ensuring reliable operation and avoiding motor oversizing or undersizing.

• Field Service and Industry Support:

  Consider the availability of field service support and industry expertise in your region. Look for equipment suppliers and service providers with a strong service network. Select a pumping unit manufacturer that receives high-level reviews for its products and the services it provides. They have experienced technicians and knowledgeable personnel who can offer timely assistance, maintenance, and repair services. A strong service network helps ensure minimal downtime and efficient support throughout the pumping unit's lifecycle.

Pumping unit oil equipment Q&A

Q1. What are the trends in the pumping units market?

A1. The global crude oil production is predicted to boost the demand for adequate oil extraction equipment, such as pumping units. Moreover, the increasing adoption of solar and artificial lift technologies in the pumping units industry is expected to enhance energy efficacy and reduce operational costs.

Q2. What are the challenges in the pumping unit oil equipment market?

A2. One of the key challenges in the market is the dependency on crude oil. The demand for pumping units is threatened by increasing investments in renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, that advance the global transition toward decarbonization and sustainable energy solutions.

Q3. What is the future of the pumping unit oil equipment market?

A3. The future growth of the pumping unit market depends on the crude oil demand. In regions where crude oil and petroleum derivatives are extensively utilized, the pumping units will see an energetic exploration and extraction activity. Hence, there are expected to be high investments in artificial lift equipment, including the straight pumping lift.