Recent application of a portable computer-based instantaneous power meter which is easily connected to a beam pump's switch box, has made it possible to study in detail the effect of counterbalancing on electrical consumption and operating cost.

This paper describes the measurement system as well as its application to determine the power usage per pump stroke and the gear reducer torque. A simple algorithm is presented for the determination of the counterweight adjustment required to modify the peak torque or the power use.

The results of accurately monitored field tests for a variety of beam pumps and well depths are presented in detail. The measurements indicate that unit balancing based on instantaneous power, yields results similar to those obtained from torque derived from dynamometer measurements using a horseshoe type load transducer. The ease of installation of the power probes compared to installation of the dynamometer makes this the preferred method for most beam pumping systems powered by electrical motors.

Keywords:
counterbalance, society of petroleum engineers, adjustment, counterbalance effect, torque, efficiency, sensor, correspond, instantaneous power, generation credit
Subjects:
Artificial Lift Systems, Beam and related pumping techniques
Copyright 1995, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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