Chapter 11: Sucker-Rod Lift

This chapter discusses the specific artificial-lift technique known as beam pumping, or the sucker-rod-lift method. Many books, technical articles, and industry standards have been published on the sucker-rod lift method and related technology. ^{1 – 7}  This chapter is a complete revision of previous editions of the Petroleum Engineering Handbook , ⁶  but it combines the prior three relevant chapters that covered downhole rod pumps and sucker rods, along with pumping units and prime movers. Additionally, the other components of a sucker-rod pumping installation are discussed, including applicable engineering and operating information. The complete operating system should be understood and addressed to properly design, install, and operate this or any other type of artificial-lift system. Thus, this chapter uses the Gipson and Swaim “Beam Pump Design Chain” as a foundation and builds on this design philosophy by using relevant, published technology and the latest industry practices. ^{5 – 7}