|
What Is a Pump Jack?
A pump jack is a surface unit used in the mechanical lifting of oil from wells where natural pressure is insufficient to force oil to the surface. Commonly referred to as a "nodding donkey" or "horsehead pump, " it operates by converting the rotational energy of a motor into vertical reciprocating motion, which powers a downhole pump to lift crude oil to the surface.
More Info: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/pump-jack-market-8444
How a Pump Jack Works
1. The Prime Mover
At the heart of a pump jack is the prime mover, usually an electric motor or internal combustion engine. This motor drives a gearbox that reduces speed and increases torque.
2. Crank and Counterweight Mechanism
The gearbox rotates a crank arm attached to a walking beam. On the opposite side of the crank is a counterweight, which helps balance the system and reduce energy consumption.
3. Walking Beam and Horsehead
The crank’s rotation causes the walking beam—a horizontal arm pivoted in the middle—to teeter back and forth. Attached to one end is the horsehead, which amplifies the up-and-down motion.
4. Polished Rod and Pumping Action
The horsehead connects to a polished rod that moves a sucker rod string inside the wellbore. This rod is connected to a downhole pump at the bottom of the well. As the sucker rod moves up, it lifts oil to the surface; as it moves down, valves in the pump allow more oil to enter for the next stroke.
|
