Slide 1

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Section 11 – Pumping Units

Looking at the various types and
designs of pumping units and their
applications in fluid production.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Background
In the early years of the oil patch either a
special pumping rig similar to a cable
drilling rig (or the cable drilling rig that
was used to drill the well) was used to
pump a well. This one rig did the work
of a pumping unit, a service rig, and a
workover rig.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

More background
The modern pumping units are based on
the design of the cable drilling and
pumping rigs.
All have a walking beam supported near
the middle by a sampson post and a
pitman that connects one end of the
beam to an eccentric (a crank system).

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Even more background
The very first pumping units were so much
like a standard pumping rig, that they had
no horse’s head or counterbalance weights.
During the early 1920s gear boxes were
added to these early pumping units and a
pumping revolution began.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit components
horses
head

walking
beam

equalizer
pitman
counter
balance
weights

sampson
post
ladder

gearbox
and support
base

skid

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit lubrication
saddle
bearing
assembly

gear box

Equalizer
bearing

Pitman
bearing

wrist pin
bearings

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Beam balanced units
Inexpensive.
Durable.
Low maintenance.
Typically used for
shallow production.
Class 1 lever.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Crank balanced units
Called conventional units.
Very durable.
Extremely versatile.
Cost effective.
Low maintenance.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Lufkin Mark II units
Phased counter-balance.
Lower peak torque.
Slower up stroke.
Faster down stroke.
Class 3 lever.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Air balanced units
Lighter than other units.
More portable.
Very accurate counterbalance adjustment.
Requires compressing
system for air.
High maintenance.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Reverse units
Alternative design as far
as geometry.
Very durable.
Lower torque.
Low maintenance.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Other units
Low profile units

Slant hole units
Foldable units.

Portable trailer mounted units

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit gearboxes
Double or single reduction.
Herringbone or helical gears.
Check fluid level periodically.
Replace fluid regularly.
Following manufacturers specs on
lubricants.
Lubricant specs change with
temperature.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Signs of a problem
Any unusual noise coming from the gearbox.
Gearbox fluid appears milky looking.
Loose wrist pin in a crank.
Any unusual noise coming from a bearing
assembly. (Squeaking, rattling, chattering)
Increase play or movement in any bearing.
Bearing fails to take grease.
Bearing fails to retain grease.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

More pumping units
This unique rainbow
painted pumping unit
is made in Russia
and has a stroke of
up to 3 meters.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

This product was funded by a grant awarded under the President’s High
Growth Job Training Initiative as implemented by the US
Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.
The Information contained in this product was created by a
grantee organization and does not necessarily reflect the official
position of the US Department of Labor. All references to nongovernmental companies or organizations, their services,
products, or resources are offered for informational purposes and
should not be construed as an endorsement by the Department of
Labor. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it
and is intended for individual organizational, non-commercial use
only.


Slide 2

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Section 11 – Pumping Units

Looking at the various types and
designs of pumping units and their
applications in fluid production.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Background
In the early years of the oil patch either a
special pumping rig similar to a cable
drilling rig (or the cable drilling rig that
was used to drill the well) was used to
pump a well. This one rig did the work
of a pumping unit, a service rig, and a
workover rig.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

More background
The modern pumping units are based on
the design of the cable drilling and
pumping rigs.
All have a walking beam supported near
the middle by a sampson post and a
pitman that connects one end of the
beam to an eccentric (a crank system).

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Even more background
The very first pumping units were so much
like a standard pumping rig, that they had
no horse’s head or counterbalance weights.
During the early 1920s gear boxes were
added to these early pumping units and a
pumping revolution began.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit components
horses
head

walking
beam

equalizer
pitman
counter
balance
weights

sampson
post
ladder

gearbox
and support
base

skid

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit lubrication
saddle
bearing
assembly

gear box

Equalizer
bearing

Pitman
bearing

wrist pin
bearings

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Beam balanced units
Inexpensive.
Durable.
Low maintenance.
Typically used for
shallow production.
Class 1 lever.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Crank balanced units
Called conventional units.
Very durable.
Extremely versatile.
Cost effective.
Low maintenance.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Lufkin Mark II units
Phased counter-balance.
Lower peak torque.
Slower up stroke.
Faster down stroke.
Class 3 lever.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Air balanced units
Lighter than other units.
More portable.
Very accurate counterbalance adjustment.
Requires compressing
system for air.
High maintenance.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Reverse units
Alternative design as far
as geometry.
Very durable.
Lower torque.
Low maintenance.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Other units
Low profile units

Slant hole units
Foldable units.

Portable trailer mounted units

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit gearboxes
Double or single reduction.
Herringbone or helical gears.
Check fluid level periodically.
Replace fluid regularly.
Following manufacturers specs on
lubricants.
Lubricant specs change with
temperature.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Signs of a problem
Any unusual noise coming from the gearbox.
Gearbox fluid appears milky looking.
Loose wrist pin in a crank.
Any unusual noise coming from a bearing
assembly. (Squeaking, rattling, chattering)
Increase play or movement in any bearing.
Bearing fails to take grease.
Bearing fails to retain grease.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

More pumping units
This unique rainbow
painted pumping unit
is made in Russia
and has a stroke of
up to 3 meters.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

This product was funded by a grant awarded under the President’s High
Growth Job Training Initiative as implemented by the US
Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.
The Information contained in this product was created by a
grantee organization and does not necessarily reflect the official
position of the US Department of Labor. All references to nongovernmental companies or organizations, their services,
products, or resources are offered for informational purposes and
should not be construed as an endorsement by the Department of
Labor. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it
and is intended for individual organizational, non-commercial use
only.


Slide 3

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Section 11 – Pumping Units

Looking at the various types and
designs of pumping units and their
applications in fluid production.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Background
In the early years of the oil patch either a
special pumping rig similar to a cable
drilling rig (or the cable drilling rig that
was used to drill the well) was used to
pump a well. This one rig did the work
of a pumping unit, a service rig, and a
workover rig.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

More background
The modern pumping units are based on
the design of the cable drilling and
pumping rigs.
All have a walking beam supported near
the middle by a sampson post and a
pitman that connects one end of the
beam to an eccentric (a crank system).

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Even more background
The very first pumping units were so much
like a standard pumping rig, that they had
no horse’s head or counterbalance weights.
During the early 1920s gear boxes were
added to these early pumping units and a
pumping revolution began.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit components
horses
head

walking
beam

equalizer
pitman
counter
balance
weights

sampson
post
ladder

gearbox
and support
base

skid

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit lubrication
saddle
bearing
assembly

gear box

Equalizer
bearing

Pitman
bearing

wrist pin
bearings

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Beam balanced units
Inexpensive.
Durable.
Low maintenance.
Typically used for
shallow production.
Class 1 lever.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Crank balanced units
Called conventional units.
Very durable.
Extremely versatile.
Cost effective.
Low maintenance.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Lufkin Mark II units
Phased counter-balance.
Lower peak torque.
Slower up stroke.
Faster down stroke.
Class 3 lever.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Air balanced units
Lighter than other units.
More portable.
Very accurate counterbalance adjustment.
Requires compressing
system for air.
High maintenance.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Reverse units
Alternative design as far
as geometry.
Very durable.
Lower torque.
Low maintenance.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Other units
Low profile units

Slant hole units
Foldable units.

Portable trailer mounted units

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit gearboxes
Double or single reduction.
Herringbone or helical gears.
Check fluid level periodically.
Replace fluid regularly.
Following manufacturers specs on
lubricants.
Lubricant specs change with
temperature.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Signs of a problem
Any unusual noise coming from the gearbox.
Gearbox fluid appears milky looking.
Loose wrist pin in a crank.
Any unusual noise coming from a bearing
assembly. (Squeaking, rattling, chattering)
Increase play or movement in any bearing.
Bearing fails to take grease.
Bearing fails to retain grease.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

More pumping units
This unique rainbow
painted pumping unit
is made in Russia
and has a stroke of
up to 3 meters.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

This product was funded by a grant awarded under the President’s High
Growth Job Training Initiative as implemented by the US
Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.
The Information contained in this product was created by a
grantee organization and does not necessarily reflect the official
position of the US Department of Labor. All references to nongovernmental companies or organizations, their services,
products, or resources are offered for informational purposes and
should not be construed as an endorsement by the Department of
Labor. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it
and is intended for individual organizational, non-commercial use
only.


Slide 4

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Section 11 – Pumping Units

Looking at the various types and
designs of pumping units and their
applications in fluid production.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Background
In the early years of the oil patch either a
special pumping rig similar to a cable
drilling rig (or the cable drilling rig that
was used to drill the well) was used to
pump a well. This one rig did the work
of a pumping unit, a service rig, and a
workover rig.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

More background
The modern pumping units are based on
the design of the cable drilling and
pumping rigs.
All have a walking beam supported near
the middle by a sampson post and a
pitman that connects one end of the
beam to an eccentric (a crank system).

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Even more background
The very first pumping units were so much
like a standard pumping rig, that they had
no horse’s head or counterbalance weights.
During the early 1920s gear boxes were
added to these early pumping units and a
pumping revolution began.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit components
horses
head

walking
beam

equalizer
pitman
counter
balance
weights

sampson
post
ladder

gearbox
and support
base

skid

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit lubrication
saddle
bearing
assembly

gear box

Equalizer
bearing

Pitman
bearing

wrist pin
bearings

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Beam balanced units
Inexpensive.
Durable.
Low maintenance.
Typically used for
shallow production.
Class 1 lever.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Crank balanced units
Called conventional units.
Very durable.
Extremely versatile.
Cost effective.
Low maintenance.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Lufkin Mark II units
Phased counter-balance.
Lower peak torque.
Slower up stroke.
Faster down stroke.
Class 3 lever.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Air balanced units
Lighter than other units.
More portable.
Very accurate counterbalance adjustment.
Requires compressing
system for air.
High maintenance.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Reverse units
Alternative design as far
as geometry.
Very durable.
Lower torque.
Low maintenance.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Other units
Low profile units

Slant hole units
Foldable units.

Portable trailer mounted units

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit gearboxes
Double or single reduction.
Herringbone or helical gears.
Check fluid level periodically.
Replace fluid regularly.
Following manufacturers specs on
lubricants.
Lubricant specs change with
temperature.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Signs of a problem
Any unusual noise coming from the gearbox.
Gearbox fluid appears milky looking.
Loose wrist pin in a crank.
Any unusual noise coming from a bearing
assembly. (Squeaking, rattling, chattering)
Increase play or movement in any bearing.
Bearing fails to take grease.
Bearing fails to retain grease.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

More pumping units
This unique rainbow
painted pumping unit
is made in Russia
and has a stroke of
up to 3 meters.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

This product was funded by a grant awarded under the President’s High
Growth Job Training Initiative as implemented by the US
Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.
The Information contained in this product was created by a
grantee organization and does not necessarily reflect the official
position of the US Department of Labor. All references to nongovernmental companies or organizations, their services,
products, or resources are offered for informational purposes and
should not be construed as an endorsement by the Department of
Labor. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it
and is intended for individual organizational, non-commercial use
only.


Slide 5

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Section 11 – Pumping Units

Looking at the various types and
designs of pumping units and their
applications in fluid production.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Background
In the early years of the oil patch either a
special pumping rig similar to a cable
drilling rig (or the cable drilling rig that
was used to drill the well) was used to
pump a well. This one rig did the work
of a pumping unit, a service rig, and a
workover rig.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

More background
The modern pumping units are based on
the design of the cable drilling and
pumping rigs.
All have a walking beam supported near
the middle by a sampson post and a
pitman that connects one end of the
beam to an eccentric (a crank system).

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Even more background
The very first pumping units were so much
like a standard pumping rig, that they had
no horse’s head or counterbalance weights.
During the early 1920s gear boxes were
added to these early pumping units and a
pumping revolution began.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit components
horses
head

walking
beam

equalizer
pitman
counter
balance
weights

sampson
post
ladder

gearbox
and support
base

skid

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit lubrication
saddle
bearing
assembly

gear box

Equalizer
bearing

Pitman
bearing

wrist pin
bearings

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Beam balanced units
Inexpensive.
Durable.
Low maintenance.
Typically used for
shallow production.
Class 1 lever.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Crank balanced units
Called conventional units.
Very durable.
Extremely versatile.
Cost effective.
Low maintenance.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Lufkin Mark II units
Phased counter-balance.
Lower peak torque.
Slower up stroke.
Faster down stroke.
Class 3 lever.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Air balanced units
Lighter than other units.
More portable.
Very accurate counterbalance adjustment.
Requires compressing
system for air.
High maintenance.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Reverse units
Alternative design as far
as geometry.
Very durable.
Lower torque.
Low maintenance.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Other units
Low profile units

Slant hole units
Foldable units.

Portable trailer mounted units

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit gearboxes
Double or single reduction.
Herringbone or helical gears.
Check fluid level periodically.
Replace fluid regularly.
Following manufacturers specs on
lubricants.
Lubricant specs change with
temperature.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Signs of a problem
Any unusual noise coming from the gearbox.
Gearbox fluid appears milky looking.
Loose wrist pin in a crank.
Any unusual noise coming from a bearing
assembly. (Squeaking, rattling, chattering)
Increase play or movement in any bearing.
Bearing fails to take grease.
Bearing fails to retain grease.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

More pumping units
This unique rainbow
painted pumping unit
is made in Russia
and has a stroke of
up to 3 meters.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

This product was funded by a grant awarded under the President’s High
Growth Job Training Initiative as implemented by the US
Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.
The Information contained in this product was created by a
grantee organization and does not necessarily reflect the official
position of the US Department of Labor. All references to nongovernmental companies or organizations, their services,
products, or resources are offered for informational purposes and
should not be construed as an endorsement by the Department of
Labor. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it
and is intended for individual organizational, non-commercial use
only.


Slide 6

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Section 11 – Pumping Units

Looking at the various types and
designs of pumping units and their
applications in fluid production.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Background
In the early years of the oil patch either a
special pumping rig similar to a cable
drilling rig (or the cable drilling rig that
was used to drill the well) was used to
pump a well. This one rig did the work
of a pumping unit, a service rig, and a
workover rig.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

More background
The modern pumping units are based on
the design of the cable drilling and
pumping rigs.
All have a walking beam supported near
the middle by a sampson post and a
pitman that connects one end of the
beam to an eccentric (a crank system).

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Even more background
The very first pumping units were so much
like a standard pumping rig, that they had
no horse’s head or counterbalance weights.
During the early 1920s gear boxes were
added to these early pumping units and a
pumping revolution began.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit components
horses
head

walking
beam

equalizer
pitman
counter
balance
weights

sampson
post
ladder

gearbox
and support
base

skid

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit lubrication
saddle
bearing
assembly

gear box

Equalizer
bearing

Pitman
bearing

wrist pin
bearings

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Beam balanced units
Inexpensive.
Durable.
Low maintenance.
Typically used for
shallow production.
Class 1 lever.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Crank balanced units
Called conventional units.
Very durable.
Extremely versatile.
Cost effective.
Low maintenance.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Lufkin Mark II units
Phased counter-balance.
Lower peak torque.
Slower up stroke.
Faster down stroke.
Class 3 lever.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Air balanced units
Lighter than other units.
More portable.
Very accurate counterbalance adjustment.
Requires compressing
system for air.
High maintenance.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Reverse units
Alternative design as far
as geometry.
Very durable.
Lower torque.
Low maintenance.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Other units
Low profile units

Slant hole units
Foldable units.

Portable trailer mounted units

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit gearboxes
Double or single reduction.
Herringbone or helical gears.
Check fluid level periodically.
Replace fluid regularly.
Following manufacturers specs on
lubricants.
Lubricant specs change with
temperature.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Signs of a problem
Any unusual noise coming from the gearbox.
Gearbox fluid appears milky looking.
Loose wrist pin in a crank.
Any unusual noise coming from a bearing
assembly. (Squeaking, rattling, chattering)
Increase play or movement in any bearing.
Bearing fails to take grease.
Bearing fails to retain grease.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

More pumping units
This unique rainbow
painted pumping unit
is made in Russia
and has a stroke of
up to 3 meters.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

This product was funded by a grant awarded under the President’s High
Growth Job Training Initiative as implemented by the US
Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.
The Information contained in this product was created by a
grantee organization and does not necessarily reflect the official
position of the US Department of Labor. All references to nongovernmental companies or organizations, their services,
products, or resources are offered for informational purposes and
should not be construed as an endorsement by the Department of
Labor. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it
and is intended for individual organizational, non-commercial use
only.


Slide 7

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Section 11 – Pumping Units

Looking at the various types and
designs of pumping units and their
applications in fluid production.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Background
In the early years of the oil patch either a
special pumping rig similar to a cable
drilling rig (or the cable drilling rig that
was used to drill the well) was used to
pump a well. This one rig did the work
of a pumping unit, a service rig, and a
workover rig.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

More background
The modern pumping units are based on
the design of the cable drilling and
pumping rigs.
All have a walking beam supported near
the middle by a sampson post and a
pitman that connects one end of the
beam to an eccentric (a crank system).

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Even more background
The very first pumping units were so much
like a standard pumping rig, that they had
no horse’s head or counterbalance weights.
During the early 1920s gear boxes were
added to these early pumping units and a
pumping revolution began.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit components
horses
head

walking
beam

equalizer
pitman
counter
balance
weights

sampson
post
ladder

gearbox
and support
base

skid

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit lubrication
saddle
bearing
assembly

gear box

Equalizer
bearing

Pitman
bearing

wrist pin
bearings

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Beam balanced units
Inexpensive.
Durable.
Low maintenance.
Typically used for
shallow production.
Class 1 lever.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Crank balanced units
Called conventional units.
Very durable.
Extremely versatile.
Cost effective.
Low maintenance.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Lufkin Mark II units
Phased counter-balance.
Lower peak torque.
Slower up stroke.
Faster down stroke.
Class 3 lever.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Air balanced units
Lighter than other units.
More portable.
Very accurate counterbalance adjustment.
Requires compressing
system for air.
High maintenance.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Reverse units
Alternative design as far
as geometry.
Very durable.
Lower torque.
Low maintenance.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Other units
Low profile units

Slant hole units
Foldable units.

Portable trailer mounted units

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit gearboxes
Double or single reduction.
Herringbone or helical gears.
Check fluid level periodically.
Replace fluid regularly.
Following manufacturers specs on
lubricants.
Lubricant specs change with
temperature.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Signs of a problem
Any unusual noise coming from the gearbox.
Gearbox fluid appears milky looking.
Loose wrist pin in a crank.
Any unusual noise coming from a bearing
assembly. (Squeaking, rattling, chattering)
Increase play or movement in any bearing.
Bearing fails to take grease.
Bearing fails to retain grease.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

More pumping units
This unique rainbow
painted pumping unit
is made in Russia
and has a stroke of
up to 3 meters.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

This product was funded by a grant awarded under the President’s High
Growth Job Training Initiative as implemented by the US
Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.
The Information contained in this product was created by a
grantee organization and does not necessarily reflect the official
position of the US Department of Labor. All references to nongovernmental companies or organizations, their services,
products, or resources are offered for informational purposes and
should not be construed as an endorsement by the Department of
Labor. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it
and is intended for individual organizational, non-commercial use
only.


Slide 8

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Section 11 – Pumping Units

Looking at the various types and
designs of pumping units and their
applications in fluid production.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Background
In the early years of the oil patch either a
special pumping rig similar to a cable
drilling rig (or the cable drilling rig that
was used to drill the well) was used to
pump a well. This one rig did the work
of a pumping unit, a service rig, and a
workover rig.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

More background
The modern pumping units are based on
the design of the cable drilling and
pumping rigs.
All have a walking beam supported near
the middle by a sampson post and a
pitman that connects one end of the
beam to an eccentric (a crank system).

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Even more background
The very first pumping units were so much
like a standard pumping rig, that they had
no horse’s head or counterbalance weights.
During the early 1920s gear boxes were
added to these early pumping units and a
pumping revolution began.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit components
horses
head

walking
beam

equalizer
pitman
counter
balance
weights

sampson
post
ladder

gearbox
and support
base

skid

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit lubrication
saddle
bearing
assembly

gear box

Equalizer
bearing

Pitman
bearing

wrist pin
bearings

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Beam balanced units
Inexpensive.
Durable.
Low maintenance.
Typically used for
shallow production.
Class 1 lever.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Crank balanced units
Called conventional units.
Very durable.
Extremely versatile.
Cost effective.
Low maintenance.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Lufkin Mark II units
Phased counter-balance.
Lower peak torque.
Slower up stroke.
Faster down stroke.
Class 3 lever.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Air balanced units
Lighter than other units.
More portable.
Very accurate counterbalance adjustment.
Requires compressing
system for air.
High maintenance.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Reverse units
Alternative design as far
as geometry.
Very durable.
Lower torque.
Low maintenance.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Other units
Low profile units

Slant hole units
Foldable units.

Portable trailer mounted units

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit gearboxes
Double or single reduction.
Herringbone or helical gears.
Check fluid level periodically.
Replace fluid regularly.
Following manufacturers specs on
lubricants.
Lubricant specs change with
temperature.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Signs of a problem
Any unusual noise coming from the gearbox.
Gearbox fluid appears milky looking.
Loose wrist pin in a crank.
Any unusual noise coming from a bearing
assembly. (Squeaking, rattling, chattering)
Increase play or movement in any bearing.
Bearing fails to take grease.
Bearing fails to retain grease.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

More pumping units
This unique rainbow
painted pumping unit
is made in Russia
and has a stroke of
up to 3 meters.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

This product was funded by a grant awarded under the President’s High
Growth Job Training Initiative as implemented by the US
Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.
The Information contained in this product was created by a
grantee organization and does not necessarily reflect the official
position of the US Department of Labor. All references to nongovernmental companies or organizations, their services,
products, or resources are offered for informational purposes and
should not be construed as an endorsement by the Department of
Labor. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it
and is intended for individual organizational, non-commercial use
only.


Slide 9

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Section 11 – Pumping Units

Looking at the various types and
designs of pumping units and their
applications in fluid production.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Background
In the early years of the oil patch either a
special pumping rig similar to a cable
drilling rig (or the cable drilling rig that
was used to drill the well) was used to
pump a well. This one rig did the work
of a pumping unit, a service rig, and a
workover rig.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

More background
The modern pumping units are based on
the design of the cable drilling and
pumping rigs.
All have a walking beam supported near
the middle by a sampson post and a
pitman that connects one end of the
beam to an eccentric (a crank system).

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Even more background
The very first pumping units were so much
like a standard pumping rig, that they had
no horse’s head or counterbalance weights.
During the early 1920s gear boxes were
added to these early pumping units and a
pumping revolution began.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit components
horses
head

walking
beam

equalizer
pitman
counter
balance
weights

sampson
post
ladder

gearbox
and support
base

skid

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit lubrication
saddle
bearing
assembly

gear box

Equalizer
bearing

Pitman
bearing

wrist pin
bearings

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Beam balanced units
Inexpensive.
Durable.
Low maintenance.
Typically used for
shallow production.
Class 1 lever.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Crank balanced units
Called conventional units.
Very durable.
Extremely versatile.
Cost effective.
Low maintenance.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Lufkin Mark II units
Phased counter-balance.
Lower peak torque.
Slower up stroke.
Faster down stroke.
Class 3 lever.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Air balanced units
Lighter than other units.
More portable.
Very accurate counterbalance adjustment.
Requires compressing
system for air.
High maintenance.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Reverse units
Alternative design as far
as geometry.
Very durable.
Lower torque.
Low maintenance.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Other units
Low profile units

Slant hole units
Foldable units.

Portable trailer mounted units

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit gearboxes
Double or single reduction.
Herringbone or helical gears.
Check fluid level periodically.
Replace fluid regularly.
Following manufacturers specs on
lubricants.
Lubricant specs change with
temperature.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Signs of a problem
Any unusual noise coming from the gearbox.
Gearbox fluid appears milky looking.
Loose wrist pin in a crank.
Any unusual noise coming from a bearing
assembly. (Squeaking, rattling, chattering)
Increase play or movement in any bearing.
Bearing fails to take grease.
Bearing fails to retain grease.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

More pumping units
This unique rainbow
painted pumping unit
is made in Russia
and has a stroke of
up to 3 meters.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

This product was funded by a grant awarded under the President’s High
Growth Job Training Initiative as implemented by the US
Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.
The Information contained in this product was created by a
grantee organization and does not necessarily reflect the official
position of the US Department of Labor. All references to nongovernmental companies or organizations, their services,
products, or resources are offered for informational purposes and
should not be construed as an endorsement by the Department of
Labor. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it
and is intended for individual organizational, non-commercial use
only.


Slide 10

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Section 11 – Pumping Units

Looking at the various types and
designs of pumping units and their
applications in fluid production.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Background
In the early years of the oil patch either a
special pumping rig similar to a cable
drilling rig (or the cable drilling rig that
was used to drill the well) was used to
pump a well. This one rig did the work
of a pumping unit, a service rig, and a
workover rig.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

More background
The modern pumping units are based on
the design of the cable drilling and
pumping rigs.
All have a walking beam supported near
the middle by a sampson post and a
pitman that connects one end of the
beam to an eccentric (a crank system).

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Even more background
The very first pumping units were so much
like a standard pumping rig, that they had
no horse’s head or counterbalance weights.
During the early 1920s gear boxes were
added to these early pumping units and a
pumping revolution began.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit components
horses
head

walking
beam

equalizer
pitman
counter
balance
weights

sampson
post
ladder

gearbox
and support
base

skid

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit lubrication
saddle
bearing
assembly

gear box

Equalizer
bearing

Pitman
bearing

wrist pin
bearings

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Beam balanced units
Inexpensive.
Durable.
Low maintenance.
Typically used for
shallow production.
Class 1 lever.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Crank balanced units
Called conventional units.
Very durable.
Extremely versatile.
Cost effective.
Low maintenance.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Lufkin Mark II units
Phased counter-balance.
Lower peak torque.
Slower up stroke.
Faster down stroke.
Class 3 lever.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Air balanced units
Lighter than other units.
More portable.
Very accurate counterbalance adjustment.
Requires compressing
system for air.
High maintenance.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Reverse units
Alternative design as far
as geometry.
Very durable.
Lower torque.
Low maintenance.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Other units
Low profile units

Slant hole units
Foldable units.

Portable trailer mounted units

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit gearboxes
Double or single reduction.
Herringbone or helical gears.
Check fluid level periodically.
Replace fluid regularly.
Following manufacturers specs on
lubricants.
Lubricant specs change with
temperature.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Signs of a problem
Any unusual noise coming from the gearbox.
Gearbox fluid appears milky looking.
Loose wrist pin in a crank.
Any unusual noise coming from a bearing
assembly. (Squeaking, rattling, chattering)
Increase play or movement in any bearing.
Bearing fails to take grease.
Bearing fails to retain grease.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

More pumping units
This unique rainbow
painted pumping unit
is made in Russia
and has a stroke of
up to 3 meters.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

This product was funded by a grant awarded under the President’s High
Growth Job Training Initiative as implemented by the US
Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.
The Information contained in this product was created by a
grantee organization and does not necessarily reflect the official
position of the US Department of Labor. All references to nongovernmental companies or organizations, their services,
products, or resources are offered for informational purposes and
should not be construed as an endorsement by the Department of
Labor. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it
and is intended for individual organizational, non-commercial use
only.


Slide 11

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Section 11 – Pumping Units

Looking at the various types and
designs of pumping units and their
applications in fluid production.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Background
In the early years of the oil patch either a
special pumping rig similar to a cable
drilling rig (or the cable drilling rig that
was used to drill the well) was used to
pump a well. This one rig did the work
of a pumping unit, a service rig, and a
workover rig.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

More background
The modern pumping units are based on
the design of the cable drilling and
pumping rigs.
All have a walking beam supported near
the middle by a sampson post and a
pitman that connects one end of the
beam to an eccentric (a crank system).

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Even more background
The very first pumping units were so much
like a standard pumping rig, that they had
no horse’s head or counterbalance weights.
During the early 1920s gear boxes were
added to these early pumping units and a
pumping revolution began.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit components
horses
head

walking
beam

equalizer
pitman
counter
balance
weights

sampson
post
ladder

gearbox
and support
base

skid

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit lubrication
saddle
bearing
assembly

gear box

Equalizer
bearing

Pitman
bearing

wrist pin
bearings

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Beam balanced units
Inexpensive.
Durable.
Low maintenance.
Typically used for
shallow production.
Class 1 lever.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Crank balanced units
Called conventional units.
Very durable.
Extremely versatile.
Cost effective.
Low maintenance.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Lufkin Mark II units
Phased counter-balance.
Lower peak torque.
Slower up stroke.
Faster down stroke.
Class 3 lever.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Air balanced units
Lighter than other units.
More portable.
Very accurate counterbalance adjustment.
Requires compressing
system for air.
High maintenance.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Reverse units
Alternative design as far
as geometry.
Very durable.
Lower torque.
Low maintenance.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Other units
Low profile units

Slant hole units
Foldable units.

Portable trailer mounted units

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit gearboxes
Double or single reduction.
Herringbone or helical gears.
Check fluid level periodically.
Replace fluid regularly.
Following manufacturers specs on
lubricants.
Lubricant specs change with
temperature.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Signs of a problem
Any unusual noise coming from the gearbox.
Gearbox fluid appears milky looking.
Loose wrist pin in a crank.
Any unusual noise coming from a bearing
assembly. (Squeaking, rattling, chattering)
Increase play or movement in any bearing.
Bearing fails to take grease.
Bearing fails to retain grease.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

More pumping units
This unique rainbow
painted pumping unit
is made in Russia
and has a stroke of
up to 3 meters.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

This product was funded by a grant awarded under the President’s High
Growth Job Training Initiative as implemented by the US
Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.
The Information contained in this product was created by a
grantee organization and does not necessarily reflect the official
position of the US Department of Labor. All references to nongovernmental companies or organizations, their services,
products, or resources are offered for informational purposes and
should not be construed as an endorsement by the Department of
Labor. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it
and is intended for individual organizational, non-commercial use
only.


Slide 12

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Section 11 – Pumping Units

Looking at the various types and
designs of pumping units and their
applications in fluid production.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Background
In the early years of the oil patch either a
special pumping rig similar to a cable
drilling rig (or the cable drilling rig that
was used to drill the well) was used to
pump a well. This one rig did the work
of a pumping unit, a service rig, and a
workover rig.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

More background
The modern pumping units are based on
the design of the cable drilling and
pumping rigs.
All have a walking beam supported near
the middle by a sampson post and a
pitman that connects one end of the
beam to an eccentric (a crank system).

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Even more background
The very first pumping units were so much
like a standard pumping rig, that they had
no horse’s head or counterbalance weights.
During the early 1920s gear boxes were
added to these early pumping units and a
pumping revolution began.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit components
horses
head

walking
beam

equalizer
pitman
counter
balance
weights

sampson
post
ladder

gearbox
and support
base

skid

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit lubrication
saddle
bearing
assembly

gear box

Equalizer
bearing

Pitman
bearing

wrist pin
bearings

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Beam balanced units
Inexpensive.
Durable.
Low maintenance.
Typically used for
shallow production.
Class 1 lever.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Crank balanced units
Called conventional units.
Very durable.
Extremely versatile.
Cost effective.
Low maintenance.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Lufkin Mark II units
Phased counter-balance.
Lower peak torque.
Slower up stroke.
Faster down stroke.
Class 3 lever.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Air balanced units
Lighter than other units.
More portable.
Very accurate counterbalance adjustment.
Requires compressing
system for air.
High maintenance.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Reverse units
Alternative design as far
as geometry.
Very durable.
Lower torque.
Low maintenance.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Other units
Low profile units

Slant hole units
Foldable units.

Portable trailer mounted units

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit gearboxes
Double or single reduction.
Herringbone or helical gears.
Check fluid level periodically.
Replace fluid regularly.
Following manufacturers specs on
lubricants.
Lubricant specs change with
temperature.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Signs of a problem
Any unusual noise coming from the gearbox.
Gearbox fluid appears milky looking.
Loose wrist pin in a crank.
Any unusual noise coming from a bearing
assembly. (Squeaking, rattling, chattering)
Increase play or movement in any bearing.
Bearing fails to take grease.
Bearing fails to retain grease.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

More pumping units
This unique rainbow
painted pumping unit
is made in Russia
and has a stroke of
up to 3 meters.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

This product was funded by a grant awarded under the President’s High
Growth Job Training Initiative as implemented by the US
Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.
The Information contained in this product was created by a
grantee organization and does not necessarily reflect the official
position of the US Department of Labor. All references to nongovernmental companies or organizations, their services,
products, or resources are offered for informational purposes and
should not be construed as an endorsement by the Department of
Labor. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it
and is intended for individual organizational, non-commercial use
only.


Slide 13

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Section 11 – Pumping Units

Looking at the various types and
designs of pumping units and their
applications in fluid production.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Background
In the early years of the oil patch either a
special pumping rig similar to a cable
drilling rig (or the cable drilling rig that
was used to drill the well) was used to
pump a well. This one rig did the work
of a pumping unit, a service rig, and a
workover rig.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

More background
The modern pumping units are based on
the design of the cable drilling and
pumping rigs.
All have a walking beam supported near
the middle by a sampson post and a
pitman that connects one end of the
beam to an eccentric (a crank system).

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Even more background
The very first pumping units were so much
like a standard pumping rig, that they had
no horse’s head or counterbalance weights.
During the early 1920s gear boxes were
added to these early pumping units and a
pumping revolution began.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit components
horses
head

walking
beam

equalizer
pitman
counter
balance
weights

sampson
post
ladder

gearbox
and support
base

skid

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit lubrication
saddle
bearing
assembly

gear box

Equalizer
bearing

Pitman
bearing

wrist pin
bearings

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Beam balanced units
Inexpensive.
Durable.
Low maintenance.
Typically used for
shallow production.
Class 1 lever.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Crank balanced units
Called conventional units.
Very durable.
Extremely versatile.
Cost effective.
Low maintenance.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Lufkin Mark II units
Phased counter-balance.
Lower peak torque.
Slower up stroke.
Faster down stroke.
Class 3 lever.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Air balanced units
Lighter than other units.
More portable.
Very accurate counterbalance adjustment.
Requires compressing
system for air.
High maintenance.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Reverse units
Alternative design as far
as geometry.
Very durable.
Lower torque.
Low maintenance.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Other units
Low profile units

Slant hole units
Foldable units.

Portable trailer mounted units

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit gearboxes
Double or single reduction.
Herringbone or helical gears.
Check fluid level periodically.
Replace fluid regularly.
Following manufacturers specs on
lubricants.
Lubricant specs change with
temperature.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Signs of a problem
Any unusual noise coming from the gearbox.
Gearbox fluid appears milky looking.
Loose wrist pin in a crank.
Any unusual noise coming from a bearing
assembly. (Squeaking, rattling, chattering)
Increase play or movement in any bearing.
Bearing fails to take grease.
Bearing fails to retain grease.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

More pumping units
This unique rainbow
painted pumping unit
is made in Russia
and has a stroke of
up to 3 meters.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

This product was funded by a grant awarded under the President’s High
Growth Job Training Initiative as implemented by the US
Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.
The Information contained in this product was created by a
grantee organization and does not necessarily reflect the official
position of the US Department of Labor. All references to nongovernmental companies or organizations, their services,
products, or resources are offered for informational purposes and
should not be construed as an endorsement by the Department of
Labor. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it
and is intended for individual organizational, non-commercial use
only.


Slide 14

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Section 11 – Pumping Units

Looking at the various types and
designs of pumping units and their
applications in fluid production.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Background
In the early years of the oil patch either a
special pumping rig similar to a cable
drilling rig (or the cable drilling rig that
was used to drill the well) was used to
pump a well. This one rig did the work
of a pumping unit, a service rig, and a
workover rig.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

More background
The modern pumping units are based on
the design of the cable drilling and
pumping rigs.
All have a walking beam supported near
the middle by a sampson post and a
pitman that connects one end of the
beam to an eccentric (a crank system).

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Even more background
The very first pumping units were so much
like a standard pumping rig, that they had
no horse’s head or counterbalance weights.
During the early 1920s gear boxes were
added to these early pumping units and a
pumping revolution began.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit components
horses
head

walking
beam

equalizer
pitman
counter
balance
weights

sampson
post
ladder

gearbox
and support
base

skid

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit lubrication
saddle
bearing
assembly

gear box

Equalizer
bearing

Pitman
bearing

wrist pin
bearings

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Beam balanced units
Inexpensive.
Durable.
Low maintenance.
Typically used for
shallow production.
Class 1 lever.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Crank balanced units
Called conventional units.
Very durable.
Extremely versatile.
Cost effective.
Low maintenance.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Lufkin Mark II units
Phased counter-balance.
Lower peak torque.
Slower up stroke.
Faster down stroke.
Class 3 lever.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Air balanced units
Lighter than other units.
More portable.
Very accurate counterbalance adjustment.
Requires compressing
system for air.
High maintenance.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Reverse units
Alternative design as far
as geometry.
Very durable.
Lower torque.
Low maintenance.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Other units
Low profile units

Slant hole units
Foldable units.

Portable trailer mounted units

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit gearboxes
Double or single reduction.
Herringbone or helical gears.
Check fluid level periodically.
Replace fluid regularly.
Following manufacturers specs on
lubricants.
Lubricant specs change with
temperature.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Signs of a problem
Any unusual noise coming from the gearbox.
Gearbox fluid appears milky looking.
Loose wrist pin in a crank.
Any unusual noise coming from a bearing
assembly. (Squeaking, rattling, chattering)
Increase play or movement in any bearing.
Bearing fails to take grease.
Bearing fails to retain grease.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

More pumping units
This unique rainbow
painted pumping unit
is made in Russia
and has a stroke of
up to 3 meters.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

This product was funded by a grant awarded under the President’s High
Growth Job Training Initiative as implemented by the US
Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.
The Information contained in this product was created by a
grantee organization and does not necessarily reflect the official
position of the US Department of Labor. All references to nongovernmental companies or organizations, their services,
products, or resources are offered for informational purposes and
should not be construed as an endorsement by the Department of
Labor. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it
and is intended for individual organizational, non-commercial use
only.


Slide 15

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Section 11 – Pumping Units

Looking at the various types and
designs of pumping units and their
applications in fluid production.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Background
In the early years of the oil patch either a
special pumping rig similar to a cable
drilling rig (or the cable drilling rig that
was used to drill the well) was used to
pump a well. This one rig did the work
of a pumping unit, a service rig, and a
workover rig.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

More background
The modern pumping units are based on
the design of the cable drilling and
pumping rigs.
All have a walking beam supported near
the middle by a sampson post and a
pitman that connects one end of the
beam to an eccentric (a crank system).

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Even more background
The very first pumping units were so much
like a standard pumping rig, that they had
no horse’s head or counterbalance weights.
During the early 1920s gear boxes were
added to these early pumping units and a
pumping revolution began.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit components
horses
head

walking
beam

equalizer
pitman
counter
balance
weights

sampson
post
ladder

gearbox
and support
base

skid

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit lubrication
saddle
bearing
assembly

gear box

Equalizer
bearing

Pitman
bearing

wrist pin
bearings

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Beam balanced units
Inexpensive.
Durable.
Low maintenance.
Typically used for
shallow production.
Class 1 lever.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Crank balanced units
Called conventional units.
Very durable.
Extremely versatile.
Cost effective.
Low maintenance.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Lufkin Mark II units
Phased counter-balance.
Lower peak torque.
Slower up stroke.
Faster down stroke.
Class 3 lever.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Air balanced units
Lighter than other units.
More portable.
Very accurate counterbalance adjustment.
Requires compressing
system for air.
High maintenance.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Reverse units
Alternative design as far
as geometry.
Very durable.
Lower torque.
Low maintenance.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Other units
Low profile units

Slant hole units
Foldable units.

Portable trailer mounted units

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit gearboxes
Double or single reduction.
Herringbone or helical gears.
Check fluid level periodically.
Replace fluid regularly.
Following manufacturers specs on
lubricants.
Lubricant specs change with
temperature.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Signs of a problem
Any unusual noise coming from the gearbox.
Gearbox fluid appears milky looking.
Loose wrist pin in a crank.
Any unusual noise coming from a bearing
assembly. (Squeaking, rattling, chattering)
Increase play or movement in any bearing.
Bearing fails to take grease.
Bearing fails to retain grease.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

More pumping units
This unique rainbow
painted pumping unit
is made in Russia
and has a stroke of
up to 3 meters.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

This product was funded by a grant awarded under the President’s High
Growth Job Training Initiative as implemented by the US
Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.
The Information contained in this product was created by a
grantee organization and does not necessarily reflect the official
position of the US Department of Labor. All references to nongovernmental companies or organizations, their services,
products, or resources are offered for informational purposes and
should not be construed as an endorsement by the Department of
Labor. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it
and is intended for individual organizational, non-commercial use
only.


Slide 16

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Section 11 – Pumping Units

Looking at the various types and
designs of pumping units and their
applications in fluid production.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Background
In the early years of the oil patch either a
special pumping rig similar to a cable
drilling rig (or the cable drilling rig that
was used to drill the well) was used to
pump a well. This one rig did the work
of a pumping unit, a service rig, and a
workover rig.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

More background
The modern pumping units are based on
the design of the cable drilling and
pumping rigs.
All have a walking beam supported near
the middle by a sampson post and a
pitman that connects one end of the
beam to an eccentric (a crank system).

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Even more background
The very first pumping units were so much
like a standard pumping rig, that they had
no horse’s head or counterbalance weights.
During the early 1920s gear boxes were
added to these early pumping units and a
pumping revolution began.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit components
horses
head

walking
beam

equalizer
pitman
counter
balance
weights

sampson
post
ladder

gearbox
and support
base

skid

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit lubrication
saddle
bearing
assembly

gear box

Equalizer
bearing

Pitman
bearing

wrist pin
bearings

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Beam balanced units
Inexpensive.
Durable.
Low maintenance.
Typically used for
shallow production.
Class 1 lever.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Crank balanced units
Called conventional units.
Very durable.
Extremely versatile.
Cost effective.
Low maintenance.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Lufkin Mark II units
Phased counter-balance.
Lower peak torque.
Slower up stroke.
Faster down stroke.
Class 3 lever.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Air balanced units
Lighter than other units.
More portable.
Very accurate counterbalance adjustment.
Requires compressing
system for air.
High maintenance.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Reverse units
Alternative design as far
as geometry.
Very durable.
Lower torque.
Low maintenance.
Increase counter-balance
by extending weights
further out on cranks.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Other units
Low profile units

Slant hole units
Foldable units.

Portable trailer mounted units

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Pumping unit gearboxes
Double or single reduction.
Herringbone or helical gears.
Check fluid level periodically.
Replace fluid regularly.
Following manufacturers specs on
lubricants.
Lubricant specs change with
temperature.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

Signs of a problem
Any unusual noise coming from the gearbox.
Gearbox fluid appears milky looking.
Loose wrist pin in a crank.
Any unusual noise coming from a bearing
assembly. (Squeaking, rattling, chattering)
Increase play or movement in any bearing.
Bearing fails to take grease.
Bearing fails to retain grease.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

More pumping units
This unique rainbow
painted pumping unit
is made in Russia
and has a stroke of
up to 3 meters.

Training in Oil & Gas Production for BP Technical Interns

This product was funded by a grant awarded under the President’s High
Growth Job Training Initiative as implemented by the US
Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.
The Information contained in this product was created by a
grantee organization and does not necessarily reflect the official
position of the US Department of Labor. All references to nongovernmental companies or organizations, their services,
products, or resources are offered for informational purposes and
should not be construed as an endorsement by the Department of
Labor. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it
and is intended for individual organizational, non-commercial use
only.