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What Is a Pump Jack?
A pump jack is a mechanical device that operates a reciprocating piston pump located deep inside an oil well. It serves one primary function: lifting liquid hydrocarbons to the surface when the reservoir pressure is too low for natural flow. Typically installed after the initial reservoir pressure has declined, pump jacks are a key component of secondary oil recovery.
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Key Components of a Pump Jack
Understanding how pump jacks work begins with recognizing their main components:
Walking Beam: The horizontal beam that rocks back and forth, giving the pump jack its characteristic nodding motion.
Samson Post: The vertical support structure that anchors the walking beam.
Pitman Arm: Connects the crank to the walking beam and transfers rotary motion to linear motion.
Horsehead: Attached to the front of the walking beam, it guides the movement of the polished rod.
Crankshaft and Counterweight: Located at the base, these rotate and help balance the load, reducing energy consumption.
Polished Rod and Sucker Rod: Extend down into the well and are attached to the downhole pump.
Downhole Pump: A piston-like device situated within the wellbore that lifts oil to the surface.
How a Pump Jack Works
The process is elegantly simple yet mechanically sophisticated:
Motor Power: An electric or gas-powered motor turns the crankshaft.
Rotary to Linear Motion: The crankshaft rotates, moving the Pitman arm, which rocks the walking beam up and down.
Lifting Oil: As the walking beam moves, it pulls the polished rod upward, lifting the sucker rod and creating suction in the downhole pump.
Intake and Discharge Valves: The upward stroke opens the intake valve and closes the discharge valve, drawing oil into the chamber. On the downward stroke, the intake valve closes and the discharge valve opens, pushing oil upward.
Oil to Surface: This pumping cycle continues, drawing oil incrementally to the surface where it is collected for storage and transport.
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