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Why is the pumpjack called the "rocking donkey" or the "dinosaur pump"? What's the story behind these interesting names?
A pumpjack, or oil well pumping unit, is an important piece of equipment used to pump fluids in oil wells. This device plays a role in mechanically extracting liquids from oil wells and is needed when the pressure underground is not enough to push the liquid to the surface. This setup is common in oil-rich areas, especially onshore oil wells.
Depending on the size of the pump, the pumpjack generally pumps 5 to 40 liters of liquid per stroke, most commonly emulsified liquids of crude oil and water.
The design of these pumps is affected by a variety of factors, including pumping depth and the weight of the oil. Generally, the greater the depth, the greater the pumping force required. The pumpjack drives the "polishing rod" and corresponding suction rod system by converting the rotational motion of the motor into vertical reciprocating motion. The engineering term for this mechanism is a walking beam, and the design dates back to the stationary and marine steam engines of the 18th and 19th centuries.
Rich name history
Pumpjack has a variety of interesting names, reflecting its importance and widespread use in the energy world. For example, it is not only called a "nodding donkey" but also a dinosaur pump, a grasshopper pump, a sucker rod pump, and so on. Each of these names has its own characteristics, conveying different cultural and technological backgrounds.
Names such as "Swinging Donkey" and "Dinosaur Pump" not only make this oil pumping equipment easier to identify, but also reflect its specific role and history in the oil industry. ”
In particular, the name "Swinging Donkey" vividly describes the operation of the pumpjack. The up and down swinging motion of this mechanical device closely resembles the state of a donkey at work. In addition, the "dinosaur pump" in the name hints at the antiquity of this technology. Just like the dinosaurs, it may be a relic of the past, but it still plays a key role in modern oil fields.
Modern operations
As technology evolves, modern pumpjacks are often powered by electric motors or internal combustion engines. In remote areas where there is no electricity supply, internal combustion engines may be the option, while in the case of water pump wells, single-phase electric motors are also widely used when three-phase electricity is not available. The latest pumpjack designs also allow for system balance to cope with oil volume changes at different wellheads.
“These modern pumpjacks utilize simpler technology to make well operations more efficient and reduce maintenance difficulties.”
When pumpjack comes standard with different types of fuel systems, it can adapt to harsh weather conditions, ensuring it can continue to operate in a variety of environments. Whether natural gas, propane, or diesel, these energy sources provide the pumpjack with long-lasting power.
Technology that goes deep into the well
Underneath these pumpjacks are more complex downhole pumps. Downhole pump design is also influenced by many factors and often includes mechanisms such as standing valves and stroke valves to control the entry and exit of fluids. During normal operation, liquid will enter the pump through the stroke valve as it ascends. During the descending stroke, the middle and lower valves will be sealed to ensure that the lifted liquid will not flow back to the bottom of the well.
“This liquid inlet and outlet control technology ensures the continuous and stable operation of the pump and prevents problems such as gas blockage.”
As the main equipment for construction, the technical characteristics of the pumpjack not only require professional engineers to design and build, but also require continuous technical upgrades to adapt to changes in energy demand. Through continuous advancement, this ancient technology is still able to support today's energy market.
Changes in water well pumps
Additionally, the design of the pumpjack may also be adapted to the needs of water pumps, which are considered old-fashioned hand-pumping well technology and are often powered by generally small electric motors. Although well pumps typically have lower flow rates than other types of water pumps, they are simple and economical to operate.
“With the introduction of new technologies, the efficiency and convenience of these well pumps are being valued and gradually integrated into modern agricultural water conservancy systems.”
In the future clean water supply and oil and gas extraction, this ancient but efficient equipment will still play its unique value. As technology evolves and human wisdom gradually improves, how will pumpjack continue to adapt and develop in the new era?
