Development of Sensors Systems for the Validation of Mathematical Models for Sucker Rod Pumps

Abstract

In order to extract the oil from reservoirs which have reached the end of the natural flow, the use of an artificial lift system is necessary. The mechanical pumping system accounts for about 90% of all artificial lift systems in the world. This kind of pump has a highly complex mechanical design and serves as a test for evaluating the developed mathematical model and the construction of special measuring equipments for future analysis systems. This work includes the construction and performance testing of an electronic force sensor installed at the Pitman (rod) and an acceleration sensor installed on the Walking Beam. The design and development of these sensors are discussed from the basic including the process of selection and configuration of strain gauges for the signal conditioning for use in harsh environments with interferences during an necessary continuous data transfer. After the acquisition of data in real time, an analysis of the mechanical pumping system using the developed mathematical model and the measured data is performed. The validation of this model is performed by comparison of force and position (angle) values of the measurement and the simulation. The entire system was implemented in software and hardware, and the results are evaluated in field tests in Gänserndorf, Austria.