Cranked Rod Pump Method

Abstract

An improved apparatus and method are disclosed, for pumping fluids, such as water and/or hydrocarbons, from a subterranean formation or reservoir, through use of a cranked rod pumping (CRP) apparatus for imparting reciprocating substantially vertical motion to a rod of a sucker-rod pump having a pump stroke. The CRP apparatus includes a motor driven cranked mechanical actuator arrangement. The cranked mechanical actuator arrangement includes a substantially vertically moveable member attached to the rod of the sucker-rod pump for imparting and controlling vertical motion of the rod of the sucker-rod pump. The actuator arrangement may include pneumatic counterbalancing.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for extending the operating life of a hydrocarbon well having a walking beam apparatus operatively connected thereto for imparting reciprocating substantially vertical motion to a rod of a sucker-rod pump having a pump stroke disposed in the well, the method comprising:
 disconnecting the rod from the walking beam apparatus, and operatively connecting the rod to a CRP apparatus.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising, operating the CRP apparatus at a lower production rate than the production rate of the walking beam pump prior to its replacement by the CRP apparatus. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising, mounting the CRP apparatus directly on a wellhead of the well. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising, leaving the walking beam apparatus in place adjacent the well. 
     
     
         5 . A method for pumping fluid from a source of fluid located in a remote location, the method comprising:
 providing a CRP apparatus with the CRP including   a cranked mechanical actuator arrangement having a vertically movable member attached to a rod of a sucker-rod pump configured for imparting and controlling vertical motion of the rod of the sucker-rod pump; and   a motor having a rotatable element thereof operatively connected to the vertically movable member of the cranked mechanical actuator arrangement in a manner establishing a fixed relationship between rotational position of the rotatable element of the motor and vertical movement of the vertically movable member;   operatively attaching the CRP apparatus to the source of fluid; and   pumping fluid from the source of fluid.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising, attaching the CRP apparatus to a stand-alone source of power. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , the stand-alone source of power comprises a solar energy power source. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising, providing the source of fluid at the remote location. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the source of fluid at the remote location comprises a fluid well, and the method further comprises providing the fluid well. 
     
     
         10 . A method for starting a CRP apparatus including a motor coupled to a crank in a fully lowered, stationary position through a full rotation, the method comprising:
 coupling the crank to a vertically movable member attached to a rod of a sucker-rod pump for imparting and controlling vertical motion of the rod of the sucker-rod pump;   coupling the motor to the vertically movable member establishing a fixed relationship between rotation position of the motor and vertical movement of the vertically movable member;   rotating the motor of the CRP apparatus in a first direction;   rotating the motor in a second direction if the motor rotational speed in the first direction slows below a threshold speed; and   rotating the motor, sequentially, in the first and second direction motor can rotate the crank through a full rotation cycle, thereafter continue rotating the crank in a single rotational direction imparting reciprocating vertical rotation to the rod of the sucker-rod pump.