By Rob Caouette
Over the past decade, artificial lift requirements have continued an uphill climb, both in total volumes and overall depths required. In many cases, the initial production phase of these wells was better suited to Gas Lift and ESP’s, but in time they become unable to pump these wells economically. Current conventional pumping units were unable to achieve the rates required once Gas Lift or ESP had failed. To fit the market niche (>240 inches of stroke length), many have attempted different long stroke units systems, that were unnecessarily complex and prone to failure.
First was the mechanical long stroke unit, which uses a belt and reversing mechanism to convert rotational motion to linear motion. Although the unit is efficient, it is limited to ~4.5 SPM and has complex components that need to be serviced by specialized crews. Further, it requires a special base that is not convertible to a smaller unit in the future, dramatically limiting its usefulness over the life of the well.
"Big Red is the largest known conventional pumping unit in the world. No other conventional unit has hit the 300” stroke length mark."
Second is the hydraulic long stroke units, which use variations of a hydraulic cylinder that reciprocates and lifts the rod string. Although they are slightly less expensive to install, they are limited to 5.5-6.0 SPM and have high initial capital cost. High operating costs, coupled with downtime make these systems very expensive to operate and have been shown to have very low long-term value.
Redhead Artificial Lift Ltd. is pleased to announce the successful launch of our newest industry changing product – the 1824-365-300 Long Stroke Unit we like to call Big Red. The unit was designed to outperform other current surface pumping units by:
- Increased speeds – Unit is rated up to 9 SPM (5400” / minute).
- Long Stroke and high SPM results in much higher production capability.
- Simple design – Ideal for low cost, high run-time operation. Less missed production.
The "Big Red"
Big Red is the largest known conventional pumping unit in the world. No other conventional unit has hit the 300” stroke length mark. The unit is also the lowest cost alternative in all categories of initial capital, operating, maintenance and replacement. Big Red offers long life production and unparalleled flexibility by either downsizing on a convertible base to 640 with no alternations, or pin back to minimum 156” stroke length.
The Redhead 1824-365-300 is built to the exacting specifications that all Redhead units are subjected to. These include highly engineered design to maximize performance, top quality materials to ensure long life and an experienced team behind it all.
Visit www.redheadlift.com to learn more about the Redhead lineup of Pumping units.
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Rob is the CEO of Redhead Lift and a true blue Albertan, born and raised in the Edmonton area and still lives in Calgary today. He started in the oil and gas industry 27 years ago and brings this wealth of experience to Redhead.