The Next-Generation Micro Pump Improves Stripper Oil-Well Performance

MK Pump is giving stripper well operators a stationary way to reduce costs: the Rhino Mini-Jack, a miniaturized piston pump system designed to recover oil at rates as high as 15 barrels a day at depths to 1,500 feet, according to Mark Bertane, president of MK Pump. "The industry uses an oversized pump for these small-yielding wells. This pump has been made small enough so you are matching your production and costs to this smaller yielding well," he says. "The system helps bring new life to old, marginal wells."

Bertane notes that the miniature pump costs $8,000–$12,000, compared to $15,000–$30,000 for the larger pump designs traditionally used on stripper wells. The Mini-Jack costs less not only because it is small, but also because it comes in a single package, he says. "Usually, there are different vendors for different parts of the system–a motor vendor, pump jack vendor, control vendor, etc. With our small package and for small wells, you can put it all together easily," Bertane claims.

"There are some other costs, as far as stabilization of the platform on which the pump is installed and the crews required to put it all up. Our pump jack sits right on top of the wellhead, so there are no requirements for platform alignment," he adds.

The Mini-Jack also costs less in the field, Bertane says. "It uses a continuous fiberglass rod and a linear actuating top-head drive motor rather then a counterbalanced pump jack, so energy usage is significantly lower," he explains. "The fiberglass rods are 3/8 inch in diameter and are continuous, so there are no connectors."

The top-head drive, positive displacement pump jack weighs only 125 pounds and works with all standard well heads. Motor size, traveling valves, rods, connectors and downhole components can be matched to the well, he notes, adding that explosion-proof electric motors or pneumatic motors are available.

Once the pump reaches the field, operators can program it with the included SmartBox controller. With the necessary information, Bertane says the SmartBox can achieve optimal production well by varying stroke counts and running speed throughout the day, even during a single stroke.

"Operators could also cut costs by programming the box to turn the pump off when energy prices peak," he notes. "The SmartBox presents useful and easy to-read data at the well site, to SCADA systems, and through a built-in-communications port, to off-site computers."

For more information please visit us at www.mkpump.

SOURCE: Blackhawk Technology Company