Extending Downhole Pump Life Using New Technology

Abstract Sand, whether formation sand or frac sand, is produced along with hydrocarbons and water from many wells. This sand can accelerate wear of the plunger and pump barrel, and can also cause the plunger to stick in the barrel. These problems may result in frequent pulling jobs and expensive pump repair costs. The Farr plunger, a newly designed pump plunger and pull rod, has been tested during this past year in numerous oil fields in California. These tests indicate that the Farr plunger has the potential to reduce the pump wear and plunger sticking problems caused by sand production. This paper describes this new design, and the initial results of the field trials.