5 Facts About Beam Pump Maintenance

March 20, 2023

5 Facts About Beam Pump Maintenance

Beam pumps take a lot of abuse, exerting forces on the pump rod and tubing with every stroke. This can lead to premature wear and tear of surface and downhole equipment. In order to avoid this, it is important to service your beam pumps on a regular basis. Listed below are some of the most common maintenance issues that you should look out for.

1. Beam Pump Maintenance

Fluid and gas pound and stretch the pump, rod and tubing during each stroke of operation. The resulting wear and tear can result in unscheduled workovers, downtime, production loss, etc. A good way to help reduce the frequency of these workovers is by properly maintaining the beam pump. Ideally, the pump should be serviced every week, regardless of whether the operator thinks it is operating or not. This is a safe and efficient way to keep it running smoothly and efficiently.

2. Keep It In The Workshop

One of the most important things to remember about beam pump maintenance is that they should always be performed in the workshop. That way, technicians can keep an eye on the equipment and ensure that it is performing properly at all times. It is also important to make sure that the unit is completely isolated before any work is done on it. Proper isolation will prevent electrical and hydraulic problems from occurring. This can save a lot of money and time. In addition, it can also help ensure that a problem is quickly identified and repaired. Moreover, it can also improve the overall performance of the machine. This will ensure that you can run your wells safely and efficiently.

3. Serviced On A Regular Basis

Beam pumps are heavy machines and require regular maintenance to keep them running at their best. Often this is carried out on an ad-hoc basis but by introducing a regular preventative maintenance schedule you can reduce the risk of unexpected pump failures and downtime. The first thing that you need to do is make sure that you have the correct isolations in place when a beam pump needs to be serviced or replaced. This can be done by turning one of the isolating switches ‘OFF’ and placing the appropriate padlock on the door clutch, this will provide both electrical isolation as well as mechanical. You should also check all the seals on the pump for any damage or leaks as they can cause major problems if left untreated. For example, if your seals are worn down it can result in a huge loss of pump output and may even cause the pump to spill fluid out of the stuffing box or other areas.

4. Peak Efficiency

A beam pump is a complicated beast. It takes a lot of torque to get it moving and the resulting forces on the rod, tubing and other associated equipment can be significant. The best way to keep it running at peak efficiency is to keep it well lubricated. Typical preventive maintenance routines include grease and oil changes for the gearbox and crank case, inspection of all seals and a periodic visual inspection of the main pump casing. This will ensure the smoothest operation possible for all involved. A regular hygienic well site cleaning routine will also keep things looking their best.

5. Call A Professional

Beam pumps, also called walking beam pumps, are an integral part of the oil field and should be serviced by a professional. These machines are highly complex and the forces exerted on them are substantial. The best way to perform this task is by hiring a knowledgeable engineer with the correct training and equipment. These professionals know all about the proper procedure to get your pump back in working order. During the maintenance process, they will take the time to ensure that the machine is functioning properly.