The oil sucker (rod pump) method is one of the most widely used artificial lift techniques, especially in low-pressure wells.
The working principle is simple yet highly effective:
A surface unit called a pump jack (beam pump) generates mechanical energy and transfers it downhole through the sucker rod string.
At the bottom of the well, the subsurface pump consists of two main valves:
- Standing valve
- Traveling valve
The operation works as follows:
- During the upstroke, the traveling valve closes while the standing valve opens, allowing fluid to enter the pump
- During the downstroke, the standing valve closes while the traveling valve opens, pushing the fluid upward
This continuous cycle lifts the fluid step by step to the surface.
Key advantages:
Simple and reliable design
Ideal for low to medium production wells
Easy operation and maintenance