INFLUENCE OF OPERATIONAL PARAMETERS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF A BEAM PUMPING UNIT

In the present study, the influence of wear processes of key structural units of a beam pumping unit on its operational characteristics and overall performance under conditions of long-term development of oil fields is considered. Attention is given to the analysis of changes in the technical condition of drive elements and transmission mechanisms under prolonged cyclic loading, which is characteristic of mechanized oil production. A detailed analysis of the operational features of sucker-rod pumping installations under complicated operating conditions has been carried out, including reduced reservoir pressure, increased water cut of the produced fluid, as well as high corrosiveness of the formation environment. It has been established that the indicated factors significantly influence the kinematic and dynamic parameters of equipment operation, causing an increase in loads on the elements of the crank-balance mechanism, the gearbox, bearing units, and the sucker-rod string. The main mechanisms of degradation and failure of structural elements of the equipment have been examined, including abrasive and adhesive wear, fatigue failure of metal, corrosion damage, and wear of friction surfaces. It is shown that the accumulation of damage in the indicated units leads to a decrease in the energy efficiency of the pumping installation, an increase in mechanical losses, growth of vibration loads and, consequently, a reduction of maintenance intervals during operation. Based on the analysis of operational and diagnostic data, the necessity of comprehensive consideration of equipment wear parameters in the planning of maintenance and repair activities has been substantiated. The expediency of implementing modern methods for monitoring the technical condition is also noted, including vibration diagnostics, analysis of load diagrams, as well as the application of remote monitoring systems for equipment operating parameters. The obtained results can be used to optimize the operating regimes of beam pumping units, increase their reliability and durability, as well as to reduce operational and repair costs of oil-producing enterprises. Keywords: beam pumping unit; gearbox of the pumping installation; gear transmissions; operational wear; contact fatigue of gear teeth; sucker-rod pumping installations; dynamic loads; reliability of oilfield equipment; technical condition diagnostics; remaining useful life of equipment; energy efficiency; operation of oil wells.