Kinematic and dynamic development of an oil pumping mechanism. Part I. Background

The use of a mechanism to convert rotary motion to reciprocating motion is a well known task. However, for the case of an oil pumping mechanism the method of converting the motion becomes critical to the performance of the oil pumping system in terms of size, loading, and flexibility. The current types of oil pumping mechanisms have been around for years and appear to have fallen behind relative to optimization efforts performed on the below ground and prime mover elements. Therefore the task of improving the mechanism is pursued in Part II. However, before any design work can be done a complete understanding of the oil pumping process is required. The purpose of this paper is to summarize, clarify, and add to the current body of knowledge on this subject.