This document is based on a 1954 study of sucker rod pumping equipment and the many complex problems associated with this means of lifting fluid from a well.
The design calculations are based on correlations of the test data that were obtained during the research phase of the study. Correlated test results were released to the American Petroleum Institute for publication. This technical report for the design calculations of sucker rod pumping systems using conventional pumping units is based on these correlations.
The topics include vibration characteristics of sucker-rod strings, physical characteristics of sucker rods and dimensional analysis of sucker-rod pumping systems. The calculations apply to the broad category of average, normal pumping wells fitting the assumed conditions defined therein. Unusual or out-of-the-ordinary conditions will cause deviations from calculated performance.