Beam Pump & Pumping Units
A beam pumping unit — commonly called a pumpjack or nodding donkey — is the surface drive system for sucker rod lift. It converts the rotary motion of a prime mover (engine or electric motor) into the reciprocating up-and-down motion that drives the rod string and downhole pump.
Proxima supplies beam pumping units through Power Flow International Sales, representing Lufkin and Don-Nan (now Lufkin) — two of the most recognised names in rod lift surface equipment.
How a Beam Pump Works
The prime mover drives a gearbox through a belt and sheave system. The gearbox output shaft carries a crank arm with counterweights. The crank connects to the walking beam through a pitman arm and equaliser bearing. As the crank rotates, the walking beam rocks up and down, raising and lowering the polished rod through the stuffing box. Counterweights on the crank and beam balance the rod string load, reducing peak torque on the gearbox and prime mover.
Stroke length and strokes per minute are adjusted to match the well’s production rate and pump size.
Pumping Unit Types
| Type | Description | Application |
|---|---|---|
| — | — | — |
| Conventional | Standard crank-balanced beam pump | Most common, wide range of sizes |
| Air-balanced | Compressed air cylinder replaces counterweights | Reduced structural weight, remote locations |
| Mark II / Low-profile | Modified geometry reduces peak torque | Deeper wells, higher-load applications |
| Long-stroke | Extended stroke length | High-volume or deep wells |
Product Range
Lufkin pumping units are available in API unit designations from small shallow-well units to large-frame units for deep high-volume wells. Don-Nan (now Lufkin) units cover a complementary range with a reputation for field durability.
Power Flow International Sales has supplied Lufkin and Don-Nan units to Azerbaijan and the wider Caspian region. Proxima coordinates equipment selection, import, and delivery.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| — | — |
| API unit sizes | Full range from C-25 to C-912 and above |
| Stroke length | 12″ – 192″ depending on unit size |
| Strokes per minute | 1 – 20 SPM |
| Structural load | To API unit rating |
| Prime mover | Engine or electric motor (supplied separately) |
| Standards | API 11E |
Why Source Through Proxima
Power Flow International Sales has over 45 years of experience supplying oilfield pumping units to international markets, including Azerbaijan. Proxima provides local coordination for equipment selection, shipping, customs clearance, and delivery to wellsite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I select the right pumping unit size?
Unit selection requires peak polished rod load, peak torque, and stroke requirements — calculated from pump size, depth, fluid gradient, and rod string design. Proxima’s engineers perform this calculation from your well data.
Q: Can Proxima supply replacement parts for existing Lufkin units?
Yes. Power Flow supplies Lufkin spare parts — gearboxes, cranks, bearings, belts, and sheaves. Provide your unit model and serial number when ordering parts.
Q: What prime mover is recommended with a beam pump?
Arrow natural gas engines are the standard choice where field gas is available. Electric motors are used where grid power is accessible. Proxima supplies both through Power Flow.
