Progressing Cavity Pumps
A progressing cavity pump (PCP) is a positive-displacement pump that moves fluid by rotating a helical rotor inside a moulded elastomeric stator. The rotor is driven from surface through a rod string connected to a surface drivehead. As the rotor turns, it creates a series of sealed cavities that progress from inlet to discharge, moving fluid continuously upward without the pulsation of a reciprocating pump.
Proxima supplies PCP systems from ChampionX — Oil Lift Technologies brand — for production operations in Azerbaijan and the Caspian region.
How a PCP Works
The drivehead at surface rotates the rod string at a controlled speed, typically 50–400 RPM. The rod string transmits torque to the downhole rotor. As the rotor turns eccentrically inside the stator, sealed cavities form at the pump inlet and travel upward to the discharge, carrying fluid with them. Flow rate is controlled by adjusting the rotational speed of the drivehead.
Unlike a reciprocating pump, a PCP produces smooth, continuous flow with no check valves — an advantage for viscous and shear-sensitive fluids.
When PCP Outperforms Other Lift Methods
| Condition | Why PCP is Preferred |
|---|---|
| — | — |
| Heavy oil / high viscosity | Handles viscous fluids that reciprocating pumps struggle with |
| High sand cut | Tolerates solids in production stream better than reciprocating pumps |
| Low GOR wells | No gas interference issues |
| Shallow-to-medium depth | Efficient and cost-effective for wells under 1 500 m |
| Shear-sensitive fluids | Smooth flow preserves emulsion and polymer flood chemistry |
Product Range
Downhole PCP Pumps
Oil Lift Technologies downhole PCP pumps are available in a range of displacement sizes to match target production rates. Elastomeric stators are available in multiple compounds for resistance to H₂S, CO₂, aromatic hydrocarbons, and high temperature.
Surface Driveheads
The surface drivehead supports the rod string, drives it in rotation, and seals the wellhead against well pressure. Oil Lift Technologies driveheads are designed for easy maintenance and safe operation, with integrated braking systems to prevent rod string backspin on shutdown.
Rod-Lock™ BOP
The patented Rod-Lock™ BOP is a safety device that prevents the rod string from spinning back uncontrolled if the drivehead is disconnected under load. This protects rig personnel and surface equipment during workover operations. A standard safety requirement for PCP installations.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Range |
|---|---|
| — | — |
| Displacement | 5 – 800 m³/day |
| Lift depth | To 1 500 m standard |
| Rotational speed | 50 – 400 RPM |
| Fluid viscosity | Up to 10 000 cP |
| Temperature | To 120°C standard |
| Stator elastomers | NBR, HNBR, FKM options |
Why Source Through Proxima
Proxima supplies Oil Lift Technologies PCP systems with local engineering support for pump sizing, stator selection, and drivehead specification. We assist with rod string design for PCP torque requirements, which differ from reciprocating rod lift.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a PCP handle sand production?
Yes. PCP pumps tolerate sand in the production stream better than reciprocating pumps. Stator compound selection is important — specify your sand concentration and particle size when requesting a quote.
Q: What happens if the PCP rod string backspin on shutdown?
When the drivehead stops, the fluid column above the pump can drive the rotor in reverse — unwinding the rod string rapidly and creating a dangerous backspin hazard. The Rod-Lock™ BOP and drivehead brake system prevent this. Both are standard on Oil Lift Technologies installations.
Q: How deep can a PCP pump operate?
Standard PCP systems operate effectively to around 1 500 m. For deeper applications, high-torque rod strings and specialist stator materials are required. Contact Proxima for deep well PCP assessment.
Q: Is a PCP suitable for a gassy well?
PCPs are sensitive to gas slugs — free gas entering the pump can cause dry running and stator damage. For gassy wells, a downhole gas separator upstream of the pump is recommended. Proxima can supply downhole gas separators as part of the system.
