Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for measuring one or more parameters associated with an artificial lift system for hydrocarbon production and operating the system based on the measured parameters. One embodiment of the invention provides a lubricator for a plunger lift system, which generally includes a housing, a spring disposed in the housing for absorbing an impact by a plunger, and a sensor configured to measure at least one parameter of the spring. One example method of operating a plunger lift system for hydrocarbon production generally includes measuring at least one parameter of a spring disposed in a lubricator of the plunger lift system and operating the plunger lift system based on the measured parameter.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to apparatus and methods for counterbalancing a pumping unit. One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for operation a pumping unit. The method includes measuring an orientation of a component and one or more parameters of the pumping unit while running the pumping unit, and determining an imbalance of the pumping unit according to the measured orientation and one or more parameters.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for sensing a cavitation-related event in an artificial lift system for hydrocarbon production and operating the system based on the sensed event. One example method of operating an artificial lift system for a wellbore generally includes monitoring the wellbore for an indication (e.g., an acoustic or vibrational indication) of an event associated with cavitation in the artificial lift system and adjusting at least one parameter of the artificial lift system if the event is detected. One example system for hydrocarbon production generally includes an artificial lift system for a wellbore and at least one sensor configured to detect an indication of an event associated with cavitation in the artificial lift system.

Abstract: A long-stroke pumping unit includes a tower; a counterweight assembly movable along the tower; a crown mounted atop the tower; a sprocket supported by the crown and rotatable relative thereto; and a belt. The unit further includes a motor having a stator mounted to the crown and a rotor torsionally connected to the sprocket; and a sensor for detecting position of the counterweight assembly. The pumping unit may include a dynamic control system for controlling a speed of a motor.

Abstract: A long-stroke pumping unit includes: a tower; a counterweight assembly movable along the tower; a drum connected to an upper end of the tower and rotatable relative thereto; a belt having a first end connected to the counterweight assembly, extending over the drum, and having a second end connectable to a rod string; a prime mover for reciprocating the counterweight assembly along the tower; a sensor for detecting sudden acceleration of the counterweight assembly due to failure of the rod string; at least one of: a braking system for halting free-fall of the counterweight assembly; and an arrestor system for absorbing kinetic energy of the falling counterweight assembly; and a controller in communication with the sensor and operable to activate the braking or arrestor system in response to detection of the sudden acceleration.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for monitoring the rotation of a member in a reciprocating rod lift system. In this manner, rod and tubing wear of the system may be minimized.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for measuring one or more parameters associated with an artificial lift system for hydrocarbon production and operating the system based on the measured parameters. One embodiment of the invention provides a lubricator for a plunger lift system, which generally includes a housing, a spring disposed in the housing for absorbing an impact by a plunger, and a sensor configured to measure at least one parameter of the spring. One example method of operating a plunger lift system for hydrocarbon production generally includes measuring at least one parameter of a spring disposed in a lubricator of the plunger lift system and operating the plunger lift system based on the measured parameter.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for monitoring the rotation of a member in a reciprocating rod lift system. In this manner, rod and tubing wear of the system may be minimized.