API 11B Sucker Rod

Construction

Sucker rods are typically made of high-quality carbon or alloy steel to withstand the high tensile and compressive forces encountered during drilling and production operations. They are manufactured in various grades and sizes to suit different well conditions.

Length and Diameter

Sucker rods are typically available in lengths ranging from 25 to 30 feet (7.6 to 9.1 meters). The diameter of the rods can vary, but common sizes range from 5/8 inches to 1 1/4 inches (15.9 to 31.8 millimeters).

Types

There are different types of sucker rods available, including conventional sucker rods, hollow sucker rods, and continuous sucker rods. Conventional sucker rods are solid, while hollow sucker rods have a hollow central section to allow fluid flow. Continuous sucker rods are made from one continuous piece of steel without any threaded connections.

Function

Sucker rods are used to transmit mechanical power from the surface to downhole pumping equipment. They are connected to a pumping unit, such as a pumpjack, which reciprocates the rods up and down to create the necessary pumping action. This action helps lift the oil or gas to the surface.

Threaded Connections

Sucker rods have threaded connections on each end, allowing them to be joined together to form a continuous string. The connections are usually made using a coupling or a rod clamp, ensuring a secure and leak-free connection.

Corrosion Protection

Sucker rods are susceptible to corrosion due to exposure to well fluids and harsh downhole conditions. To protect against corrosion, the rods are often coated with protective coatings or treated with corrosion inhibitors.

Maintenance and Inspection

Regular maintenance and inspection of sucker rods are essential to identify any signs of wear, corrosion, or damage. Damaged rods should be replaced promptly to ensure safe and efficient operations.

Materials

Sucker rod material made of carbon or alloy steel. Alloy Steels refer to AISI 4130M, AISI 4138M, AISI 4330M, AISI 4142M, AISI 8630M, etc.

Sucker Rods Coupling Types

With the connection T coupling or reduced diameter coupling. sucker rods connect each other and extended to an underground piston of the reserved oil, by the reciprocating motion to pump the oil.

Overall, sucker rods play a crucial role in the oil and gas industry, providing the mechanical power necessary for the extraction of oil and gas from underground reservoirs.

Pony Rod

A pony rod is a short sucker rod that is usually length under 10ft, application is similar to a sucker rod for oil pumping, as some parts will need short pieces to complete the oil well drilling.

Manufacturing Processes of the API 11B Sucker Rod:

Rod Test - Straightening - Non-Destructive Inspection - Friction welding - Heating - Thermal Straightening - Impeller Blasting - Ends Threading - Assembly - Anti-Corrosion - Packing - Warehousing.

As we know in API 11B there are Grades C, K, and D moreover there are high-strength sucker rods with Standard SY/T5029-2006 covers grades in KD, HL, and HY. KH-level rods will comply with the manufacturer's internal protocols.

Below are applications for each grade:

• Grade C sucker rod is mainly used for light, medium load, no corrosion or corrosion shallow Wells or in deep well pumping, material is carbon steel or manganese steel.
• Grade D sucker rod is made of high-quality alloy steel, after heat treatment with high strength, plasticity is good, long life, and other characteristics. It is suitable for light when there is no corrosion or corrosive medium in the deep Wells under the environment of use.
• Grade H (HL and HY) sucker rods are made of high-quality alloy steel manufacturing, have the characteristics of ultra-high strength, are used in deep well, and big strong pumps used in production.
• K and KD sucker rods with different content of Ni Cr - Ni - Mo high-quality alloy steel manufacturing, have anti-corrosive, resistance to corrosion function, respectively applicable to strong corrosion of shallow, middle, and deep Wells.