The most import piece of information required when running beam pumped wells is access to the dynamometer card. This card when generated properly gives operators analytical insight to the well's operating behavior and allows for proper optimization of the well to be performed. The definition of dynamometer is an instrument used to measure force. In the case of a beam pumped well the dynamometer records the polished rod load in relation to the polish rod position to generate a surface dynamometer card. The changes in downhole conditions will determine the shape of the surface card. There are two methods which can be used to generate a dynamometer card:

  • On-site dynamometer system
  • Rod pump controller


Each of the methods use a load transducer and a position sensor to collect the raw data used to generate the dynamometer card. The most commonly used device to obtain load is a polished rod “doughnut” load cell and to obtain position is the potentiometer or accelerometer.

Using this data correctly will allow the operator to properly optimize the beam pumped well to reach the maximum production with minimal run time.