System and method for handling pumping units in out-of-balance condition

A system of handling a plurality of pumping units in an out-of-balance condition, the system comprising:

• sensing equipment monitoring operating parameters of each of the pumping units, the operating parameters related to balance of the one or more pumping units;
• processing equipment in communication with the sensing equipment, the processing equipment being configured to:
• determine the out-of-balance condition in at least one of the pumping units based on the monitored operating parameters,
• calculate a first correction indicating a counterbalance parameter change in a counterweight of the at least one pumping unit to counter the out-of-balance condition,
• calculate a second correction indicating a stroke parameter change in an actuator of the at least one pumping unit to counter the out-of-balance condition,
• automatically select one of the first and second corrections based on a comparison of results of the calculations;
• and
• communication equipment in communication with the processing equipment and communicating information for implementing the selected one of the first and second corrections at the at least one pumping unit to counter the out-of-balance condition.

A method of rebalancing a pumping unit in an out-of-balance condition, the method comprising:

• monitoring, with sensing equipment, operating parameters of the pumping unit, the operating parameters related to balance of the pumping unit;
• determining, with processing equipment, the out-of-balance condition of the pumping unit based on the monitored operating parameters by determining that a first peak of a net gearbox torque on an upstroke of the at least one pumping unit is less or more than a second peak of the net gearbox torque on a downstroke;
• obtaining, with the processing equipment from the sensing equipment, input of the operating parameters for a plurality of strokes of the pumping unit;
• computing, with the processing equipment, torque components of the pumping unit from the obtained input;
• determining, with the processing equipment, a new counterbalance parameter of the pumping unit from the computed torque components;
• and
• correcting the out-of-balance condition by changing a counterbalance of the pumping unit based on the determined counterbalance parameter.

A method of modifying operation of a pumping unit in an out-of-balance condition, the method comprising:

• monitoring, with sensing equipment, operating parameters of the pumping unit, the operating parameters related to balance of the pumping unit;
• determining, with processing equipment, the out-of-balance condition of the pumping unit based on the monitored operating parameters by determining that a first peak of a net gearbox torque on an upstroke of the at least one pumping unit is less or more than a second peak of the net gearbox torque on a downstroke;
• obtaining, with the processing equipment from the sensing equipment, input of the operating parameters for a plurality of strokes of the pumping unit at a plurality of stroke rates;
• computing, with the processing equipment, existing torque components of the pumping unit from the obtained input;
• determining, with the processing equipment, a new stroke parameter of the pumping unit from the computed torque components;
• and
• countering the out-of-balance condition by changing the pumping unit to the determined new stroke parameter.