System and Method for Monitoring Rod Rotation and Position Using RF Signal Characteristics

A system for monitoring a rod-string in a pumpjack, the system comprising:

• a wireless device configured to wirelessly transmit RF signals, wherein the wireless device is positioned to move relative to a remote receiver during pumpjack operation;
• the receiver configured to receive the RF signals from the wireless device and monitor at least one RF signal characteristic of the received RF signals;
• and
• a controller configured to analyze the at least one RF signal characteristic for variation patterns and determine an operational status of the rod-string based on the variation patterns.

A method for detecting rotation of a rod-string in a pumpjack system, the method comprising:

• positioning a wireless device above a rod rotator such that the wireless device rotates with the rod-string;
• transmitting RF signals from the wireless device to a remote receiver;
• monitoring received signal strength indication (RSSI) of the RF signals at the receiver;
• detecting periodic variation in the RSSI as the rod-string periodically obstructs an RF transmission path during rotation;
• and
• determining a rotational status of the rod-string based on the periodic variation in RSSI.