PCP
POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT PUMPS

PCP’s are positive displacement pumps, which consist of two key parts, the Stator and the Rotor. The stator remains stationary and the rotor rotates. The PCP is described as a gear pump with a single helical rotor, which rotates inside a double internal helical elastomer lined stator.


The stator is run into the well on the bottom of the production tubing, while the rotor is connected to the end of the rod string. As the PC pump operates, cavities formed between the stator and rotor move fl uid upward in a continuous non-pulsating action from the intake to the discharge of the pump. Pressure builds linearly (in theory) from the inlet to the discharge of the pump providing the necessary lift to produce fl uid to surface. The PCP delivers a constant flow that is proportional to the size of the cavity and rotational speed of the rotor.


The PCP system also offers the following key benefits:
- Ability to pump high viscosity fl uids
- Ability to handle large sand concentrations
- Low internal shear rates
(limits fluid emulsifi cation through agitation)
- Continuous power demand (prime mover capacity fully utilized)
- No valves or reciprocating parts to clog, gas lock or wear
- Tolerates high percentages of free gas
- Decreased capital and power cost
- Simple installation and operation
- Good abrasion resistance
- Limited noise levels
- Low maintenance

The PCP is able to produce in highly viscous sand laden oil, making it the primary artifi cial lift system for conventional heavy oil production around the world. There are approximately 60,000 PCP’s running worldwide, 65% of which are in Canada.

PCP’s are also utilized for producing medium to light oil, source water, dewatering coal bed methane CBM and conventional gas wells.