WellPilot™ Variable Speed Drive for Rod Pumping

The critical challenge in rod pumped wells is to match the pumping speed to the varying production capacity of the well while protecting the system from mechanical damage. Conventional rod pump controllers (RPCs) are very effective in controlling the fluid level by cycling the well on and off based on available fluid. In some cases, this is not the best method of optimization because a well may be off too long resulting in inefficient operations or causing pumps to stick due to sand content.

What is needed in the market today is a control system that can infinitely vary the speed while controlling polished rod torque throughout the speed range.

Weatherford meets this need with the WellPilot controller providing continuous pump fill control with speed and torque override for optimum management of rod pumped wells.

Weatherford’s WellPilot controller uses an integral RPC in conjunction with precision speed and torque control to ensure that the well pumps only as fast as required. This not only allows you to match the pumping speed to well conditions, but also supplies the required torque to operate when fully loaded. Precision torque control also means there is no need to oversize the drive relative to the motor for pump startup.

Drive reliability requires the proper enclosure to protect the sensitive electronics from foreign material as well as extreme temperature variations. The WellPilot controller uses an engineered package with through-hole mounting of the amplifier heat sink to reduce the heat and the overall size requirement of the cabinet.

Our NEMA Type 3R enclosure layout provides additional room for optional internal components while mechanical interlock enhances the safety of the package.