Information AboutNodding Donkey |
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A pump jack, '''nodding donkey''' or '''horsehead pump''' is the overground drive for a Submersible Pump in a Borehole . A pumpjack is usually driven by an Electric Motor and 'nods' at a regular Rhythm . Depending on the size of the Submersible Pump , it produces 5 to 40 Litre s of Petroleum - Water mixture at each stroke. A 2 inch (50 mm) diameter metal rod connects the head to the pump, located underground in the oil Reservoir . The electric motor (or, more rarely, a natural gas or Diesel Engine ) turns a pair of Cranks , which by their action raise and lower one end of the beam. The other end of the beam has a curved end, resulting in the shape likened to a donkey or horse's head. This totally converts the rotary mechanism of the motor to a vertical reciprocating motion to drive the pump shaft. This is what sets up the characteristic nodding motion. The engineering term for this type of mechanism is a walking beam. It was often employed in stationary and marine Steam Engine designs in the 1700s and 1800s . This system is also commonly referred to as a ''beam pump'', ''rod pump'', ''grasshopper'', ''thirsty bird'' or ''jack pump''. This type of arrangement is commonly used in onshore applications for relatively low-production Oil Well s. |