Question

The maximum Polished Rod Load (PRL) in the operation of the sucker rod pump is observed near the

• A. top of the stroke and the traveling valve is open.
• B. top of the stroke and the traveling valve is closed.
• C. bottom of the stroke and the traveling valve is open.
• D. bottom of the stroke and the traveling valve is closed.

Hint:

In sucker rod pump operations, the maximum load on the polished rod typically occurs when the traveling valve is closed at the bottom of the stroke, causing maximum resistance.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

In the operation of a sucker rod pump, the maximum Polished Rod Load (PRL) occurs when the pump is at the bottom of the stroke, and the traveling valve is closed. This is because, at the bottom of the stroke, the pump has the maximum load, and the traveling valve closes to prevent further fluid movement, creating a resistance to the motion of the pump.
- Option (A) is incorrect because the maximum load occurs at the bottom, not at the top of the stroke.
- Option (B) is incorrect because the maximum load is observed when the traveling valve is closed at the bottom of the stroke.
- Option (C) is incorrect as the maximum load is not observed when the traveling valve is open at the bottom of the stroke. Thus, the correct answer is option (D).