A Coupled Rod and Fluid Dynamic Model for Predicting the Behavior of Sucker-Rod Pumping Systems—Part 1: Model Theory and Solution Methodology

Summary Equations are derived from first principles for predicting the behavior of sucker-rod pumping systems including the effects of rod and fluid dynamics, and kinematics of the surface pumping unit. Equations are also developed for both incompressible and slightly compressible fluid flow scenarios. The resulting composite rod and fluid dynamic model is solved using the MacCormack Explicit Numerical Scheme. Example problems used to validate this model are presented in a companion paper.