Also, to respond to the person who questioned airbalance oil pump logistics: I read that Lufkin Industries purchased the designs about 1953, anyway, I'm from Rangely CO and back in the 1960's we had some truly monstrous huge Lufkin airbalance pumps that make these Lacys in this film look small. I'm no oilman but I always assumed that the pitmann arms behind the air cylinder -- rotating on cranks -- also pushed up on the walking beam just as the airbalance cylinder did and both were needed...?
Hello all, loved this video. Never been to Long Beach, but I do have Edna Ferber's classic book-turned movie "Giant," on tape -- love watching the oil wells as much as women love watching James Dean bring them in! There are brief shots of about thirty little airbalance pumps, stretching out in rows like cars in a parking lot, all pumping -- I suspect that was shot at or near this same California location and was just subbing for "Texas"! Derrick shots look like Signal Hill. Am I right?
How much does it cost annually to operate and maintain a well like one of these? When oil hits $100/bbl, how much does it have to produce to break even?
@albusmackinficker These wells are pretty low producers so price of oil and overhead costs affect the economics on these wells. We have a well that makes 1.5 bbl per day but the well stays on for 15 year runs without the need for a repair of pump change, that well can make more profit then some other high oil producers that have high costs (electric bills, pulling costs, chemical treatments, unit repairs, water disposal costs, high royalties, personnel salaries, upkeep etc) factors on oil price
Why do all, at least all the units I have seen use "Quincy" air compressor pumps. I use to rebuild the "Quincy" pumps and many other kinds at my old job and they are undoubtabley the best made, is there a pressure they are trying to achieve? Nice video, clean job site and machines, looks like a lot of company pride.
Wow, I have had a fascination with these units. I have seen all kinds of similar units near my job in the Athens CA area part of the Wilmington oil field. I know most of the fluid in this area is water but on average how many barrels of oil are they producing per day. What is the advantage of an air balance? Will that big cylinder actually lift the weight of the rod string on its own without the help of the engine? How much psi is in that cylinder? I noticed they use "Quincy" pumps, why exclus
wow, that lacey air balanced is tiny, cute too. wish i lived in one of those houses in the background. could just sit there and watch the units pump all day
Also, to respond to the person who questioned airbalance oil pump logistics: I read that Lufkin Industries purchased the designs about 1953, anyway, I'm from Rangely CO and back in the 1960's we had some truly monstrous huge Lufkin airbalance pumps that make these Lacys in this film look small. I'm no oilman but I always assumed that the pitmann arms behind the air cylinder -- rotating on cranks -- also pushed up on the walking beam just as the airbalance cylinder did and both were needed...?
hefley4 3 weeks ago
Hello all, loved this video. Never been to Long Beach, but I do have Edna Ferber's classic book-turned movie "Giant," on tape -- love watching the oil wells as much as women love watching James Dean bring them in! There are brief shots of about thirty little airbalance pumps, stretching out in rows like cars in a parking lot, all pumping -- I suspect that was shot at or near this same California location and was just subbing for "Texas"! Derrick shots look like Signal Hill. Am I right?
hefley4 3 weeks ago
How much does it cost annually to operate and maintain a well like one of these? When oil hits $100/bbl, how much does it have to produce to break even?
albusmackinficker 10 months ago
@albusmackinficker These wells are pretty low producers so price of oil and overhead costs affect the economics on these wells. We have a well that makes 1.5 bbl per day but the well stays on for 15 year runs without the need for a repair of pump change, that well can make more profit then some other high oil producers that have high costs (electric bills, pulling costs, chemical treatments, unit repairs, water disposal costs, high royalties, personnel salaries, upkeep etc) factors on oil price
californiacrude 10 months ago
@californiacrude Each well is unique in their own economics, so I can't really say how much a well needs to produce to be profitable.
californiacrude 10 months ago
Why do all, at least all the units I have seen use "Quincy" air compressor pumps. I use to rebuild the "Quincy" pumps and many other kinds at my old job and they are undoubtabley the best made, is there a pressure they are trying to achieve? Nice video, clean job site and machines, looks like a lot of company pride.
pvcarmon1 10 months ago
Wow, I have had a fascination with these units. I have seen all kinds of similar units near my job in the Athens CA area part of the Wilmington oil field. I know most of the fluid in this area is water but on average how many barrels of oil are they producing per day. What is the advantage of an air balance? Will that big cylinder actually lift the weight of the rod string on its own without the help of the engine? How much psi is in that cylinder? I noticed they use "Quincy" pumps, why exclus
pvcarmon1 10 months ago
wow, that lacey air balanced is tiny, cute too. wish i lived in one of those houses in the background. could just sit there and watch the units pump all day
reynardfoxx 11 months ago
This reminds me of 1960's Long Beach. Thanks for posting!
GilbertLA63 1 year ago
Wow, that lufkin has a high SPM. I like those old lacy air balanced units, very reliable and serviceable. I have a video of one on my channel.
RainJetSprinklers 1 year ago
Good one. Even got an Emsco back there.
derekdz 1 year ago
Comment removed
derekdz 1 year ago
a nice video, I love it.
pumpe69 1 year ago