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Average Downstroke Load - Sucker Rod Pump Formula

ADL=CAlowerLADL=C\frac{A_{lower}}{L}

Average Downstroke Load - Sucker Rod Pump calculates average downstroke load for well performance workflows in production engineering.

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How engineers use this formula

Use this formula when the listed inputs (C, A_lower, L) are known and the assumptions behind the cited well performance relationship match the engineering case being checked.

Assumptions

  • Input values are representative for the well, reservoir, fluid, or equipment case being evaluated.
  • The declared units match the field-unit constants used in the formula.
  • The cited formula applies to the selected petroleum engineering workflow.

Limitations

  • The calculation does not replace a full engineering model or operating procedure.
  • Accuracy depends on the source correlation, assumptions, input quality, and unit consistency.

Common mistakes

  • Mixing unit systems without converting the inputs.
  • Using default example values as field recommendations.
  • Applying the formula outside the source assumptions.

Default example

Using the default inputs, ADL equals 2,000 lb.

Clb/in

200

A_lowerin2

100

Lin

10

Inputs

C

lb/in

Dynamometer Calibration Constant

A_lower

in2

Lower Area of Dynamometer Card

L

in

Length of Dynamometer Card

Outputs

ADL

lb

Average Downstroke Load

C

lb/in

Dynamometer Calibration Constant

A_lower

in2

Lower Area of Dynamometer Card

L

in

Length of Dynamometer Card

Source and review

reviewed

Guo, B., Lyons, W.C. and Ghalambor, A. 2007. Petroleum Production Engineering: A Computer-Assisted Approach, Page 18/269.

Source

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