To ensure sucker rods work efficiently during oilfield extractions, operators will strive to maintain certain safety practices. The most important aspect of safety is by utilizing sucker rod caps and plugs. However, in general, best safety practices include the following:
#1 Keeping Rods and Threads Damage-Free
Each pipe rod should come with protective caps and plugs to ensure they remain damage-free and usable for an extended period. Protective caps and plugs will maintain thread integrity and ensure that the connective ends of the rods remain intact.
Additionally, these caps also prevent cracks, secure fit of the rods with wide internal ribs, offer full coverage of the threaded area, and have easy applications. Top manufacturers will always design sucker rod caps and plugs so that they are easy to apply and remove when they’re ready for use.
#2 Maintaining Proper Storage and Coating
Sucker rods that do not have protective Tuboscope coating can corrode prematurely. The coating extends the longevity of the rods in highly corrosive environments and under pumping conditions in downhole environments. The proper coating also ensures that the rods do not waste precious resources and that overall well operations complete on time.
Likewise, operators will want to properly store rods in a stable and secure area. This will help ensure that they do not collide with other rods or oilfield equipment.
#3 Adhering to Safe Installation Procedures
Successful operations should typically examine the rods before installation to ensure they are not damaged. When pumpers assume otherwise, or that the rods match the rod string design, can result in costly delays or worse. Another important procedure to adhere to is to keep the protective caps and plugs on the rods until the strings are ready for installation.
Rig operations should also clean the coupling faces, pin shoulder, and threads to remove any accumulated debris from the rods. This will also help pumpers conduct a final visual inspection before the pipe installation.
Safety Practices Truly Matter
Improper installation of sucker rods can cause irreparable damage that can compromise operations or result in injuries. In truth, proper and consistent procedures of running the rods into a well take time and no one should rush the process. Although proper installation takes time, it also prevents costly downtime, rod replacement, and helps increase production yield. Consider getting sucker rod caps and plugs to help ensure operational safety.
