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-Short Attention Span Theater-

Combustion engine not dead yet (oil patch video)

2021-02-20

This old oil patch 'power' operates rod lines to several oil wells. A very efficient powering method that has been in use for maybe a hundred years. Not many of these left. Listen for the 'barking.' Power house 'barking' was distinctive. In a busy field, a pumper could tell which unit was operating by the sound of the bark. If he lived nearby (in a pumpers house - story for another time), he could start the power, go home for lunch, or go squirrel hunting and know that the wells were operating.

Graphic depicts an old pump jack operated by rod lines. Power house in the video.

Ok, so where is the crude oil pumped to? Good question! Generally pumped through 2 inch lines to collection tanks (tank batteries of 2 or more), from there it would stored and later hauled via tank truck or wagon to a refinery or larger tank farm. Some of those old wells would only 'make' 10-20 barrels a week. Filling a 210 barrel tank could take a few days or so.

Posted by:Besoeker

#4 /\ Sounds about right Abu. Not made in China, no plastic. Lasts a long time.

Posted by: Besoeker 2021-02-20 15:46

#3 I thought I heard the guy say that engine was installed in 1914.

Posted by: Abu Uluque 2021-02-20 12:30

#2 Distant childhood memories for me as well. A better time, a better place. God is good, he helps us remember the good times and iggy the bad. Funny how that works.

Posted by: Besoeker 2021-02-20 11:29

#1 Years ago we had an Indian lease that had started out that way before WW I. The wells had all been changed over to individual jacks and had run on the casing head until we took it over and electrified it. But that big central, lay down bull wheel was still there along with the skeletal remains.

The family still lived on the farm and the grandfather tried explaining how it functioned. But he had been a little boy and not entirely mechanically inclined so I never could entirely visualize it.

Thanks Besoeker, a delightful reminscince after a trying week. Now if you could find that Sac and Fox girl we could revisit the whole, entire attention span dilemma.

Posted by: Cesare 2021-02-20 10:58

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