How Pneumatic Piston Pumps Work

Blackhawk positive-displacement piston pumps feature an all-weather drive motor above the wellhead, connected with high-quality downhole components. The pumping action is similar to that of an oilfield pump jack.

Above the wellhead:

A drive motor is matched to one of three power sources — pneumatic, electric or solar. The motor pushes and pulls a durable, flexible drive rod connected to a reciprocating piston near the bottom of the well.

Below the wellhead:

Low-flow pumping action pulls liquid from the well without disturbing the formation:

• The flexible fiberglass drive rod, enclosed in a riser-pipe cylinder, connects the motor to the piston in a pump barrel.
• As the motor pulls up the rod, the piston creates suction at pump intake.
• Liquid is pulled through a strainer into the foot valve.
• Stainless-steel balls in the reciprocating piston and foot valve open naturally to allow liquid into the piston, then close to prevent liquid from returning.
• The pumping action lifts liquid up the riser pipe with each stroke; the liquid exits a discharge tee above the wellhead.