Buying an Oil Field Cement Pump: What to Know

If you're in the market for an oil field cement pump, you're probably outfitting a cementing unit, or replacing the pump on an existing one. Cement pumps are the heart of any cementing operation — if the pump fails, the whole cement job stops. It's important to buy the right pump, from a reputable manufacturer. Here's what you need to know.

Types of Cement Pumps

There are two main types of oilfield cement pumps:

Plunger Pumps (Positive Displacement). These are the most common cement pumps. They're reciprocating piston pumps, that use a plunger to push the cement slurry. They can handle high pressures — up to 10,000 psi or more — and they can handle the abrasive nature of cement slurry. Most cementing units use plunger pumps.

Centrifugal Pumps. These use an impeller to pump the cement slurry. They're good for low-pressure, high-flow applications. They're not as common as plunger pumps for cementing, because they can't handle as much pressure. But they're used for mixing and transferring cement slurry.

What to Look For When Buying a Cement Pump

Pressure and Flow Rating. Make sure the pump is rated for the pressure and flow rate you need. For shallow wells, a 5,000 psi pump is enough. For deep, high-pressure wells, you need a 7,500 or 10,000 psi pump. Don't buy a pump that's too small — you'll regret it when you're on a deep well.

Wear Resistance. Cement slurry is very abrasive. The pump will wear out over time. Look for pumps with wear-resistant materials — like ceramic liners, hard-chrome plungers, and tungsten carbide valves. A pump with good wear resistance will last longer, and you'll save money on replacement parts.

Reliability. The worst thing that can happen on a cement job is the pump breaks down mid-job. You're left with cement in the casing that's starting to set. That's a disaster. Buy a pump from a reputable manufacturer, with a good track record of reliability. Talk to other cementing operators and ask them what pumps they use.

Parts Availability. Make sure you can get spare parts easily. If you buy an obscure pump from a no-name manufacturer, you might have to wait weeks for a replacement part when something breaks. Stick with well-known brands, where parts are readily available.

Service and Support. Does the manufacturer offer good service and support? If you have a problem with the pump, can you get help quickly? Good service support is essential — you don't want to be stuck with a broken pump and no one to call.

FAQ

Q: How much does an oil field cement pump cost?
A: A new oilfield cement pump costs $50,000 to $200,000, depending on the size and pressure rating. A small, low-pressure pump starts around $50,000. A big, high-pressure pump can cost $200,000 or more. It's a significant investment, but it's the most important part of your cementing unit.