Transmission mechanism and identification of power pulsation signals in sucker rod pumping wells

Abstract Traditional wellbore communication technologies for sucker-rod pumping wells suffer from severe signal attenuation and poor stability under deep-well and complex operating conditions. This study investigates the transmission mechanism and signal identification of power pulsation wireless communication. A three-dimensional full-scale fluid–structure coupling dynamic model incorporating the sucker rod, centering device, wellbore fluid, and tubing is established to characterize stress wave propagation from the downhole pump to the wellhead. The model reveals that the transmission channel exhibits typical high-impedance, low-pass characteristics, with fluid viscous damping, rod–tubing friction, and material damping governing signal attenuation, while low-frequency stress waves retain superior long-distance transmission capability. The model is validated using field-measured loading data, achieving prediction errors below 10% across the full operating condition range. Based on the validated model, a joint time- and frequency-domain identification algorithm is developed by combining characteristic spectral peak recognition with time-domain waveform verification, enabling detection of power pulsation signals under strong noise. The proposed model and identification method provide theoretical and technical support for wireless wellbore communication, downhole condition monitoring, and intelligent lifting systems, offering a reliable solution for real-time downhole information transmission in complex oilfield environments.