WEG partners with Lufkin on direct-drive technology for Vaca Muerta oil pumpjacks

WEG partnered with Lufkin to develop a direct-drive system for pumpjack oil extraction in Argentina’s Vaca Muerta region.

The design uses a permanent magnet motor coupled directly to the gearbox shaft, removing pulleys and belts to cut maintenance points.

A technical comparison showed 95% motor efficiency versus 88.5% for a NEMA D induction motor in a conventional setup.

The project is estimated to deliver annual energy savings of up to USD 38,000 per motor, based on Argentine power costs.

The architecture targets new installations and potential retrofits, with variable-frequency-drive speed control, aiming to lift uptime and operating efficiency.