Rod Lift FAQ
Everything you need to know about getting the most from Ambyint's Infinity RL.
Controllers
Q: What Rod Lift controllers are supported?
A: Ambyint currently supports Lufkin 1.0, Lufkin 2.0, Weatherford Well Pilot, Apergy Smarten, and Baker controllers for Rod Lift applications.
Q: How do I change a Rod Lift POC type if it’s set incorrectly?
A: Users with the POC Type Edit Control permission can update the POC type in the well setup page of a well. This does not apply to Plunger Lift wells.
Q: What’s the difference between POC and POC+ devices?
A: The difference between POC and POC+ devices are:
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POC+ is used when a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) is present on the well.
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POC is used when no VFD is installed.
SCADA Systems
Q: How does a Software-Only (SWO) Rod Lift installation work?
A: Software-Only Rod Lift installation works in the following way:
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Data is pulled from the customer’s SCADA system.
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It is sent to Ambyint every 15 minutes.
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The External Control System ID must match the well name exactly, or no data will flow.
Q: What is an External Control System ID, and how do I fix it if incorrect?
A: The External Control System ID identifies which well’s data is sent from the SCADA system. If it’s wrong, data will not display in Ambyint.
Steps to fix:
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Collect a list of wells with current and corrected IDs.
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Update the IDs via a database migration patch.
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Notify the data team to ensure Snowflake and Mongo collections are updated.
Q: How does Ambyint integrate with SCADA systems like XSPOC?
A: Ambyint integrates with SCADA systems in the following way:
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Ambyint reads the SCADA system’s SQL Server database.
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Reads: Lufkin + Baker controllers.
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Writes: Only Lufkin controllers (e.g., min/max speed, idle time).
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Data is replicated to Ambyint for analytics and optimization.
⚠️ Note: XSPOC is one example of a SCADA system. Ambyint can integrate with other SCADA solutions using similar principles.
Hardware
Q: What hardware devices are used for Rod Lift wells?
A: Ambyint devices are known as HRAC:POC or EPM/SPOC.
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HRAC connects to supported POCs (Lufkin, Well Pilot, Smarten).
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Supports LTE, Satellite, or Wi-Fi communication.
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Devices connect via Modbus RTU and can start/stop wells in Auto mode.
Q: What is a multiplexer, and when is it used?
A: A multiplexer allows Ambyint devices and customer SCADA systems to share the same network of POC controllers.
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Common for Lufkin 1.0 installs where both systems need access.
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Connects via COM1 (Ambyint) and COM2 (Client SCADA).
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LEDs indicate data flow and troubleshooting status.
Q: What are the most common hardware error codes?
A: The most common hardware error codes are:
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0 – No error
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1 – No drive connection
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2 – Drive not supported
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3 – Drive connection lost
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5 – Non-standard Modbus
Q: What should I do if a Rod Lift device loses communication?
A: If a Rod Lift device loses communication, follow the following steps:
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Check site power (must be 5.5V).
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Ensure antenna is secure.
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Reboot the device (disconnect power for 15 minutes).
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If still offline, contact Support with relevant information.
Q: What should I check if a multiplexer is not passing data?
A: If a multiplexer is not passing data, check the following:
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Verify COM port connections.
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Check LED indicators.
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Confirm termination resistors are set correctly.
Q: How do I convert a Rod Lift device from Satellite to Wi-Fi communication?
A: To convert a Rod Lift device from Satellite to Wi-Fi, follow these steps:
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Open the device config and select Wi-Fi Config.
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Enter SSID and password (Dynamic IP) or full network settings (Static IP).
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Enable Wi-Fi and wait for device reboot.
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Confirm status update and suspend Satellite communication.
Q: What should I do if a Satellite firmware update fails?
A: If a Satellite firmware update fails:
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Updates can fail if power is lost during the process.
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Retry the update in the next billing cycle to avoid data overages.
General
Q: How do I bulk insert multiple Rod Lift wells?
A: Use the Bulk Insert tool in the Admin → Organization → Well Setup page.
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Required CSVs: Well Setup, Deviation Survey, Rod String Design.
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The platform validates uploads, and errors must be fixed before inserting.
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Limit: 50 wells per batch.
Q: What permissions are available for Rod Lift users?
A: The following permissions are available for Rod Lift users:
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HRAC Control – Writeback for RL hardware.
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SWO Control – Writeback for RL & PL customers.
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POC Type Edit Control – Change RL POC type within well setup.
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Superman – Grants all permissions (internal use only).
Q: What case types are used for Rod Lift support issues?
A: The following case types are used for Rod Lift support:
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Installation
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User Account
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Shipment
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RMA (hardware failures)
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Question (Platform or Installation)
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Troubleshooting
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Well Setup
How often should rod, tubing, and casing specifications be updated?
A: Every 3 months, new grades and sizes should be checked and added sent to Support.