OREANDA-NEWS. Ecopetrol S.A. (BVC: ECOPETROL; NYSE: EC; TSX: ECP) informs that the Superintendence of Industry and Commerce of Colombia granted the patent to an invention developed by the Company to improve the mechanic pumping in the extraction of hydrocarbons.

The patented invention is denominated Driving mechanism for smooth bar rotator of mechanic pumping units.

When a field has sufficient pressure, the oil and other elements around it, such as water, gas and solids, reach the surface due to the natural flow. If the pressure is insufficient it is necessary to install an artificial lifting system. The most frequently used system has been the mechanic pumping which uses the commonly called machin, which activates a pump at the bottom of the well extracting the hydrocarbon.

The patented mechanism facilitates the activation of a tool called the rotator of the rod string, which is designed to decrease failure due to rod wear (a piece of equipment ), due to friction, and extend its operational life. Its use implies an increase in productivity and decrease in maintenance costs.

Another advantage of the device is its versatility, because it can be installed in different mechanic pumping units in an easy, secure and economic manner.

This invention resulted from the work of a technician of the company of the Superintendencia La Cira Infantas.

The patent is in effect from June 8, 2012 to June 8 2032. This is the fourth patent received by the Company since the beginning of the year, and it is one of the fifty-eight (58) patent applications granted in countries such as Venezuela, Ecuador, Brazil, United States, Mexico, China, Peru, Nigeria, Russia and Colombia.