—
More Oil. Less Downtime. Smarter Control.

ABB Low Voltage Drives for Artificial Lift Applications

Every barrel counts. In artificial lift operations, the difference between a well that performs and one that underproduces often comes down to how precisely you can control your pump. ABB's low voltage drives give oil producers the intelligent, reliable motor control they need to maximize production, protect equipment, and reduce operating costs — from wellhead to surface.

Wells change. Your system needs to keep up.

Artificial lift is the backbone of modern oil production — the majority of producing wells worldwide rely on it. But managing pump performance is anything but simple. Well conditions shift constantly: fluid levels rise and fall, pressures fluctuate, and reservoir characteristics evolve over time.

Running a pump too fast wastes energy and wears out equipment prematurely. Running it too slow leaves oil in the ground. Fixed-speed systems simply can't adapt — and in today's operating environment, that's a cost producers can't afford.

The answer is smarter control. And that starts with the right drive.

Rod pumps, PCPs, ESPs — ABB has you covered

ABB's ACS880 variable speed drives are purpose-built for artificial lift, exceeding IEEE 519 standards, with dedicated control programs for the three most common lift methods:

🛢️ Electric Submersible Pumps (ESP) Continuous monitoring and precise speed adjustment protect the downhole pump from damaging operating conditions, extending run life and reducing costly interventions.

🔩 Rod Lift (Beam Pumps) Dedicated rod pump control logic automatically adjusts stroke speed and timing to match real downhole conditions — pumping more efficiently while reducing mechanical stress on the system.

🔄 Progressing Cavity Pumps (PCP) Intelligent torque control keeps pumping smooth and steady, protecting the pump from overloading and keeping production consistent as reservoir conditions change.

In every case, ABB drives continuously adapt to real-time conditions — so your well is always producing at its best.

Protect your assets. Maximize your returns.

Switching from fixed-speed to variable speed drive control is one of the highest-impact decisions an operator can make. The benefits go straight to the bottom line:

📈 Maximized oil recovery — precise speed matching means you're always pumping at optimal efficiency, recovering more from every well

⚡ Significant energy savings — motors run only as fast as needed, cutting unnecessary power consumption and operating costs

🔧 Longer equipment life — soft starting, controlled acceleration, and intelligent torque management reduce mechanical stress and extend pump run life

⏱️ Reduced downtime — built-in diagnostics and real-time monitoring flag issues early, before they become costly failures

🌐 Remote connectivity — integration with automation systems and remote monitoring tools keeps your team informed and in control, wherever they are

Designed for the most demanding environments

Oil field environments are demanding — extreme temperatures, remote locations, dusty conditions, and the constant pressure to perform. ABB drives are engineered to handle it all, with rugged, reliable hardware designed for industrial-grade operation in the field.

When you choose ABB, you're backed by more than just a product. With over 50 years of drives expertise, a global service network, and dedicated oil and gas specialists within our US OEM Hub, ABB supports you through every phase — from system design and commissioning to long-term maintenance and optimization.

Whether you operate ten wells or ten thousand, ABB has the drive solutions to help you pump smarter.

Looking for a trusted partner for your application? ABB combines more than 50 years of drive innovation with a global network of application specialists and service professionals dedicated to helping you maximize reliability, efficiency, and performance. From system design and commissioning to maintenance and long-term optimization, ABB provides comprehensive support at every stage.

Fill out the form to connect with an ABB expert and discover how our solutions can help you achieve your operational goals.