In the vast landscape of the oil and gas industry, where effective resource extraction is paramount, artificial lift systems stand as indispensable tools. These systems, designed to enhance the flow of hydrocarbons from reservoirs to the surface, play a pivotal role in maintaining the profitability and sustainability of oil and gas operations worldwide. Within this domain, Q2 Artificial Lift Services (ALS) emerges as a company exemplifying innovation and reliability in rod lift system solutions.

Established in December 2016 in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada, Q2 ALS swiftly ascended to prominence, buoyed by its unwavering commitment to excellence and a team of seasoned professionals boasting over 200 years of collective experience in the oilfield business. Q2 ALS is a fully integrated company specializing in sales, service, engineering, and manufacturing of downhole reciprocating pumps, positioning itself as a leader in the industry.

Q2 ALS’s success is rooted in its commitment to excellence and innovation. Operating from state-of-the-art facilities spanning 118,000 square feet, including 80,000 square feet of cutting-edge manufacturing space, the company delivers top-notch products and services to its clientele.

In an exclusive interview with CIO Bulletin, Doug Quinn, President and CEO of Q2 Artificial Lift Services, shed light on how his company, with a relentless focus on leveraging new technology and innovative ideas, remains at the forefront as the go-to solution provider for artificial lift systems.

Interview Highlights

Can you share the inspiration behind starting the company and the initial vision that set Q2 Artificial Lift Services on its path to becoming a leader in the artificial lift services industry?

Initially, our legacy company, called Quinn Pumps, was founded in 1965 by Jim Quinn. His visionary outlook and market understanding laid the foundation for our growth. In 1996, Doug Quinn, Jim Quinn’s son, took over the company. We initially expanded to 18 locations in Canada, but in 1999, Doug expanded the legacy Quinn Pump into the US market with the acquisition of a small company based in Midland, Texas, which had 4 locations. Over the next 10-12 years, we expanded our operations in both Canada and the United States, establishing over 50 facilities.

In 2011, Quinn Pumps was acquired by Lufkin Industries. However, in January 2017, the opportunity to create a new startup company presented itself, and we re-emerged as Q2 Artificial Lift Services, for the second time. This strategic decision allowed us to refocus on downhole rod pumps, leveraging the expertise of our experienced team. Recognizing the market demand in the artificial lift marketplace, our goal was to reestablish an extensive sales and service distribution network, supported by an innovative engineering group and renowned in-house manufacturing capabilities. In just over 7 years, Q2 has built a state-of-the-art manufacturing operation and has again added over 40+ sales and service locations in both Canada and the US. We strive to deliver top-notch quality and unparalleled service to energy companies worldwide.

Could you provide an overview of some of your most popular products and services, and how they contribute to the success and efficiency of your customers’ operations?

Q2 leads the industry with innovative technology and patented components such as the Q2-Flow cage, Horizontal Valve System (HVS), Sand Twister, and Whaleshark Gas separation systems. These advancements redefine what’s possible. Q2 has launched a groundbreaking program that encourages collaboration with both internal and external individuals, including smaller companies. Their contributions have greatly improved productivity in pumping wells. At Q2, we’re dedicated to pushing limits, striving for technological excellence, and driving industry innovation.

Q2 Artificial Lift Services has established itself as a leader in the industry with a network of 40+ repair and service locations across North America. How does this extensive network contribute to providing seamless support and service to your customers?

With our continued growth, we now have over 40+ repair facilities strategically located throughout North America. We can supply our customers with world-class services that include assembly and repair of downhole rod pumps, engineering, and technical support for all applications. From manufacturing and in-house engineering to field applications, we can provide our customers with all the services they require to maximize their production capabilities.

Quality and service are central to Q2 Artificial Lift Services’ ethos. How does your company ensure the consistent quality of its products and services, and what measures are in place to continuously improve customer satisfaction?

At Q2, we have extensive QC & QA procedures in place to ensure that we adhere to all API specifications required through our 11AX certification. With both API and in-house audits, we can verify that all Q2 facilities are following the specified standards. With our engineering team, we can continuously make improvements or modifications to all Q2 products we manufacture when needed, to ensure that we meet our customers’ requirements and satisfaction in both Q2 service and products.

Q2 Artificial Lift Services specializes in the assembly, repair, and design of Down Hole Rod Pumps, offering a complete product line for pump installations. What are some recent innovations or advancements in this area that the company is particularly proud of?

We have recently designed a Horizontal Valve System (HVS), which allows the oil company to land the downhole rod pump in the horizontal section. An API standard ball and seat has limitations on the angle it can sit, but the HVS enables the pump to be landed at 89.5 degrees. The ability to do so is a game-changer in horizontal well applications. Q2 continues to move forward and lead the industry in technology & innovation.

Q2-Trak, your next-generation well tracking system, provides real-time data to optimize well performance. How does this innovative software empower your customers to make informed decisions and improve operational efficiency in their oilfield operations?

The Q2-Trak system is a valuable tool for collaborating with oil companies. This tracking software provides essential data to enhance product lifespans in the oil industry. It empowers oil company representatives to understand trends and recommend design changes to prevent failures. From an engineering perspective, our software correlates pump solutions with oil, water, and gas production, giving production engineers confidence in Q2’s ability to enhance production.

In addition to its current offerings, are there any new products or services on the horizon for Q2 Artificial Lift Services? How does the company plan to expand its portfolio to better serve its customers in the future?

We are soon to be introducing a new captivating thermoplastic rod technology with our partner Oilify.This groundbreaking innovation is not only cost-effective but also significantly lighter and stronger, utilizing recycled materials. Its impact on the industry will be revolutionary, helping to reduce costs due to repairs and the amount of energy needed to utilize the technology.

We are actively developing a range of new technologies that work synergistically, transforming artificial lift and fostering a deeper understanding among younger generations about the essential role of energy in their livelihoods. By encouraging their involvement, we aim to create a better environment for every human being and every living species on our planet within the oil and gas industry.

Doug Quinn | President & CEO

Doug Quinn continues to be the driving force behind Q2. It is with his leadership that Q2 continues its accelerated growth and allows the people of Q2 to be involved in the day-to-day decisions that move our company forward. Doug’s understanding of the industry gives us the advantage in implementing growth strategies and allows his people to execute those strategies. Doug is the vision for Q2, and it is this vision that drives Q2 to be the best Down Hole Rod Pump Company in the industry.

“From manufacturing and in-house engineering to field applications, we can provide our customers with all the services they require to maximize their production capabilities.”