► Lo que debes saber del Petróleo y sus Procesos Básicos ► Exploración y producción de hidrocarburos

Prof. Ignacio Romero Hidalgo

20 Nov 201908:31

Summary

TLDRThis script details the formation and extraction of hydrocarbons, which are composed of hydrogen and carbon atoms, found in liquid or gaseous states like crude oil and natural gas. Originating from ancient organic matter, these compounds are formed under the Earth's surface through microbial decomposition. The process of extraction involves exploration, seismic testing, drilling, production, and transportation to refineries. The script also touches on the environmental considerations and the various products derived from crude oil, highlighting the complexity and significance of hydrocarbons in our daily lives.

Takeaways

🌐 Hydrocarbons are composed of hydrogen and carbon atoms, and they can be found in liquid (crude oil) or gaseous (natural gas) states.
🌿 Hydrocarbons are derived from the remains of prehistoric plants and animals that have undergone decomposition under heat, pressure, and microbial activity within the Earth's layers.
🔍 Exploration for hydrocarbons involves studying the soil to identify potential reservoirs, using techniques such as satellite images, aerial photographs, and geological analysis.
💥 Seismic surveys are conducted to gather information about geological formations by creating and detecting waves that propagate through the Earth's subsurface.
🚧 Drilling exploratory wells is the next step after seismic surveys to confirm the presence of hydrocarbons, which involves installing a drilling rig and penetrating the Earth's crust to reach the reservoir.
⚙️ The drilling process involves the use of steel pipes, drilling bits, circulation systems, and safety measures to prevent contamination of aquifers.
🛠️ After drilling, completion and testing of wells are performed to determine if the volume of hydrocarbons is sufficient to justify extraction.
📈 Production of oil and natural gas involves using tools like Christmas trees to control the flow of hydrocarbons to the surface and may require artificial lift systems if the reservoir pressure is insufficient.
♻️ Crude oil is refined by heating it to separate its components into various products like gasoline, diesel, and asphalt through a process of distillation in tall cylindrical towers.
🚛 The transportation of hydrocarbons to refineries or export ports is done through underground pipelines or, in some cases, by road transport, and may involve pumping stations to maintain pressure.
🏭 Refining crude oil results in a wide range of products, including fuels and petrochemicals, which are used in over 2000 different applications in daily life.

Q & A

What are hydrocarbons composed of?
-Hydrocarbons are composed of hydrogen and carbon atoms.
In what states can hydrocarbons be found?
-Hydrocarbons can be found in liquid form as crude oil, and in gaseous form as natural gas.
What is the primary component of natural gas?
-Natural gas is primarily composed of methane.
How are hydrocarbons formed?
-Hydrocarbons are formed from the decomposition of organic matter from prehistoric plants and animals that have been subjected to heat, pressure, and time within the Earth's layers.
What are hydrocarbon accumulations called?
-Hydrocarbon accumulations are called reservoirs.
What are the five processes required to extract hydrocarbons?
-The five processes required to extract hydrocarbons are exploration, seismic surveying, drilling, production, and transportation.
What is the purpose of seismic exploration in hydrocarbon extraction?
-Seismic exploration is used to identify and locate potential hydrocarbon reservoirs by analyzing the subsurface through the use of sound waves.
How does the drilling process for an exploratory well differ from that of a production well?
-An exploratory well is the first well drilled in an unexplored geological area to determine the presence of hydrocarbons, while a production well is drilled after confirming the presence of hydrocarbons to extract them.
What is the role of completion and testing in hydrocarbon production?
-Completion and testing are processes performed after drilling to ensure the well is ready for production, which includes activities like well casing and pressure testing.
How is crude oil transported from the production site to refineries or export ports?
-Crude oil is typically transported through a system of steel pipelines called ducts, which can be buried underground or laid above ground, depending on the terrain and infrastructure.
What happens to the crude oil during the refining process?
-During the refining process, crude oil is heated and separated into its various components in a distillation tower, resulting in different products such as gasoline, diesel, and other petrochemicals.

Outlines

00:00

🌐 Formation and Extraction of Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons, composed of hydrogen and carbon atoms, exist in the form of crude oil and natural gas. They are derived from ancient organic matter, primarily plants and animals, which decomposed under the Earth's surface due to pressure and temperature. This organic matter, buried in impermeable layers, transformed into crude oil and gas through microbial activity. Hydrocarbon accumulations are known as reservoirs and can be found both on land and offshore. The extraction process involves five stages: exploration, which uses geological studies and samples to locate potential reservoirs; seismic surveys, both on land and at sea, to create images of subsurface layers; drilling exploratory wells to confirm the presence of hydrocarbons; and production, which includes completing and testing wells and initiating the extraction of oil and gas using specialized equipment.

05:01

🚧 Hydrocarbon Production and Transportation

Once hydrocarbons are extracted, they undergo production processes. Crude oil is brought to the surface through natural flow or artificial pumping systems if pressure is insufficient. On the surface, it is cleaned to remove impurities such as sediment, water, and natural gas. Chemicals are added to meet market specifications, and the oil is stored in tanks for transportation. Natural gas, if not in a liquid state, is cleaned, colored for safety with a chemical additive, and stored under compression or converted to liquefied gas for transport. Transportation to refineries or export ports is typically via underground steel pipelines called ducts, which may traverse various terrains and elevations. In cases where pipeline infrastructure is lacking, motor transport is used. At refineries, crude oil is heated and distilled in towers to separate its components, producing various products like propane, butane, kerosene, naphtha, and gasoline. These derivatives serve numerous purposes in daily life.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons are organic compounds consisting of hydrogen and carbon atoms, which is reflected in their name. They are the main focus of the video as they are found in various states such as crude oil and natural gas. The script explains that hydrocarbons are derived from the decomposition of prehistoric organic matter, including plants and animals, under the Earth's surface. This decomposition process, influenced by microorganisms and geological conditions, leads to the formation of crude oil and natural gas.

💡Crude Oil

Crude oil, also known as petroleum, is a liquid form of hydrocarbons. The script describes it as a product of the decomposition of organic matter under the Earth's surface, where it accumulates in layers due to increasing depth, temperature, and pressure. Crude oil is extracted through a series of processes starting with exploration and ending with production, which is a central theme of the video.

💡Natural Gas

Natural gas is a gaseous form of hydrocarbons, primarily composed of methane. The script mentions that it can be found in association with crude oil or in gas-only fields. Natural gas is a significant energy source and is extracted and processed similarly to crude oil, highlighting its importance in the energy industry.

💡Exploration

Exploration is the process of identifying and locating potential hydrocarbon deposits. The script details various methods used in exploration, such as soil sampling, satellite imagery, and aerial photography. Exploration is crucial for the discovery of new oil and gas fields, which is a key aspect of the video's narrative.

💡Seismic Survey

Seismic surveying is a technique used to gather information about the geological formations beneath the Earth's surface. The script describes both land-based and marine seismic methods, which involve generating sound waves that penetrate the subsurface and are analyzed to create images of underground layers. This technique is essential for determining the presence of hydrocarbons and is a significant part of the exploration process depicted in the video.

💡Drilling

Drilling refers to the process of creating a borehole into the Earth's crust to access hydrocarbon deposits. The script outlines the equipment and procedures used in drilling, such as the installation of a drilling rig and the use of specialized pipes and casing to prevent contamination. Drilling is a critical step in the extraction of oil and gas and is central to the video's theme.

💡Reservoir

A reservoir, as mentioned in the script, is an underground accumulation of hydrocarbons, typically found in porous rock formations. Reservoirs are the target of exploration and drilling activities, and their discovery is essential for the production of oil and gas. The script emphasizes the importance of reservoirs in the hydrocarbon extraction process.

💡Production

Production in the context of the script refers to the extraction and initial processing of oil and gas from a reservoir. The video describes the use of tools like the Christmas tree to control the flow of hydrocarbons and the implementation of artificial lift systems when necessary. Production is the final stage before hydrocarbons are transported for further processing.

💡Refining

Refining is the process of converting crude oil into useful products such as gasoline, diesel, and other petroleum-based products. The script describes the refining process as involving heating the crude oil and separating its components based on their boiling points. Refining is a crucial step in making hydrocarbons suitable for various applications and is a key part of the video's message about the hydrocarbon industry.

💡Pipeline

A pipeline, as described in the script, is a system of pipes used to transport oil and gas from the production site to refineries or export ports. The video highlights the use of underground and above-ground pipelines, as well as the construction of pumping stations to maintain pressure along the pipeline. Pipelines are essential for the transportation of hydrocarbons and are a significant aspect of the industry's infrastructure.

💡Environmental Practices

Environmental practices are mentioned in the script in relation to the exploration and extraction of hydrocarbons. The video emphasizes the importance of conducting these activities in a manner that respects environmental norms and does not affect aquifers or surface waters. This aspect of the script highlights the industry's commitment to responsible resource management and sustainable practices.

Highlights

Hydrocarbons are composed of hydrogen and carbon atoms, hence their name.

Hydrocarbons exist in liquid crude oil or gaseous form like natural gas.

Hydrocarbons are primarily composed of organic matter from prehistoric plants and animals.

The organic matter accumulates in impermeable layers, subjected to increasing depth, temperature, and pressure.

Decomposition of organic matter occurs with the help of microorganisms, transforming into crude oil and gas.

Accumulations of hydrocarbons are called reservoirs, found both onshore and offshore.

Natural gas can be associated with crude oil or found freely in gas-only reservoirs.

Extraction of hydrocarbons involves five processes: exploration, seismic surveying, drilling, production, and transportation.

Exploration involves studying the soil to identify and locate potential hydrocarbon reservoirs.

Seismic surveying uses small explosions to generate waves that reveal geological formations.

Geologists analyze the data to determine suitable zones for hydrocarbons.

Drilling involves installing a drilling rig to penetrate the geological formations and reach the hydrocarbon reservoir.

The drilling process can take from a month to over a year, depending on geological complexity.

Production involves completing and testing wells, followed by controlled extraction of crude oil and natural gas.

Crude oil is cleaned and refined, with impurities like sediment, water, and natural gas separated.

Natural gas is cleaned, and for safety, a chemical is added to give it a distinctive color.

Transportation of hydrocarbons is done through pipelines or, in some cases, by road.

Refining involves heating crude oil to separate its components into different products like gasoline and diesel.

The products obtained from refining are called derivatives, with over 2000 uses in daily life.