Drilling 101
Summary
TLDRThis script delves into the intricate process of drilling an oil well, from initial planning and geological analysis to the execution of drilling and production. It highlights the multidisciplinary approach involving geologists, geophysicists, and engineers, the use of advanced technologies like 3D seismic surveys, and the critical role of safety and environmental practices. The narrative covers leasing mineral rights, well construction, drilling phases, well logging, and the potential for hydraulic fracturing, emphasizing the high costs and expertise required in oil and gas exploration, and the industry's impact on our daily lives.
Takeaways
- 📈 Drilling a well is a complex process involving multiple service companies adhering to stringent safety and environmental practices.
- 🔍 The planning phase includes reviewing prospect data, setting project goals, and considering lease options, potential reserves, risk factors, and costs.
- 📝 Geologists, geophysicists, and reservoir engineers use public and proprietary data, well logs, mapping, and seismic imaging to evaluate a prospect's potential for oil or gas.
- 🏘️ Securing the right to drill involves leasing mineral rights from landowners, often requiring the expertise of a landman to negotiate leases and research deed history.
- 📋 To obtain a drilling permit, companies must submit an application detailing the drilling program, environmental assessments, and other regulatory requirements.
- 📊 A 3D seismic survey is a valuable tool for understanding rock formations and identifying potential hydrocarbon traps, enhancing the accuracy of drilling locations.
- 💰 The decision to drill is based on the prospect's potential, with further studies required to determine reserves and construct maps and cross-sections.
- 🏗️ Site preparation for drilling includes creating access roads, clearing and leveling the site, and setting up the drilling rig and equipment.
- 🛡️ Blowout preventers are crucial for safety, containing downhole pressures and preventing uncontrolled flow of formation fluids.
- 🚨 Drill stem testing (DST) is performed to evaluate the commercial viability of a hydrocarbon reservoir by collecting fluid samples and measuring reservoir pressure and flow rates.
- 🌐 Logging tools are used to measure rock and fluid properties within geological formations, providing data for well log analysis and understanding the rock structure for hydrocarbon presence.
Q & A
What is the first step in the process of drilling a well?
-The first step in drilling a well is the planning phase, where members of the oil company's executive staff and senior exploration team meet to review information associated with a prospect and set out the goals for the project.
What roles do geologists, geophysicists, and reservoir engineers play in the initial stages of well drilling?
-Geologists, geophysicists, and reservoir engineers review both public and proprietary prospect data, map well logs, evaluate seismic information, and determine the presence of oil or gas in surrounding wells to provide information on the potential of a prospect.
Why is leasing mineral rights necessary before drilling can begin?
-Leasing mineral rights is necessary to secure the right to drill on the desired property from a landowner or mineral owner, as they may hold the rights even if the landowner does not.
What is a 3D seismic survey and how is it used in well drilling?
-A 3D seismic survey is a valuable tool used to gain a better understanding of the rock formation below the ground. It uses acoustic energy to image the targeted area underground, helping to identify and target geologic features and determine if a trapping mechanism for hydrocarbons exists within the formation.
What is an Authority for Expenditure (AFE) and why is it important?
-An Authority for Expenditure (AFE) is a budgetary document prepared by a lease operator that lists the estimated expenses of drilling the planned well. It requires approval before drilling operations can commence, ensuring that the project is financially viable.
What is the purpose of the surface casing in a well?
-The surface casing serves to keep the wellbore intact, isolate the freshwater zone from contamination, and is the pipe to which the blowout preventer (BOP) and wellhead are attached.
What is the function of a blowout preventer (BOP) during drilling?
-The blowout preventer (BOP) is critical for containing erratic downhole pressures, called kicks, and the uncontrolled flow of formation fluids. It can seal off the wellbore in several ways to regain control of the well and ensure the safety of the crew, rig, and environment.
What is drill stem testing (DST) and why is it performed?
-Drill stem testing (DST) is a procedure used on exploratory oil and gas wells to determine the boundaries and commercial productive ability of a hydrocarbon reservoir. It provides information such as fluid samples, reservoir pressure, flow rates, and formation properties.
What is the purpose of logging tools in a well and how do they work?
-Logging tools are used to measure the rock and fluid properties within the geological formations surrounding the wellbore. They are lowered into the wellbore and activated by computers on the surface, producing a well log that represents the geologic properties of the rock layers.
What is the process of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and its purpose?
-Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, involves pumping water, chemicals, sand, and other proppants into the wellbore under high pressure to fracture low permeable shale, creating pathways for hydrocarbons to flow to the wellbore. This process is used to establish production from the reservoir.
What are the final steps in a well's life cycle after it no longer produces at an economic rate?
-The final steps in a well's life cycle include abandonment and reclamation. The wellhead and associated equipment are removed, the wellbore is filled with cement, the well is capped, and the area is reclaimed, eventually relinquishing the lease back to the landowner.
Outlines
📈 The Complexities of Oil and Gas Drilling
This paragraph outlines the intricate process of drilling a well for oil and gas, which involves numerous service companies adhering to strict safety and environmental practices. It begins with the planning phase, where the oil company's executive staff and exploration team review prospect information, considering lease options, potential reserves, risk factors, environmental concerns, and costs. Geologists, geophysicists, and reservoir engineers analyze public and proprietary data, well logs, seismic data, and other prospect data to determine the presence of oil or gas and the potential for field development. The process of securing the right to drill through leasing mineral rights and obtaining permits is also described, highlighting the importance of 3D seismic surveys for understanding subsurface formations and selecting optimal drilling locations.
🏗️ Preparing the Drilling Site and Initiating Operations
The second paragraph details the preparation of the drilling site and the initiation of drilling operations. It starts with the creation of an Authority for Expenditure (AFE), a budgetary document that requires approval before work can begin. The site is then prepared with access roads, clearing, and leveling, followed by the installation of the drilling rig and equipment. A closed-loop system may be used to manage returned fluids and solids. The drilling process begins with the insertion of surface casing to protect the freshwater aquifer, and the installation of a blowout preventer (BOP) to ensure the safety of the crew, rig, and environment. The intermediate section of the hole is drilled, and the well is continually monitored for signs of potential hydrocarbon reserves.
🚨 Drilling Deeper and Testing Hydrocarbon Reservoirs
This paragraph delves into the deeper stages of drilling and the testing of hydrocarbon reservoirs. Drill Stem Testing (DST) is introduced as a method to determine the commercial viability of a reservoir by collecting fluid samples, measuring reservoir pressure, and assessing flow rates. The mud logger plays a crucial role in monitoring data and identifying potential hydrocarbon zones. The use of logging tools to measure rock and fluid properties within geological formations is explained, along with the process of perforating the well and the subsequent stimulation, such as hydraulic fracturing, to enhance production. The paragraph also touches on the environmental and safety measures taken during production, including the use of artificial lift methods and the construction of infrastructure to support ongoing operations.
🛠️ Post-Drilling Operations and the Life Cycle of an Oil Well
The final paragraph discusses the post-drilling operations and the life cycle of an oil well. It covers the installation of production tubing and the permanent wellhead, the use of artificial lift methods, and the initial processing of oil through a heater treater. The paragraph also describes the field development process, which involves additional drilling and infrastructure construction to maximize reserve recovery. The life cycle concludes with the abandonment and reclamation of the well when it no longer produces economically. The importance of oil and gas exploration and production to everyday life and the economy is emphasized, highlighting the reliance on these resources and the expertise of those involved in the industry.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Drilling a well
💡Planning phase
💡Geologists
💡Seismic survey
💡Leasing mineral rights
💡Blowout preventer (BOP)
💡Drill stem testing (DST)
💡Logging
💡Hydraulic fracturing (fracking)
💡Production casing
💡Field development
Highlights
Drilling a well is a complex process involving multiple service companies adhering to stringent safety and environmental practices.
The planning phase of drilling includes reviewing prospect information, setting project goals, and evaluating potential reserves and costs.
Geologists, geophysicists, and reservoir engineers use public and proprietary data, well logs, mapping, and seismic analysis to assess a prospect's potential.
Seismic surveys, likened to an 'x-ray' using acoustic energy, help visualize underground rock formations and verify hydrocarbon trapping mechanisms.
Securing the right to drill involves leasing mineral rights and conducting thorough title research by an experienced land man.
Permitting for drilling includes submitting an environmental assessment, water allocation, and land use plans.
3D seismic surveys are crucial for gaining a detailed understanding of rock formations and identifying potential drilling locations.
Drill site selection involves further geological studies, construction of maps and cross-sections, and reserve determination by engineers.
An Authority for Expenditure (AFE) is a budgetary document that outlines estimated drilling costs and requires approval before operations commence.
Site preparation for drilling includes rig setup, access road creation, and installation of support infrastructure like water lines and electricity.
The closed-loop system is an alternative method for managing drilling fluids, reducing the need for reserve pits and environmental impact.
Drilling involves the use of a drill bit and mud to cool the bit and remove cuttings, with surface casing inserted to maintain well bore integrity.
Blowout preventers (BOP) are critical safety devices that contain downhole pressures and prevent uncontrolled fluid flow.
Drill stem testing (DST) is performed to evaluate the commercial productive ability of a hydrocarbon reservoir.
Logging tools are used to measure rock and fluid properties within geological formations, providing data for well log analysis.
Production casing is inserted and cemented to add stability and create a barrier between the formation and the casing.
Perforating guns and hydraulic fracturing (fracking) are used to stimulate the well and establish production from the reservoir.
Artificial lift methods and equipment installation are part of preparing a well for production, including pumpjacks and storage tanks.
Environmental safety measures, such as building earthen berms, are implemented during the production phase to protect the surroundings.
Oil and gas field development is a staged process involving multiple teams and companies to maximize reserve recovery.
The life cycle of a well includes abandonment and reclamation, ensuring the well is properly capped and the environment restored.
Oil and gas exploration and production are vital for providing energy and products essential to modern society.
Transcripts
[Music]
drilling a well is a complex process
involving 10 to 30 different service
companies each one adhering to stringent
around the clock scheduling safety and
environmental practices understanding
how a well is drilled goes a long way
toward understanding why producing oil
and gas takes so much time and money the
first step in drilling a well is the
planning phase members of the oil
companies executive staff and senior
exploration team meet to review
information associated with a prospect
and to get an understanding of the scope
of work involved research and initial
analysis is performed taking into
account lease options potential reserves
risk factors environmental concerns and
costs during planning the goals for the
project are set out including if and
where to drill and the potential for
field development geologists
geophysicists and reservoir engineers
begin by reviewing both public and
proprietary prospect data mapping well
logs and any existing seismic is
evaluated to provide information on the
potential of a prospect
well logs are studied and interpreted to
determine the presence of oil or gas in
surrounding wells
mapping shows formation structure
thickness nearby fields and well
activity
seismic similar to an x-ray but using
acoustic energy is used to image or see
the targeted area underground and can
also verify information seen on other
prospect data to determine whether a
trapping mechanism for the hydrocarbons
exists within the formation once a
prospect area has been selected the
right to drill must be secured by
leasing the mineral rights of the
desired property from a landowner or
mineral owner in some cases a landowner
may no longer own the mineral rights
an experienced land man is needed to
research deed history and negotiate
leases once titles are researched blocks
of land are put together to create the
lease areia an application for a permit
description of the proposed drilling
program a copy of the plat the permit
fee an environmental assessment water
allocation air emissions and land use
and disturbance must be submitted often
companies require additional information
as they try to determine optimal
locations to drill new wells a 3d
seismic survey is one of the most
valuable tools used to gain a better
understanding of the rock formation
below a seismic shoot is conducted by a
contractor whose crew places lines of
receivers called Geo phones on the
ground to record the sound waves
generated by a vibrator truck
[Music]
the energy travels downward and is
reflected back to the surface by the
different rock layers the Geo phones
record the sound waves as they travel
back to the surface as the vibrator
trucks move across the surface new
seismic lines are created with the use
of advanced software and powerful
computer hardware large amounts of
seismic data can be processed a
geophysicist then interprets this
information to create a
three-dimensional view of the layers of
rock below underground geologic features
then become much easier to identify and
target this information gives other
members of the exploration team new data
to study this allows them to map
subsurface formations and anomalies and
predict where oil or gas may be trapped
in sufficient quantities to warrant
exploration activities this valuable
data assists in the selection of
drilling locations once a prospect has
been determined to have potential
further studies are necessary geologists
study logs from offsetting wells and
construct various maps and cross
sections while reservoir engineers
determine potential reserves when a
prospect has passed the oil company
selection criteria a drill site location
is then selected
an authority for expenditure or AFE is
prepared by a lease operator and sent to
non operators before work can begin
it is a budgetary document listing the
estimated expenses of drilling the
planned well this estimate of costs
requires approval prior to commencement
of drilling operations once the survey
has been completed a stake will be
placed where the well is to be drilled
access roads are created so workers and
equipment can get to and from the rig
the site will be cleared and leveled
with a bulldozer for support and
permanent positioning of the wellbore
the seller and conductor holes are dug
and secured into place the drilling rig
and equipment are then trucked to the
location unloaded and placed where it
will be rigged up a reserve pit may be
excavated to capture drilling fluids
cuttings and mud discharges so they can
be recycled or properly disposed crew
housing facilities water lines and
electricity are brought in for 24/7
operations
after the rig is erected equipment is
moved onto the rig floor assembled and
connected to power sources or
pressurized piping systems some
operators utilize an alternative method
of managing returned fluids and solids
called a closed loop system which may
reduce or eliminate the need for
reserved pits the closed loop system
separates the fluids and drilling solids
by employing a series of linear motion
shakers mud cleaners centrifuges and
collection equipment to condition the
fluids so they can be reused or recycled
the solids or waste is properly disposed
of according to state regulations the
hole for the surface casing is then
drilled a drill bit is mounted on the
end of the drill pipe as the bit grinds
away a mixture of water and additives
called mud is pumped into the hole to
cool the bit and flush the cuttings to
the surface the pipe and bit are then
removed and surface casing is inserted
into the hole surface casing serves to
keep the well bore intact isolate the
freshwater zone from contamination and
is the pipe to which the Bo p and
wellhead are attached the casing is
secured into place by pumping cement
through the casing and the shoe at the
bottom of the hole this cement also acts
as a barrier to provide a permanent
layer to protect the freshwater aquifer
next the blowout preventer or Bo P is
installed on top of the wellhead before
the drilling of the well commences it is
usually comprised of an annular
preventer blind Ram blind shear Ram and
the pipe Ram
the VOP units main function is to
contain erratic down hole pressures
called kicks and the uncontrolled flow
of formation fluids quickly and
effectively by sealing off the wellbore
in several ways if primary control of
the well is lost during drilling or
completion one or more of the bo piece
components are initiated to close across
part or all of the hole to equalize
pressures thereby regaining control of
the well without the Bo P this
underground pressure can force the
release of gases fluids and equipment
causing explosion fire and loss of life
blowout preventers are critical to the
safety of the crew rig and environment
at this point using a slightly smaller
diameter drill bit and pipe the
intermediate section of the hole is
drilled through the wiper plug shoe and
cement at the bottom of the hole once
this section of the hole is drilled the
intermediate casing is set cemented and
allowed to cure drilling then continues
on toward the target depth millions of
dollars can be spent drilling an oil
well so it is very important to gather
as much information as possible at every
stage to determine if it makes good
business sense to continue drilling and
complete the well drill stem testing
also known as a DST is a procedure used
on exploratory oil and gas wells to
determine the boundaries and commercial
productive ability of a hydrocarbon
reservoir information gained from a DST
includes fluid samples reservoir
pressure flow rates and formation
properties such as temperature and
permeability
as the well is drilling the mud lager
takes samples and monitors incoming data
when the mud logger has a good show
indicating potential pay drilling will
stop and the pipe and bit are pulled out
of the hole
[Music]
the DST tool is then attached to the
bottom of the drill string and lowered
into the hole opposite the formation to
be tested one or more expandable seals
on the tool called Packers are initiated
to seal off the zone a hydraulic valve
is then opened in the tool
once open the fluid then flows into the
valve and up the drill string to the
surface for evaluation a typical test is
comprised of several alternating
formation flow and shut-in periods once
the well has been drilled to its target
depth the drill pipe and bit are removed
from the hole and a specialized logging
crew and equipment are brought on
location the crew assembles a probe
which can be several different logging
tools connected together each tool
performs a different kind of measurement
of the rock and fluid properties within
the geological formations surrounding
the well bore the probe is lowered down
into the wellbore on a wire line until
the top of the probe is below the target
depth the process is carefully monitored
by the well logging crew and the
geologists as the probe is raised back
up the hole the various logging tools
are activated by computers on the
surface that produce a graph called a
well log which represents the geologic
properties of the layers of rock
lining up the logs adjusting for
variations in the surface elevation of
each well the geologist can get a good
idea of the rock structure and possible
presence of hydrocarbons across the area
once the well has been logged and deemed
a commercial well the crew inserts the
last string of production casing that
runs the entire length of the hole and
cements the casing in the hole the
cement fills the space between the
production casing and the drilled hole
called the annulus it also adds
stability and strength to the pipe and
creates a barrier between the formation
and the casing at the surface the
drilling rig is no longer needed a coil
tubing unit or workover rig is brought
on location to perforate the targeted
zone a perforating gun is then lowered
to the targeted zone pressure is applied
to the coil tubing and perf gun setting
off a charge which shoots holes through
the steel casing cement and out a short
distance into the target formation the
perf gun is then pulled out of the hole
stimulation is needed on most wells to
establish production from the reservoir
specialized equipment to hydraulically
fracture or frack the formation is
brought on location water a small amount
of chemicals sand and other province are
pumped into the wellbore under extremely
high pressure when the mixture reaches
the target zone the pressure forces it
out through the perf holes and into the
low permeable shale causing it to
fracture or crack this creates a fairway
connecting the reservoir to the well the
sand and other province hold the tiny
fissures open and allow the release
Doyle to flow to the wellbore this
process is repeated in multiple stages
to extend across the entire well bore
with plugs placed between each stage to
maintain pressure and get maximum flow
results from the fractured Rock once the
fracking process is complete the plugs
placed between the frack stages are then
drilled out to remove any restrictions
in the well bore the frack fluid also
known as flowback liquid flows back up
to the top of the well along with
hydrocarbons the recovered frack fluid
is treated and most reused on subsequent
hydraulic fracturing jobs this is done
to conserve water and also as a cost
savings measure what is not able to be
reused is placed in tanks and then
trucked to be properly disposed the
production crew then brings in the work
over unit and rigs it up to prepare the
hole for production the crew runs small
diameter pipe called production tubing
inside the production casing string this
serves as the conduit for oil or gas to
flow up the well and adds yet another
layer of protection to isolate the
hydrocarbons from the potable water
table
the next step is to install a permanent
wellhead most wells at some point in
their life will require artificial lift
to get the hydrocarbons to the surface
in this case a pumpjack oil storage
tanks and associated equipment are
installed on location as one of the many
environmental safety measures an earthen
berm is built around the production
equipment during the production phase
oil is sent from the pump jack to the
heater treater for initial processing
the function of the heater treater is to
separate the oil from the water and gas
during this process the liquids from the
well are heated the oil separates and
floats to the top of the settling water
while gases break free and rise to the
top of the tank the gas passes through
the mist extractor at the top of the
tank and is sent to be stored or flared
the water is removed and stored for
further treatment the oil is sent to the
storage tanks to await transport to the
pipeline during field development
additional wells are drilled on the
lease to maximize recovery of reserves
field development occurs in stages and
includes many of the oil companies same
teams of geo scientists and engineers
who studied and evaluated the data to
justify the initial well once executive
management makes the decision to move
forward the planning phase begins
next additional drilling rigs are
brought in along with several service
companies to help with construction
build infrastructure and assist the
drilling company an oil well can produce
for ten to thirty years during the
primary recovery phase once production
has declined secondary or tertiary
recovery methods can be used to extend
the life of the well when the well no
longer produces at an economic rate the
final steps in a wells life cycle are
abandonment and reclamation the wellhead
and associated equipment are removed the
wellbore is filled with cement and the
well capped and mark the area is
reclaimed and the lease is relinquished
back to the landowner oil and gas
exploration and production is a complex
but vital endeavor the energy and
products created from crude oil are
endless and essential to our everyday
way of life without it roads railways
and the skies would be empty
construction manufacturing technology
and food delivery would come to a
standstill oil and gas and the many
technical and skilled people involved in
drilling and oil well are crucial
resources we are dependent on each and
every day
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