Drilling 101

Summary

This 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

00:00

📈 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.

05:02

🏗️ 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.

10:02

🚨 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.

15:04

🛠️ 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.

Keywords

💡Drilling a well

Drilling a well refers to the process of creating a hole in the earth's surface to access subsurface oil or gas reserves. It is the central theme of the video, illustrating the complexity and multi-step nature of the process, which involves planning, execution, and various safety and environmental practices. The script describes this process as involving 10 to 30 different service companies, each adhering to stringent scheduling and safety protocols.

💡Planning phase

The planning phase is the initial step in the well-drilling process, where the oil company's executive staff and senior exploration team review prospect information and set project goals. It is crucial for understanding the scope of work and involves research and analysis of lease options, potential reserves, risk factors, and costs. The script mentions this phase as the starting point for determining where to drill and the potential for field development.

💡Geologists

Geologists are scientists who study the physical aspects and phenomena of the earth. In the context of the video, they play a vital role in reviewing prospect data, mapping well logs, and interpreting seismic data to determine the presence of oil or gas. Their work is essential in the planning phase and throughout the drilling process to assess the geological potential of a prospect area.

💡Seismic survey

A seismic survey is a method used to explore the subsurface of the earth by sending sound waves into the ground and analyzing the reflections. It is compared to an 'x-ray' in the script, providing a detailed image of the rock layers and geological features below the surface. This tool is crucial for identifying potential hydrocarbon traps and is one of the most valuable tools in the pre-drilling phase.

💡Leasing mineral rights

Leasing mineral rights involves securing the legal right to drill on a property by leasing the mineral rights from the landowner or mineral owner. The script mentions the importance of this step, as it is necessary to legally begin the drilling process. It also highlights the role of a land man in researching deed history and negotiating leases.

💡Blowout preventer (BOP)

A blowout preventer, or BOP, is a critical safety device used in drilling operations to contain downhole pressures and prevent uncontrolled flow of formation fluids. The script describes it as comprising various components that can seal off the wellbore in several ways, ensuring the safety of the crew, rig, and environment in case of well control issues.

💡Drill stem testing (DST)

Drill stem testing, or DST, is a procedure performed on exploratory wells to determine the commercial viability of a hydrocarbon reservoir. The script explains that this testing provides valuable data such as fluid samples, reservoir pressure, flow rates, and formation properties. It is an essential step in assessing whether the well is worth continuing to drill and complete.

💡Logging

Logging in the context of well drilling refers to the use of specialized tools to measure and analyze the properties of the geological formations surrounding the wellbore. The script describes how a logging crew lowers a probe with various tools into the well, which then produces a well log—a graph representing the geologic properties of the rock layers. This information is vital for understanding the rock structure and potential hydrocarbon presence.

💡Hydraulic fracturing (fracking)

Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is a technique used to stimulate oil and gas wells by creating fractures in low-permeable rock formations. The script details how this is done by pumping a mixture of water, chemicals, sand, and other proppants into the wellbore at high pressure, which extends across the wellbore to increase hydrocarbon flow to the well. This process is key to establishing production from the reservoir.

💡Production casing

Production casing is the final string of casing that runs the entire length of the wellbore and is cemented in place. As described in the script, it serves to stabilize the well, create a barrier between the formation and the casing, and protect the freshwater aquifer. It is an essential part of the well's structure for the production phase.

💡Field development

Field development refers to the process of drilling additional wells on a lease to maximize the recovery of reserves. The script mentions that this occurs in stages and involves the same teams of geoscientists and engineers who initially evaluated the data. Field development is a continuous process that follows the initial well drilling and aims to optimize the extraction of oil and gas.

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