Petroleum Fundamentals

Petroleum Fundamentals

By:Aims Community College - Oil & Gas Dept.

Petroleum Fundamentals

By:Aims Community College - Oil & Gas Dept.

Online:< http://cnx.org/content/col11568/1.3/ >

C O N N E X I O N S

Rice University, Houston, Texas

This selection and arrangement of content as a collection is copyrighted by Aims Community College - Oil & Gas Dept..

It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/).

Collection structure revised: September 17, 2013

PDF generated: September 27, 2013

For copyright and attribution information for the modules contained in this collection, see p. 22.

Table of Contents

1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 1. Common Rocks and Minerals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 2. Rock Deformations and Oil Traps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 3. Source Rocks, Generation, Migration, Accumulation of Petroleum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 4. Fundamental Mapping Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 5. GIS and GPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137 6. Mineral Rights and Leasing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178 7. Drilling for Oil and Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Attributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

iv

Available for free at Connexions <http://cnx.org/content/col11568/1.3>

Chapter 1

Introduction1

1.1 Introduction

This course provides an overview of petroleum technology, including petroleum origins, geology, mappingtechniques, exploration, and drilling.

Textbook used for this course: "Fundamentals of Petroleum", 5th Edition, by the University of Texas atAustin

Course Author:Lee McMains, InstructorIndustrial TechnologyAims Community College

1This content is available online at <http://cnx.org/content/m47644/1.2/>.


1

2 CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION


Chapter 2

1. Common Rocks and Minerals1

2.1 Common Rocks and Minerals Associated with Petroleum

In this module we will consider the di�erent types of rock, how they're formed, and discover their roles inthe production of petroleumObjectives and Big QuestionsAt the completion of this module you will be able to:

• Identify three basic rock types.• Explain their roles in the production and accumulation of petroleum.

As you work through this module, keep the following questions in mind:

• What are the di�erent types of rock?• Why are some rocks di�erent from others?• What does the Earth look like, under my feet?• What �eld of science concerns itself with these studies?

Reading:

Read "Basic Concepts of Geology" and "Categorizing Rocks" in your textbook. Be sure to read thetables, look at the �gures, and study the examples.

Lectures:

Lecture 1: The Earth Beneath Our Feet.2

Notes for Lecture 13

Lecture 2: Not All Rocks Are the Same.4


1This content is available online at <http://cnx.org/content/m47577/1.8/>.2http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHryAAPNekg3"The Earth Beneath Our Feet" <http://cnx.org/content/m47568/latest/>4http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAEmI02WsMM5"Not All Rocks Are the Same" <http://cnx.org/content/m47576/latest/>


3

4 CHAPTER 2. 1. COMMON ROCKS AND MINERALS

Links:

Please visit and study the following web pages:

• Rock types6

• Rocks: igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary7

• The Geologic Story of Colorado's Sangre de Cristo Range8

Discussion: Post a response to this question in your discussion group, then respond to one of yourclassmates' posts.

"The deeper we dig, the farther back in time we see..."

This is a pretty well-accepted theory, but is it actually meaningful?

Consider the world's oldest rock. Of course, it was subject to heat and pressure over a very longtime, but according to Professor Nelson of Tulane University, that very old rock might not have changedmuch in the last billion years.

Are there limits to the value of discussing very long time frames, when it comes to rocks, or do youthink that since rocks are constantly changing (based on their conditions) that we need to consider theirentire life cycles?

6http://www.learner.org/interactives/rockcycle/types.html7http://geology.com/rocks/8http://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/1349/pdf/C1349.pdf


Chapter 3

2. Rock Deformations and Oil Traps1

3.1 Sedimentary Rock Deformations and Basic Oil Traps

In this module we will explore the several types of rock deformations and ask how they contribute to "oiltraps."Objective and Big QuestionsAt the completion of this module you will be able to:

• Di�erentiate between the types of rock deformations.• Explain which have the best chance for petroleum to accumulate.

As you work through this module, keep the following questions in mind:

• How could very hard rocks get folded or warped?• Does it still happen today?• Which kinds of deformations best lend themselves to oil and gas traps?

Reading:

Read the chapter on "Folds, Faults, and Traps" in your textbook. Be sure to read the tables, lookat the �gures, and study the examples.

Lectures:

Lecture 1: Folds and Faults2


Lecture 2: Basic Oil Traps 14



1This content is available online at <http://cnx.org/content/m47582/1.4/>.2http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ae0lD_P5m9k3"Folds and Faults" <http://cnx.org/content/m47578/latest/>4http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFZOv5uEyYA5"Basic Oil Traps 1" <http://cnx.org/content/m47579/latest/>6http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJ5t6Fz6AaU


5

6 CHAPTER 3. 2. ROCK DEFORMATIONS AND OIL TRAPS




Links:

Please visit and study the following video:

• Folding, faulting, and geological maps10

7"Basic Oil Traps 2" <http://cnx.org/content/m47580/latest/>8http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ItjrhQN3209"Basic Oil Traps 3" <http://cnx.org/content/m47581/latest/>

10http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fp7mRnic4sI


Chapter 4

3. Source Rocks, Generation, Migration,

Accumulation of Petroleum1

4.1 Source Rocks, Generation, Migration, Accumulation of

Petroleum

In this module we will explore which rock types make good source rocks. Ee will follow oil and gas as it iscreated, then as it �ows upward and is trapped.Objective and Big QuestionsAt the completion of this module you will be able to:

• Recognize which rock types tend to release petroleum.• Explain how petroleum �ows upward and becomes trapped.

As you work through this module please keep the following questions in mind:

• Are there really underground lakes of oil?• Where do oil and gas come from?• Which kinds of deformations best lend themselves to oil and gas traps?

Reading:

For this module, please begin by reading "Accumulations of Petroleum" and "Reservoir Fluids andPressure" in your textbook. Be sure to read the tables, look at the �gures, and study the examples.

Links:

Please watch and study the following videos:

• Crude2

• Migrating and Trapping of Natural Gas and Crude Oil3

Self-check:1This content is available online at <http://cnx.org/content/m47638/1.2/>.2http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPgfnwi2m9M3http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPOq7zUojqg


7

8CHAPTER 4. 3. SOURCE ROCKS, GENERATION, MIGRATION,

ACCUMULATION OF PETROLEUM

Exercise 4.1 (Solution on p. 9.)

Name the two main theories about how hydrocarbon deposits formed on Earth.


A rock that has a lot of holes, allowing for liquids to be trapped, has a high amount of_____________.


A rock that has a lot of connected holes, allowing for liquids to travel throughout, has a highamount of _______________.


9

Solutions to Exercises in Chapter 4

Solution to Exercise 4.1 (p. 8)

• Biogenic Theory• Abiogenic Theory

Solution to Exercise 4.2 (p. 8)porositySolution to Exercise 4.3 (p. 8)permeability


10CHAPTER 4. 3. SOURCE ROCKS, GENERATION, MIGRATION,

ACCUMULATION OF PETROLEUM


Chapter 5

4. Fundamental Mapping Methods1

5.1 Fundamental Mapping Methods

In this module we will discuss di�erent ways to explore for - and possibly identify the pro�tability of -petroleum accumulations.Objective and Big QuestionsAt the completion of this module you will be able to:

• Explore fundamental mapping methods.


• What sort of information is available from mapping data?• How is this data gathered?

Reading:

For this module, please begin by reading "Survey Tools and Databases for Collecting Data", "Seis-mic Surveys and Interpretation", and "Types of Well Logs and Core Samples" in your textbook. Be sure toread the tables, look at the �gures, and study the examples.

Links:

Please watch and study the following video:

• 3D Seismic2

1This content is available online at <http://cnx.org/content/m47640/1.1/>.2http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxJa7EvYoFI


11

12 CHAPTER 5. 4. FUNDAMENTAL MAPPING METHODS


Chapter 6

5. GIS and GPS1

6.1 GIS and GPS

In this module we will discuss di�erent tools used to identify, record, and manage locations where petroleumaccumulations are likely to be found.Objective and Big QuestionsAt the completion of this module you will be able to:

• Identify mapping layers using geographic information systems.• Perform simple global positioning maneuvers using a handheld GPS device.


• What is the di�erence between GIS and GPS?• Which is the more "fundamental" technology?• Who gathers the data, and what happens to it?• How is the data manipulated to produce something meaningful?

Reading:

For this module, please begin by reading "Contour Maps and Digital Computer Models" in yourtextbook. Be sure to read the tables, look at the �gures, and study the examples.

Links:

Please visit the following web page to get a feel for a particular GIS package: What is GIS?2

Please watch and study the following videos:

• 3D The Truth About GPS: How it Works3

• Farming by GPS Saves Money, Environment4

• GPS Rover - Survey5

1This content is available online at <http://cnx.org/content/m47641/1.1/>.2http://www.esri.com/what-is-gis3http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpPwMu3foGg4http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeyjSN9ANyY5http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXTxj3QUDsc


13

14 CHAPTER 6. 5. GIS AND GPS

• Technology: a GIS Journey6

• Geospatial BI for Oil and Gas7

Self-check:


How many satellites are required for GPS to �nd a location on the Earth's surface?

6http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/science/technology-sci/gis_journey/7http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3UQRPbPyk4


15

Solutions to Exercises in Chapter 6

Solution to Exercise 6.1 (p. 14)3


16 CHAPTER 6. 5. GIS AND GPS


Chapter 7

6. Mineral Rights and Leasing1

7.1 Mineral Rights and Leasing

In this module we will examine the history - and development of - leasing mineral rights for oil and gasexploration and production.Objective and Big QuestionsAt the completion of this module you will be able to:

• Explain the diverse policies related to drilling and production internationally.• Understand the history of mineral rights in the United States.


• Why don't companies drill all over the U.S.?• Why don't companies drill all over the world?• Why is environmental law so confusing?

Reading:

For this module, please begin by reading "Mineral Rights and Leasing" in your textbook. Be sureto read the tables, look at the �gures, and study the examples.



17

18 CHAPTER 7. 6. MINERAL RIGHTS AND LEASING


Chapter 8

7. Drilling for Oil and Gas1

8.1 Drilling for Oil and Gas

In this module we will examine many of the aspects of drilling for oil and natural gas, including drilling rigtypes, directional drilling, and arti�cial lift methods.Objective and Big QuestionsAt the completion of this module you will be able to:

• Explain the history of oil production in the United States.• Describe the innovations that led to increased safety and e�ciency in the drilling phase of the industry.• E�ectively di�erentiate between the primary rig types, as well as the systems they have in common.• Explain the di�erences between di�erent drilling methodologies and environments.


• What are the proper (e.g. safe, e�ective) working environments for the di�erent drilling rig types?• How have drilling safety procedures changed in the last 150 years?• What is it like to work on an active rig?

Reading:

For this module, please begin by reading about "Drilling Systems", "O�shore Drilling", and "BlowoutPreventers" in your textbook. Be sure to read the tables, look at the �gures, and study the examples.

Assignment:

Research and write a paper on the Blowout Preventer. Here are some questions to consider for thisassignment:

• What purpose does it serve?• How does it function? (You can include graphics.)• Where in the drilling assembly is it installed?• At what phase of drilling is it installed?• Is a Blowout Preventer for o�-shore drilling di�erent than one for on-shore drilling?• Who designed the �rst Blowout Preventer?• When and where was the �rst Blowout Preventer put into use?



19

20 CHAPTER 8. 7. DRILLING FOR OIL AND GAS

• What incidents drove the need for this piece of equipment?• Pick a modern variant (e.g. annular, ram) and describe it in detail.


INDEX 21

Index of Keywords and Terms

Keywords are listed by the section with that keyword (page numbers are in parentheses). Keywordsdo not necessarily appear in the text of the page. They are merely associated with that section. Ex.apples, � 1.1 (1) Terms are referenced by the page they appear on. Ex. apples, 1

G gas, � 1(1), � 2(3), � 3(5), � 4(7), � 5(11),� 6(13), � 7(17), � 8(19)

I industry, � 1(1), � 2(3), � 3(5), � 4(7), � 5(11),� 6(13), � 7(17), � 8(19)

O oil, � 1(1), � 2(3), � 3(5), � 4(7), � 5(11),� 6(13), � 7(17), � 8(19)

P petroleum, � 1(1), � 2(3), � 3(5), � 4(7),� 5(11), � 6(13), � 7(17), � 8(19)


22 ATTRIBUTIONS

Attributions

Collection: Petroleum Fundamentals

Edited by: Aims Community College - Oil & Gas Dept.URL: http://cnx.org/content/col11568/1.3/License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Module: "Introduction"By: Aims Community College - Oil & Gas Dept.URL: http://cnx.org/content/m47644/1.2/Page: 1Copyright: Aims Community College - Oil & Gas Dept.License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Module: "1. Common Rocks and Minerals"By: Aims Community College - Oil & Gas Dept.URL: http://cnx.org/content/m47577/1.8/Pages: 3-4Copyright: Aims Community College - Oil & Gas Dept.License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Module: "2. Rock Deformations and Oil Traps"By: Aims Community College - Oil & Gas Dept.URL: http://cnx.org/content/m47582/1.4/Pages: 5-6Copyright: Aims Community College - Oil & Gas Dept.License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Module: "3. Source Rocks, Generation, Migration, Accumulation of Petroleum"By: Aims Community College - Oil & Gas Dept.URL: http://cnx.org/content/m47638/1.2/Pages: 7-9Copyright: Aims Community College - Oil & Gas Dept.License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Module: "4. Fundamental Mapping Methods"By: Aims Community College - Oil & Gas Dept.URL: http://cnx.org/content/m47640/1.1/Page: 11Copyright: Aims Community College - Oil & Gas Dept.License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Module: "5. GIS and GPS"By: Aims Community College - Oil & Gas Dept.URL: http://cnx.org/content/m47641/1.1/Pages: 13-15Copyright: Aims Community College - Oil & Gas Dept.License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/


ATTRIBUTIONS 23

Module: "6. Mineral Rights and Leasing"By: Aims Community College - Oil & Gas Dept.URL: http://cnx.org/content/m47642/1.1/Page: 17Copyright: Aims Community College - Oil & Gas Dept.License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Module: "7. Drilling for Oil and Gas"By: Aims Community College - Oil & Gas Dept.URL: http://cnx.org/content/m47643/1.1/Pages: 19-20Copyright: Aims Community College - Oil & Gas Dept.License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/


Petroleum FundamentalsThis course provides an overview of the petroleum technology industry. This course is aligned with the text-book: "Fundamentals of Petroleum" by Kate VanDyke. Course author: Lee McMains [email protected]

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Petroleum Fundamentals