The Inner Workings ofan Oil Drill

R e z a M o s t a f a v i T a b a t a b a e i

Offshore and onshore rigs have the same majorfunction: to create holes in the earth’s subsurface

in order to extract and process oil and gas.

Most oil rig systems consist of large diesel engines,which power the electrical generators, which in

turn power the mechanical drilling system.

The mechanical system is compiled of a derrick, tohold the drilling apparatus, a blowout preventer torelieves pressure and prevents gushing, a mud pit

to store and circulate fluids, and a drill string,which contains the drill collar and bit.

So, what’s the drilling process itself like?

First, a surface hole is drilled.The drill bit, collar, and drill pipe are placed into the

hole, just above where the oil is thought to be located.

Drilling can begin when theturntable and kelley are fastened

As the drilling progresses, mud iscirculated through the pipe to float rockcuttings out of the hole.

Drilling can begin when theturntable and kelley are fastened

As the drilling progresses, mud iscirculated through the pipe to float rockcuttings out of the hole.

Drilling can begin when theturntable and kelley are fastened

As the hole getsdeeper, new joints ofpipe are added.

As the drilling progresses, mud iscirculated through the pipe to float rockcuttings out of the hole.

Drilling can begin when theturntable and kelley are fastened

As the hole getsdeeper, new joints ofpipe are added.

The pipe, collar and bit can allbe removed when a pre-setdepth is reached.

Casing pipes are then placed into thehole to prevent from collapsing, andcement is pumped through and allowedto harden.

The entire process is repeated until thepiping reaches the well’s final depth.

Casing pipes are then placed into thehole to prevent from collapsing, andcement is pumped through and allowedto harden.

The entire process is repeated until thepiping reaches the well’s final depth.

Casing pipes are then placed into thehole to prevent from collapsing, andcement is pumped through and allowedto harden.

The crew then removesdrilling apparatus totest for oil.

The entire process is repeated until thepiping reaches the well’s final depth.

Casing pipes are then placed into thehole to prevent from collapsing, andcement is pumped through and allowedto harden.

The crew then removesdrilling apparatus totest for oil.

It is done by examining formation,pressure and rock samples

If oil is found a perforating gun is lowered into thedepth of the reservoir to create holes in the casingthrough which oil can enter and tubing is run into

the hole as a conduit for the oil to flow through.

Lastly, special fluids are pumped down to pressurethe reservoir rock into releasing the oil flow. A

pump is put on the wellhead to create suction andcrude oil is obtained which is later refined for final

commercial product.

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