Geologists are responsible for the discovery of oil at different locations. They use various techniques to discover oil, as they study the area for conditions that would indicate the presence of trapped oil. Finding the right source rock and the reservoir rock will lead directly to the presence of oil. Satellite images too are used in figuring out areas where oil could be present, in addition to studying surface rocks and terrains.
They use many techniques including use of sensitive gravity meters, which indicate very tiny changes in the gravitational field of the earth, which could indicate the presence of flowing oil. Seismology techniques too are used where shock waves are passed through rock layers, and the reflected waves are studied to check for the presence of oil. Thus, once geologists make a discovery, preparations are made to extract oil through drilling.
Before drilling for oil can commence, the site where drilling is to be carried out needs to be prepared. These preparations include building access roads to the location of drilling, and finding a source of water. If no natural sources are available in the vicinity, pits are created to dispose the rock cuttings that get extricated during drilling. Pits are covered in plastic to prevent any environmental problems. If the site is ecologically sensitive, the extractions will need to be ferried away from the site.
Before the actual hole is drilled, they dig a cellar. This acts as a space for the workers to move around and also to put away the equipment. Before the actual rig is put in place, a smaller hole is dug with a smaller drill truck. This part of the hole is wider and shallower. After these preparations are complete, the rig is brought in.
The oil rig has many components such as a power system, mechanical system, rotating equipment, casing, circulation system, Derrick drill, and blowout preventer. The power system of the rig is made of a diesel engine, or electrical generator, and acts as the main source of power supply.
The mechanical arrangement of the rig is driven by electrical motors, and it has a hoisting system- for lifting intense loads, and turntable- which is part of the drilling machinery. The rotating equipment is used for rotary drilling.
Casing is made of large diameter casing pipes that line the drilled hole, and prevent the hole from collapsing. They also help in the circulation of mud. The circulation system pumps in mud to lift rock cuttings from the drill to the surface.
The Derrick supports the drilling apparatus, and its length helps in adding new sections of drill pipe to the drilling apparatus as it progresses. The blowout preventer is a high pressure valve that prevents a blowout.
The drilling progresses, and once the presence of oil is detected, the well needs to be prepared for oil extraction. Acid is pumped in, which clears channels and leads oil to the well. Proppants too are pumped in and hydrofracking is done. Once the oil has started flowing into the well, the rig is removed and equipment for oil extraction is put in place.
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