As discussed in the previous lesson, geologic considerations are vital to drilling operations to prevent or mitigate subsurface integrity problems and ensure successful production. Subsurface integrity is only one part of the subsurface containment equation. Wellbore integrity is the complement to subsurface integrity in assuring subsurface containment. Engineering considerations are important to ensure the well …
Now that we know a little bit more about petroleum systems and what geology needs to be beneath the ground to ensure we are drilling a successful well, let’s get into the steps we need to take to predict and mitigate any undesired fluid migration associated with well operations. We’ve discussed one category of fluids: …
Before drilling a well, during what is known as the “exploration phase,” geologists must take into account where a well should be placed. To find hydrocarbons, oil and gas wells must be located in areas where there is a successful petroleum system. A petroleum system consists of several elements: source rock, overburden rock, migration pathway, …
Once geologic, engineering and financial analysis is done to ensure the desired area will yield a successful drilling project, it is time for final preparations and construction of the oil and gas well. What we desire is a well that can be safely constructed and then safely used. Most of the problems in building a …
Now that we understand some of the basics of extraction and injection wells, we are going to shift our focus towards wells that service the oil and gas sector. These wells will be the main wells discussed in this course. Oftentimes both extraction and injection wells must be drilled in the area of interest (where …
No matter its purpose, a well must be drilled anticipating potential problems that could occur and compromise health, safety, and the environment. Contamination is a large concern for design, construction and operation of wells, whether they are for extraction or injection. Prevention is paramount, for health and safety reasons, as well as environmental aspects. Although …
A well is a structure that is drilled into the ground for several purposes. We will discuss two basic types of wells throughout this lesson. They are known as 1) extraction wells and 2) injection wells. Extraction wells, also known as recovery wells, are drilled for the purpose of accessing natural resources, such as: Extraction …
What is a Water Footprint? What does it mean when someone talks about their “water footprint?” According to the Water Footprint Network, by definition it is, “the amount of water used to produce each of the goods and services we use. It can be measured for a single process, such as growing rice, for a …
Now that we have learned about the climate of Texas and how Texas might react to climate change in the future, let’s turn our attention towards water. Where is the water in Texas? To begin, let’s start with the global water cycle. The Global Water Cycle. The global water cycle is truly a cycle with …
The Global Water Cycle and Water Resources in Texas Read More »