How to Strike Oil

The discovery and exploitation of oil deposits is the base of a petroleum economy. The electricity, home heating and transportation systems rely on gas and oil so consumers need to be well supplied with fuels. The processes for drilling an oil well are long and thorough.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Land
• Geological surveys
• Oil derrick
• Drilling equipment

1. Prospect for oil by studying maps of previously drilled areas, taking samples of soil in undrilled areas and by studying porosity of areas where you believe oil could be. The more porous the sedimentary stones are in an area, the more likely it will be to contain oil.
2. Package your data by simplifying your raw data into an easily presentable format. You will want to use colorful and useful information as a resource you can present to other members of the prospective project.
3. Sell the idea to prospective buyers. Find an oil company or bank to back you on your prospect. You will have to show them that the plan is feasible, that you can obtain legal drilling rights on the land and that the project will turn a profit.
4. Drill the well. The drilling contractor will want to pick the drill bit according to his own experience with the derrick and equipment he has assembled. As the expert on the project, you will need to give him good advice on the density and types of rocks at different depths.
5. Watch the earth that comes out as the well is being dug. Porous sandstone and shale with traces of petroleum are a good indication you are close to oil. It is best to study a sample every 10 feet.
6. Consult a petroleum engineer when you finally reach oil. She will run steel pipe down the hole to recover the oil and gas. Once the pipe is in place an explosive device called a "perforating gun" will be inserted to blast little holes through the pipe. The oil and gas will flow into these holes and up the pipe and out of the well.

Tips & Warnings

• By the time you have sold your project, your backers will be able to give you an idea of which contractors they want to help you dig the well.
• Consult a lawyer who specializes in land use before drilling to ensure that you do have the right to drill there.
• The steel pipe inserted down the hole will help you keep out unwanted impurities such as salt water from entering the well, and it maximizes the useful fuel pulled out of the hole.

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