Oil Drilling

By: EconomyWatch   Date: 30 June 2010

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Oil drilling is a complex procedure of drilling and pumping out oil from reservoirs using drilling rigs. Oil drilling rigs are instruments that create underground hole/shafts. They are used to:

  • sample underground mineral deposits
  • test soil and rock properties
  • install sub-surface instruments and wells

    Oil Drilling: Types

    Oil drilling can be:

    • Offshore drilling: This is a complex process that involves drilling for oil from underground resources that lie near the coastline. It also refers to drilling in inland seas and lakes. It requires advanced drilling rigs and qualified workers.
       
    • Onshore drilling or land drilling: This is easier and cheaper than offshore drilling. Onshore wells are typically drilled within 30 to 45 days.

    History of Oil Drilling

    The Chinese were the first to drill oils, around the fourth century. These oil wells drilled with bamboo poles and were approximately 243 meters deep.

    Until the 19th century, oil was generally obtained by skimming the top layer of ponds and from the blubber of whales. Oil drilling gained importance during this time as whales reached the verge of extinction. Initially, oil drilling took place manually. However, the development of internal combustion engine lead to the adoption of mechanized procedures for oil drilling. In 1859, Edwin L. Drake drilled the first contemporary oil well in Pennsylvania, US, thereby launching the world oil industry.

    Oil Drilling Process

    The process of oil drilling comprises:

    • Selecting a drill site: Oil drilling is carried out at a site that has the potential to access underground oil cheaply and efficiently. Environmentally sensitive areas and areas with large populations are generally avoided.
    • Preparing the drill site: This involves cleaning and leveling the land, building roads to access the site and locating sources of water. Digging reserve pits to dispose off unwanted mud and rocks is the final step.
       
    • Drilling oil well: The first stage involves erecting drill rigs and derricks to facilitate moving and lowering drill tubes. Spudding is the next stage. It involves drilling well bores, which are generally thousands of meters deep.

    A well that is drilled but shows little or no quantities of oil is called a ‘dry hole.’ It is generally filled with cement.

    Countries are well aware of the strategic importance of oil drilling despite its after effects such as oil spills. Oil drilling is critical for a country’s economic growth. It helps a country to access more reserves and restrain soaring energy costs across the world.


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