How Do They Drill for Oil?
Preparing the Site Oil fields are first surveyed for any structure or natural feature that must be removed from the area. Paved roads must be constructed to the drilling site. Many early drilling sites were selected for the presence of water. Today, if water is not present, it is trucked in or new water wells are drilled. Preparation also includes digging pits, including a reserve pit where excess ground material is placed during the drilling operation. This will usually be covered over after the drilling site ceases operation. Drilling must also be done for the main oil drilling rig. Other holes are made to house the electric generator, engines and other equipment required to run the oil rig. Drilling Drilling is a detailed operation that uses the surveying data made prior to purchasing an oil field site. This information provides clues as to where the oil is located under the surface. The drill is placed into the starter hole and the process of removing stone, rock and soil begins. A
