What Is the Oil Drilling Process?
Setup Before a well can be drilled, a lot of preparation must take place. Geologists and other scientist must study the site to determine if oil should even be present and environmental studies must be done in most countries. If the site is suitable, then the equipment must be brought in and set up, along with a crew to operate it. Once the drilling rig is in place and all the equipment and personnel available, then drilling can commence. “Making Hole” The “tool,” or the drill bit assembly, is put together and brought to the drill floor beneath the derrick. Drill pipe is also brought up and attached to the tool. The driller sits in a compartment commonly called the “doghouse” and operates the drill motor, pushing the tool into the ground. He can control variables such as the pressure exerted by the bit and rotation speed from that position and must monitor many other variables all while overseeing the roughnecks outside the doghouse on the drill floor. Roughnecking When the bit reaches
