Oil drilling industry is considered as the most delicate industries in the world. With the increasing demand of natural gas and oil various companies continuously look forward to improve the production of existing wells. China is the first country which drilled oil wells that were depth about 800 feet. Since it's started the demand of oil and natural gas increases very rapidly and in return oil industry benefited a lot over the years. However the first oil drilling method was developed in 1859 by Edwin L. Drake. This modern method is still being used and is the most efficient means of oil production. Since 1859, around 800 billion barrels of oil has been used by the world and this makes it one of the most growing industries around the globe.
Today with the advancement of technology and new techniques drillers can reach even those reservoirs which were considered as unreachable. Geologists play a vital role in oil drilling process as they are the one who finds the best location for drilling according to his experience and knowledge. They might work on contract basis or independently with specific company. They are skilled professionals who studied about the rock and terrains in order to select the best location or oil bed for drilling process.
The main function of oil drilling is to pump out the oil and crude petroleum gases from the earth crust. Crude oil is found in its liquid or semi- solid state (in the form of tar). The reservoirs where crude oil is present can be thousands of feet underground and thus only through drilling process it can be reached beneath the surface. The oil can be drill by any of the following drilling process:
? Offshore Drilling: In this process special oil drills known as jack up rigs are used at the depth of 200 feet and when depth reaches 2000 feet under, the rigs are attach to the ocean floor with the air filled bags. Furthermore there are some drill ships that use sophisticated navigational equipments to dig up to the depth of 8000 feet. However there are many companies who are accused for the violation of the Clean Water Act as they continuously spread toxic chemicals and noxious gases into the water that harm marine life and other wildlife endangering near these sites. This technique is very much similar to the other methods used on land.
? Rotary Drilling: It is the most common oil drilling technique used today. You can recognize by a rotating turntable at the base and a tall oil derrick. Special mud which helps to pull out the rock cutting and lubricates the drill bit is also requires in rotary drilling process. The mud can be a mixture of water, clay and some chemicals.
Other processes for oil drilling are percussion drilling and horizontal drilling. The procedure is too long as sometimes it takes years to drill the oil wells and the whole process is very tedious and complicated that serves energy worldwide.
