Oil Exploration

Crude oil is usually located deep below the earth's surface, without any visible traces of being present.

In the early years of the oil industry, one could easily find small amounts of oil in the vicinity of the oil urinating drilling. "Oil Lakes" are small amounts of oil that come up on the surface or in water.

However, a well drilling is very expensive; Therefore, alternative methods have been sought in order to locate oil. Today, geologists determined using a range of techniques where oil could be found. They make use of include seismic and visual observation techniques to determine the geological formations could contain oil.

• Seismic surveys

this case a small amount of underground explosive is detonated. In addition, to be sensitive instruments used which register the shock waves moving across the ground and which are reflected by rock walls. On the basis of the speed and direction of the waves geologists can identify the type of rock formations, and to detect the types of which are known to oil or hydrocarbons (such as gas) may contain.

• Vibro-seismic survey

, with special vibrating trucks are used, which is a controlled signal to submit the bottom. Although this method is more complicated, it is often used in places where explosives can not be used for practical reasons.

• Geophysical research

, this method is used to measure the thickness of sediment and in order to map out the shape of the structures within the sediment. In this way, often underground structures could be located in the last 30 years where oil had gathered.

• Research based on aerial photographs

on the basis of aerial photos, maps can be established in which the main geological properties are shown of an area. The photos are also used to determine oil field pipelines and infrastructure very closely. This information is of great value for planning seismic surveys and other projects.

• Surface Research

Here, specific localized areas on the ground and it is determined their height. One of the tools used therewith, is a theodolite, which is equipped with a telescope that measurement angles horizontally and vertically.

• Gravity investigation

In this method, there is used a highly sensitive gravimeter, which is analyzed to gravity variations. These variations may indeed indicate hidden geological structures. The study is usually performed in an early stage of exploration. The researchers thereby identify areas that may be potentially interesting. At these zones is then carried out, a more detailed seismic survey.

Drilling for oil

When certain areas of potential interest are labeled, are drills used to dig wells. Seismic research shows that the best places to look for oil. In this way, the risk of finding dry wells ( "dry hole") is limited. They contain no oil.

A drill is guided straight into the ground. If the rig can not be drawn directly on the surface, it is placed next to it and is drilled at an angle. The horizontal drilling technology is used to drill into the portion of the source which horizontally through the oil (the "output section") passes along the path from the oil reservoir.

Oil Transport

Crude oil is transported by pipeline from the drilling rig to tank farms. Since the oil is stored in huge tanks. The crude oil is then transported by pipeline to a local refinery or an oil tanker to an overseas refinery.