A method used in the oil and gas industry to track changes in subsurface reservoirs over time. It involves acquiring multiple 3D seismic surveys at different times during the life of a field. By comparing these surveys, geologists and engineers can monitor changes in reservoir properties, such as fluid saturation and pressure, allowing them to optimize production strategies, improve reservoir management, and reduce costs. This technology provides valuable insights into how reservoirs evolve over time and helps maximize the recovery of oil and gas resources.

The process of injecting acid into the well to dissolve rock and increase the flow of oil or gas. This technique may be used in wells with low production rates or to stimulate production in specific areas of the well.

The space between the outside of the well casing and the surrounding rock formations. The annulus is typically filled with cement or other materials to prevent oil or gas from escaping into other formations or the environment.

A measure of how heavy or light a petroleum liquid is compared to water, developed by the American Petroleum Institute (API).

A well drilled to assess the size, production capacity, and economic potential of a discovered oil or gas reservoir.

A technique used to increase the flow of oil or gas from a well when it is no longer producing enough on its own. This can be done using various methods, such as pumping gas or liquid into the well, to increase pressure and stimulate production.

A sudden, uncontrolled release of oil or gas from a well. Blowouts can be dangerous and have the potential to cause environmental damage.

A large, specialized valve used to seal, control, and monitor oil and gas wells to prevent the uncontrolled release of hydrocarbons.

A technique used to increase oil production by injecting carbon dioxide into the reservoir to reduce the viscosity of the oil and increase its flow rate. This process can also help to store carbon dioxide underground and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The steel pipe that lines a wellbore and prevents the walls from collapsing. Casing also helps to prevent oil or gas from escaping into other rock formations or the environment.

A term used to describe hydraulic fracking that is done in a more environmentally friendly manner. Clean fracking typically involves using less water and chemicals, and recycling the water that is used in the process.

A type of natural gas that is found in coal seams. Coalbed methane is typically extracted using hydraulic fracturing and can be used for various purposes, such as heating and electricity generation.

A process that converts coal into synthetic gas or “syngas” by heating it in the presence of steam and oxygen. The syngas can be used as a fuel or feedstock for various industrial processes.

A process that converts coal into liquid fuels, such as diesel and gasoline, by treating it with various chemicals and catalysts. Coal liquefaction can be more expensive and environmentally intensive than other methods of producing liquid fuels.

The process of preparing a well for production, including installing production equipment and perforating the well casing to allow oil or gas to flow into the wellbore. This process may also involve hydraulic fracturing to increase production rates.

The process of removing impurities and other substances from natural gas condensate to improve its quality and make it easier to transport and refine.

A process used in oil refining to break down larger hydrocarbon molecules into smaller ones, which can be used to produce various products such as gasoline and diesel fuel.

A set of valves and other equipment installed on top of the wellhead to control the flow of oil or gas from the well. The Christmas tree typically includes various valves, gauges, and chokes that allow for the safe and efficient production of oil or gas. The name “Christmas tree” comes from the resemblance of the equipment to a decorated tree.

The process of analyzing a sample of crude oil to determine its properties, such as density, sulfur content, and viscosity. This information is used to determine the best way to refine the crude oil into various products.

A naturally occurring, unrefined petroleum product composed of hydrocarbon deposits and other organic materials. Crude oil is typically extracted from underground reservoirs and transported to refineries for processing into various products, such as gasoline, diesel fuel, and lubricants. The properties of crude oil, such as its density, sulfur content, and viscosity, can vary widely depending on the location and geological conditions of the reservoir.

The process of removing salt and other minerals from water to make it safe for drinking, irrigation, or other uses. Desalination can be done using various methods, such as distillation or reverse osmosis.

A process used in oil refining and other industries to separate different components of a mixture based on their boiling points. This process involves heating the mixture and collecting the vapors that are produced at different temperatures.

The part of the oil and gas industry involved in refining, processing, and distributing oil and gas products to consumers. Downstream operations typically involve more complex and sophisticated technologies than upstream operations.

The cutting tool attached to the end of the drill string that is used to drill through rock formations. Drill bits may be designed for various types of rock and drilling conditions.

The length of pipe that connects the drill bit to the drilling rig and allows drilling fluids to circulate through the wellbore. The drill string may also include various tools and sensors used to measure various properties of the well and surrounding rock formations.

A mixture of water, clay, and various chemicals used to lubricate and cool the drill bit and carry rock cuttings to the surface during drilling. Drilling fluid may also be used to control pressure and stabilize the wellbore.

A mixture of water, clay, and various chemicals used to lubricate and cool the drill bit and carry rock cuttings to the surface during drilling. Drilling mud may also be used to control pressure and stabilize the wellbore.

The use of various techniques to increase the amount of oil that can be recovered from a reservoir. This may involve injecting steam, gas, or chemicals into the well to alter the properties of the oil and make it easier to extract.

The process of burning off excess natural gas that is produced during oil production. Flaring can be harmful to the environment due to the release of greenhouse gases, but is sometimes necessary when there is no infrastructure in place to capture the gas.

Short for hydraulic fracturing, fracking is a technique used in the oil and gas industry to extract natural gas and oil from deep underground rock formations, particularly shale. The process involves injecting a high-pressure fluid mixture consisting of water, sand, and chemicals into the rock to create fractures, allowing the trapped oil or gas to flow more easily to the wellbore. Fracking has revolutionized the energy industry by significantly increasing the production of oil and natural gas in countries like the United States.

The process of separating various components of crude oil or natural gas liquids into different products, such as gasoline, diesel fuel, and propane. Fractionation typically involves various distillation and separation techniques.

A facility used to separate and purify natural gas from impurities and other substances. Gas processing plants may also extract valuable natural gas liquids, such as propane and butane, from the natural gas stream.

The process of storing natural gas in underground reservoirs or other facilities for later use. Gas storage is typically used to meet peak demand during periods of high energy consumption.

A technique used to increase the flow of oil or gas from a well by injecting gas into the wellbore, reducing the pressure in the well and allowing the oil or gas to flow more easily to the surface.

A refining process that uses hydrogen to break down heavier hydrocarbon molecules into lighter, more valuable products, such as gasoline and diesel fuel. Hydrocracking is performed under high pressure and temperature in the presence of a catalyst, which helps to break the chemical bonds in the hydrocarbon molecules. This process is essential in the oil refining industry for maximizing the production of valuable fuels from crude oil.

A refining process that involves treating oil or gas with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst to remove impurities, such as sulfur, nitrogen, and metals. Hydrotreating improves the quality of the refined products by reducing their environmental impact and increasing their compatibility with various engines and industrial processes. This process is widely used in the oil and gas industry to produce cleaner, more efficient fuels.

The process of drilling additional wells within an existing oil or gas field to increase production rates and recover additional reserves. Infill drilling may involve drilling wells in areas with known reserves that were not previously exploited, or drilling wells closer together to access more of the reservoir.

A unit of energy in the International System of Units (SI). It is equal to the amount of work done when a force of one newton moves an object one meter in the direction of the force. In the oil and gas industry, the joule is used to quantify the energy content of various fuels, such as natural gas, crude oil, and refined products like gasoline and diesel. One joule is equivalent to approximately 0.0009478 British thermal units (BTUs).

A thermodynamic process that occurs when a fluid, such as natural gas or oil, expands from a high-pressure environment to a lower pressure environment. As a result, the fluid experiences a temperature change, typically cooling as it expands. The Joule-Thomson Effect is important in various industrial processes, such as natural gas processing and transportation, where controlling the temperature of the fluid is critical for efficient and safe operations.

An influx of formation fluids into the wellbore, usually indicating a pressure imbalance between the drilling mud and the formation pressure.

Natural gas that has been cooled to a liquid state for easier transportation and storage. LNG is typically shipped in large tanker ships to destinations around the world.

The process of analyzing rock cuttings brought to the surface during drilling to determine the presence of oil or gas. This information can help to guide further drilling activities and optimize production rates.

Also known as a pumpjack or an oil rig pump is a reciprocating piston pump used to mechanically lift oil from a well when the natural pressure is insufficient to bring the oil to the surface. The pumpjack consists of a system of counterweights and a walking beam that creates an up-and-down motion, transferring energy to the downhole pump to extract the oil.

The estimated amount of oil or gas that can be economically produced from a reservoir using current technology and market conditions. Reserves are typically classified as proven, probable, or possible, depending on the level of certainty surrounding their estimated size and recoverability.

A facility used to refine crude oil into various products, such as gasoline, diesel fuel, and lubricants. Oil refineries typically use various processes, such as distillation and cracking, to separate the different components of crude oil.

A technique used to extract oil from oil sands by mining the sand and then separating the bitumen from the sand using various processes, such as hot water or solvents. Oil sand mining is typically more expensive and environmentally intensive than in-situ extraction techniques.

A type of unconventional oil deposit that is found in sand or sandstone formations mixed with a thick, heavy substance called bitumen. Extracting oil from oil sands requires specialized techniques, such as mining or in-situ extraction, and can be more costly and environmentally intensive than conventional oil production.

Operations relating to oil and gas exploration, drilling, and production that take place on land, as opposed to offshore operations.

A measure of the ease with which fluids can flow through a rock formation, affecting the rate of oil and gas production.

The branch of engineering that deals with the exploration, drilling, and production of oil and gas reserves. Petroleum engineers may also be involved in designing and implementing various technologies to improve production rates and reduce environmental impacts.

A system of pipes used to transport oil or gas from the well to a processing facility or other destination. Pipelines are typically the most efficient and cost-effective way to transport oil and gas over long distances.

Water that is extracted from the well along with oil or gas. Produced water may contain various contaminants and must be treated before it can be safely disposed of or reused.

A structure used to support oil and gas production facilities, including wells, processing equipment, and storage facilities.

A process to rapidly cool down hot liquids or gases, such as those produced during refining or gasification. Quenching can be accomplished using water, air, or other cooling agents, and helps to prevent the formation of unwanted byproducts, control reactions, or minimize the risk of equipment damage due to high temperatures. In refining, quenching is often used to cool and condense hydrocarbon vapors to facilitate their separation and further processing.Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.

The process of returning to a well that has already been drilled and completed to perform additional activities, such as stimulation or workover operations. Re-entry may involve drilling a new wellbore or using existing equipment to access the well.

A percentage of the revenue generated from oil and gas production, paid to the landowner or mineral rights owner by the operating company.

The process of preventing sand and other small particles from entering the wellbore and interfering with production. This may involve installing screens or filters in the well or treating the well with various chemicals or materials.

The process of recovering additional oil or gas from a well after the primary production has slowed down. This may involve injecting water, gas, or other materials into the well to increase pressure and stimulate further production.

A technique used to create images of the subsurface geology by sending sound waves into the ground and measuring the echoes that bounce back. Seismic imaging is used to help locate potential oil and gas reserves and plan drilling activities.

A technique used to create images of subsurface rock formations by analyzing the reflection and refraction of seismic waves generated by controlled explosions or vibrations.

A type of natural gas trapped in shale rock formations that has low permeability. Shale gas is typically extracted using hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling techniques.

The process of treating a well to increase its productivity, usually by hydraulic fracturing or acidizing. This process may involve injecting various chemicals or other materials into the well to increase the flow of oil or gas.

Crude oil that contains relatively low levels of sulfur. Sweet crude is typically easier to refine and is in high demand by refineries.

Oil trapped within low-permeability rock formations, such as shale or tight sandstone, which requires advanced extraction techniques like hydraulic fracturing.

The maximum depth reached by a wellbore, typically measured in feet or meters below the surface.

A series of smaller-diameter steel pipes used to transport fluids between the wellbore and the surface production equipment.

The part of the oil and gas industry involved in exploration, drilling, and production of oil and gas reserves. Upstream operations typically involve more physical and technical challenges than downstream operations.

A measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow, which can affect the ease with which oil or gas can be produced and transported. In the oil and gas industry, viscosity is an important property of crude oil and natural gas liquids, as it influences their behavior during production, transportation, and refining. High-viscosity fluids, such as heavy oil, may require specialized techniques and equipment for extraction and processing, while low-viscosity fluids can often be produced and processed more easily. Viscosity can be affected by temperature, pressure, and the composition of the fluid.

The equipment at the surface of a well that controls the flow of oil or gas. The wellhead typically includes valves, pipes, and other equipment that allow for the safe and efficient extraction of oil or gas from the well.

The process of measuring various properties of the well and surrounding rock formations to gain a better understanding of the geology and potential oil or gas reserves.

The process of measuring the flow rate and other properties of a well to determine its productivity and potential oil or gas reserves.

A term used to describe an exploratory well drilled in an unproven area or formation. Wildcat wells are typically drilled with the hope of discovering new oil or gas reserves, but are also considered risky and may not produce commercially viable amounts of oil or gas.

A cable used to lower tools and measuring devices into a wellbore to perform various operations, such as logging, perforating, and setting plugs.

The process of performing maintenance or repairs on a well to restore or improve its productivity. This may involve various activities, such as cleaning out the wellbore, replacing damaged equipment, or re-perforating the well casing.

A technique used in the oil and gas industry for analyzing the elemental composition of geological samples, such as rocks, minerals, and sediments. XRF spectrometry involves exposing a sample to X-rays, which cause the sample to emit secondary X-rays with characteristic energies specific to the elements present. By measuring the emitted X-rays, scientists can determine the concentrations of various elements in the sample. This information is valuable in petroleum geology, as it can help identify the presence of hydrocarbon-bearing formations and evaluate their potential as reservoirs.

In the context of oil and gas exploration and production, Young’s Modulus is a measure of the stiffness or rigidity of a material, such as rock or steel. It is defined as the ratio of stress (force per unit area) to strain (deformation) within the elastic range of a material. Young’s Modulus is important in the oil and gas industry as it can be used to evaluate the mechanical properties of rock formations, predict the behavior of materials under various conditions, and optimize drilling and extraction processes.

A technique used in the oil and gas industry to separate different zones or layers within a reservoir to optimize production and prevent unwanted fluid migration. Zone isolation is achieved by installing specialized equipment, such as packers and inflatable barriers, in the wellbore to seal off specific sections of the reservoir. This method allows for more precise control over the production process and helps to maximize the recovery of oil and gas from each zone, while minimizing the potential for water or gas breakthrough.