5 replies to this topic

[Olga D Baykova]

Hello,

I am trying to create a model of the oil production process, starting from drilling the well to sending the product down the pipeline to the refineries. This model will focus specifically on costs, production, energy use, water consumption, and water produced. The area of focus is the Uinta Basin in Utah. Unfortunately, I don't know very much about the oil industry.

I was thinking that perhaps there is an equation for cost of drilling in terms of well depth?

I know that after the oil leaves the wellhead it needs processing to remove gas, water, and sediments before it can be pipelined. I believe the processing happens at facilities called batteries? It wouldbe very helpful to know what equipment is used for the processing (hopefully with a flow sheet). I also would need to figure out the operating costs of the equipment and how many employees are needed to operate the facility.

After I figure all this out, I will need to figure out how many compressors we need for the pipeline and how much energy they require.

I know this is much, but if anyone can answer even small parts of the process, or where to look, it would be a great help.



Thank you

-Olga-

[Art Montemayor]

Olga:

I get the impression that you are taking a ChE university course in crude oil production, but have not been taught the fundamentals of how oil and gas are extracted from a well. I can help you get a full understanding of how oil & gas are produced and transported, but first tell me the basics:

• What university are you at?
• What ChE year are you presently studying under?
• Is this a formal assignment or a voluntary study on your part?
• Is the resultant work effort going to be turned in for a grade?

Await your response.

[Olga D Baykova]

Hello Art,

Thank you for your response.
I am studying chemical engineering at the University of Utah, next year will be my senior year.
I am doing this project for my work, the Institute for Clean and Secure Energy (so not for a grade).
You are spot on. I do feel quite lost having never been taught the fundamentals of anything having to do with oil/gas production.
I've been looking through books, articles, and papers trying to learn, but they all seem to cover things very fragmented and at superficial levels.

-Olga-

[kkala]

"Petroleum refinery Engineering" by W. L.Nelson, 4th edition (McGraw Hill book company, 1958) is still a useful technical book, starting from evaluation of oil stocks and proceeding to various processes of crude oil. I think there is no refinery flexible enough to process all kinds of crude, drilling also may have a lot of variations and the subject you have undertaken is quite broad. Does it concern a presentation, so that listeners could get a general idea of all these matters?
You have to look for other sources concerning economics and crude drilling.
At any case it would help to clarify purpose of your task.

Edited by kkala, 18 June 2011 - 06:02 AM.

[ankur2061]

Olga,

There is an online "Oil And Gas Production Handbook" by the industrial conglomerate ABB which should serve well for young engineers and students to get an introduction of oil / gas production. Below is the link:

http://www05.abb.com/global/scot/scot267.nsf/veritydisplay/6787833b7b6c4a0b852575ae0072a8c3/$File/Oil%20and%20gas%20production%20handbook%20ed2x1o.pdf

Good place to start for some basic knowledge.

Regards,
Ankur.

[Olga D Baykova]

Dear All,

Thank you for your responds. I greatly appreciate your help.
I will definitely check out all of your suggestions.

-Olga-