Oil and Gas Drilling Operations Quiz

Mechanical and cement plugs are placed in a wellbore when a well is abandoned to prevent fluid migration to the surface and between different zones.

Formation pressures that are greater or less than the 'normal' formation fluid hydrostatic pressure are considered abnormal pressures.

An accelerometer measures components of the Earth's gravitational field to determine the orientation and position of a drillstring in the wellbore.

<p>Acidizing involves applying acids to the wellbore walls to remove any obstructions that might hinder the flow of oil or gas into the wellbore.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>An annular preventer is a large valve that forms a seal in the annular space between the wellbore and the drillpipe, typically installed above ram-type preventers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Back off refers to disconnecting a section of stuck drillpipe by unscrewing one of the connections above the stuck point.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The first meaning of 'back up' refers to supporting one section of pipe while another is being joined or separated. The second meaning refers to providing a backup plan or equipment in case of failure or emergency.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Air drilling uses compressed air as the circulating medium to remove cuttings from the wellbore, offering an alternative to traditional drilling fluids.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A fracture is a break in the rock structure, while a gel is a semi-solid state assumed by some colloidal dispersions, like mud, when at rest. Fractures can increase permeability, while gels help hold solids in suspension.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Fluid loss is the transfer of liquid from the drilling mud to the formation. When fluid loss occurs, solids from the mud build up on the formation's surface, forming a filter cake, which helps prevent further fluid loss.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Formation pressure is the pressure exerted by fluids within a formation. It's critical for estimating the potential productivity of a reservoir and for determining safe drilling pressures to avoid blowouts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A gas injector forces produced gas back into the reservoir to maintain formation pressure and increase the recovery factor.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Flocculation is the coagulation of solids in a drilling fluid, caused by additives or contaminants. It can affect the fluid's properties, such as viscosity and density, potentially impacting drilling efficiency.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Geostatic pressure is the pressure exerted by a column of rock, while formation pressure is the pressure exerted by fluids within a formation. Both contribute to the overall pressure profile in a reservoir, but their origins and impacts differ.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Gel strength is the ability of mud to hold solids in suspension when at rest. It's important for preventing solids from settling and creating a stable drilling fluid.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A gas show indicates the presence of a gas zone in the formation. It's a valuable indicator for exploring and exploiting gas reservoirs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A BOP is a valve installed on top of the wellhead to control wellbore pressure in the event of a kick, preventing an uncontrolled flow of formation fluids.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The BHA is the part of the drillstring directly above the drill bit, typically consisting of drill collars, stabilizers, and other components. It plays a crucial role in transmitting weight to the drill bit and controlling the drilling trajectory.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A bumper sub is a tool in the BHA that acts as a slip joint allowing for a more constant weight on bit (WOB) when drilling from a floating rig. This helps to maintain consistent pressure and prevent the drill string from swaying or moving during drilling operations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A building assembly is a specialized BHA designed to increase the inclination or drift angle of the wellbore, allowing for directional drilling and reaching targets at a distance from the drilling location.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A 'box' is the female section of a tool joint or connection, while a 'brake' is a device operated by the driller to stop the downward motion of the travelling block and therefore the drillstring.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A caliper log is a tool run on electric wireline to measure the diameter of the wellbore. It is used to detect washouts, calculate cement volumes, or detect internal corrosion of casing, aiding in wellbore evaluation and ensuring efficient cementing and casing operations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Build-up rate refers to the rate at which the drift angle is increasing as the wellbore is being deviated from vertical, typically measured in degrees per 100ft drilled. It indicates the extent of wellbore curvature during directional drilling.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A cap rock is an impermeable layer of rock overlying an oil or gas reservoir, preventing the migration of fluids. Its presence seals in the hydrocarbons within the reservoir, preventing their escape and making them recoverable.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>0.465 psi per foot</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Offshore drilling is the extraction of oil or gas from locations in oceans, gulfs, seas, or lakes, typically using semi-submersible vessels or fixed platforms like jack ups.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Oil-based mud contains oil as its continuous phase with a small amount of water dispersed as droplets.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>An orientation tool is used to correctly position a deflection tool for achieving the intended direction and inclination of the wellbore.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>An overshot is a fishing tool that engages a fish externally by being lowered over it and attached to the drill pipe.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A packer is a downhole tool set against the wellbore, primarily used in drill stem tests, cement squeezes, and completions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To perforate means to pierce the casing wall and cement to allow formation fluids to enter the wellbore.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A pendulum assembly is designed to reduce hole inclination by allowing drill collars to bend toward the low side.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Xmas tree controls the flow of oil once it reaches the surface.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Explosive charges are run down the tubing on wireline and used to shoot holes through the casing and cement into the formation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Jack-up rigs and semi-submersible rigs are commonly used for offshore drilling.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Jack-up rigs are generally designed for water depths of up to 350 ft.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Semi-submersible rigs float and are not bottom supported, allowing them to operate in deeper waters.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Drillships are used for drilling in very deep waters up to 7500 ft.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Deviated wells may have horizontal displacements of up to 10,000 ft.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>For smaller fields, alternative methods like floating production systems may be more cost-effective.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A tool joint is a heavy coupling device on drill pipe that provides a seal and withstands strain during connections. It also has seating shoulders to suspend the weight of the drillstring.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A toolpusher, also known as a rig superintendent, is responsible for managing the drilling rig and overseeing the crew's operations. They play a key role in ensuring the drilling process runs smoothly.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Torque refers to the turning force applied to the drillstring that causes it to rotate. It is usually measured in foot-pounds (ft-lbs).</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>'Trip' refers to the process of pulling the drillstring out of the hole or running it back in. It is a key operation in managing drilling activities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True Vertical Depth (T.V.D.) represents one of the coordinates used to accurately plot the wellpath on the vertical plane. It is crucial for understanding the depth of the well.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Trip gas is a small volume of gas that enters the wellbore while making a trip. It is relevant because it can affect pressure dynamics and potentially indicate issues like kicks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A turbodrill is a drilling tool located just above the bit that rotates the bit without turning the entire drillstring. It uses drilling fluid flow to power its rotation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The travelling block is an arrangement of pulleys that allows the drillstring to be raised or lowered. It works by reeving the drilling line through the pulleys, facilitating the movement of the drillstring.</p> Signup and view all the answers

To stop producing hydrocarbons when the well is unprofitable.

Formation pressure that is higher or lower than normal hydrostatic pressure.

A surveying instrument that measures components of Earth's gravitational field.

To apply acids to oil and gas well walls to remove obstructions for better flow.

A choke that controls flow rate by adjusting a conical needle and seat.

A drilling method using compressed air as the circulating medium.

The space between the drillstring and the wellbore or cased hole.

Direction of the wellbore's trajectory measured in degrees from True North.

The discharge pipe from a well being drilled with compressed air.

An uncontrolled flow of formation fluids into the atmosphere at surface.

Blow Out Preventer, a valve to control wellbore pressure during a kick.

An assembly of BOPs with annular and ram-type preventers.

The hole made by the drill bit.

The part of the drillstring just above the bit and below the drillpipe.

A tool that measures the diameter of the wellbore using electric wireline.

An impermeable layer of rock preventing fluid migration over a reservoir.

Coagulation of solids in drilling fluid due to additives or contaminants.

Transfer of liquid part of mud to the formation's pores.

A bed of rock consisting of the same lithology, forming a unit.

Gas, oil, or water found in the pores of geological formations.

Pressure exerted by formation fluids at a point in the formation.

A break in rock structure, natural or induced to increase permeability.

Free gas phase above an oil zone within the same formation.

Shear strength of mud when at rest; ability to suspend solids.

A heavy coupling device on drill pipe ends with tapered threads and seating shoulders.

The turning force applied to the drillstring causing it to rotate, measured in ft-lbs.

An 8 or 12 hour shift worked by the drilling crew.

The path of the wellbore during drilling.

A geological structure where petroleum reserves accumulate.

An arrangement of pulleys for raising or lowering the drillstring.

To pull the drillstring out of the hole or run it back in.

A coordinate used to plot the wellpath in the vertical plane.

Decrease in pressure by 0.465 psi for each foot of depth.

Coordinate used for the wellbore's position along the y-axis.

Extracting oil/gas from oceans or lakes using rigs or vessels.

A drilling fluid where oil is the main component with water droplets.

Part of the wellbore without casing support.

The company responsible for drilling and program management.

Rock layers above a specific geological formation.

To pierce casing to allow fluid from formation into the wellbore.

A system used to control oil flow from a well after it reaches the surface.

The process of creating holes in the casing to allow hydrocarbons to enter the wellbore.

A type of drilling rig with retractable legs that can be lowered to the seabed for stability.

A floating drilling rig designed to work in deep water without touching the seabed.

A specialized ship used for drilling in very deep waters, up to 7500 ft deep.

A stationary structure from which multiple deviated wells can be drilled in offshore fields.

Wells drilled at an angle, often reaching horizontal displacements up to 10,000 ft.

An alternative method of production that does not require fixed platforms in smaller fields.