Despite claims to the contrary, oil and gas are, and probably will be for a long time, our main sources of energy. How Oilwells are Drilled opens with a basic explanation of how geophysicists find oil and gas reservoirs. An expert explains in simple terms the latest techniques and compares an old seismic section with a new one of the same area. Viewers then join a seismic crew working in the vast reaches of West Texas where crew members are obtaining data in an unexplored area.
Animation shows basic principles of seismic exploration.
The video then makes the point that although new techniques have reduced the chances of drilling a dry hole, virtually the only way to produce a reservoir is to drill a well to it. Before the rig can drill a well, however, a contractor must prepare the site and the rig crew must move the rig components to the site and rig them up. The presentation contrasts the differences between rigging up on land and offshore. The video also shows that working offshore is different from working on land. Animation, as well as rig personnel and rigs in action, shows the rotary and kelly, top drive, mast, blocks and drilling line, drawworks, drilling fluid, mud pumps and tanks, shale shaker, diesel engines, compounds, and electric power.