Such information can be very helpful in determining how a particular well will behave or react to certain treatments or techniques. In general, wildcat wells are drilled from mobile floating vessels or from jackups, while development wells are drilled from platforms or jackups.
Separators are either vertical or horizontal and either cylindrical or spherical in shape.
Separation is accomplished principally by gravity, the heavier liquids falling to the bottom and the gas rising to the top. A float valve or other liquid-level control regulates the level of oil in the bottom of the separator. This water is spread out, or dispersed, in the oil as small droplets. See oil mud. The oil is spread out, or dispersed, in the water in small droplets, which are tightly emulsified so that they do not settle out.