Introduction
Oil is an essential part of our everyday living. Historically, the oil and natural gas industry have accounted for approximately 10 percent to 25 percent of the state’s GSP, a trend that roughly tracks the price of oil. drilling rig bores a hole into the earth through which steel pipes are inserted. Pipes or casings like cement would then be put in between for strength as well as for separating different pressure zones- if they exist. The well is then drilled further, and more casings are added. At times, 2-3 layers of casings would be built depending on the geological composition of the zone. The rotator table then passes the drill string onto the hole. The drill string rotating by 'top drive' or 'power swivel' mechanism extends the drill bit. This extension is done with the help of the derrick (the structure holding the drill string). The drill bit then cuts the rock into pieces.
Drilling fluid, also called mud-mixture of fluids, chemicals, abrasives and solids - is then pumped down the drill string. This fluid clears the cut rock bits onto the surface. Compressed air is substituted for the fluid, at times. In turbo-drilling, a turbine is placed in the drill string. Mud flows through this turbine causing the drill bit to rotate.
This hydrocarbon-rich mixture of crude oil and gases runs our factories, our cars, heats some homes and has provided Americans with an unprecedented standard of living since its discovery in America in 1859. Petroleum is an extremely versatile substance; refining it creates everything from asphalt and gasoline to lighter fluids and natural gas, along with a variety of essential elements such as sulphur and nitrogen. Petroleum products are also vital ingredients (“feedstocks”) in the manufacture of medicines, chemicals and plastics.
Because of its chemical structure, long hydrocarbon molecules that can be “cracked” or