Did you know that the U.S. imports as many as 9 million barrels each and every day, and, according to Business Insider, crude oil is the most sought-after commodity worldwide? Oil is in extremely high demand, and oil field companies are continually exploring new solutions to drill oil as quickly and efficiently as possible. What is today’s oil well drilling process, and how is it likely to change in the near future?
What Goes Into Today’s Oil Production?
Way back in 327, the Chinese drilled some of the very first oil. These early bamboo pipelines reached depths of up to 240 meters. Drilling today’s oil fields, such as the largest international oil field, or Safaniya in Saudi Arabia, is a complex, multi-step process. An average oil drilling company analyzes land for oil content, marks oil-rich land, attains necessary permits and titles, clears designated land, digs a reserve and lines it with plastic, and ensures a water source is nearby- all before the drilling process even begins. How is technology streamlining this process, and helping companies work faster than ever before?
Mobile Well Data Management
Surprisingly, oil only accounts for 2.5% of the global domestic product (GPD). Even so, it remains 33% of the world’s primary energy source. The digital age is transforming the drilling process, and helping companies distribute the high demand resource even faster. Geologists already use the technology to measure oil-related seismic data, specifically implementing cloud computing to communicate over a network and ensure quality control. Bob Peebler, ION Geophysical Chief Executive Officer, predicts widespread mobile use in the future. Peebler explains, “This model offers rapid deployment, service elasticity, staff efficiency, and IT optimization.”
Oil is in extremely high demand, and companies need to improve practices and procedures in order to meet it. Today’s companies undergo an incredibly lengthy process before drilling even begins. Mobile technology, including mobile well data management, is likely to improve data collection, increase employee efficiency, and facilitate and speed up operations. More.