Below is a tentative list of topics, since this is a tutorial we will have a discussion the first day of the course to see where interests lie, there is so much information to cover. Readings will be posted on the Readings page.
Topics
29 March. Introduction: Course logistics, Historical Review of Petroleum Exploration.
Reading: Origin of Oil and Reservoirs and Traps – pdf on the Readings page.
5 April. Field trip to the Miller Museum of Oil and Gas
Reading: Reading #2 – the pdf on the Readings page.
Assignment: Look up these wellfield terms.
1 – What is a well log?
2 – Look up the Schlumberger Company what to they do?
3 – Where are the major oil fields? In a few weeks groups of two of you will be choosing an oil field and reporting back to the class on it. What kinds of information should we know about each of these fields – we will make a list in class to guide your presentations.
12 April. Discussion with an Alum. who works in Houston and discussion of well logs and their utility.
19 April – Well logs and correlation – we will take some time to cover over what I handed out to you. Focus needs to be on the Fracking and Horizontal drilling. Read this to provide some background explaining the importance of these technologies.
View this youtube as well that describes the drilling of a typical Marcellus well (~8000 ft. TD). While we are at it take a look at the case of the Deepwater Horizon (~35,000 foot well drilled in 5,000 feet of water in the Gulf of Mexico).
3 May – Last Day of classes and oilfield presentations.