Oil and natural gas deposits are found throughout the world in underground formations, such as sandstone, carbonates, coal and shale.
Gaining access to these deposits involves drilling vertical, horizontal or multilateral wells to the target formation. Various completion techniques, such as hydraulic fracturing, are then used to create an effective connection between the well and the targeted hydrocarbon-containing formation, thereby providing a pathway for the oil or gas to be produced.
Before drilling a well, our geologists and engineers complete a full analysis of the geology using proprietary and public data. They assess results from other wells drilled in the vicinity, including water wells, producing oil and gas wells and nonproducing wells (dry wells). A plan is developed for drilling and completing the well that must be approved by state regulators. The company proactively engages key stakeholders, including communities, officials, government agencies and regulators, as plans are being developed.
Many of the steps described are common to all oil and gas well planning and operation efforts, regardless of well design or the formation being targeted for development.
Read more in “Focus on Hydraulic Fracturing."
