Petroleum Industry Fundamentals Flashcards

Which type of hydrocarbon trap is formed when impermeable rock layers bend upward to create a dome-shaped structure?

Answer: Anticline trap

An anticline trap forms when rock layers fold upward into a dome, with the impermeable cap rock preventing hydrocarbons from escaping upward.

What is the primary purpose of a Christmas tree on an oil well?

Answer: To control and regulate flow from the well

A Christmas tree is an assembly of valves, gauges, and fittings installed at the wellhead to control and regulate the flow of oil and gas from the well.

In petroleum geology, what does the term 'source rock' refer to?

Answer: Organic-rich rock where hydrocarbons are generated

Source rock is organic-rich sedimentary rock where heat and pressure convert organic material (kerogen) into oil and gas over millions of years.

What is 'secondary recovery' in oil production?

Answer: Injecting water or gas to maintain reservoir pressure

Secondary recovery involves injecting water or gas into a reservoir to maintain pressure and displace additional oil toward production wells after primary recovery declines.

Which unit is most commonly used to measure crude oil volume in international trade?

Answer: Barrel

The barrel (bbl), equal to 42 US gallons or approximately 159 liters, is the standard unit for measuring crude oil volume in international trade.

What is the function of a 'packer' in a wellbore?

Answer: To seal the annular space between tubing and casing

A packer is a downhole device that seals the annular space between the production tubing and the casing to isolate different zones and direct fluids into the tubing.

What distinguishes 'tight oil' from conventional crude oil?

Answer: Tight oil is trapped in low-permeability formations requiring hydraulic fracturing

Tight oil is trapped in low-permeability rock such as shale or tight sandstone and requires hydraulic fracturing and/or horizontal drilling to produce economically.