CPA Drilling & Production Techniques 3

Question 1

What is 'lost circulation' during drilling operations?

Accepted Answer

Drilling fluid flowing into a formation rather than returning to surface

Answer

Lost circulation occurs when drilling mud flows into porous, fractured, or cavernous formations instead of returning up the annulus to surface.

Question 2

In hydraulic fracturing, what is a 'proppant'?

Accepted Answer

Granular material pumped into fractures to hold them open

Answer

Proppants such as sand or ceramic beads are pumped into hydraulic fractures to prop them open after pumping pressure is released, maintaining flow paths.

Question 3

What does API gravity measure in crude oil evaluation?

Accepted Answer

The relative density of oil compared to water

Answer

API gravity is a measure of how heavy or light crude oil is relative to water; higher API gravity means lighter, more valuable crude.

Question 4

What is the purpose of a 'christmas tree' in oil well production?

Accepted Answer

An assembly of valves and fittings that controls flow at the wellhead

Answer

A Christmas tree is an assembly of valves, spools, and fittings installed on a producing wellhead to control and regulate the flow of oil and gas.

Question 5

Which artificial lift method uses a down-hole pump powered by a surface beam pumping unit?

Accepted Answer

Sucker rod pump (beam pump)

Answer

A sucker rod pump uses a reciprocating beam unit at surface connected by a string of steel rods to a down-hole pump that lifts fluid to surface.

(CPA) Certified Petroleum Apprentice Practice Test

(CPA) Certified Petroleum Apprentice Practice Test

CPA Drilling & Production Techniques 3