Big Mineral Field Exploitation - A Challenge to Engineers

Abstract

Abstract Exploitation of the Big Mineral field, located in North Central Texas, has been and continues to be a challenge to the engineer. The field is partially inundated by the waters of Lake Texoma. Multizone oil production ranging in depth from 3,600 to 10,200 ft is found in steeply dipping Pennsylvanian and Ordovician sediments. This paper brings into sharp focus the contributions of each branch of engineering to the solution of the major development and production problems. Based on comprehensive data gathered on early development wells, it was determined that the drilling of separate wells to each of six production horizons was justifiable. To accommodate wells drilled in the lake bed 32 earthen drilling platforms with earthen access roadways were planned and constructed. Each platform was of sufficient size to allow the drilling of from one to three wells. In order to combat crooked hole conditions and stimulate drilling rates "large size drill collars" and "jet bit" programs were followed. Hydraulic artificial lifting methods, remote control of flowing wells, and semi-automatic centralized storage facilities were provided so that production would not be interrupted should the earthen platforms be inundated by the lake. Introduction As in most industries management in the petroleum industry is relying more and more upon engineers to plan development and production projects. Where in the early days perhaps one engineer handled all engineering problems, companies now employ a staff of 10 or more engineers, each with a different engineering background and responsible for a specific phase of engineering. It therefore follows that if an integrated engineering plan is to be accomplished, all of these engineers must be consulted, work together in an atmosphere of understanding, and contribute their part to the master plan. This paper has been written for the purpose of showing how these principles have been applied to the variety of problems involved in the exploitation of the Big Mineral field. Consequently, no attempt is made to present a complete history of the field. Instead, only the major problems are highlighted. Special emphasis is placed on each engineer's contribution to the solution of these problems.