New-pool Tests Research Articles

Oil and Gas Developments in West Coast in 1986

Drilling activity in the West Coast region fell sharply in 1986 in response to plummeting crude oil and gas prices. Only 2,289 wells were drilled in the region, 32% less than in 1985. Total footage was also down, 39% less than the 1985 level. Explorationists drilled 36% fewer wells than in 1985 yet logged a 33% success rate, much improved over the 25% success rate of 1985. Oil production declined in the region for the first time since 1978, dropping to 1983 levels. The crude oil price collapse hit hard in mid 1986, and over 5,000 wells were shut in in California. More than 10,000 oil industry-related jobs were lost. Operators in offshore California shifted their emphasis away from high cost exploratory wells, and only 5 wells were drilled. Operators focused on development programs stemming from the highly successful exploratory drilling of the early 1980s. The Santa Maria offshore basin received its fourth platform, and the first development drilling began at Point Pedernales and Point Arguello fields. The Santa Maria offshore basin's first production is planned for 1987, 6 years after its discovery. Platform Gail was also installed in 1986, bringing the Santa Barbara offshore platform count to 20. Operators in onshore California drilled 37% fewer total wells than in 1985 and 33% fewer exploratory wells. Explorationists were successful in 9 of 88 new-field wildcats, and 64 of 189 field extensions or new-pool tests. No major new fields were discovered, however, and most reserve additions were from field extensions and new pools. Development drilling in the state's largest fields could not keep pace with lost production from shut-ins and decline, and oil production decreased by over 50,000 b/d. Drilling in Oregon declined by over 50% to just 11 wells drilled. Only 1 new-field wildcat was drilled, and results were pending at year end. Ten wells were drilled at Oregon's only producing field, with just 2 successes. Only 1 well was drilled in Washington. Geothermal activity decreased only slightly with 13% fewer wells drilled in California in 1986 than in 1985. In Oregon, several new areas were explored, and 7 wells were drilled.

North American Drilling Activity in 1973

Total drilling activity in North America decreased in 1973 compared with 1972. The year is highlighted by the fact that the percent success of new-field wildcats is nearly at a record high and the ratio of dry holes to producers is the lowest in history. During 1973 the oil industry drilled more than 30,142 mi of hole in wells. Compared with 1972 this is an increase of 1.9% in footage and a decrease of 1.1% in number of wells. Canada showed a gain in both exploratory and development drilling. The 22.4% new-field wildcat success accounted for 164 new discoveries primarily in Alberta and Saskatchewan. New-pool wildcats and deeper pool tests accounted for most of the 766 exploratory completions. Total exploratory percent success was 25.6. Mexico reports a decrease in drilling this year. However, 12 new fields were discovered with the drilling of 66 new-field wildcats for a percent success of 21.1. Twelve fields also were discovered by other exploratory drilling for a 34.3% success. Overall exploratory success was 25.3%. The United States reported a substantial increase in new-field discoveries--701, compared with 566; unfortunately, a concurrent decrease in volume of reserves occurred. Reserve estimates show a decrease of 37.7% in liquids and 18.9% in gas over those reported in the previous year. The new fields in 1973 discovered an estimated 365 million bbl of oil and condensate and 4.1 Tcf gas. Success in new-field wildcat drilling measured 14.1%, which is a higher figure than usual. This success consistently has measured 9-11%. These figures continue to emphasize the fact that the number of new-field wildcat discoveries is almost directly proportional to the number of new-field wildcats drilled.

Petroleum Developments in Mexico in 1968

Drilling: Petroleos Mexicanos increased drilling activities in Mexico during 1968; 602 wells were drilled, 103 (20.6%) more than during 1967 and 306 (103.3%) more than were completed during 1966. Of the 602 wells, 151 (11.8% more than in 1967) were exploration wells, of which 13 did not reach their objectives because of mechanical difficulties, and 451 wells were development wells. The total meters drilled was 1,447,284, an increase of 254,175 (21%) from 1967. The total meters of exploratory wells was 421,790, which is 27,720 (7%) more than in 1967. The average exploratory well depth was 2,943 m, and the average development well depth was 2,274 m. The success in new-field wildcats was 21.5% compared with 17.8% for 1967, and total exploratory wells of other categories increased to 40% in 1968 from 0.6% in 1967. Exploratory crews: Twenty-eight surface geological parties, 14 subsurface geological parties, 23 seismic parties, 2 gravimetric parties, and 1 land magnetometric party operated throughout 1968. In addition, a marine seismic crew operated 2 months offshore and an aerial magnetometer crew worked 3 months. Exploratory drilling: Of the 151 exploratory wells drilled in 1968, 13 failed to reach their objectives because of mechanical failures. Of the 138 remaining wells, 93 were new-field wildcats which resulted in the discovery of 20 new oil and/or gas fields, a success of 21.5%. Of the other 45 exploratory wells, 42 were extension wells or new-pool tests on productive structures, and 3 were stratigraphic tests in areas where commercial amounts of hydrocarbons possibly are present. Of these miscellaneous exploratory wells, the success was 40%. Annual production of oil and gas: The annual production of crude oil and distillate was 160,485,702 bbl, an increase of 7% from 1967. The annual gas production was 576,870 MMcf, an increase of 0.7% from 1967. Reserves: At the end of 1968, the proved reserves of oil and gas (thermal equivalent) reached 5,530,383,000 bbl, an increase of 44,497,000 bbl from 1967.

Exploratory Drilling in 1962

This report, the 18th based on data gathered by the Committee on Statistics of Exploratory Drilling, is the twenty-seventh annual summary on the subject published in the Bulletin. Frederic H. Lahee prepared this statistical analysis and wrote the annual article for twenty consecutive years. Graham B. Moody prepared the report for exploratory drilling for 1956, and B. W. Blanpied prepared it for 1957, 1958, and 1959. The report was prepared in 1960 by the senior author of this report and the chairman of the committee. One of the committee members served as a co-author in 1961 and again in the preparation of this year's report. During 1962, 10,797 exploratory holes were drilled in the United States; 1,982 of these produced some oil or gas, representing 18.36% of all exploratory effort. There were 6,794 new-field wildcats, 787 of which produced some oil or gas, representing 11.58% of all new-field wildcats. New-pool tests (including new-pool wildcats, deeper-pool tests, and shallower-pool tests) for 1962 totaled 1,903 holes, 537 or 28.22% of which produced some oil or gas. There were 2,100 outposts; 658 of them, or 31.33%, produced some oil or gas. The total exploratory footage drilled in the United States in 1962 was 53,615,888 feet in the 10,797 holes, or 4,966 feet per hole. These figures compare with 54,442,127 feet drilled in 10,992 exploratory holes, with an average depth of 4,953 feet in 1961. For the fourth time we are presenting data on natural gas reserves in the 17-States Area by years, for discoveries having six years or more of development history. Only about 2.6% of all new-field wildcats discover a profitable field although 11.6% produced some oil or gas. For the fifteenth time, we are presenting data on Canada and Mexico.

Exploratory Drilling in 1961

This report, the 17th based on data gathered by the Committee on Statistics of Exploratory Drilling, is the 26th annual summary on the subject published in the Bulletin. Frederic H. Lahee prepared this statistical analysis and wrote the annual article for 20 consecutive years. Graham B. Moody prepared the report for exploratory drilling for 1956, and B. W. Blanpied prepared it for 1957, 1958, and 1959. The report was prepared last year by the senior author of this report and the chairman of the committee. One of the committee members has served as a co-author in the preparation of this year's report. During 1961, 10,992 exploratory holes were drilled in the United States; 1,970 of these produced some oil or gas representing 17.92% of all exploratory effort. There were 6,909 new-field wildcats, 745 of which produced some oil or gas, representing 10.78% of all new-field wildcats. New-pool tests (including new-pool wildcats, deeper-pool tests, and shallower-pool tests) for 1961 totaled 1,919 holes, 535 or 27.88% of which produced some oil or gas. There were 2,164 outposts; 690 of them, or 31.89%, produced some oil or gas. The total exploratory footage drilled in the United States in 1961 was 54,442,127 ft. in the 10,992 holes, or 4,952 ft. per hole. These figures compare with 55,830,636 ft. drilled in 11,704 exploratory holes, with an average depth of 4,770 ft. in 1960. For the third time we are presenting data on natural gas reserves in the 17-States Area by years, for discoveries having 6 years or more of development history. Only about 2.7% of all new-field wildcats discover a profitable field although 11-12% produced some oil or gas. For the 14th time, we are presenting data on Canada and Mexico.

Exploratory Drilling in 1960

This report, the sixteenth based on data gathered by the Committee on Statistics of Exploratory Drilling, is the twenty-fifth annual summary on the subject published in the Bulletin. Frederic H. Lahee prepared this statistical analysis and wrote the annual article for twenty consecutive years. Graham B. Moody prepared the report for exploratory drilling for 1956, and B. W. Blanpied prepared it for 1957, 1958, and 1959. This is the first report for the present chairman. During 1960, 11,704 exploratory holes were drilled in the United States; 2,189 of these produced some oil or gas representing 18.70% of all exploratory effort. There were 7,320 new-field wildcats, 745 of which produced some oil or gas, representing 10.18% of all new-field wildcats. New-pool tests (including new-pool wildcats, deeper-pool tests, and shallower-pool tests) for 1960 totaled 1953 holes, 616 or 31.54% of which produced some oil or gas. There were 2,431 outposts; 828 of them, or 34.060%, produced some oil or gas. The total exploratory footage drilled in the United States in 1960 was 55,830,684 ft. in the 11,704 holes, or 4,770 ft. per hole. These figures compare with 63,252,521 ft. drilled in 13,191 exploratory holes, with an average depth of 4,795 ft. in 1959. For the second time data are presented on natural gas reserves in the 17-States Area by years, for discoveries having 6 years of development history. Only about 2% of all new-field wildcats discover a profitable field although 11-12% are successful in that they produce some oil or gas. For the thirteenth time, we are presenting data on Canada and Mexico.

Exploratory Drilling in 1959

This report, the fifteenth based on data gathered by the Committee on Statistics of Exploratory Drilling, is the twenty-fourth annual summary on the subject published in the Bulletin. Frederic H. Lahee prepared this statistical analysis and wrote the annual article for twenty consecutive years. Graham B. Moody prepared the report for exploratory drilling for 1956. This is the third report for the present chairman. During 1959, 13,191 exploratory holes were drilled in the United States. Of these 7,031 were new-field wildcats, 3,355 were new-pool tests (including new-pool wildcats, deeper-pool tests, and shallower-pool tests) and 2,805 were outposts. Among the new-field wildcats, 772 were successful, among the new-pool tests 941 were successful, and among the outposts 901 were successful. The total exploratory footage drilled in the United States in 1959 was 63,252,521 feet in the 13,191 holes, or 4,800 feet per hole. These figures compare with 61,483,911 feet drilled in 13,199 exploratory holes, with average depth of 4,661 feet in 1958. For the first time we are presenting data on natural gas reserves in the 17 States Area by years, for discoveries having six years or more of development history. For the twelfth time, we are presenting data on Canada and Mexico.

Exploratory Drilling in 1958

This report, the fourteenth based on data gathered by the Committee on Statistics of Exploratory Drilling, is the 23d annual summary on the subject published in the Bulletin. Frederic H. Lahee prepared this statistical analysis and wrote the annual article for 20 consecutive years. Graham B. Moody prepared the report for exploratory drilling for 1956. During 1958, 13,199 exploratory holes were drilled in the United States and Alaska. Of these, 6,950 were new-field wildcats, 3,191 were new-pool tests (including new-pool wildcats, deeper-pool tests, and shallower-pool tests), and 3,058 were outposts. Among the new-field wildcats, 786 were successful, among the new-pool tests, 809 were successful, and among the outposts 972 were successful. The total exploratory footage drilled in the United States and Alaska in 1958 was 61,483,911 ft. in the 13,199 holes, or 4,661 ft. per hole. These figures are comparable with 69,136,266 ft. drilled in 14,707 exploratory holes, with average depth of 4,701 ft. in 1957. For the 11th time, we are presenting data on Canada and Mexico.

Exploratory Drilling in 1957

This report, the 13th based on data gathered by the Committee on Statistics of Exploratory Drilling, is the 22d annual summary on the subject published in the Bulletin. Frederic H. Lahee prepared this statistical analysis and wrote the annual article for 20 consecutive years. Graham B. Moody prepared the report for exploratory drilling in 1956. During 1957, 14,707 exploratory holes were drilled in the United States and Alaska. Of these 8,014 were new-field wildcats, 3,476 were new-pool tests (including new-pool wildcats, deeper-pool tests, and shallower-pool tests) and 3,217 were outposts. Among the new-field wildcats, 872 were successful; among the new-pool tests, 854 were successful; and among the outposts, 1,084 were successful. The total exploratory footage drilled in the United States and Alaska in 1957 was 69,136,226 ft. in the 14,707 holes, or 4,701 ft. per hole. These figures compare with 73,981,176 ft. drilled in 16,173 exploratory holes, with an average depth of 4,574 ft. in 1956. Our data show that oil production has been found in the state of Washington and in Alaska for the first time. For the tenth time, we are presenting data on Canada and Mexico.

Exploratory Drilling in 1956

This report, the 12th based on data gathered by the Committee on Statistics of Exploratory Drilling, is the 21st annual summary on the subject published in the Bulletin. Frederic H. Lahee prepared this statistical analysis and wrote the annual article for 20 consecutive years. The current writer agreed to act as chairman of the Committee for one year because no one else was available. He is pleased indeed to announce that B. W. Blanpied of the Gulf Oil Corporation will be chairman for the coming year. During 1956, 16,173 exploratory holes were drilled in the United States. Of these 8,709 were new-field wildcats, 3,841 were new-pool tests (including new-pool wildcats, deeper-pool tests, and shallower-pool tests), and 3,623 were outposts. Among the new-field wildcats, 868 were successful; among the new-pool tests 1,021 were successful; and among the outposts 1,207 were successful. The total exploratory footage drilled in the United States in 1956 was 73,981,176 ft. in the 16,173 holes, or 4,574 ft. per hole. These figures compare with 69,173,209 ft. drilled in 14,937 exploratory holes, with an average depth of 4,631 ft. in 1955. For the ninth time, we are presenting data on Canada and Mexico. End_Page 989------------------------------

Exploratory Drilling in 1955

This report, the eleventh based on data gathered by the Committee on Statistics of Exploratory Drilling, is the twentieth annual summary on the subject prepared by the author. A brief history of this undertaking is presented. With many thanks to those who have assisted him, and to the Sun Oil Company and the Humble Oil and Refining Company, the author now bows out as chairman of the C.S.E.D. and leaves the task to his successor, Graham B. Moody, who has long served as vice-chairman of this committee and as chairman of the California subcommittee. During 1955, 14,937 exploratory holes were drilled in the United States. Of these 8,104 were new-field wildcats, 3,629 were new-pool tests (including new-pool wildcats, deeper-pool tests, and shallower-pool tests), and 3,204 were outposts. Among the new-field wildcats, 918 were successful; among the new-pool tests, 1,069 were successful; and among the outposts, 1,118 were successful. The total exploratory footage drilled in the United States in 1955 was 69,173,209 feet in the 14,937 holes, or 4,631 feet per hole. These figures are comparable with 59,581,038 feet drilled in 13,097 exploratory holes, with an average depth of 4,549 feet in 1954. For the eighth time, we are presenting data on Canada and Mexico. Because the summary of the data gathered annually by this committee is the most reliable analysis available of the Industry's exploratory drilling for oil and gas, and because the facts presented in this analysis demonstrate the high degree of risk in exploratory drilling and, therefore, the need and fairness of the 27½ per cent depletion allowance, the work of the committee must go on without interruption in time or omission of any district.

Exploratory Drilling in 1954

This is the tenth annual report on data gathered by the committee on statistics of exploratory drilling. During 1954, 13,097 exploratory holes were drilled in the United States. Of these 7,380 were new-field wildcats, 3,085 were new-pool tests (including new-pool wildcats, deeper-pool tests, and shallower-pool tests), and 2,632 were outposts. Among the new-field wildcats, 902 were successful; among the new-pool tests, 883 were successful; and among the outposts, 923 were successful. The total exploratory footage drilled in the United States in 1954 was 59,581,038 feet in the 13,097 holes, or 4,549 feet per hole. These figures compare with 60,702,371 feet drilled in 13,313 exploratory holes, with an average depth of 4,560 feet, in 1953. For the seventh time we are presenting data on Canada and Mexico. Because the summary of the data gathered annually by this committee is the most reliable analysis available of the Industry's exploratory drilling for oil and gas, and because the facts presented in this analysis demonstrate the high degree of risk in exploratory drilling and, therefore, the need and fairness of the 27½ per cent depletion allowance, the work of the committee should most certainly go on without interruption in time or omission of any district.

Exploratory Drilling in 1953

This is the ninth annual report on data gathered by the committee on statistics of exploratory drilling. During 1953, 13,313 exploratory holes were drilled in the United States. Of these 6,925 were new-field wildcats, 3,358 were new-pool tests (including new-pool wildcats, deeper-pool tests, and shallower-pool tests), and 3,030 were outposts. Among the new-field wildcats, 774 were successful; among the new-pool tests, 924 were successful; and among the outposts, 982 were successful. The total exploratory footage drilled in the United States in 1953 was 60,702,371 feet in the 13,313 holes, or 4,560 feet per hole. These figures compare with 55,615,389 feet drilled in 12,425 exploratory holes, with an average depth of 4,476 feet, in 1952. For the sixth time we are presenting data on Canada and Mexico.

Exploratory Drilling in 1952

This is the eighth annual report on data gathered by the committee on statistics of exploratory drilling. During 1952, 12,425 exploratory holes were drilled in the United States. Of these 6,698 were new-field wildcats, 3,298 were new-pool tests (including new-pool wildcats, deeper-pool tests, and shallower-pool tests), and 2,429 were outposts. Among the new-field wildcats, 741 were successful; among the new-pool tests, 888 were successful; and among the outposts, 706 were successful. The total exploratory footage drilled in the United States in 1952 was 55,615,389 feet in the 12,425 holes, or 4,476 feet per hole. These figures compare with 49,343,694 feet drilled in 11,756 exploratory holes, with an average depth of 4,197 feet in 1951. For the fifth time we are presenting data on Canada and Mexico.

Exploratory Drilling in 1951

This is the seventh annual report on data gathered by the committee on statistics of exploratory drilling. During 1951, 11,756 exploratory holes were drilled in the United States. Of these 6,189 were new-field wildcats, 3,062 were new-pool tests (including new-pool wildcats, deeper-pool tests, and shallow-pool tests), and 2,503 were outposts. Among the new-field wildcats, 684 were successful; among the new-pool tests, 851 were successful; and among the outposts, 680 were successful. The total exploratory footage drilled in the United States in 1951 was 49,343,694 feet in the 11,756 holes, or 4,197 feet per hole. These figures compare with 40,175,173 feet drilled in 10,306 exploratory holes, with an average depth of 3,898 feet in 1950. For the fourth time we are presenting data on Canada and Mexico.

Exploratory Drilling in 1950

This is the sixth annual report on data gathered by the committee on statistics of exploratory drilling. During 1950, 10,306 exploratory holes were drilled in the United States. Of these 5,290 were new-field wildcats, 2,495 were new-pool tests (including new-pool wildcats, deeper-pool tests, and shallower-pool tests), and 2,521 were outposts. Among the new-field wildcats, 592 were successful; among the new-pool tests, 642 were successful; and among the outposts, 780 were successful. The total exploratory footage drilled in the United States in 1950 was 40,175,173 feet in the 10,306 holes, or 3,898 feet per hole. These figures compare with 34,798,291 feet drilled in 9,058 exploratory holes, with an average depth of 3,842 feet in 1949. For the third time we are presenting data on Canada and Mexico.

Exploratory Drilling in 1949

This is the fifth annual report on data gathered by the committee on statistics of exploratory drilling. During 1949, 9,058 exploratory holes were drilled in the United States. Of these 4,449 were new-field wildcats, 2,457 were new-pool tests (including new-pool wildcats, deeper-pool tests, and shallower-pool tests), and 2,152 were outposts. Among the new-field wildcats, 506 were successful; among the new-pool tests, 656 were successful; and among the outposts, 668 were successful. The total exploratory footage drilled in the United States in 1949 was 34,798,291 feet in the 9,058 holes, or 3,842 feet per hole. These figures compare with 32,741,097 feet drilled in 8,013 exploratory holes, with an average depth of 4,086 feet in 1948. For the second time we are presenting data on Canada and Mexico.

Exploratory Drilling in 1948

This is the fourth annual report on data gathered by the committee on statistics of exploratory drilling. During 1948, 8,013 exploratory holes were drilled in the United States. Of these, 4,296 were new-field wildcats, 1,951 were new-pool tests (including new-pool wildcats, deeper-pool tests, and shallower-pool tests), and 1,766 were outposts. Among the new-field wildcats, 501 were successful; among the new-pool tests, 472 were successful; and among the outposts, 490 were successful. The total exploratory footage drilled in the United States in 1948 was 32,741,097 feet in the 8,013 holes, or 4,086 feet per hole. These figures compare with 26,393,348 feet drilled in 6,775 exploratory holes, with an average depth of 3,896 feet, in 1947. For the first time we are presenting data on Canada and Mexico.

Exploratory Drilling in 1947

This is the third annual report on data gathered by the committee on statistics of exploratory drilling. During 1947, 6,775 exploratory holes were drilled in the United States. Of these, 3,480 were new-field wildcats, 1,753 were new-pool tests (including new-pool wildcats, deeper-pool tests, and shallower pool tests), and 1,542 were outposts. Among the new-field wildcats, 394 were successful; among the new-pool tests, 495 were successful; and among the outposts, 489 were successful. The total exploratory footage drilled in 1947 was 26,393,348 feet in the 6,775 holes, or 3,896 feet per hole. These figures compare with 22,178,864 (FOOTNOTE 3) feet drilled 5,753 (FOOTNOTE 3) exploratory holes, with an average depth of 3,855 feet, in 1946.

Exploratory Drilling in 1946

This is the second annual report on data gathered by the committee on statistics of exploratory drilling. During 1946, 5,752 exploratory holes were drilled in the United States. Of these, 3,125 were new-field wildcats, 1,270 were new-pool tests (including new-pool wildcats, deeper-pool tests, and shallower-pool tests), and 1,357 were outposts. Among the new-field wildcats, 333 were successful; among the new-pool tests, 380 were successful; and among the outposts, 424 were successful. The total exploratory footage drilled was 22,167,561 feet in the 5,752 holes, or 3,854 feet per hole. These figures are comparable with 23,030,266 feet drilled in 5,613 exploratory holes, with an average depth of 4,103 feet, in 1945.