DrillingAfter the geologists and geophysi-cists have decided where there is likely to be oil, the actual drilling can begin. The exact place is picked to spud in the well, that is to begin drilling. Thus begins one of the biggest, most exciting, and most expensive gambling games in the world today. Have the geologist been right, will the drilling produce oil, will all the money invested in the well return the investment, or will it be a total loss? When the site for the well is chosen, the engineers must decide which of two methods of drilling should be used. There are two different ways of drilling a well; one is to use the cable-tool rig and the other — the rotary-drill rig. Both need a derrick, an engine, storage tanks, and piping above ground; otherwise they differ. Drilling for Oil
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