USC SPE Field Tour of SHP

By: Mark

On March 8^th 2013, students from the University of Southern California SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) chapter had the opportunity to visit two of our active drilling sites. The students visited wells 23-25 and B-83 during their respective drilling phase. Visiting the sites helped the students gain a more practical knowledge about drilling operations previously covered in class materials. Students were able to see real operations, versus just reading about them, and this physical scope gave them a better and more in-depth knowledge.

Ms. Jovy Kroh, Mr. Brandon Bridgman, myself and rig personnel explained the various processes and equipment used in the drilling operations, showed the two types of rigs we employ (top drive versus Kelly), and explained the advantages of both. Students had the opportunity to see various well head components, different types of drill bits used during the operations, and various components of the bits, such as the bit nozzle which could be changed out to different sizes depending on the formation drilled in to control the flow rate of mud into the well.

Students also had the opportunity to visit the plant where Mr. Hilario Aguilar explained the process by which the extracted oil is skimmed and cleaned before being transported to storage tanks and then shipped off to refineries. Although the gas turbine process was not observed due to operations in the area, Mr. Aguilar explained the use of the produced gas to generate some of the energy needed to run plant operations, highlighting the efficiency of the company. Students also received historical background on the company and had an opportunity to talk to the staff about our roles, giving students an idea of what to expect as they pursue careers in this industry.

Although students had general knowledge of oil and gas production from classroom materials, for most of these students this was the first time they had been on a rig site, giving them an opportunity to see the equipment at work.