9. Prove that drilling an oilwell is a complex business.

10. Translate the extract from Russian into English

Первым шагом к началу бурения является нахождение перспективного месторождения. После этого на место бурения привозят буровое оборудование. Можно сказать, что для бурения скважины требуется долото на забое и наращивание новых бурильных труб по мере углубления скважины. Однако прежде, чем скважина начнет работать, проводится техническая экспертиза, привлекаются инвестиции для ее разработки. Многочисленные виды работ обеспечивают включение скважины в систему трубопроводов добычи нефти и газа.

Работа со скважиной разделяется на три фазы:

• Разведка. На этом этапе проводятся геофизические замеры и исследования, используется сложное современное оборудование для обнаружения нефтесодержащих пластов.

• Разработка. На этой фазе буровые компании пробуривают скважину от поверхности до нефтесодержащего пласта для ее оценки.

• Заканчивание. На этой фазе скважину перфорируют, обеспечивая доступ нефти из пласта в ствол скважины, и путем стимуляции пласта добиваются притока нефти и газа на поверхность.

Unit 3 Drilling bits

Bit selection

1. Before reading the text, study the vocabulary

dull bit evaluation	Оценка износа бурового долота
bit records	Характеристики долота
to wear out	Изнашиваться
to suit for	Подходить
tricky	Сложный
IADC (International Association of Drilling Contractors)	Международная ассоциация буровых подрядчиков
to devise	Разрабатывать
Drilling Manual	Руководство по бурению
obsolete	Устаревший
to facilitate	Помогать, облегчать
perti­nent facts	Подходящие, имеющие отношение к делу факты
jet nozzle	форсунка

2. Practise the pronunciation of the following words:

• efficiently

• entirely automated process

• to clarify confusion

• bit manufacturer

• to iden­tify

• the IADC (International Association of Drilling Contractors)

• obsolete bits

• to facilitate

• operating procedures

• vital statistics

3. Read and translate the text.

To make a hole fast and at a low cost, a bit that is suited for the formations it will be drilling in must be used. Selecting the right bit can be tricky. In fact, bit programs may differ from well to well in the same field. Knowledge of basic bit construction and formation properties can make bit selection a little easier.

The variety of available bits complicates bit selection. Bit records, dull bit evaluations, and a working knowledge of the way bits function in different formations can all help in the selection of the best bit for the drilling situation. The ideal bit is one that will do the job for the least money, when all the costs have been taken into account. Unfortunately, a bit has not yet been invented that can drill efficiently in every formation and not wear out. If there were such a bit, rotary drilling could be an entirely automated process, and the only decision to be made would be when to stop drilling.

To clarify any confusion that can result from the different ways that bit manufacturers iden­tify their products, the IADC has devised a standard classification system for bits. Using this system, bits from each manufac­turer are entered on a form that indicates the characteristics of each bit and the formations that the bit may be used in. The IADC Drilling Manual contains classification forms for all of the major bit manufacturers. Obsolete bits are also included to facilitate the comparison of information from old bit records.

Drilling performance records, particularly bit records, are of prime importance for the selec­tion of bits and proper operating procedures. These forms give a record of the perti­nent facts of the well location, rig capability, mud type, and, most important, vital statistics of each bit run in the course of drilling the hole. Bit type, jet nozzle sizes, footage drilled, dull condition, and hours run are all included in the record, facilitating cost calculations.

4. Give the adequate Russian variants for the following word combinations:

To complicate bit selection; to clarify confusion; to devise a standard classification system; the IADC Drilling Manual; to facilitate cost calculations; rig capability; dull condition; to gives a complete account of the drilling progress.

5. Find in the texts the English equivalents for the following words and word combinations and learn them by heart:

Бурить скважину; свойства горной породы; осложнять выбор долота; оценка износа бурового долота; принимать во внимание; изнашиваться; прояснить ситуацию/устранить путаницу; устаревшее долото; расположение скважины; производительность буровой установки; тип бурового раствора; характеристики долота.

6. Complete the following sentences:

1. To make a hole fast and at a low cost ...

2. Bit programs may differ ...

3. Bit records, dull bit evaluations, and a working knowledge of the way bits function in different formations ...

4. To clarify any confusion ...

5. Bit records are of prime importance ...

7. Answer the questions:

1. What bit must be used to make a hole fast and at a low cost?

2. What can help in the selection of the best bit for the drilling situation?

3. What for has a standard classification system for bits been devised?

4. What does this system indicate?

5. What information do drilling performance records and bit records contain?

8. Summarize the information which must be taken into account in bit selection.