Alaska Trends

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s Alaskans, it can be easy to take our environment for granted.

With endless displays of nature and an abundance of resources in every direction, a short attention span could be forgiven. But like the crisp, clean air we breathe, there’s so much going on behind the scenes that one might not appreciate (or even consider). And for those not directly involved in the inner workings of the oiland gas industry, this rings particularly true.

Take an oil rig, for example. We all know what they do, but have you ever considered how they do it? This analogy also extends to the history of the storied industry itself.

Lucky for those reading May’s installment of Alaska Trends—we’re here to spell it out.

A

s Alaskans, it can be easy to take our environment for granted.

With endless displays of nature and an abundance of resources in every direction, a short attention span could be forgiven. But like the crisp, clean air we breathe, there’s so much going on behind the scenes that one might not appreciate (or even consider). And for those not directly involved in the inner workings of the oiland gas industry, this rings particularly true.

Take an oil rig, for example. We all know what they do, but have you ever considered how they do it? This analogy also extends to the history of the storied industry itself.

Lucky for those reading May’s installment of Alaska Trends—we’re here to spell it out.

1. Derrick
Support structure holding the drilling apparatus; tall enough to allow new sections of drill pipe to be added to the drilling apparatus as drilling progresses.
2. Blowout Preventer
High-pressure valves that seal the high-pressure drill lines and relieve pressure when necessary to prevent a blowout.
3. Turntable
The part of the drilling apparatus driving the rotating motion.
4. Diesel Engines
The main source of power.
5. Electrical Generators
Powered by the diesel engines.
6. Casing
A large-diameter concrete pipe lining the drill hole to prevent the hole from collapsing, and allows drilling mud to circulate.
7. Drill String
Consists of drill pipe (connected sections of about 30 feet) and drill collars (larger diameter, heavier pipe that fits around the drill pipe and places weight on the drill bit.)
8. Drill Bit
The end of the drill that cuts up the rock. It is specialized for various drilling tasks, materials and rock formations.
9. Mud Pit
Where mud displaced by drilling is mixed and recycled.
10. Circulation in the Hole
Drilling mud: mixture of water, clay, weighting material, and chemicals is used to lift rock cuttings from the drill bit to the surface.
Major Milestones in Alaska’s Drilling History
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