05.07.2009

Pipelines include a great number of valves along their entire length. These valves work like gateways; they are usually open and allow natural gas to flow freely, or they can be used to stop gas flow along a certain section of pipe. There are many reasons why a pipeline may need to restrict gas flow in certain areas. For example, if a section of pipe requires replacement or maintenance, valves on either end of that section of pipe can be closed to allow engineers and work crews safe access

The permanent plugging of a dry hole or of a well that no longer produces petroleum or is no longer capable of producing petroleum profitably. Several steps are involved in the abandonment of a well: permission for abandonment and procedural requirements are secured from official agencies; the casing is removed and salvaged if possible; and one or more cement plugs and/or mud are placed in the borehole to prevent migration of fluids between the different formations penetrated by the borehole

A method of improved recovery in which water is injected into a reservoir to remove additional quantities of oil that have been left behind after primary recovery.  Waterflooding usually involves the injection of water through wells specially set up for water injection and the removal of water and oil from production wells drilled adjacent to the injection wells

A support for the above ground pipeline sections.

The amount of downward force placed on a bit by the weight of the drill stem

The time when drilling or completion operations are suspended so that the cement in a well can harden sufficiently.

Injection of water into the reservoir to increase pressure and help stimulate production