Our group is forecasting an off-shore “block” of Western Africa.  There are a dozen scenarios that have been forecasted, but a Petroleum Engineer is never right.  Of course, they try to be as close to right.  What are they forecasting?  Well there are three types of Petroleum Engineers; drilling, production and reservoir.  As a Reservoir Engineer, they forecast how much oil and gas is in the reservoir.  Many people probably think that these reservoirs are free flowing crude oil found in a cave, but most of it is solid rock.

We went to the laboratory to observe the rock “core” from deep beneath the ocean’s floor.  The core is measured by its porosity and permeability.  Oil is easier extracted from the core if it’s structured with both.  The darker the core, the more crude oil it contains.  Take a look at the pictures of core. 

January 27, 2009

I was told to wake up early to beat the Houston traffic.  Was 5:30 AM early enough?  Apparently not.  I knew Houston had traffic comparable to Los Angeles, but it took me an hour and a half to drive 15 miles to downtown.  I didn’t mind the drive to my first day of work, but I need to find someone to carpool with.  I couldn’t believe how open the carpool lane was. 

I am glad that I had the opportunity to work in the oil fields last week, which led into my position as a Petroleum Engineer this week.  This week, I am going to experience the corporate life with one of the most successful companies in the country.  The oil and gas industry is huge in Houston and Chevron’s building is surrounded by other large “energy” corporations. 

I’m sure everyone wants to know what these oil and gas companies are to do when the reserves deplete.  Well, the answer is that all of these companies are all looking for alternative energy, but in the meantime they are sticking to crude oil.

January 26, 2009

I started getting used to seeing the American flag waving over every rooftop, but once I crossed over into Texas, I had to get used to their flag too.  When you’re in Texas, you’ll know that you’re in Texas; the state keeps reminding you that you’re in their state.  There are so many things that include the name Texas; for instance, Texas T-bone steak, Texas Christian University, Texas Roadhouse Grill, etc.  I am surprised that the state is not called “Texas Texas.”