Petroleum Production Systems

Chapter 1. The Role of Petroleum Production Engineering

1.1. Introduction

Petroleum production involves two distinct but intimately connected general systems: the reservoir, which is a porous medium with unique storage and flow characteristics; and the artificial structures, which include the well, bottomhole, and wellhead assemblies, as well as the surface gathering, separation, and storage facilities.

Production engineering is that part of petroleum engineering that attempts to maximize production (or injection) in a cost-effective manner. In the 15 years that separated the first and second editions of this textbook worldwide production enhancement, headed by hydraulic fracturing, has increased tenfold in constant dollars, becoming the second ...