Production of

fossil fuel

Prepared By : ARJUN CHAVDA EC(CSE) 140280705002

•Once a field is developed, tests and preparatory works are carried out to start production.

Oil Production :

In the case of oil and gas, this phase involves:• Well preparation: A well needs to be cased,

anchored and fitted with control mechanisms for flow control.

• Testing: Tests are carried out to determine the flow rates and possible production profile.

• Reservoir stimulation: This is used to improve flow paths and increase output.

• Commonly used methods are acidising and hydraulic fracturing.

Gas Production :

Production of gas depends on oil production and the gas so obtained can be used in one of the three ways:• Used by consumers: This depends on the

availability of a market and necessary infrastructure. Lack of this can be a major constraint in many countries.

• Re-injected: The amount of gas that can be re-injected varies with well and has to decided on a case-by-case basis. Normally only a part of the gas can be re-injected to maintain the desired level of output.

•Flared: This means venting of gas. This leads to waste of a precious fuel but as high volume gas storage may not be economic and the operator may not be ready to slow down oil production to limit flaring, this waste continues, generating environmental damage.

Global gas flaring status in 2008. Data source GGFR website

Coal Production :

Coal production takes two different forms depending on the amount of overburden and inclination of the seam:

•Surface mining (or strip mining): In surface mining, coal is produced by removing the overburden. This is a less expensive method that can rely on highlevel of mechanisation, thereby increasing productivity. The recovery factor is also high in this process: can be as high as 90%.

• Underground mining: When coal is located very deep, surface mining is not possible and underground mining is used. This form of mining uses either a labour-intensive ‘‘room and pillar’’ technique or a highly capital intensive longwall technique. Often the former is used for shallower depths with medium to thick seams of coal. This method allows for recovery of about 50–70% of the coal in place and has a low productivity. It is also prone to higher accident risks. The long-wall technique is a modern and mechanised technique that can be used for working at large depths. However, its use is not very widespread in developing countries.

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