Whether you’re new to the oil and gas industry or a seasoned veteran in the field, you’ve likely encountered the terms “conventional oil” and “unconventional oil.” While these terms are common, their meanings can be a bit elusive. The distinctions lie not in the oil itself but in the extraction methods used to bring it to the surface.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the fundamental differences between conventional and unconventional oil, explore the methods used in each, and discuss how both play critical roles in maximizing production in the oil and gas industry.
What Is Conventional Oil?
Conventional oil refers to crude oil that can be extracted using traditional drilling methods where the oil flows naturally into the well or responds easily to pumping techniques.
When most people think of oil drilling, they picture towering rigs and pumps extracting oil from vast underground reservoirs. This traditional method, which has been the backbone of the oil industry since the late 19th century, taps into large pools of oil trapped in permeable rock formations like sandstone or limestone.
How Is Conventional Oil Extracted?
The extraction process for conventional oil is relatively straightforward. Natural pressure within the well forces the oil to the surface, where it can be collected with minimal intervention. In cases where the pressure decreases over time, secondary recovery methods such as water or gas injection can be employed to maintain production.
The Decline of Conventional Oil Reserves
Despite its long history, the availability of conventional oil is diminishing. Many of the world’s largest and most accessible oil fields have been heavily exploited, leading to a decline in easy-to-reach reserves. This reality has driven the industry to explore alternative methods and resources, giving rise to unconventional oil extraction techniques.
Key characteristics of conventional oil:
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Oil flows naturally due to subsurface pressure.
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Vertical drilling is the primary extraction method.
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Lower cost and less complex technology are usually needed compared with unconventional oil.
What Is Unconventional Oil?
Unconventional oil is crude that is trapped in formations where natural flow is not sufficient, requiring advanced methods such as hydraulic fracturing, horizontal drilling, or surface mining to release the oil.
The key difference lies in the characteristics of the rock formations where the oil is found. Unlike the porous and permeable reservoirs that house conventional oil, unconventional oil is trapped in formations with low permeability, such as shale, tight sands, or tar sands.
What Are the Challenges in Extracting Unconventional Oil?
The extraction of unconventional oil presents unique challenges. These formations do not allow for easy oil flow, requiring advanced technologies and techniques to access the trapped resources.
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Shale Oil Extraction: Shale formations, with their low permeability, require hydraulic fracturing (commonly known as “fracking”) to release the oil. This method involves injecting a mixture of water, sand, and chemicals at high pressure to create fractures in the rock, allowing the oil to flow to the surface.
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Oil Sands Mining: In regions like Canada’s Athabasca oil sands, bitumen (a heavy, viscous form of oil) is extracted using surface mining or in-situ techniques. The oil sands are processed to separate the bitumen from the sand and water, after which it is upgraded to synthetic crude oil.
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Tight Oil Drilling: Similar to shale oil, tight oil is found in formations with very low permeability. Horizontal drilling and fracking are often used in tandem to maximize recovery from these challenging reservoirs.
What Are the Synergies Between Conventional and Unconventional Oil Extraction Methods?
There is a common misconception that conventional and unconventional oil extraction methods are in competition. In reality, they often complement each other. As conventional oil fields mature and their production declines, unconventional methods can be employed to extract the remaining resources.
Case Study: The Mississippi Lime Play
One notable example is the Mississippi Lime play. After decades of conventional drilling, this field saw a resurgence with the application of unconventional techniques, such as horizontal drilling and fracking. This approach not only revitalized production but also demonstrated the effectiveness of combining both methods to maximize oil recovery.
Maximizing Oilfield Productivity
Many companies today recognize the value of integrating conventional and unconventional methods. By doing so, they can optimize production, extend the life of oilfields, and continue to meet global energy demands.
How Are Conventional and Unconventional Oil Extraction Methods Different?
Conventional extraction uses straightforward drilling and pumping, while unconventional methods must stimulate flow through advanced technologies like horizontal drilling and fracturing.
| Feature | Conventional Oil | Unconventional Oil |
| Flow Mechanism | Natural reservoir pressure | Requires artificial stimulation |
| Typical Techniques | Vertical drilling | Horizontal drilling, fracking, mining |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Complexity | Simple | More complex |
| Reservoir Type | Permeable rock | Low-permeability rock |
Are Conventional and Unconventional Oil in Competition?
No. Rather than competing, conventional and unconventional methods often work together across the life of a reservoir.
As conventional fields mature and pressure drops, operators may apply unconventional techniques to maximize recovery from the same geological area. Horizontal drilling and staged hydraulic fracturing can make otherwise uneconomical reservoirs productive again.
Unlocking the Full Potential of Oil and Gas Resources with Keystone Energy
The terms “conventional” and “unconventional” oil might suggest a stark difference, but in practice, they represent two sides of the same coin in the oil and gas industry. Understanding the nuances of each method and how they can be leveraged together is crucial for maximizing productivity and ensuring a sustainable energy future.
At Keystone Energy Tools, we understand that success in the oil and gas industry requires a deep understanding of both conventional and unconventional resources. Our commitment to innovation and excellence allows us to provide the tools and expertise needed to optimize extraction processes and maximize your oilfield’s potential.
Whether you’re tapping into traditional reservoirs or exploring the possibilities of unconventional oil, Keystone Energy Tools is your partner in navigating the complexities of the oil and gas landscape. By combining the strengths of both methods, we help you unlock the full potential of your resources, ensuring continued productivity and growth in an ever-evolving industry.
For more insights and industry-leading solutions, visit our website and discover how Keystone Energy Tools can support your oil and gas operations.
About Keystone Energy Tools
Keystone Energy Tools is a manufacturer with over fifty years of combined experience in designing, manufacturing, and delivering high-quality oilfield tools, including elevators, slips, dies and inserts, tongs dies, safety clamps, stabbing guides, drill pipe float valves, baffle plates, float valve pullers, rotating mouseholes, and tong blocks.
By using the latest in 3D modeling for product design and by staying current with the rapid advances in manufacturing technology and quality-assurance standards, Keystone is able to manufacture and produce the most reliable products on the market today. All Keystone Handling Tools are manufactured according to API 8C and API 7K Standards.