Questioned by some who challenge the wisdom of erecting large temporary “camps” for housing oilfield workers, the builders and operators of these projects have good answers for skeptics, citing especially the fact that, if the boom should end, it can all go away and not leave a trace. Meanwhile, though, there’s luxury in those accommodations. […]
They Call Them “Hot Shots”
Bobby Loar and Dave Mathes are good to go. By Hanaba Munn Welch Not every oilfield glossary acknowledges slang. Check with Schlumberger. There’s no such thing as a swamper. Or a hotshot truck. Not as one word or two. Hotshot drivers Bobby Loar and Dave Mathes, former swamper, don’t find themselves diminished by being left […]
Solid Economic Indicators
A milestone: Texas’ oil production hits 2 million barrels a day. Production reports to the Texas Railroad Commission from oil operators across the state reached two million barrels a day in February. The production total, a level not seen in Texas since 1986, includes more than one million b/d from the Permian Basin. Preliminary numbers […]
Nitro
by Bobby D. Weaver The oil patch abounds in unforgettable characters. In bygone days the well shooter ranked high on that list and, for all I know, he might still be right up there. It takes an unusual personality to work with nitroglycerine on a daily basis. The steely nerves of those nitro handlers are […]
Worth Celebrating
Public spiritedness–and cowboy hats–are never out of season. June 14 marks Flag Day, the day set aside for commemorating the adoption of the American Flag by the Second Continental Congress on that day in 1777. President Woodrow Wilson established the tradition in 1916. Texan in Transit In the accompanying photo (check out our digital edition, page […]
It Don’t Mean a Thing if it Ain’t Got that Swing
We’re casting a “swing vote” for June. WHERE TO EAT: Your regular reviewer, Bobbie Cupell, didn’t write this review, so be forewarned that the Bobbie-type repartee is issing-may. Be that as it may, I know of a great eatery. Anyone lucky enough to find themselves around Abilene at mealtime has a must-go in Casa Herrera. […]
Midland Energy Expo
UPDATE (2017): Midland Energy Expo is now Permian Basin Oil and Gas Conference and Expo. MIDLAND, TEXAS—What a difference a year makes. The Horse Shoe Arena, venue for the Midland Energy Expo, held April 14-15, was filled to capacity with exhibitors for this year’s show, and with more than 140 booths welcoming visitors, the show […]
The Prospects for EOR
By Lana Cunningham The Permian Basin was the proving ground for Enhanced Oil Recovery using CO2. Now the rest of the country, and even other nations, are hopeful of tapping into the technology. But supply poses a potential limiting factor—and regulatory oversight issues as well. Carnegie Mellon University. Department of Energy and Climate Change. Hanyang […]
The Making of a Well, Part III
Completions and Collection. Comes the payoff—our efforts have shown that this hole in the ground holds oil. Now, how to get it out and off to market? By Jesse Mullins Editor’s Note: Last issue, as part of this series on “The Making of a Well,” we covered the drilling process. Now that our well bore […]
High Lonesome
Carving drill pads out of rugged, brushy country fit for a range-riding cowhand, these dirt work pros know what it’s like to be where “you don’t run into anybody.” By Hanaba Munn Welch Oilfield workers are like cowboys. They often follow in their daddy’s boot prints. Dennis Vaughn of Abilene drives trucks and operates dirt-moving […]
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 331
- 332
- 333
- 334
- 335
- …
- 363
- Next Page »