Prior to 1980, the production and development of oil and gas came from wells that were drilled vertically. As the wells were drilled core samples were examined to determine what type of rock layers were at various depths. Some layers had porous rock such as [[sandstone]] while other layers were very dense. Because oil and gas can seep through porous rock, the well was completed in the layers which were porous, and the sides of the wells between completion locations were protected by long sections of metal pipe, called the well casing. In order to prevent materials from traveling between the casing and the rock up or down the well, the drilling company typically poured cement into the gap between the casing pipe and the outer diameter of the well bore. | Prior to 1980, the production and development of oil and gas came from wells that were drilled vertically. As the wells were drilled core samples were examined to determine what type of rock layers were at various depths. Some layers had porous rock such as [[sandstone]] while other layers were very dense. Because oil and gas can seep through porous rock, the well was completed in the layers which were porous, and the sides of the wells between completion locations were protected by long sections of metal pipe, called the well casing. In order to prevent materials from traveling between the casing and the rock up or down the well, the drilling company typically poured cement into the gap between the casing pipe and the outer diameter of the well bore. |