CRAFT & HAWKINS DEPARTMENT OF PETROLEUM ENGINEERING

The job of a production engineer is to analyze, interpret, and optimize the performance of individual wells. After the well is drilled, and the well-log analysts have evaluated the wells potential to produce, the production engineer joins the team. Together along with the reservoir engineer, the well-log analysis, and geologist, the team decides if it is economically feasible to make the investment needed to produce the well. If it is, the production engineer is given the tasks to determined how to bring this valuable fluid to the surface. There are many different methods available to him; it is his job to use the most appropriate. He will take into account the viscosity of the crude oil, the gas-to-oil ratio, the depth and type or formation, as well as the economics of the whole project. He may also be responsible for the developing a system of surface equipment that will separate the oil, gas, and water so that the oil and gas may be sold to refineries where it will be turned into gasoline, motor oil, and many other petrochemicals that we use everyday.

Updated: 8/24/07
3516 Patrick F. Taylor Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
Tel: 225.578.5215 / Fax: 225.578.6039
Copyright © 2007 LSU Craft & Hawkins Dept. of Petroleum Engineering