Evolution of the Oil Well

New Technology!

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The first oil well were 800 ft. deep holes, dug using bits on the tips of Bamboo stalks in China.

Oil Skimming

Dec 11, 1767

William Johnson reported Native American practices of skimming oil. Oil skimming is a method for seperating water from oil.

Cable Tool Drilling

Dec 11, 1825

This is a method of drilling, used for breaking the hard rock at the bottom using a blunt bit. The bit is suspended by a cable and takes continuous blows to the rock.

The Spring Pole

Dec 11, 1924

Steam-powered cable-tools drilled faster and deeper. This Method, found in Appalachia, was usually used for brine wells.

Present Day!!

Dec 11, 2015

modern rotary rigs can drill miles into the earth and extract excessive amounts of oil.