Petroleum technicians work in multiple environments using laboratory equipment and external instruments to work on oil well and gas well production sites. They are a part of a science team that studies and analyzes geologic conditions for effective mining.
Oil drilling rigs conditions are tested by petroleum technicians.
Petroleum Technician Function
According to the Bureau of Labor, petroleum technicians measure and record the physical and geologic conditions in oil or gas wells. Technicians collect and examine geological data or samples using advanced instruments, determining the petroleum content and mineral and element composition by analyzing mud from wells. Some technicians collect information from oil well and gas well drilling operations, geological and geophysical prospecting and land or lease contracts.
Role
Petroleum technicians, also known as science technicians, use mathematics and scientific principles in research development to improve products. Under the guidance of research scientists, technicians operate and maintain laboratory research instruments, monitor experiments, calculate and record results from samples and then assist in conclusion development. Their instruments include computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics and biological engineering equipment.
Daily Tasks
Duties of petroleum technicians may vary from simple to complex as they collect and analyze samples, assist in the seismic testing of geological formations and drilling test wells and calculate flow rates, well potentials and reserves. Additional duties may include the operation of monitoring equipment, supervising the assembly of testing instruments and equipment and then recommending corrective action for production breakdowns. Technicians may also provide preliminary interpretations of data that will be used by scientists and engineers preparing written evaluations, recommendations and other reports for improving drilling technology and productivity.
Working Conditions
Technicians work in a variety of conditions. Though laboratory work is done indoors in a standard environment, petroleum engineers also work outdoors with drills and well equipment in remote locations. Technicians may occasionally work irregular hours to monitor timely experiments that cannot be completed during regular working hours.
Education
Petroleum technicians typically acquire hands-on training in school or in their work roles. There are 2-year formal training programs combining scientific principles and theory, with experience in the laboratory setting providing education on operating instruments and equipment. Technicians with a bachelor's degree in science and experience with laboratory equipment or those who have completed internships or summer positions in laboratories are preferred for employment. Technical and community colleges offer associate's degrees in technology, science and mathematics, while technical institutes also offer limited 1-year programs in preparation for a bachelor's program.
Tags: geologic conditions, instruments equipment, laboratory equipment, Petroleum Technician, Petroleum technicians, petroleum technicians, scientific principles
