Essential Interview Questions for the Oil Industry: Real Scenarios and Responses
Preparing for an oil industry interview often means being ready to discuss complex, on-the-job situations. Here are some real examples from an interview test used by an oil company, along with insights from experienced professionals. These responses illustrate common challenges faced in the field and can help you prepare for your own interviews.
First Scenario: Drill Line Wear
“I would pick up the blocks and get back to drilling, but the picture suggests there might be a drill line issue—possibly abnormal wear without the usual cut or slip.”
Explanation: Drill line wear can sometimes indicate a need for maintenance or adjustments. In this example, a worker might see wear on the line but assume it’s safe to keep drilling. However, assessing any unusual wear and addressing it can help prevent safety issues down the line.
Second Scenario: Hydraulic Pipe Issues
“It looks like the pipe might have hydraulically slid out of the hole. Sometimes you need to pull down if pushing isn’t working well enough.”
Explanation: In pipeline work, hydraulic pressure can cause equipment to move unexpectedly. Here, the interviewee suggests the pipe might have slid due to hydraulic pressure. This situation highlights the importance of understanding hydraulic forces, especially when working with pipes in high-pressure environments.
Third Scenario: Downhole Stuck Pipe
“I tried working downhole instead of doing a bit trip but got stuck. I tried moving up and down to free it but didn’t have enough room to maneuver.”
Explanation: Downhole situations where pipes get stuck can be common, especially in complex wells. Having strategies to work around limited space is essential, as is knowing when to adjust brakes or pin connections to stay in control.
Fourth Scenario: Managing Surface Drilling Pressure
“I wouldn’t drill the surface using two pumps at once.”
Explanation: Surface drilling requires careful control of pressure and equipment. Running multiple pumps on the surface can create excess pressure, making it harder to manage equipment and increasing the risk of a blowout.
Fifth Scenario: Main Line Misalignment
“The main line seems to have jumped the sheaves and got stuck between the rollers. When the operator picked it up, the block went up with it.”
Explanation: In field operations, misalignment in main lines can disrupt drilling and pose risks. This scenario illustrates the importance of proper line positioning and regular checks to prevent line jumps.
Sixth Scenario: Auto Driller Malfunction
“The directional driller might be blamed, but in reality, no one on site likes to accept accountability if there’s a malfunction with the auto driller.”
Explanation: Teamwork and communication are crucial, especially when unexpected issues arise. Auto driller malfunctions can lead to downtime, and accountability plays a big role in addressing and preventing recurring issues.
Seventh Scenario: Brake and Pump Issues
“It’s possible the pipe was pumped out of the hole, or maybe the brake wasn’t monitored, allowing it to release too quickly. Hitting a bridge connection without reacting quickly can also lead to problems.”
Explanation: Brake and pump issues require close monitoring. In cases where the brake isn’t adjusted correctly or where hydraulic pressure isn’t controlled, equipment can quickly become unmanageable.
Eighth Scenario: Unmonitored Drilling
“If the brake is chained down, you’d hope it drills off before the tool pusher finds out you dozed off. But hydraulic issues or drilling through a tough section could still cause problems.”
Explanation: This response highlights the need for attentive monitoring. Even small oversights like leaving the brake in place without supervision can lead to incidents, emphasizing the importance of constant vigilance on-site.