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By John M. Kelly

New Mexico produced 31,913,816 bbl. of oil in 1942, the lowest annual production since 1936, and dropped one place to rank eighth among oil-producing states. This production decreased 7,838,052 bbl., or 19.71 per cent, from the 1941 figure is the result of transportation difficulties caused by the dislocation of tanker sailings to east coast ports. The average per-well allowable in New Mexico on Jan. I, 1942, was 43 bbl. and at the end of the year was 38 bbl. Allocations as set by the New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission followed the recommendations of the Petroleum Administrator for War. After setting the daily outlet, however, the average daily pipe-line runs were 87,545 bbl.—11.06 per cent short of these allocations. Production for Lea County was 26,812,949 bbl., Eddy County 4,624,578 bbl., northwestern New Mexico 473,609 bbl., Chaves County 2,680 barrels. Drilling activity for New Mexico in 1942 was approximately 84 per cent of that in 1941 with 339 completions. Of these completions 254 were oil wells, II gas wells, and 74 dry holes. Proven fields accounted for 55 of the dry holes and 19 were wildcats. Three new oil fields and one new gas field were discovered as the result of wildcat drilling. Extensions were made to one oil field and one gas field. By the close of the year, the New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission had designated 59 areas as proven for oil and/or gas. Southeastern New Mexico Lea County Monument was again the largest producing field in the state, with 5,729,336 bbl.; Eunice was next, with 5,217,965; Vacuum produced 3,295,624 and Hobbs 2,973,488. The Hobbs field has the largest accumulated production, which at the close of 1942 totaled 100,381,417 bbl. The 100-million-barrel mark for Hobbs focused attention on the fact that this is the first field in the state to attain this figure, and also that, as Hobbs has been under continuous proration since July 1930, or approximately the entire life of the field, this 100-million-barrel recovery was obtained with 86 per cent of the wells in the pool still flowing and having a drop in bottom-hole pressure of only 3.5 Ib. per million barrels recovered. Hobbs stands out as perhaps the best regulated major oil field in the world. Two new oil fields were discovered in Lca County, the most inlportant being the area designated as East Lusk, consisting of the south 4 tiers of Sections in T. 19 S., R. 32 E. The discovery well was drilled in the SW. SW. 1/4 of sec. 21, T. 19 S., R. 32 E., by Culbertson and Irwin, Inc., and others. It was completed at a total depth of 2751 ft. in the Seven Rivers formation of Permian age. The initial potential of the well was 237 bbl. per day on pump. The oil produced has a gravity of 24.10 A.P.I., with sulphur content of 0.9 per cent. This oil has an asphaltic base and because

Jan 1, 1943

By John M. Kelly

New Mexico produced 31,913,816 bbl. of oil in 1942, the lowest annual production since 1936, and dropped one place to rank eighth among oil-producing states. This production decreased 7,838,052 bbl., or 19.71 per cent, from the 1941 figure is the result of transportation difficulties caused by the dislocation of tanker sailings to east coast ports. The average per-well allowable in New Mexico on Jan. I, 1942, was 43 bbl. and at the end of the year was 38 bbl. Allocations as set by the New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission followed the recommendations of the Petroleum Administrator for War. After setting the daily outlet, however, the average daily pipe-line runs were 87,545 bbl.—11.06 per cent short of these allocations. Production for Lea County was 26,812,949 bbl., Eddy County 4,624,578 bbl., northwestern New Mexico 473,609 bbl., Chaves County 2,680 barrels. Drilling activity for New Mexico in 1942 was approximately 84 per cent of that in 1941 with 339 completions. Of these completions 254 were oil wells, II gas wells, and 74 dry holes. Proven fields accounted for 55 of the dry holes and 19 were wildcats. Three new oil fields and one new gas field were discovered as the result of wildcat drilling. Extensions were made to one oil field and one gas field. By the close of the year, the New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission had designated 59 areas as proven for oil and/or gas. Southeastern New Mexico Lea County Monument was again the largest producing field in the state, with 5,729,336 bbl.; Eunice was next, with 5,217,965; Vacuum produced 3,295,624 and Hobbs 2,973,488. The Hobbs field has the largest accumulated production, which at the close of 1942 totaled 100,381,417 bbl. The 100-million-barrel mark for Hobbs focused attention on the fact that this is the first field in the state to attain this figure, and also that, as Hobbs has been under continuous proration since July 1930, or approximately the entire life of the field, this 100-million-barrel recovery was obtained with 86 per cent of the wells in the pool still flowing and having a drop in bottom-hole pressure of only 3.5 Ib. per million barrels recovered. Hobbs stands out as perhaps the best regulated major oil field in the world. Two new oil fields were discovered in Lca County, the most inlportant being the area designated as East Lusk, consisting of the south 4 tiers of Sections in T. 19 S., R. 32 E. The discovery well was drilled in the SW. SW. 1/4 of sec. 21, T. 19 S., R. 32 E., by Culbertson and Irwin, Inc., and others. It was completed at a total depth of 2751 ft. in the Seven Rivers formation of Permian age. The initial potential of the well was 237 bbl. per day on pump. The oil produced has a gravity of 24.10 A.P.I., with sulphur content of 0.9 per cent. This oil has an asphaltic base and because

Jan 1, 1943

By John M. Kelly

New Mexico produced 38,882,342 bbl. of oil in 1943, and regained seventh place among the oil-producing states. This production was an increase of 6,968,526 bbl., or 21.8 per cent, over the figure for 1942. The maximum per-well allowable on Jan. I, 1943, was 38 bbl. daily and at the end of the year this figure had been increased to 48 bbl. Allocations as set by the New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission closely followed recommendations by the Petroleum Administrator for War and the average daily pipe-line runs were 106,476 bbl., being within 2.2 per cent of these allocations. Production for Lea County was 33,043,925 bbl.; Eddy County, 5,405,-967 bbl.; northwestern New Mexico, 432,070 bbl., and Chaves County, 380 barrels. Drilling activity for New Mexico in 1943 was only 75 per cent of that in 1942, with 255 completions. Of these completions 180 were oil wells, 10 gas wells and 65 dry holes. The ratio of dry holes to producers, more than I to 3, was the greatest in recent years. Of these dry holes, 46 were drilled within the boundaries of proven . areas while 19 were wildcats. Wildcat drilling during 1943 was responsible for the discovery of four new oil fields and one new gas field, as well as three extensions to existing proration areas. At the close of the year the New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission had designated 64 areas as proven for oil and/or gas. The Monument area was again New Mexico's largest producing oil field, with an annual production of 7,228,855 bbl. Next was Eunice, with 6,461,044 bbl., followed by Vacuum with 4,946,110 bbl. IIobbs, ranking fourth, with 3,799,114 bbl., was the leader in total recovery with an accumulated production of 104,180,53I bbl., or more than 10,000 bbl. per acre to date. Drilling activity in Lea County accounted for completion of 67 oil wells, 2 gas wells and 24 dry holes. One of these oil wells was the discovery well of a new area and three extended proven areas. The most active drilling campaign in the county was again in the Maljamar area, where 18 oil wells were completed. The Maljamar Cooperative Repressuring Agreement affected 141 producing wells, and operations were a decided success, more than 85 per cent of the gas produced being returned to formation. The new oil field for Lea County was designated as the San Simon area although boundaries have not been established to date. Discovery well for this area was the Skelly Oil Company's State U. No. I, in theNE. NE. K of sec. 5, T.22 S.,R.ssE. This well was drilled to a total depth of 4183 ft. and plugged back to 4138 ft. after encountering bottom-hole water. Initial production was 124 bbl. per day on the pump. This oil is 37.4' gravity and has a sulphur content of I per cent. Productian is from Yates sand of Permian age. The Lynn area of southern Lea cbunty was extended 145 miles to the northwest

Jan 1, 1944

By John M. Kelly

New Mexico produced 38,882,342 bbl. of oil in 1943, and regained seventh place among the oil-producing states. This production was an increase of 6,968,526 bbl., or 21.8 per cent, over the figure for 1942. The maximum per-well allowable on Jan. I, 1943, was 38 bbl. daily and at the end of the year this figure had been increased to 48 bbl. Allocations as set by the New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission closely followed recommendations by the Petroleum Administrator for War and the average daily pipe-line runs were 106,476 bbl., being within 2.2 per cent of these allocations. Production for Lea County was 33,043,925 bbl.; Eddy County, 5,405,-967 bbl.; northwestern New Mexico, 432,070 bbl., and Chaves County, 380 barrels. Drilling activity for New Mexico in 1943 was only 75 per cent of that in 1942, with 255 completions. Of these completions 180 were oil wells, 10 gas wells and 65 dry holes. The ratio of dry holes to producers, more than I to 3, was the greatest in recent years. Of these dry holes, 46 were drilled within the boundaries of proven . areas while 19 were wildcats. Wildcat drilling during 1943 was responsible for the discovery of four new oil fields and one new gas field, as well as three extensions to existing proration areas. At the close of the year the New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission had designated 64 areas as proven for oil and/or gas. The Monument area was again New Mexico's largest producing oil field, with an annual production of 7,228,855 bbl. Next was Eunice, with 6,461,044 bbl., followed by Vacuum with 4,946,110 bbl. IIobbs, ranking fourth, with 3,799,114 bbl., was the leader in total recovery with an accumulated production of 104,180,53I bbl., or more than 10,000 bbl. per acre to date. Drilling activity in Lea County accounted for completion of 67 oil wells, 2 gas wells and 24 dry holes. One of these oil wells was the discovery well of a new area and three extended proven areas. The most active drilling campaign in the county was again in the Maljamar area, where 18 oil wells were completed. The Maljamar Cooperative Repressuring Agreement affected 141 producing wells, and operations were a decided success, more than 85 per cent of the gas produced being returned to formation. The new oil field for Lea County was designated as the San Simon area although boundaries have not been established to date. Discovery well for this area was the Skelly Oil Company's State U. No. I, in theNE. NE. K of sec. 5, T.22 S.,R.ssE. This well was drilled to a total depth of 4183 ft. and plugged back to 4138 ft. after encountering bottom-hole water. Initial production was 124 bbl. per day on the pump. This oil is 37.4' gravity and has a sulphur content of I per cent. Productian is from Yates sand of Permian age. The Lynn area of southern Lea cbunty was extended 145 miles to the northwest

Jan 1, 1944

By John M. Kelly

New Mexico produced 39,475,388 bbl. of oil in 1944, the greatest amount in one year in the oil history of the state. This production was 593,046 bbl. or 1.25 per cent more than in 1943. New Mexico retained its position as the seventh largest oil-producing state. The maximum per well allowable on Jan. I, 1944 was 48 bbl. daily and at the end of the year it was 45 bbl. daily. Allocations as set by the New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission closely followed the recommendations made by the' Petroleum Administrator for War. The average daily pipe-line runs were within 4 per cent of the allocation. Production by counties was as fol1ows;Lea County, 33,509,548 bbl.; Eddy County, 5,504,498; Northwestern New Mexico 461, 342. Drilling activity for New Mexico in 1944 was well above that of 1943, with 362 completions. Of these, 283 were oil wells, 12 gas wells and 67 dry holes. The ratio of dry holes to producers, about I to 4, was an improvement over 1943. Wildcat drilling during 1944 was responsible for the discovery of six new fields and the extension of two present producing areas. Drilling records were established in New Mexico during 1944 with the deepest producer ever completed, the Humble Leonard Oil Company's No. I at 11,969 ft., in the Ellenburger section of Ordovician age near Jal, Lea County. The discoveries in Lea County during 1944 were as follows: West Lovington field, where Fred Turner, Jr. drilled his No. I State B .in C SE SW sec. 4-17-36 and completed it for 122 bbl. of oil in 8 1/2 hr., in the San Andreas section of Permian age. The Tonto field, where the T-exas Company completed its No. I Baskin at a total depth of 3586 ft. in Seven Rivers lime of Permian age, with an initial production of 254 bbl. of oil in 21 hours. The Drinkard area, where the Gulf Oil Corporation's Drinkard No. I flowed 782 bbl. of oil in 14 hr. from the Yeso section of lower Permian age, thus opening the first lower Permian production in the state. The total depth of this discovery was 6508 ft. and oil was 38.8" A.P.I. gravity. The Dublin area, where the Humble Oil and Refining Co. established a drilling depth record of 11,969 ft. drilling and completing its No. I Leonard Oil Co. well in the Ellenburger lime of Ordovician age. This well flowed 221 bbl. of oil per day, of 48.9º A.P.I. gravity oil. It is in sec. 12-26-37. The new pay horizon discovery of the Continental Oil Co. in the Skaggs area, where the company completed its Skaggs B-23 No. 2 in sec. 23-20-37 for 236 bbl. of oil in 21 hr. from the Wolfcamp section of lower Permian age, at a total depth of 7725 ft. This well was drilled to granite at 10,465 ft. and plugged back to the Wolf-camp for a new pay zone completion.

Jan 1, 1945

By C. A. Hartnagel

The year 1944 marks the eightieth anniversary of the discovery of petroleum by drilling in New York State. It was in 1864 that a half dozen shallow wells were drilled at Limestone in Cattaraugus County, in a region that now forms the northern extension of the 82,000-acre Bradford pool. These early wells found oil, but not in paying quantities. They did, however, attract attention to the district and were a factor in the development of the still active Bradford pool of Pennsylvania and New York. During 1943, the production of petroleum in New York amounted to 5,029,000 bbl. This represents a decrease over the previous year, in which 5,421,000 bbl. was produced. The flush production for the New York fields occurred in the early eighties shortly after the discovery of oil in the Richburg pool of Allegany County. During the flush period, production was in excess of five million barrels annually. By 1887, however, the output had decreased to an amount only slightly more than two million barrels, and through the early years of the present century the annual total was often less than one million barrels. Flooding of the oil sands for increasing productioil was made legal in 1919, and in 1927 the output once more reached the two million mark. Two years later it had increased to over three million barrels. In Table r is shown production since 1935, in which year for the first time the output under flooding methods was in excess of four million barrels. From this table, it is evident that oil production in New 'I'ork is rather well stabilized, and since most of the oil is obtained by the flooding, or water-drive, method, with little or no prospect of discovery of new oil territory, rapid changes in yield from year to year are not to be expected. In thickness, the oil sands have a maximum of about 50 ft., and by means oi flooding may produce 10 to 12 thousand barrels an acre and proportional amounts for thinner sands. In some cases, floods have been developed in sands only 12 ft. thick. Under good flooding conditions a yield of 2000 bbl. an acre is about the lower limit at which oil can bc produced at the present price of $3.00 a barrel. The average cost for the physical development ol a lease, not including the cost ol the lease itself, is $5000 an acre. Since several months must intervene before the flood begins to act on the oil wells, and a year or more is required to bring thc wells to maximum daily production, it is evident that a considerable interval occurs before maximum returns are realized. Once a flood is developed and the wells

Jan 1, 1944

By C. A. Hartnagel

The year 1944 marks the eightieth anniversary of the discovery of petroleum by drilling in New York State. It was in 1864 that a half dozen shallow wells were drilled at Limestone in Cattaraugus County, in a region that now forms the northern extension of the 82,000-acre Bradford pool. These early wells found oil, but not in paying quantities. They did, however, attract attention to the district and were a factor in the development of the still active Bradford pool of Pennsylvania and New York. During 1943, the production of petroleum in New York amounted to 5,029,000 bbl. This represents a decrease over the previous year, in which 5,421,000 bbl. was produced. The flush production for the New York fields occurred in the early eighties shortly after the discovery of oil in the Richburg pool of Allegany County. During the flush period, production was in excess of five million barrels annually. By 1887, however, the output had decreased to an amount only slightly more than two million barrels, and through the early years of the present century the annual total was often less than one million barrels. Flooding of the oil sands for increasing productioil was made legal in 1919, and in 1927 the output once more reached the two million mark. Two years later it had increased to over three million barrels. In Table r is shown production since 1935, in which year for the first time the output under flooding methods was in excess of four million barrels. From this table, it is evident that oil production in New 'I'ork is rather well stabilized, and since most of the oil is obtained by the flooding, or water-drive, method, with little or no prospect of discovery of new oil territory, rapid changes in yield from year to year are not to be expected. In thickness, the oil sands have a maximum of about 50 ft., and by means oi flooding may produce 10 to 12 thousand barrels an acre and proportional amounts for thinner sands. In some cases, floods have been developed in sands only 12 ft. thick. Under good flooding conditions a yield of 2000 bbl. an acre is about the lower limit at which oil can bc produced at the present price of $3.00 a barrel. The average cost for the physical development ol a lease, not including the cost ol the lease itself, is $5000 an acre. Since several months must intervene before the flood begins to act on the oil wells, and a year or more is required to bring thc wells to maximum daily production, it is evident that a considerable interval occurs before maximum returns are realized. Once a flood is developed and the wells

Jan 1, 1944

By H. W. Immolz

The Palo Pinto limestone pools of Jones and Shackelford Counties were defined and almost fully developed during the year. A new Palo Pinto limestone pool was apparently discovered when the K. B. Nowels NO. 1 Pardue, S.F.I. and W. survey, south central Haskell County, was completed for a small well in Palo Pinto limestonc at 3395 to 3421 feet. In Haskell County, Amerada Petroleum Corporation's C. J. Kleiner, J. M. Cass survey, drilled to the Ellenburger with a total depth of 5607 ft., where it was abandoned. A Bluff Creek sand field of undetermined size was discovered by the Fain-McGaha No. 1 Dawson-Conway, P. G. Holcomb survey, which was chompleted for 37 bbl. at 1496 feet. The Cook field was extended by the Roeser-Pendleton B-113 Cook in sec. 113, E.T.R.R. Co. survey, the well being completed for 510 bbl. from Cook sand encountered at 1545 to 1568 feet. Several shallow pools of minor importancc mere also discovered in Shackelford County during the year. In Jones County the Lewis and the Steffens fields, in block 15, T. and P.R.R. Co. survey, were further developed during the year but the limits of the Steffens field were not definitely defined. The most, important discovery in Jones County was the Guitar field, where most of the wells that had been producing from the Cook sand were deepened to the Hope limestone, a new producing horizon. In Taylor County, the Bowles field, see. 28, B.A.L. survey, was defined arid proved to he of minor importance. The Goldsboro and Novice area, ill northwest Coleman County, continued to hold considerable interest because of the developments near the town of Novice, where new Ieases continued to be opened for production. Nolan County was placed in the ranks of the producing counties when the S. B. Owens No. 1 Tipton, sec. 43, block 19, T. and P.R.R. Co. survey,

Jan 1, 1940

By H. W. Immolz

The Palo Pinto limestone pools of Jones and Shackelford Counties were defined and almost fully developed during the year. A new Palo Pinto limestone pool was apparently discovered when the K. B. Nowels NO. 1 Pardue, S.F.I. and W. survey, south central Haskell County, was completed for a small well in Palo Pinto limestonc at 3395 to 3421 feet. In Haskell County, Amerada Petroleum Corporation's C. J. Kleiner, J. M. Cass survey, drilled to the Ellenburger with a total depth of 5607 ft., where it was abandoned. A Bluff Creek sand field of undetermined size was discovered by the Fain-McGaha No. 1 Dawson-Conway, P. G. Holcomb survey, which was chompleted for 37 bbl. at 1496 feet. The Cook field was extended by the Roeser-Pendleton B-113 Cook in sec. 113, E.T.R.R. Co. survey, the well being completed for 510 bbl. from Cook sand encountered at 1545 to 1568 feet. Several shallow pools of minor importancc mere also discovered in Shackelford County during the year. In Jones County the Lewis and the Steffens fields, in block 15, T. and P.R.R. Co. survey, were further developed during the year but the limits of the Steffens field were not definitely defined. The most, important discovery in Jones County was the Guitar field, where most of the wells that had been producing from the Cook sand were deepened to the Hope limestone, a new producing horizon. In Taylor County, the Bowles field, see. 28, B.A.L. survey, was defined arid proved to he of minor importance. The Goldsboro and Novice area, ill northwest Coleman County, continued to hold considerable interest because of the developments near the town of Novice, where new Ieases continued to be opened for production. Nolan County was placed in the ranks of the producing counties when the S. B. Owens No. 1 Tipton, sec. 43, block 19, T. and P.R.R. Co. survey,

Jan 1, 1940

By B. C. Craft

The outstanding event of the year 1932 in this area was the intensive drilling activity in the Zwolle field of Sabine Parish, Louisiana. More new development work was undertaken and completed than during the previous year. This was due in part to the increased price of oil and in a Includes 19 parishes: Beauregard, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Caldwell, Catn-houla, Claiborne, Concordia, DeSoto, Grant, Lincoln, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Red River, Richland, Sabine, Union, Webster. B H. K. Shearer: Oil and Gas Development in South Arkansas, North Louisiana and Mississippi in 1931. Trans. A. I. M. E. (1932) 98, 159. a Includes 14 counties: Ashley, Columbia, Dallas, Drew, Hot Springs, Lincoln, LnFayette, Little River, Miller, Ouachita, Pike, Sevier, Scott and Union. * H. K. Shearer: Oil and Gas Development in South Arkansas, North Louisiana and Mississippi in 1931. Trans. A. I. M. E. (1932) 98, 159. part to the fact that production is below local market demands. Exploration during 1932 resulted in the discovery of a new oil field and a new gas

Jan 1, 1933

By Arthur C. Simmons

The State of Pennsylvania produces approximately 60 per cent of the total production of Pennsylvania Grade oil, and naturally represents the dominant factor in the area producing that grade. The producing area comprises the states of New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and a small part of Ohio. The importance of this area is too commonly neglected because it produces only 2 per cent of the total amount of crude produced in the United States. It is, of course, unimportant in its percentage of total crude production, but extremely important for its production of lubricating oil. The lubricating fraction from a barrel of Penllsylvania Grade crude oil represents about 22 per cent of the total, whereas the lubricating fraction from the total United States production represents only about 2.5 per cent of the crude oil. The Pennsylvania Grade area produces about 6,000,000 bbl. of lubricants, which is 15 to 20 per cent of the total produced in the United States. All Pennsylvania Grade lubricants are classified as "high-grade," and with a production of 15 to 20 per cent of the total lubricants, it appears probable that the Pennsylvania Grade area accounts for 25 to 50 per cent of the high-grade lubricants produccd in the United States. Production Bradford Field The production figures quoted in Table I apply only to the part of the Bradford held that lies wholly within the state of Pennsylvania; approximately 15 per cent of the Bradford field is in Cattaraugus County, New York, and 10 per cent of the production is obtained from that sector. The Bradford-field production in 1941 was 12,729,900 bbl. as compared with a production in the year 1940 of 12,748,279 bbl., or a reduction of 18,379 bbl. The year 1941 represents the fourth successive year in which production in the Bradford field has declined. All of the production from the Bradford field is obtained by water-flooding methods and increases or decreases in production are due more to economic factors than to any physical limitations of the pool, inasmuch as additional drilling of water-intake and producing wells would increase the total production of the field. It is apparent that increased drilling of oil and water-intake wells does not take place except under stimulps of a favorable price; and while oil prices during 1941 were moderately favorable, they were not sufficient to prevent a mild decline. Too many wells were drilled in the Bradford field in 1937, but this was compensated by subnormal drilling activities in 1938 and 1939 and a large increase in 1940, The increase in 1941 over 1940 was about 7 per cent. The effect of new drilling is becoming less pronounced on a per well basis because more properties yielding less per acre are being drilled than were drilled in former years. Central and Southern Pennsylvania The production in central and southern Pennsylvania amounted to a total of

Jan 1, 1942

By Arthur C. Simmons

The State of Pennsylvania produces approximately 60 per cent of the total production of Pennsylvania Grade oil, and naturally represents the dominant factor in the area producing that grade. The producing area comprises the states of New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and a small part of Ohio. The importance of this area is too commonly neglected because it produces only 2 per cent of the total amount of crude produced in the United States. It is, of course, unimportant in its percentage of total crude production, but extremely important for its production of lubricating oil. The lubricating fraction from a barrel of Penllsylvania Grade crude oil represents about 22 per cent of the total, whereas the lubricating fraction from the total United States production represents only about 2.5 per cent of the crude oil. The Pennsylvania Grade area produces about 6,000,000 bbl. of lubricants, which is 15 to 20 per cent of the total produced in the United States. All Pennsylvania Grade lubricants are classified as "high-grade," and with a production of 15 to 20 per cent of the total lubricants, it appears probable that the Pennsylvania Grade area accounts for 25 to 50 per cent of the high-grade lubricants produccd in the United States. Production Bradford Field The production figures quoted in Table I apply only to the part of the Bradford held that lies wholly within the state of Pennsylvania; approximately 15 per cent of the Bradford field is in Cattaraugus County, New York, and 10 per cent of the production is obtained from that sector. The Bradford-field production in 1941 was 12,729,900 bbl. as compared with a production in the year 1940 of 12,748,279 bbl., or a reduction of 18,379 bbl. The year 1941 represents the fourth successive year in which production in the Bradford field has declined. All of the production from the Bradford field is obtained by water-flooding methods and increases or decreases in production are due more to economic factors than to any physical limitations of the pool, inasmuch as additional drilling of water-intake and producing wells would increase the total production of the field. It is apparent that increased drilling of oil and water-intake wells does not take place except under stimulps of a favorable price; and while oil prices during 1941 were moderately favorable, they were not sufficient to prevent a mild decline. Too many wells were drilled in the Bradford field in 1937, but this was compensated by subnormal drilling activities in 1938 and 1939 and a large increase in 1940, The increase in 1941 over 1940 was about 7 per cent. The effect of new drilling is becoming less pronounced on a per well basis because more properties yielding less per acre are being drilled than were drilled in former years. Central and Southern Pennsylvania The production in central and southern Pennsylvania amounted to a total of

Jan 1, 1942

By Arthur C. Simmons

The area that produces Pennsylvania grade, which includes New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and a part of Ohio, increased its production in 1942 about 1,580,000 bbl. over that attained in 1941. Such an increase is substantial for this area, and measured in terms of increased output of lubricants, for which the crude is particularly suitable, it represents a needed arid worth-while addition to the lubricant resources of the United States. The year 1942 was a difficult operating period for most of the petroleum-producing areas in the United States, but the Appalachian region, owing principally to its location, type of operations, and crude value, suffered less from war influences than other areas. The state of Pennsylvania produced 17,823,870 bbl. of crude oil, which is approximately 63 per cent of the total production of Pennsylvania grade in the entire area. Production Bradford Field The Bradford field, which produces almost wholly by water-flooding methods, increased its production nearly 4000 bbl. per day over 1941 despite a very slight reduction in total number of wells completed. Well completions in the Bradford field (in both New York and Pennsylvania) includc both producing oil wells and water-intake wells. About half of the well completions are producing oil wells and the remaining half are water-intake or injection wells. About 10 per cent of the total well completions of the Bradford field were in Cattaraugus County, New York. No segregation of well completions is available, so that precise statistics cannot be given for New York and Pennsylvania.

Jan 1, 1943

By Arthur C. Simmons

The area that produces Pennsylvania grade, which includes New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and a part of Ohio, increased its production in 1942 about 1,580,000 bbl. over that attained in 1941. Such an increase is substantial for this area, and measured in terms of increased output of lubricants, for which the crude is particularly suitable, it represents a needed arid worth-while addition to the lubricant resources of the United States. The year 1942 was a difficult operating period for most of the petroleum-producing areas in the United States, but the Appalachian region, owing principally to its location, type of operations, and crude value, suffered less from war influences than other areas. The state of Pennsylvania produced 17,823,870 bbl. of crude oil, which is approximately 63 per cent of the total production of Pennsylvania grade in the entire area. Production Bradford Field The Bradford field, which produces almost wholly by water-flooding methods, increased its production nearly 4000 bbl. per day over 1941 despite a very slight reduction in total number of wells completed. Well completions in the Bradford field (in both New York and Pennsylvania) includc both producing oil wells and water-intake wells. About half of the well completions are producing oil wells and the remaining half are water-intake or injection wells. About 10 per cent of the total well completions of the Bradford field were in Cattaraugus County, New York. No segregation of well completions is available, so that precise statistics cannot be given for New York and Pennsylvania.

Jan 1, 1943

By J. E. Schaefer

A summary of oil and gas development in Ohio for 1936 is necessarily brief and, in some details incomplete, owing to the lack of a central state agency for the collection of data and statistics on well drilling and production. The information used in this report was compiled from the records of the several companies operating in the state. Drilling activity in Ohio increased during 1936 as compared to the two preceding years. During the year 1157 wells were completed, as compared to 1022 wells in 1935 and 1055 wells in 1934. However, in spite of this increase in drilling activity, both oil and gas production declined for the year. Activity by Fields Trenton Sand Field.—The Trenton sand field is located in 15 counties of northwestern Ohio, trending from Toledo on the north, south and west through Findlay into Indiana. About 40 years ago the Trenton field was one of the most important oil-producing fields in the United States, but it has declined to a position of minor importance. During the year 1936 there were 52 completions in this field—29 gas wells, 19 oil wells and 4 dry holes. Clinton Sand Field.—The Clinton sand is by far the most important gas-producing field in the state. Production is located in small pools separated by nonproducing areas, on a band of varying width reaching from Cleveland on the north to Lawrence County on the Ohio River on the south. During 1936 a small pool of patchy character was developed in Butler township, Knox County. Seventeen wells were completed in the Clinton sand, of which 13 were gas wells and 4 were dry holes. The average initial production secured per well drilled, including dry holes, was 1,288,000 cu. ft. The average depth of the Clinton sand was 3000 feet. A gas well was completed in lot 9 of Franklin township, Tuscarawas County. Production was found in the first Clinton sand at a depth of 4354 ft. The initial open flow after shot was 828,000 cu. ft. and the rock

Jan 1, 1937

By Dewitt T. Ring

Lack of reliable detailed production figures for earlier years, together with the loose nomenclature in reference to producing horizons and the application of the term "field" without any definite meaning or restriction, has made it impossible to gather statistical data suitable for the Institute's form. In common with all other producing areas in the United States, Ohio has felt severely the economic ills of the entire industry during the past year. With overproduction, not only of crude but also of refined products, going on throughout the country, the price structure as a direct consequence has weakened on Ohio oils. Valuable crude is being sold at a big loss today because producers arc willing to, and do, sell more than the market can absorb. The axe hangs heavy over the heads of Ohio producers, and will until something constructive is done to keep supply in proportion to demand. This not only applies to Ohio but to the entire industry. Production of Pennsylvania grade in Ohio was under 50 per cent proration, which has been in effect since Oct. 1, 1937. Three price cuts since February have lowered the posted price from $1.70 to $1.18, a 30 per cent reduction; other grades were less drastically reduced. Pipeline storage facilities were limited; many producers were faced with the problem of providing their own storage or the risk of ruining their wells. If they wanted to pull and abandon wells, there was no market for junk equipment. Many employees have been cut to half time and in a number of instances their services entirely dispensed with. Summary of Production and Drilling Both oil and gas production in the state during 1938 showed a definite decline over the previous year. (A table showing production by years from 1876 through 1937 was published in Vol. 127 of the Transactions.) The total production of crude oil in the state for 1938 was 3,357,914 bbl., as compared with 3,654,000 bbl. in 1937, a decrease of 7.1 per cent. At

Jan 1, 1939

By Dewitt T. Ring

Lack of reliable detailed production figures for earlier years, together with the loose nomenclature in reference to producing horizons and the application of the term "field" without any definite meaning or restriction, has made it impossible to gather statistical data suitable for the Institute's form. In common with all other producing areas in the United States, Ohio has felt severely the economic ills of the entire industry during the past year. With overproduction, not only of crude but also of refined products, going on throughout the country, the price structure as a direct consequence has weakened on Ohio oils. Valuable crude is being sold at a big loss today because producers arc willing to, and do, sell more than the market can absorb. The axe hangs heavy over the heads of Ohio producers, and will until something constructive is done to keep supply in proportion to demand. This not only applies to Ohio but to the entire industry. Production of Pennsylvania grade in Ohio was under 50 per cent proration, which has been in effect since Oct. 1, 1937. Three price cuts since February have lowered the posted price from $1.70 to $1.18, a 30 per cent reduction; other grades were less drastically reduced. Pipeline storage facilities were limited; many producers were faced with the problem of providing their own storage or the risk of ruining their wells. If they wanted to pull and abandon wells, there was no market for junk equipment. Many employees have been cut to half time and in a number of instances their services entirely dispensed with. Summary of Production and Drilling Both oil and gas production in the state during 1938 showed a definite decline over the previous year. (A table showing production by years from 1876 through 1937 was published in Vol. 127 of the Transactions.) The total production of crude oil in the state for 1938 was 3,357,914 bbl., as compared with 3,654,000 bbl. in 1937, a decrease of 7.1 per cent. At

Jan 1, 1939

By Kenneth Cottingham

The year 1941 brought a considerable increase in drilling activity in Ohio. In 1940, the total of wells completed was 1228, whereas in 1941 it was 1561, or an increase of approximately 27 per cent. Of the 1561 wells, 333 were oil wells, 701 gas wells and 527 dry holes. The completions for the past five years are shown in Table I; the number of productive oil or gas wells for the year 1941, arranged by producing formations, are given in Table 2; the number of wells, oil, gas or dry, completed in each county in 1941, in Table 3, and wells by sands in Table 4. The production of oil increased by about 500,000 bbl. in 1941, nearly all of the increase being in Pennsylvania grade. In 1940, the total production was 3,052,000 bbl. from 25,500 wells. In 1941 the total production was 3,547,534 bbl. from 24,801 wells. The increase in production is chiefly due to the Clinton pool in Clayton township, Perry County, which is briefly men- tioned later in this review. The number of oil wells, by grades of oil, and the total quantities produced are shown in Table ;. Annual oil production for five years is listed in Table 6. The average prices paid for crude in 1941 were slightly higher than in 1940 These 1941 prices, with dates of change, are shown in Table 7. The maximum production of natural gas in Ohio was in the year 1915, when the total was just under 80 billion cu. ft. The maximum consumption occurred in the year 1916, and was approximately 169 billion cu. ft. For the past several years, Ohio has ranged from eighth to eleventh, in order of gas production for the different states, being in tenth place in 1940. In the matter of consumption, however, Ohio remains in fifth place. Preliminary figures for 1940 indicate that production of natural gas increased II per

Jan 1, 1942

By Kenneth Cottingham

The year 1941 brought a considerable increase in drilling activity in Ohio. In 1940, the total of wells completed was 1228, whereas in 1941 it was 1561, or an increase of approximately 27 per cent. Of the 1561 wells, 333 were oil wells, 701 gas wells and 527 dry holes. The completions for the past five years are shown in Table I; the number of productive oil or gas wells for the year 1941, arranged by producing formations, are given in Table 2; the number of wells, oil, gas or dry, completed in each county in 1941, in Table 3, and wells by sands in Table 4. The production of oil increased by about 500,000 bbl. in 1941, nearly all of the increase being in Pennsylvania grade. In 1940, the total production was 3,052,000 bbl. from 25,500 wells. In 1941 the total production was 3,547,534 bbl. from 24,801 wells. The increase in production is chiefly due to the Clinton pool in Clayton township, Perry County, which is briefly men- tioned later in this review. The number of oil wells, by grades of oil, and the total quantities produced are shown in Table ;. Annual oil production for five years is listed in Table 6. The average prices paid for crude in 1941 were slightly higher than in 1940 These 1941 prices, with dates of change, are shown in Table 7. The maximum production of natural gas in Ohio was in the year 1915, when the total was just under 80 billion cu. ft. The maximum consumption occurred in the year 1916, and was approximately 169 billion cu. ft. For the past several years, Ohio has ranged from eighth to eleventh, in order of gas production for the different states, being in tenth place in 1940. In the matter of consumption, however, Ohio remains in fifth place. Preliminary figures for 1940 indicate that production of natural gas increased II per

Jan 1, 1942

By Kenneth Cotingham

Many factors joined in reducing drilling activity in Ohio in 1942. Conservation Order M-68 was important, but other things, such as operators and members of drilling crews joining the armed services and going into war plants, had an important part. The reduction in number of completions was considerable. In 1941, the total of wells drilled was 1561 but in 1942 the total was 1008. The total initial daily open flow discovered by the 701 gas wells drilled in 1941 was 492,000 M cu. ft., whereas the open flow of the 471 gas wells completed in 1942 was 314,488 M cu. ft. The total initial daily production of the 333 oil wells drilled in 1941 was 10,300 bbl., and in 1942 the 181 oil wells had a total daily initial of 7570 bbl. The average daily initial per gas well therefore was somewhat less in 1942 when compared with the preceding year, but the initial per ail well increased about 36 per cent over 1941. General Activity The total depth of the 652 oil and gas wells drilled in 1942 was 1,597,000 ft. The most active county was Perry, where 63 oil wells were drilled, most of them in Clayton township. In Morgan County. where 43 gas wells were drilled, the greatest activity was in York and Marion townships. Medina County was third in number of wells drilled, although of the total of 33 gas wells in the county, 26 were in the new Hinckley township pool. The total initial open flow of these 26 wells was 39,202 M CU. ft., and was considerably larger than from any other single area. Muskingum was an active county, particularly Washington and Wayne townships, in each of which seven gas wells were drilled, and Blue Rock and Harrison townships, in each of which five gas wells were drilled.

Jan 1, 1943