The Engineering of Salt Water Disposal Wells

In the oil and gas industry, salt water disposal wells, or SWDs,

are the unsung heroes of production. Every barrel of oil brings up several barrels of

salty, mineral-rich water that must be managed responsibly. The industry is

vital; from the fuel in our cars to the plastics in our medical devices,

oil sustains modern life. Drilling these wells requires a massive rig,

featuring a towering mast, powerful mud pumps, and a rotating drill floor.

Preparation begins with leveling the lease, moving in equipment, and raising the derrick into its

vertical position. Drilling involves a heavy bit rotating at the end of a drill