Pay (geology) facts for kids
"Pay" is a special word used in the world of hydrocarbon mining. Hydrocarbons are things like oil and natural gas. When experts talk about "pay," they mean a part of an underground rock area, called a reservoir, that holds enough oil or gas to be worth digging up.
It's called "pay" because this part of the reservoir can "pay" back more money than it costs to get the oil or gas out. Other names for it are pay sand or pay zone.
What is Gross Pay?
When geologists look for oil and gas, they first find a large area underground where hydrocarbons might be present. This entire section of rock, from top to bottom, that could contain oil or gas is called the gross pay. Think of it as the total possible thickness of rock that might have valuable resources.
What is Net Pay?
While "gross pay" is the total area, not all of it will actually have oil or gas that can be easily taken out. Net pay is the smaller, more specific part of the reservoir that truly holds enough oil or gas to be worth collecting. It's the part that meets certain important conditions.
How is Net Pay Figured Out?
To find the "net pay," scientists use special tools and tests. They look at things like:
- Permeability: This is how easily liquids (like oil or gas) can flow through the rock. If the rock is too tight, the oil can't move.
- Porosity: This is how much empty space (like tiny holes) is in the rock. These spaces are where the oil and gas are stored.
- Water Saturation: How much water is in the rock compared to oil or gas. You want more oil/gas and less water.
- Volume of Shale: Shale is a type of rock that usually doesn't hold much oil or gas. Scientists try to avoid areas with too much shale.
By checking these things, they can figure out which parts of the "gross pay" are actually good for getting oil and gas. They "cut out" the parts that won't flow well or don't have enough hydrocarbons. This helps them focus on the best spots to drill and get the most valuable resources.
