The use of newer oilfield technologies, including hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, has single-handedly made the Bakken one of the largest oil developments in the United States. It has transformed North Dakota, this once sleepy state, into a hub-bub of activity that has brought economic development to the region, employment opportunities, and improved the lives of many people.

Northern Oilfield Services based out of Williston, North Dakota, is proud to be a part of the Bakken boom by helping oilfield service companies with their equipment needs. From frac iron rentals to drilling equipment and parts, we can help. Our mission is to make your lives a bit easier by helping you to maintain your equipment and prevent breakdowns and downtimes. Our expert team will make sure your needs are taken care of. We like to say we go the extra mile for all of your wellhead, valves, and other needs.

The Bakken is a large formation that is not going anywhere soon. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimates that there are still 4.4 to 11.4 billion barrels of undiscovered, recoverable oil in the Bakken Formation. They also estimate that there is an additional 6.7 trillion cubic feet of natural gas as well.

SHALE ROCK INVESTIGATED

The Bakken is primarily composed of shale rock that geologists believe were deposited in the late Devonian and early Mississippian age, or about 360 to 320 million years ago. There are three layers in the Bakken Formation rock: a top and a bottom shale layer with a siltstone and sandstone layer in the middle. The shale layers serve to trap the oil in the middle layer, so you can think of the shale layers as the slices of bread of a sandwich with your meat in the middle.

Northern Oilfield Services in Williston notes that this layer where the oil lives has a very low permeability and low porosity, which is why it lay untapped for so long. Underneath the Bakken shale layers is another layer of shale known as the Three Forks. Hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling are used to access the oil in this layer as well. Scientists believe that this layer holds over half the undiscovered and recoverable petroleum resources in the Bakken Formation.

HOW OIL IS FORMED

Oil is believed by scientists to be the remains of long dead plants, tiny marine organisms, and animals, which is fascinating when you think about how everything on earth is recycled.

Scientists believe petroleum is formed when dead organic matter settles on the bottom of riverbeds and oceans. Northern Oilfield Services in Williston notes that these remains mix with mud and sand. As more and more dead matter and material lay on top, the heat and pressure turns the organic material into a dark and waxy material, which scientists call kerogen.

Kerogen eventually turns into carbon and hydrogen atoms in a liquefied state. Depending on the amount of liquid or gas that is trapped in the organic matter determines whether petroleum or natural gas will form. It is estimated that this process takes hundreds of thousands of years, which is why oil and gas are considered nonrenewable resources.

THE NORTHERN OILFIELD SERVICES DIFFERENCE

When you partner with Northern Oilfield Services for your oilfield equipment needs, you will have more time to concentrate on serving your customers better and on garnering new customers yourself. Our mission is to take off your plate the sometimes cumbersome task of oilfield equipment maintenance and service, so you can focus on growing your business. We offer frac iron rental, drilling equipment rental, and wellhead equipment sales, rentals, and maintenance. When we maintenance your equipment, we’ll also test it to ensure it’s working and make sure all of the required service work is done for compliance.

Northern Oilfield Services has a large supply of oilfield parts as well for your equipment needs. If you are in need of a part, give us a call. We carry many brands, valves, spools, hangers, chokes, flow trees, BOPs, and recording equipment. Odds are, if you need a part, we’ve got it, or we can get it for your lightning quick. Call the oilfield supply company you can trust, Northern Oilfield Services, today to get started!