Petroleum Engineer

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Petroleum engineers are involved in the production of oil and fuel. They may plan and supervise the drilling of new oil wells and damage well operation and maintenance. Some petroleum engineers work in refineries where oil is converted into petrol or diesel. In South Africa which is a major producer of synthetic oil, petroleum engineers play different role. Synthetic oil does not originate from natural underground sources, but is made from coal, like plants operated by SASOL.

Petroleum Engineers devise, plan and oversee the implementation of the synthetic oil production infrastructure and processes. They are responsible for the management of the processes as well as the production of chemical by-products such as plastic or rubber. Petroleum engineers take responsibility for the quality of the oil that is produced and must ensure that all production processes are safe and not harmful to the environment.