The image many have of oil gushing to the surface is only one part of oil extraction. The geologic and geophysics makeup of a well dictates the natural pressure that forces oil to the surface. Natural flowing pressure can fluctuate from one formation to another. And while this natural pressure can help bring oil to the surface, new technologies are continually being developed as many oil producers, such as Heartland Energy Development Corporation, seek out ways to increase wellhead pressure and potential production.

Most oil extraction operations use a variety of methods to get to the oil left after the pressure in the reserve is initially extracted. An artificial lift is normally part of the effort at the outset. Essentially, a pump removes the oil to a line of tubing. From there, it is sent to a storage container. If you've ever seen an old Western with an oil pump moving back and forth like a child on a rocking horse, you've seen this type of artificial lift. There is, however, another type of artificial lift that has become increasingly common. It pumps gas into the oil. That decreases the oil's overall density, which then allows it to rise to the surface with a basic type of pump. Unfortunately, even the best lift techniques leave quite a bit of oil in the ground, so additional methods must be used.

In some cases, gas is added to the top of the reservoir. That causes a gas cap to develop, which pushes the oil to the bottom. It is them pressured out. This could also be done with water. Water is forced into a site that is connected to the oil well, and it floods the adjacent well. Oil floats on water, so the oil is forced to the top, and is, thereby easier to extract.

Continual development of oil extraction techniques is necessary to meet the world's ongoing appetite for crude oil. Industry experts and companies like Heartland Energy continually assess and evaluate such techniques as they are developed.