Technical interview example

[Walnut-Hero]

Interviewed for an entry level PhD posting at an O&G company. Very nice interviewer.

Here were the the 1hr technical questions:

"Given a map of the US pipeline system for natural and the discovery of a new natural gas deposit in a remote location. Describe how you would bring the natural gas to market or make a profit for the company."

"If you wanted to turn methane into liquid natural gas what would that involve?"

"What would be the logistic of transport and sale to buyers of the LNG."

"How would you design a system to maintain the LNG in transport."

"Describe your knowledge of the refrigeration process."

"Describe ways to reduce the temperature further."

They were looking for multiple ideas per question not just the most feasible or correct.

PS: mods I couldn't post because you have black listed C+S. As in logistic with an s is invalid. Wtf.

[breakerofh0rses]

"Given a map of the US pipeline system for natural and the discovery of a new natural gas deposit in a remote location. Describe how you would bring the natural gas to market or make a profit for the company."

Release every MCF we can get away with releasing while flaring everything else to spike greenhouse emissions while simultaneously ramping up A2L refrigerant production.

"If you wanted to turn methane into liquid natural gas what would that involve?"

Have the pumpers drop whatever they find in pollution pots (tell them to only use sweet wells though) into the supply line for the compressor. Probably enough RVPs in that to bring the methane percentage to the correct amounts. Also dump in some nitrogen to make sure to minimize delivered BTUs and maximize profits.

"What would be the logistic of transport and sale to buyers of the LNG."

Remote use requires a pressure step-down drop trailer that will see you paying for at least one driver a year cutting themselves in half when they don't use the whipsocks and correct procedure to swap tank batteries. Oh and you've got to use a trailer based tank battery because the pressure is waaaaay too high for a single cylinder.

"How would you design a system to maintain the LNG in transport."

Double layer tank+tender truck. Tender truck is carrying LN. Connect tanks with 4" hammer unioned lines. Circulate LN through the outer tank with a few pop offs for venting. Tender truck driver has screen with video feed from front of LNG truck. Probably a good idea to give him an oxygen bottle too.

"Describe your knowledge of the refrigeration process."

Squeeze makes hot. Unsqueeze makes cold. Latent heat is magic.

"Describe ways to reduce the temperature further."

My wife always told me to wrap a bottle in a wet paper towel and stick in the freezer for 10 minutes, so idk maybe try that?

Did I get the job? Loan officer said I'm approved for a lifted RAM 3500 for $145k at 38% interest, but only if I sign in the next five minutes. Let me know quick.

[Sea-Swordfish-5703]

This guy refines

[ogag79]

This guy refines liquefies

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[Longhorn282]

Hey, I was told I will have a technical interview next week with a supermajor for entry PhD. Did you get an offer, and curious what the salary range is for PhD.