Flaring Pumpjack

[Manfred M]

I spent some time exploring parts of Alberta back in July when I was in Calgary.

Pumpjacks that pump oil out of the ground are a fairly common site here. This shot was take south-west of Drumheller, where I saw a group of four pumpjacks.

Gas (mostly methane) can be mixed in with the oil that is being extracted and it is often flared off (i.e. burned) to reduce the amount of gas that escapes into the atmosphere. I timed this shot so that it looks like it is coming out of one of the pumpjack's horsehead. The pipe flaring the gas is hidden behind the unit.

[Round Tuit]

Nice photo. The wavy grass seems to emulate the repetitive pump jacks arrangement.