Its been years since I've been there but I don't remeber this building and engine. I remeber what I think was a steam engine inside the old wood building with the "drake" tower
I've hunted and hiked in many areas near there, and have come across many of those engines that are operating out in the mountains, and some of the wells are still producing oil.
The Grettenberger(sp?) Vacuum pumps on it are not actually pumping natural gas to power the engine, and the pumps on site are run for show. The 20 hp Olin is run every day for the sole enjoyment of the visitors at a large cost to the Museum.
The actual "well" at the Drake Well Museum is capped off at the bottom, and the oil you see coming out of it when it is running is being recirculated. Both the oil being recirculated in the well, and the oil in the gift shop are from the McClintock Well No.1 in Rouseville Pennsylvania. The McClintock Well is about 15 miles from the Drake Well, and is the oldest continuously operational well in the world.
If I am starting the engine up, or shutting it down and someone wanders by and asks I will usually let them take a peek. But, visitors are generally not allowed near it while it is running without special permission.
Its been years since I've been there but I don't remeber this building and engine. I remeber what I think was a steam engine inside the old wood building with the "drake" tower
Jason1Pa 1 year ago
Sounds powerful!
Bidone1967 1 year ago
I've hunted and hiked in many areas near there, and have come across many of those engines that are operating out in the mountains, and some of the wells are still producing oil.
derdagian1 1 year ago 2
Get a polarizing filter.
Polybun 2 years ago
Is this thing still running profitably? If it is, that's really something.
daw162 4 years ago
The Grettenberger(sp?) Vacuum pumps on it are not actually pumping natural gas to power the engine, and the pumps on site are run for show. The 20 hp Olin is run every day for the sole enjoyment of the visitors at a large cost to the Museum.
Noctivious 4 years ago
is the crude oil sold in the gift shop actually from the well then?
b5201 3 years ago
The actual "well" at the Drake Well Museum is capped off at the bottom, and the oil you see coming out of it when it is running is being recirculated. Both the oil being recirculated in the well, and the oil in the gift shop are from the McClintock Well No.1 in Rouseville Pennsylvania. The McClintock Well is about 15 miles from the Drake Well, and is the oldest continuously operational well in the world.
Noctivious 3 years ago
do they allow anyone in the engine shed?
douro20 4 years ago
If I am starting the engine up, or shutting it down and someone wanders by and asks I will usually let them take a peek. But, visitors are generally not allowed near it while it is running without special permission.
Noctivious 4 years ago