Operated by Anadarko with 30%, that well was another monster, going down more than 31, 000 feet in 5, 800 feet of water, and discovering a remarkable 1, 000 feet of oil-bearing rock with very promising reservoir properties.

FORBES: Tiny Dallas-Based Oil Company Scores Two Giant Deepwater Discoveries In One Week

The carbon dioxide, injected deep into the reservoir, basically scours the oil out of the rock and pushes it upward where it can flow into a well.

FORBES: Energy

As the average untapped oil reservoir is to be found in ever smaller, deeper and tighter rock, service companies have come up with ever more innovations.

FORBES: Magazine Article