Directional drilling

Ditchwitch jt4020 mach1

Contour map software screen snapshot of isopach map for 8500ft deep OIL reservoir with a Fault line

Figure 4- Example of a Horizontal Wellbore Traversing Mineral Parcels with Different Owners (13985529998) (cropped)

Directional drilling is a specialized drilling technique used in the oil and gas industry to access and extract resources from beneath the Earth's surface at angles other than vertical. This method allows for multiple wells to be drilled from a single location, minimizing environmental impact and allowing for the exploitation of resources under sensitive areas without directly disturbing them. Directional drilling is also used in other applications such as installing underground utilities and water management.

Overview

Directional drilling involves steering a drill bit to follow a predetermined path at various angles. The technique has revolutionized the oil and gas exploration and production industry by enabling the drilling of wells to reach reservoirs several kilometers away from the drilling site or to intersect a specific point in a reservoir with high precision. This is particularly useful in situations where the drilling platform cannot be positioned directly above the target, such as drilling beneath urban areas, bodies of water, or environmentally sensitive regions.

History

The origins of directional drilling trace back to the early 20th century, with the first recorded attempt in 1929 by John Eastman and Roman Hines. Initially, the technology was rudimentary, but it has evolved significantly over the decades. The introduction of downhole motors, real-time telemetry, and advanced navigation tools has greatly improved the accuracy and efficiency of directional drilling operations.

Techniques

Several techniques are employed in directional drilling, including:

• Slant Drilling: Drilling at a fixed angle from the vertical.
• Horizontal Drilling: Extending the drill bit horizontally after reaching a certain depth to access a broader area of the reservoir.
• Multilateral Drilling: Branching out from the main wellbore to access different parts of the reservoir.
• Extended Reach Drilling: Drilling a wellbore to reach targets at a horizontal distance far from the drilling site, often used to access offshore fields from onshore locations.

Equipment and Tools

Directional drilling requires specialized equipment and tools, including:

• Downhole Motors: Tools that provide additional power to the drill bit, enabling it to turn independently of the drill pipe.
• Rotary Steerable Systems (RSS): Advanced systems that allow for continuous steering of the drill bit while rotating the drill string, offering greater precision and control.
• Measurement While Drilling (MWD) and Logging While Drilling (LWD): Technologies that provide real-time data on the well's trajectory and geological formations, respectively.

Applications

Beyond oil and gas extraction, directional drilling is used in various applications, such as:

• Installing underground utilities (water, gas, telecommunications) without trenching.
• Environmental remediation by accessing contaminated areas for treatment.
• Geothermal energy production by accessing hot water and steam reservoirs.
• Water management, including the creation of relief wells to control underground water pressure.

Challenges and Considerations

Directional drilling, while advantageous, presents several challenges, including higher costs compared to traditional vertical drilling, the complexity of planning and executing the drilling operation, and the need for highly skilled personnel. Additionally, the environmental impact, though reduced, still requires careful management to prevent issues such as groundwater contamination.

Conclusion

Directional drilling has become an indispensable technique in the oil and gas industry and other sectors requiring subsurface access. Its ability to minimize environmental impact, access difficult-to-reach reserves, and improve the efficiency of resource extraction has solidified its role in modern drilling operations.