The direction of a wellbore in the oil & gas sector doesn’t go in a straight line. This is why the production sector utilizes heavy machinery for directional drilling completions to lay down their structure. This ensures compliance with the standard blueprint, which is essential for future operations and good for the environment.
What is Directional Drilling
Any boring that doesn’t proceed downwards in straight lines is referred to as directional drilling. Even in a straight well, the engineers need to deviate the lines to prevent intercepting a geological structure or a previously blocked pipe. The operator, in this case, employs directional tactics.
The pipe, drill bit & string, and casing go down vertically in a traditional oil & gas setup. Drilling oriented even a fraction away from a straight line is directional drilling. However, engineers now include more than one directional modification in the original blueprint of the wellbore.
Methods of Directional Drilling
Directional drilling is primarily used for three specified applications. These applications include extended-reach drilling or ERD, multilateral, and short radius drilling. Most ERD procedures begin as a vertical drill from a specified point. This point is called the KOP or Kick-Off Point.
The extended reach survey tools help determine the face of the drilling tool and the formation of the measurement sensors inside the wellbore. The MWD or Measurement-While-Drilling systems continuously aid in the process to monitor and maneuver the trajectory of the drill inside the well.
By utilizing modern downhole tools, engineers can drill more than 6.2 miles in the direction they like.
Applications of the Methods
Directional drilling methods have been used for over 100 years, with more industries introducing the technique into their production regime. Directional drilling has been beneficial to the following sectors:
Construction Industry
The method is used for various construction purposes, including laying out a web of pipelines under the foundation or creating a smooth arc of a limited diameter for the circulation of different materials and waste particles.
Mining Industry
Directional drilling is used to create wells in the mining industry for safe production and circulation of methane gas through coal seams.
Geothermal Engineering
Gamma logging or the extraction of essential geothermal gradients found underneath the earth’s surface can be carried out with directional drilling. These materials are extracted using production wells and can be used to produce electricity.
Advantages of Directional Drilling
- Saves excavation costs
- No interruption of weather
- Underground installations which are good for the environment
- No permits required to acquire work area
- Gets the job done in a significantly shorter time
- Not too costly
- Perfect for residential service installations
True Shot LLC is one of the leading companies in the USA that provides drilling solutions for clients nationwide. We have successfully drilled 7000 wells in a short amount of time.
We guarantee accuracy using extended reach survey tools, M1 Unmanned MWD, and modern downhole tools for all directional drillings.
Get in touch with our professionals and access our nationwide reputable drilling services.
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