Many methods of drilling exist today for different applications. Horizonal drilling is one of the technological marvels in this industry. This method is classified under directional drilling methods and is used in a number of applications where other methods cannot produce the desired results. In this process, the well is horizontally turned to move horizontally at some depth into the ground.
The well is turned horizontally to allow for the extraction of energy sources that are extending horizontally themselves. One common application of this technique is in the extraction of gas in Marcellus Shale Formation. The well has to be drilled vertically up to some point into the ground before it can be turned horizontally. The result of this kind of drilling is a well that is shaped like an exaggerated letter J.
When comparing horizontal and vertical wells, it becomes obvious that horizontal wells can be used for accessing wider rock and natural gas areas. This significantly reduces the number of horizontal wells a company needs for a certain project. This makes the suitability of this process higher.
Companies choose to employ horizontal wells over other wells for a number of reasons. First, this method helps to increase the section length through a reservoir. This necessitates for drilling wells that are at an angle to intended reservoirs. The second reason why this method may be preferred is when other methods are not viable. For instance, when an oilfield is occurring beneath a town.
To access such oil, the well is drilled at a location outside the town where drilling is viable. A vertical well is drilled before it is turned horizontally to access the oilfield. This process is also preferred in situations where cost needs to be kept low and ensure that minimum disturbance is caused to the land. This is achieved by grouping several wells at one location and then fanning them out underground to access the required oilfields.
The presence of a central locations makes it unnecessary to employ equipment at multiple locations. Equipment can be shared at the central site. Manpower necessary for the task is kept low as are transport costs. Utilization of a central site limits environmental disturbance to that location alone. This process plays a major role in the goal of minimizing environmental pollution and disturbance.
A few shortcomings exist in this method too. Initially, drilling horizontal wells was a much slower process compared to vertical wells. Lengthy surveys had to be made regularly, putting the whole process to a stop. Also, penetration rate was very slow. However, the situation has improved significantly with the invention of better equipment and modern downhole motors.
Another shortcoming originates from cost. It is generally more expensive to drill horizontal wells than their vertical counterparts. The process is made more challenging because drilling has to be done at an angle. Lastly, another problem comes from controlling the influx of sand. This has however been dealt with through better planning and invention of better technology.
The well is turned horizontally to allow for the extraction of energy sources that are extending horizontally themselves. One common application of this technique is in the extraction of gas in Marcellus Shale Formation. The well has to be drilled vertically up to some point into the ground before it can be turned horizontally. The result of this kind of drilling is a well that is shaped like an exaggerated letter J.
When comparing horizontal and vertical wells, it becomes obvious that horizontal wells can be used for accessing wider rock and natural gas areas. This significantly reduces the number of horizontal wells a company needs for a certain project. This makes the suitability of this process higher.
Companies choose to employ horizontal wells over other wells for a number of reasons. First, this method helps to increase the section length through a reservoir. This necessitates for drilling wells that are at an angle to intended reservoirs. The second reason why this method may be preferred is when other methods are not viable. For instance, when an oilfield is occurring beneath a town.
To access such oil, the well is drilled at a location outside the town where drilling is viable. A vertical well is drilled before it is turned horizontally to access the oilfield. This process is also preferred in situations where cost needs to be kept low and ensure that minimum disturbance is caused to the land. This is achieved by grouping several wells at one location and then fanning them out underground to access the required oilfields.
The presence of a central locations makes it unnecessary to employ equipment at multiple locations. Equipment can be shared at the central site. Manpower necessary for the task is kept low as are transport costs. Utilization of a central site limits environmental disturbance to that location alone. This process plays a major role in the goal of minimizing environmental pollution and disturbance.
A few shortcomings exist in this method too. Initially, drilling horizontal wells was a much slower process compared to vertical wells. Lengthy surveys had to be made regularly, putting the whole process to a stop. Also, penetration rate was very slow. However, the situation has improved significantly with the invention of better equipment and modern downhole motors.
Another shortcoming originates from cost. It is generally more expensive to drill horizontal wells than their vertical counterparts. The process is made more challenging because drilling has to be done at an angle. Lastly, another problem comes from controlling the influx of sand. This has however been dealt with through better planning and invention of better technology.
About the Author:
If you ever have the need for horizonal drilling, the best thing to do is visit the Web and enter the keywords in a search engine. Alternatively, you may go directly to this website at http://www.skinnerhorizontal.com.
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