Directional drilling describes any boring design that is not in a straight line. Basically, most boreholes are designed to go straight to the water table. Directional drilling deviates to avoid previous stuck pipes or any geological formations, then returns to the original path. However, most people have not adopted this method of drilling, especially in the home setting. The techniques involved in the process have been employed for many decades. In addition, technological improvements have played a role in improving operations involving turns, underground distances and angles. Look at facts you dint know about directional drilling.
Why is it valuable?
With directional drilling, you can drill multiple down holes from the same rig. Basically, this will reduce any surface disturbance and environmental impact of the area being drilled. In addition, the boreholes in question can extend up to a mile down. Directional drilling applies in oilfield dispersed deposit regions. It allows tapping of a large radius maximizing the most expensive asset in the process, the rig. The normal day rates for rigs and crews run into hundreds of thousands of dollars. Therefore, directional drilling is very cost-effective compared to having several vertical rigs, which may not tap into the same accessible deposits of an available reservoir.
How do you find the end of the drill?
It is not practical to see hundreds of meters down the ground. Basically, engineers and drillers rely on technology to see where they are heading. All directional drillers have a guide designed by geologists and engineers. After every few meters, survey data is generated to ensure that the right path is followed. In addition, there are directional drilling software systems that are well configured to receive input data from multiple measurements as the drilling process is done. The drilling software is aided by electromagnetic sensors to track the process of the drill bit at every interval. How does the drill turn?
You'll probably wonder about the mechanics involved in turning the drill without seeing the technology used. The weight, stiffness and rotational speed of the drill are essential in influencing direction. Besides the use of technology, there are traditional methods employed in turning the direction of the drill. For instance, the use of whipstock, which is a type of wedge is employed to direct the drill according to the geological manual guide, is common. At the required depth, the drill is withdrawn back to the surface and the whipstock put in place. The drill is put back and gets directed by the whipstock.
Share