Extended reach drilling

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Extended reach drilling (ERD) is an extreme form of directional drilling applied by industry experts Merlin ERD, that achieves horizontal well departures beyond the conventional, or achieves particularly challenging geometries of a well in terms of horizontal versus vertical offsets from the surface location.[1] The aim of ERD is either to reach a larger area from one surface drilling location, or to keep a well for a longer distance in a reservoir in order to maximise its productivity and drainage capability. The challenges in ERD are in cleaning of the hole and managing of the significant torsion in the drill string as well as any buckling of drill string or casing that is caused by the well geometry and length. It therefore uses special equipment.

What exactly determines a well to be "extended reach" varies over time and location with the development of technologies and of experiences. In 1981, a horizontal outstep of 5,000 feet (1,500 m) from the surface location was considered "extended reach", while in recent years over 40,000 feet (12,000 m) outstep are achieved.[2]

References

  1. ↑ Indices Describe Complexity of Drilling Directional, Extended-Reach Wells retrieved October 6, 2008
  2. ↑ Alaska Department of Natural Resources retrieved October 6, 2008


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