Directional drilling and earth curvature

Journal Article · Wed Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 2000 · SPE Drilling and Completion (Society of Petroleum Engineers)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2118/62114-PA· OSTI ID:20019055

Williamson, H S; Wilson, H F

This paper provides a review of current practices for calculating directional drilling placement in the light of modern extended-reach applications. The review highlights the potential for gross errors in the application of geodetic reference information and errors inherent in the calculation method. Both types of error are quantified theoretically and illustrated with a real example. The authors borrow established land surveying calculation methods to develop a revised best practice for directional drilling. For the elimination of gross errors they prescribe increased awareness and a more disciplined approach to the handling of positional data.

• Research Organization: BP Amoco (US)
• OSTI ID: 20019055
• Journal Information: SPE Drilling and Completion (Society of Petroleum Engineers), Vol. 15, Issue 1; Other Information: PBD: Mar 2000; ISSN 1064-6671
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

03 NATURAL GAS
02 PETROLEUM
42 ENGINEERING
WELL DRILLING
DIRECTIONAL DRILLING
CALCULATION METHODS
GEODESY
EARTH PLANET
ERRORS