Mining technique finds applications in oil exploration

Journal Article · Wed Mar 06 04:00:00 EST 1991 · Oil and Gas Journal; (United States)

OSTI ID:5118014

Deliac, E P; Messines, J P ^[1]; Thierree, B A ^[2]

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1. Elf Aquitaine, Paris (FR)
2. Exploservices, Paris (FR)

This paper reports that oil exploration companies have taken increased interest in slim hole drilling as practiced by the mining drilling industry in small diameter coring. In addition to providing cores for the entire well, the core hole drilling technique is an attractive exploration method because a well can typically be drilled for approximately 30% less than the cost of a conventionally drilled well. These savings increase even further for remote locations because the smaller core hole rig package reduces logistics and transportation expenses. The worldwide status of slim hole drilling and its applications to the oil industry were surveyed by Exploservices. Based on this survey of slim hole drilling, part of which is documented here, a major research and development project was recently launched by Elf Aquitaine. This multidisciplinary project joined explorationists with drilling and reservoir engineers to analyze existing slim hole techniques and improve them for oil field applications.

• OSTI ID: 5118014
• Journal Information: Oil and Gas Journal; (United States), Journal Name: Oil and Gas Journal; (United States) Vol. 89:18; ISSN OIGJA; ISSN 0030-1388
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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