Elf well turns 90/degree/- and stays there

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1981 · Pet. Eng.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5464704

Astier, B; Jourdan, A; Baron, G

As part of an intensive research program, the French association IFP (Institut Francais du Petrole) and Elf-Aquitaine have drilled the first European horizontal hole. The well was spudded conventionally and then deviated so that its final path was horizontal, 2,198 ft (670 m) below the surface. More than 330 ft (100 m) were drilled between 89/degree/ and 92/degree/ of inclination. The project started with reservoir engineering studies aimed at demonstrating, on mathematical models, the effectiveness of a horizontal drain hole in areas where hydrocarbon recovery is poor or unsatisfactory, due to gas or water coning, poor flooding patterns, intersection of fractures in tight but fractured producing formations, or other causes. This technique has a number of potential applications both in and out of the oil industry. The well was drilled in 44 days. Horizontal displacement was 2,192 ft (668 m) with a total vertical depth of 2,198 ft (670 m). To accomplish this, it was necessary to drill 3,563 ft (1,086 m) of hole. In the 17/one-half/-in. hole, 73/4-in. drill collars and 5-in. heavy weight drill pipe were run above the bent sub and the monel collar. While reaming the hole, the drill string was rotated conventionally, one near bit and one stabilizer (30 ft above) being included in the string.

• Research Organization: Elf-Aquitaine, Fr
• OSTI ID: 5464704
• Journal Information: Pet. Eng.; (United States), Journal Name: Pet. Eng.; (United States) Vol. 53:1; ISSN PENGA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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