Drainhole drilling projects under way

Journal Article · Wed Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1987 · Drilling-DCW; (United States)

OSTI ID:5922452

Burton, B

This paper reports that many operators are taking advantage of continued developments in drainhole drilling technology to increase productivity in certain fields. Previously untapped prospects are under renewed scrutiny to determine if drainhole and horizontal drilling can make them more attractive. Producing properties are being reevaluated as well. Drainhole drilling typically involves reentering an existing well and cutting through the casing to drill a relatively short length of horizontal wellbore. Although separating drainhole and horizonal or extended-reach drilling is somewhat of a gray area, one difference is that a drainhole well turns to the horizontal much quicker. The radius of turn to 90/sup 0/ can be as little as 30 to 50 ft. Additionally, the length of horizontal kick in a drainhole well is typically in the 300- to 500-ft range compared to 1000 ft or more in extended-reach drilling. A final separating characteristic is that drainhole drilling can be associated with several horizontal lengths of wellbore coming off a single vertical hole.

• Research Organization: Drilex, A-Z International and Grant Oil Tools
• OSTI ID: 5922452
• Journal Information: Drilling-DCW; (United States), Journal Name: Drilling-DCW; (United States) Vol. 48:4; ISSN DRDCD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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