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Drilling problems don't slow Williston basin operators

Journal Article · · Pet. Eng. Int.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6336955
In spite of the Williston basin's tough drilling environment, exploration activity has continued to increase, especially around northwestern North Dakota's Nesson anticline. The foremost drilling problem is the Charles slat section, which lies 8000-9000 ft deep; this section requires a salt-saturated mud system with additives, a heavyweight pipe, and a careful cementing job. Nevertheless, big discoveries - such as Texaco Inc.'s gas well in McKenzie Co., which tested at 9.9 million CF/day and 179 bbl/day of condensate - will spur exploration for some time since most of the basin remains untouched. Moreover, drilling engineers will soon be able to mitigate, if not eliminate, the typical difficulties encountered.
OSTI ID:
6336955
Journal Information:
Pet. Eng. Int.; (United States), Journal Name: Pet. Eng. Int.; (United States) Vol. 54; ISSN PEEID
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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