How do they drill oil wells horizontally?
How do they drill oil wells horizontally?
Horizontal drilling is the process of drilling a well from the surface to a subsurface location just above the target oil or gas reservoir called the “kickoff point”, then deviating the well bore from the vertical plane around a curve to intersect the reservoir at the “entry point” with a near-horizontal inclination.
Why do oil companies have to drill shale wells horizontally?
Production Methods in Shale Oil Reservoirs Horizontal drilling is a commonly used technology because drilling at an angle other than vertically can stimulate reservoirs and obtain information that cannot be done by drilling vertically. Horizontal drilling can increase the contact between the reservoir and the wellbore.
How does directional oil drilling work?
A more complex way of directional drilling utilizes a bend near the bit, as well as a downhole steerable mud motor. In this case, the bend directs the bit in a different direction from the wellbore axis when the entire drillstring is not rotating, which is achieved by pumping drilling fluid through the mud motor.
What are four major reasons for drilling horizontal wells?
Directional and horizontal drilling have been used to reach targets beneath adjacent lands, reduce the footprint of gas field development, increase the length of the “pay zone” in a well, deliberately intersect fractures, construct relief wells, and install utility service beneath lands where excavation is impossible …
How do they drill a gas well?
To get the most gas possible, after drilling a hole, energy companies line the hole with materials meant to keep the gas in. Next, they send electric charges down the well, which affect the rock around it. After the charges are set off, a highly-pressurized liquid fracking solution is sent down the well.
Why do they have to drill down vertically and then drill horizontally to get the gas?
Horizontal wells are an alternative method for drilling for oil and natural gas when vertical wells do not yield enough fuel or are not possible. Drilling at some non-vertical angle can hit targets and stimulate reservoirs in ways that a vertical well cannot.