Horizontal Drilling

Overview

Horizontal Drilling introduces the basic concepts and principles of horizontal well drilling. The course provides complete and clear explanations of why horizontal wells are drilled—from their use in connecting vertical fracture systems for increasing productivity to the control of water and gas coning in problem fields. The three basic types of horizontal wells (short, medium, and long radius) are depicted utilizing detailed graphics. These preliminary topics are followed by a unit devoted to the mechanics of drilling and completing a horizontal well. Angle-build and angle-hold assemblies for the different types of horizontal wells are presented, as well as animated depictions of steerable assemblies, conventional directional drilling, and short-radius drilling equipment. Informative discussions cover MWDs, top drives, and mud motors in horizontal well drilling operations.

Objectives

• Explain the concept of a horizontal well.
• List the advantages of horizontal drilling.
• Differentiate between three types of horizontal wells.
• Describe the stages of drilling a horizontal well.
• Identify the basic equipment used for horizontal drilling.
• Describe different horizontal well completion methods.