Application of models for directional drilling technology

Abstract

The aim of this study is to develop a program to compare directional survey models and select the most accurate. When drilling a directional well, the actual route of the well must be regularly checked to ensure that it is in agreement with the planned route. This is done by measuring the position of the well at constant intervals. A program was established to be used for the five methods (Minimum Curvature, Tangential, Angle Averaging, Balanced Tangential, and Radius of Curvature) for well path design. The directional survey extents are assumed in terms of inclination, azimuth, and 3D coordinates. Comparing the result from the program developed which was used for the different methods it was observed that this new method is faster and more reliable. T-Test statistical method to compare the values gotten for the vertical section from the plan with that of the actual survey was used. The results obtained using the average angle, minimum curvature, balanced tangential, and radius of curvature are very small hence any of the methods can be used for calculating the well trajectory but the Tangential shows considerable error and is highly strayed from the plan in the build section hence it should not be used in directional survey calculation. The conclusion drawn from the t-test carried out, therefore, is that there is no significant difference in the vertical section values between the plan and the fives methods considered.