Horizontal Drilling Methods Research Articles

METHODS OF DRILLING MULTILATERAL WELLS FOR THE PURPOSE OF EXPLOITING MULTILAYER FIELDS

The exploitation of multi-layer fields is an urgent task for the oil and gas industry, requiring effective well drilling technologies to optimize hydrocarbon production processes. This article discusses methods for drilling multilateral wells with special emphasis on their application to the exploitation of multilayer fields. The first method discussed in the article is based on multilateral wells. This method involves drilling several shafts simultaneously from one site. It allows you to effectively develop various layers of the field, saving time and resources. An important aspect of this method is the optimal placement of the shafts, considering the geological and hydrodynamic characteristics of the field. The second method discussed in the article is the horizontal drilling method, which is actively used for the exploitation of multi-layer fields. Horizontal drilling allows the extraction of hydrocarbons from various formations, minimizing the negative impact on the environment and increasing the overall productivity of the field. The third method discussed in the article is associated with the use of modern technologies, such as multiphase drilling and the use of composite materials for casing. These innovations help improve the efficiency of drilling and production processes, increasing formation permeability and reducing well maintenance costs. In addition, the advantages and limitations of each method are discussed, as well as their applicability in different geological settings. Developing and improving multilateral well drilling techniques to exploit multilayer reservoirs is critical to effectively managing and optimizing oil and gas production, contributing to the sustainable development of the energy industry. Keywords: multi-layer fields, exploitation, multilateral wells, technology, method.

A Design Method for Improving the Effect of Shale Interlaced with Limestone Reservoir Reconstruction

Sichuan Basin, located in southwestern China, is renowned for its abundant oil and gas resources. Among these valuable reserves, Da’anzhai seashell limestone stands out as a significant contributor to the region’s energy industry. Da’anzhai seashell limestone is a type of sedimentary rock that contains substantial amounts of organic matter. Over millions of years, the accumulation and transformation of this organic material have resulted in the formation of vast reservoirs rich in oil and natural gas. These reservoirs are found within the layers of Da’anzhai seashell limestone. The geological conditions in Sichuan Basin have played a crucial role in the development and preservation of these resources. The basin’s unique tectonic history has created favorable conditions for the generation and accumulation of hydrocarbon. Additionally, the presence of faults and fractures within the rock formations has facilitated fluid migration and trapping, further enhancing the resource potential. The exploitation of Da’anzhai seashell limestone resources has significantly contributed to China’s energy security and economic growth. Oil extracted from these reserves not only meets domestic demand, but also supports various industries such as transportation, manufacturing, and power generation. Natural gas derived from this source plays an essential role in heating homes, fueling industrial processes, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by replacing coal as a cleaner-burning alternative. Efforts to explore and exploit Da’anzhai seashell limestone continue through advanced technologies such as seismic imaging techniques, horizontal drilling methods, and hydraulic fracturing (fracking), among others. These technological advancements enable more efficient extraction while minimizing the environmental impact. It is worth noting that sustainable management practices should be implemented to ensure the responsible utilization of these resources without compromising the ecological balance or endangering local communities. Environmental protection measures must be prioritized throughout all stages—exploration, production, transportation—to mitigate any potential negative impacts on ecosystems or water sources. In conclusion, the Sichuan Basin boasts abundant oil and gas resources, with Da’anzhai seashell limestone playing a vital role in supporting China’s energy needs. Through responsible exploration, extraction, and utilization practices, these valuable reserves can contribute positively towards national development while ensuring environmental sustainability.

Ecological Consequences of the Development of Shale Formations Containing Toxic Elements

Abstract—The average concentrations of trace elements, including toxic elements, in shales from various shale basins of the world are reported. The concentrations of a number of elements significantly exceeding the Clarke numbers for clay rocks in the Kenderlyk shale of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in the Domanic sediments of the Volga–Ural oil and gas bearing basin, some American formations (Barnett), etc., were noted. It was demonstrated that the concentrations of potentially toxic elements in many deposits were higher than their average values in clays and other sedimentary rocks. The release of potentially toxic elements into the environment significantly increased as a result of thermal effects on the formation, which can occur on the development of similar deposits of fossil fuels and in some hydrocarbon conversion processes. This was confirmed by natural observations and laboratory studies. On the hydraulic fracturing, which is widely used in the development of shale formations by the horizontal drilling method, toxic elements from both shales and their naphthide components can be released into the environment. In the development of shale deposits, additional studies are required for the monitoring of the trace element composition of shale formations to exclude environmental risks.

Canadian Coiled Tubing Horizontal Drilling: Technology And Applications

Abstract Canada has played a prominent role in the development of horizontal drilling technology. To date, over 1,400 "grassroots" and "re-entry" wells have been drilled. Although other countries have experienced greater numbers of wells, the number of different types, varieties, and formations tested with this technology in Canada is unparalleled. Due in part to the exponential growth of horizontal well applications since the mid-1980's, coiled tubing CCT) technology in Canada has been adapted and evolved for more traditional uses such as horizontal well stimulation, evaluation, workovers, and clean-outs. The principal nontraditional aspect of CT is its use in drilling operations. This paper will deal with the current state and recent advances in CT horizontal drilling in Canada, A brief historical perspective will be presented that highlights Canada's presence as a pioneer in CT drilling and documents its evolution from vertical re-entries dating back to 1974, grassroots vertical wells in 1976, to the industry's current efforts at vertical and horizontal CTD. The principal Canadian service companies are reviewed in terms of present capabilities in CTO applications and the perceived driving forces that are stimulating the development of this emerging technology. The key factors such as diameter and fatigue life of the coil, length limitations, bottom hole assemblies, surveying methods and the economic and market factors affecting CTO relative to more conventional drilling techniques are reviewed. Finally, the future technological, market and economic developments necessary for the successful implementation of CTO for grassroots vertical and horizontal well re-entry projects are suggested. Introduction The exponential growth in the number of horizontal well applications in Canada and internationally over the past eight years has led to a relatively rapid development of both personnel and equipment to enhance the horizontal drilling method of exploiting existing oil and gas pools. In Canada, there are an estimated 70,000 producing wells: 40,000 gas wells and 30,000 oil wells. Recently, the National Energy Board (NEB) presented a study on horizontal oil wells and their impact on future crude oil supply in Canada. They estimated that there is a potential market of over 12,000 horizontal wells that can be economically drilled within 1,800 oil pools at a market price of $20 US/Bbl. Of these 12,000 wells, 5,000 were believed to be grassroots in nature (1 I 100 have been drilled to date) while 7,000 were horizontal re-entries through existing cased wells (300 have been drilled to date). Of the 6,700 remaining re-entries, the competition for services will be between slim hole (less than or equal to 6–1/4 in. hole size) conventional drilling systems using drilling rigs or modified service rigs and coiled tubing drilling (CTD) technology. Add to this potential market vertical deepenings, horizontal lengthenings and grassroots wells coupled with increasing interest in horizontal exploitation of gas pools, and the development of CTD appears to be poised for exponential growth in Canada over the next five years. Some of the questions that will be addressed during the course of this paper are:

Organic Geochemistry of Black Shale and Associated Oils of the Pennsylvanian Hermosa Group, Paradox Basin, Utah and Colorado

According to recent estimates, the Paradox basin may contain more than 700 million bbl and 1.3 tcf of producible oil and gas, respectively. Newly developed horizontal drilling methods may increase the potential for oil produced from fractured, organic-rich shale in the Paradox Formation of the Hermosa Group. The purpose of this study was to characterize the organic matter contained in the black shale, interbedded lithologies, and oils produced from associated reservoir rocks. Total organic carbon (TOC) content of the rocks is from less than 0.2 wt.% in evaporites to as much as about 25 wt% in some of the black shales. TOC content generally increases in the order of evaporites < siltstones < carbonates < black shale. Only the carbonate rock and black shale contain sufficient TOC to have generated and expelled petroleum. Varying proportions of organic matter types I, II, and III are present in the organic-rich black shales according to Rock-Eval pyrolysis (hydrogen indexes from [sup [minus]]00 to less than 100 mg/g), visual kerogen analyses (amorphous to structure kerogen), and carbon isotope ratios ([minus]23 to [minus]27% PDB). Analyses of 23 oils from the major producing intervals in the basin indicate variable maturity according to molecular distributions of aromaticmore » hydrocarbons and organosulfur compounds. Source-related differences also are evident among the oils. For example, Cane Creek oils have relatively lower pristane/phytane and tricyclic pentacyclic terpane ratios than Desert Creek and Barker Creek oils. Understanding the distribution and maturity of the organic source facies, coupled with identification of oil-source rock correlations, should help define new areas for exploration in the basin.« less