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What Is Horizontal Drilling & Why It Matters

Updated: Nov 8, 2023

When it comes to drilling, there are several ways that resources can be extracted. Some are more efficient than others in extracting more resources. Today, we are going to look at one of the most efficient ways of drilling, horizontal drilling, and how SBR Energy uses it operate as efficiently as possible.

What Is Horizontal Drilling & Why It Matters

What Is Horizontal Drilling?

Horizontal drilling involves drilling a well that turns horizontally to follow the path of a formation. This technique allows for extracting resources that would be otherwise difficult or impossible to reach through conventional vertical drilling methods. With horizontal drilling, the well is drilled vertically to a certain depth, then turned horizontally to follow the formation path. This allows for a longer section of the formation to be accessed, increasing the amount of resources that can be extracted. Horizontal drilling is often used with shale gas wells, with lateral lengths up to 10,000 feet (3,000 m) within the shale, to create maximum borehole surface area in contact with the shale


Why Is Horizontal Drilling Important?

Horizontal drilling has become increasingly important in the oil and gas industry due to its benefits. One of the key benefits of horizontal drilling is that it allows for greater access to reserves. Only a small formation area can be accessed with a conventional vertical well. However, horizontal drilling allows a longer section of the formation to be accessed, allowing for more resources to be extracted. This can be especially important in areas where resources are limited, as horizontal drilling can make it possible to extract more resources from a single well.


In addition to greater access to reserves, horizontal drilling also offers improved production rates. By following the formation path, horizontal wells can intersect with natural fractures in the rock, which can help increase flow rates. This can lead to greater efficiency, productivity, and reduced costs.


Finally, horizontal drilling can also help reduce drilling operations' environmental impact. By drilling fewer wells, horizontal drilling can reduce the amount of land that is disturbed, as well as the amount of infrastructure that is needed. In addition, the use of directional drilling can help to minimize the impact on natural habitats and reduce the risk of spills or other incidents.


Conclusion

In summary, horizontal drilling is an important technique in the oil and gas industry that offers a range of benefits. By allowing for greater access to reserves, improved production rates, and reduced environmental impact, horizontal drilling has become an increasingly popular choice for oil and gas companies around the world. As the demand for energy continues to grow, horizontal drilling will likely play an increasingly important role in meeting this need, while also ensuring that operations are more efficient and environmentally responsible.


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