Directional Drilling

Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this module, you should be able to: Define the uses of directional drilling Explain how the tools utilized in directional drilling may influence bit performance Utilize the terms associated with directional drilling with our customers when conducting a well programming exercise Better evaluate performance from a directional well after taking into consideration the bend angles utilized

Directional Considerations Introduction

Every year, more customers are planning and utilizing directional wells as part of their total drilling programs. As directional drilling equipment and techniques improve, so does the efficiency and accuracy of the directional drilling process. This means the trend to utilize more directional wells will continue. Our products and services must be adaptable to these new types of well configurations to optimize the directional objectives and to contribute to the continued reduction of the total cost of the drilling process. This module explains directional objectives and the use of directional drilling tools and support tools. Directional drilling terms are explained and defined. The influence of directional decisions on bit selection is described. The impact of directional objectives and considerations on bit performance is demonstrated. The chapter concludes by explaining that achievement of directional objectives is the number one priority, followed by economics. Why Drill Directionally? Customers choose to drill a directional well for many reasons. While it is not the intent of this course to describe all the different uses, a few examples are provided to introduce to you to this drilling technique. Uses for directional drilling can be separated into four main categories: Reservoir Drainage ROI (Return on Investment) Inaccessible target locations from surface Avoidance of obstructions in the wellbore

Reservoir Drainage In most cases, the more contact the wellbore has with the productive formation, the higher the production potential that exists. DIFFERENT CONTACT LENGTHS OF RESERVOIR DEPENDING ON WELL TYPES
Directional Drilling

WELLBORE

- Reservoir Contact - Reservoir Contact

Tangent Section

2nd Build Section to Horizontal

Horizontal Hole

- Reservoir Contact

Figure 7.1

Also, a directional well provides the opportunity to reach more production intervals in a given formation sequence. Horizontal wells have been utilized primarily to increase the reservoir contact of a single wellbore. Again, multiple uses of this technique have been developed. Horizontal techniques may eliminate the need to drill additional wells when compared to historical vertical well drainage patterns. The uses of horizontal wells for development and production are: improving drainage secondary recovery pressure depleted reservoirs reducing the number of production wells increasing the production rate per well

Return On Investment (ROI)

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Customers spend millions of dollars on fixed structures such as a platform, pad, or man-made island. These are mainly placed offshore or in an environmentally sensitive area. To garner returns from this investment, operators must reach different parts of the reservoir or multiple reservoirs from this fixed location. Extended reach directional techniques allow for the reservoir to be contacted sometimes 5-6 miles laterally away from the surface position. Many wells can be drilled from these structures in various directions and depths. DIRECTIONAL WELL PROGRAM SCHEMATIC

Figure 7.2

Wells can be reentered at a later date and redrilled to another position directionally, thus extending the payback for the investment.

Inaccessible Target Locations From Surface

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The targeted reservoir may be directly under a town, lake, or mountain, and cannot be reached utilizing a vertical well profile. A surface location can be constructed adjacent to the target and the well steered to the target. Wellbore Obstructions Sometimes drilling is disrupted and equipment is left in the hole. To complete the well, the path must be sidetracked around the debris (fish or junk) and then the well can continue into the reservoir as planned. Directional Drilling Concepts and Terms TVD - Total Vertical Depth - Length of the wellbore from surface location straight down to the bottomhole depth. Measures not how long the well is, but how deep it is on a vertical plane. TMD - Total Measured Depth - The actual length or total footage of the wellbore from surface location to bottom. Also called "along-hole depth" since it measures the length of the actual hole. TVD can be equal to, but never greater than TMD. In a vertical well, TVD would equal TMD. DLS - Dog Leg Severity (or also Dog Leg Expectancy) - This is the amount of change in angle and/or direction of the wellbore, measured in degrees per 100 feet. BUR - Build Up Rate - The rate, in degrees/100 ft, at which the directional angle of the well is changed from vertical. Radius of curvature is another description of this that describes the footage needed to drill to obtain the desired BUR. Inclination - The angle at which the wellbore is "slanted" from vertical. Azimuth - The direction of the well path, as viewed from directly above, measured clockwise in degrees from 0 to 360. As a pilot of an airplane needs to monitor the angle and direction he is traveling, so does a directional driller. When considering directional drilling concepts, it is essential to visualize the wellbore and drilling process three-dimensionally.

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Any time the wellbore deviates from the vertical axis, an angle is formed between the axis of the deviated part of the wellbore and the vertical part of the wellbore. Once an angle is generated from vertical, the wellbore also has a direction in which it is heading.

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DIRECTIONAL DRILLING - ANGLE AND DIRECTION

Figure 7.3

The angle of the well from vertical is referred to as inclination, the direction is referred to as azimuth. The information needed to plan a directional well is listed below: Well profile and application Reservoir conditions Completion needs Open or cased hole completion Location of completion equipment Hole size requirements Target constraints
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Location Size Shape Presence (or absence) of geological markers Hole and casing sizes Casing points

The steps in designing a well profile are: Kickoff Point (KOP) Formation compatibility Build up rate Casing program Casing wear and hole erosion Tangent sections (if any) Horizontal displacement TVD uncertainty of reservoir and geological markers Directional performance uncertainties Completion requirements TVD uncertainty of reservoir and geological markers Oil/water and oil/gas contact TVD uncertainty Directional Drilling Tools Angle change can be generated by utilizing various kick off tools. These tools start a directional well from vertical. The primary kick off tools utilized are: Mud motor Jetting assemblies Whipstocks

Note: Vertical wells can become deviated as a result of the natural tendencies influenced by the formations (hardness, frequency of change) and their position compared to horizontal and/or the drilling assemblies utilized. Our focus, however, is on intentional deviation of a wellbore. This course will concentrate on the mud motor mainly because it is the most frequency used kick off tool. The other two will be briefly described so that you are cognizant of the different approaches available.

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Downhole motors powered by the fluid flow (air is occasionally used as a medium) through the drill string create horsepower and rotation of the bit without needing the rig rotary table. This enables the use of a bend element in the BHA to create the side force or bit tilt necessary to direct the wellbore away from a vertical path. The two types of motors used are: Positive Displacement Motor (PDM) Turbodrill Motor

They utilize different methods to create the rotation and power generated. The critical parameters needed to determine influence on the bit performance are as follows: Motor length Pressure drop through motor off bottom Differential pressure potential on bottom (PDM only) * Motor power section configuration lobe configuration - pdm power stages - turbine Bend angle amount and distance from bit to bend * Flow and rpm ranges * Temperature, solids content, Analine point of oil-based mud* *discussed in more detail in later sections most critical to bit performance

Directional Drilling

Positive Displacement Motor (PDM) The PDM power section is comprised of a nitrile (rubber) stator and a chromed metal rotor. This motor type is referred to as a Moyno pump used in reverse application. The contact points or interference between the rotor and stator determines the power potential and rpm levels.
rotor (metal)

Rotor

Power Section

Stator (Nitrile Composite) Fluid Flow

Flow created rotation

Connecting Rod

Bearing Section

Figure 7.4

Because the stator is a nitrile compound, it is influenced by temperature and aromatics found in oil-based mud. The higher temperature or lower analine point (150 minimum) causes hysteresis or swelling of the stator and can cause failure by chunking (loss of part of the stator). These chunks can plug the bits or cause loss of power to a level below that required to turn the bit under load (especially a more aggressive PDC bit). The motion of the rotor is eccentric and requires a connecting rod or universal joint to change the eccentric rotation to a circular motion required to rotate the bit. This part of the motor body
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housing provides a place to incorporate a bend closer to the bit than a bent sub on top of the motor would allow. The bearing section for both motor types absorbs the hydraulic force of the fluid flow and the weight required to drill the formation. The bearings also absorb lateral loads created by dynamic conditions. This capability to absorb vibration means that motors drill more smoothly than rotary assemblies. Most motor bearing assemblies are non-sealed. A portion of the fluid flow (approximately 7% on average) is diverted to cool and lubricate the bearings. This fluid is lost to the annulus and cannot be used for bit hydraulics. Sealed bearing assemblies do not vent any fluid to the annulus. To gain more power available and to lower the rpm generated, many types of stator/rotor configurations have been designed that increase the interference fit over a given interval. Torque and rpm differences are provided in Figure 7.5. POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT MOTOR SECTIONS

The relationship between speed and torque changes depending on the number of lobes in the motor. Figure 7.5

In the past, a bent sub was placed on top of the motor to create the change of angle or direction desired. Bend angles would range from 1-3. Angles were larger than utilized now on bent housings because the whole length of the motor would have to be guided in the proper direction and side force would be utilized to do the directional work. In most cases, these assemblies could not be rotated when the directional work was finalized because of the probability of twist off. When bent subs are used, forces are applied to bits that reduce the expected life. The higher the bend angle, the faster bits will wear partially influenced by the lithology of the well. Placing the bend in the connecting rod housing, closer to the bit, allows lower bend angles to be used. With this configuration bit
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tilt becomes influential to create the required directional change. The assembly can be rotated from surface and side forces are reduced. These motors are referred to as steerable motors. Stabilizers can be used on the motor and in the BHA to create directional tendencies while the assembly is rotated from surface. Directional drillers can control the angle (inclination) with rotary assembly techniques, even when utilizing steerable motors. This will be described in more detail later, Influence in this manner is only efficient when the inclination is over 14 because gravity is necessary for these influences to have an effect. Under 14, gravity is less effective and less influential, and control is reduced. Azimuth is more difficult to control using rotary techniques. This has lead to increased use of steerable motors in directional wells. Azimuth change can sometimes be predicted dependent upon bit type and assembly configuration, but it is much more influenced by lithology and is more unpredictable than inclination change. As a general rule of thumb, directional performance expectations for bent subs and bent housings are: Bent sub Bent sub angles; Dog leg expectancy; Bent housing Bent housing angle; Dog leg expectancy; Other configurations are: Steerable system (stabilized motor assembly) Bent housing double tilted housing bent sub-bent housing 0.500 - 3.000 1.00/100ft - 6.00/100ft 0.750 - 1.750 1.00/100ft - 7.00/100ft

Bent sub-bent housing: pad or eccentric stabilizer dog leg expectancy up to 350/100ft +

These will be described briefly below:

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Double Tilted Housing - Introduced to improve the rotary capability and to reduce loads created. Two bends are incorporated in opposite planes with one bend being slightly bigger. Two bends in the same plane have been tested recently to raise the dog leg expectancy and still have the ability to rotate the entire assembly. Flex or external knuckle joints have been incorporated to drill short radius curvatures which build at 1-3 per foot. Bent Sub-Bent Housing - Used when the required dog leg severity is not reached. This can be a very aggressive assembly and is usually only utilized when dog leg expectancy is above 10 / 100 feet. Both bends are aligned in the same plane. Pads or Eccentric Stabilizers - Support the bent housing and are placed opposite to the bent angle scribe line. Adjustable Stabilizers - Behave as conventional stabilizer but can be adjusted downhole to effect a change in inclination. Rotary Steerable Systems - Use "point-the-bit" (deflection) or "push-the-bit" (side-force) technology to effect steering downhole while the drillstring is rotating.

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Directional Drilling Tool Terms Scribe Line - The line through the middle of the bend that indicates the direction the bend is pointing. This is critical to the directional driller and is aligned with the MWD equipment to determine tool face. Tool Face - The position of the bend element. The directional driller must position this correctly to get the directional change expected. Depending on the position of the tool face to the well bore trajectory, the directional driller can build angle, drop angle, turn left or right (if angle has been established), or do a combination of an inclination change and azimuth change. Jetting Assembly - An inexpensive kick off tool utilized only in shallow, soft sediments where precise accuracy is not needed. A big jet is incorporated and the fluid flow through this jet erodes the formation in the direction required. The assembly is then spudded into the pocket created. Mule Shoe Sub and Mule Shoe Stinger - Used to correctly align wireline single shot or multishot survey tools to measure the angle, direction, and tool face orientation. This equipment is not used much anymore because the measurement while drilling equipment can provide this information to surface utilizing mud pulse telemetry transmission techniques. A Note About Reactive Torque A positive displacement motor (PDM) creates a reactive torque -that is, it begins to twist left -- when the bit starts to drill. A turbine has no reactive torque. The PDM starts to rotate left when a load is placed on the bit, depending on the load, power available, drill string components, and depth of the well. The directional driller must accommodate this because it can change the tool face and directional expectancy. In the past, without measurementwhile-drilling (MWD) tools, this was the most challenging part of directional drilling because reactive torque had to be calculated utilizing wireline surveys. The table below shows the number of degrees to the left a PDM will rotate as the mud pumps are brought up to circulating speed:

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KOP Depth 0 -500 500 - 1000 1000 - 1500 1500 - 5000 5000 - total depth

Estimated Reactive Torque 200 left 250 left 350 left 500 left 100/1000

When a PDM stalls, the load is too great and the pump pressure jumps 500 psi or more. Just before it stalls and during the stall, the motor tool face can change dramatically. The motor must be pulled off bottom to relieve the load and restart the motor. The tool face must be realigned to the desired position. The rotary table is turned in small increments and the string manipulated to reach the desired tool face and to make sure loads are off the drill string that may change the tool face while drilling. Performance or dual head motors simply have a longer power section length to give more power for a given rpm value. Most motor runs utilize only 70% of the available power capability, but because of the possibility of stall, this becomes a safety factor. These types of motors increase the performance of bits because more of the run is done in a smooth operating condition. A motor is a dynamics dampener and these motors do this better than standard motors. The most potentially destructive condition for a bit is when a motor is close to stalling. Vibration and slip-stick become more prevalent. These high performance motors reduce the incident of stalls and provide a power reserve when conditions create torque spikes due to a lithology change or bit weight change.

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EXAMPLE OF A ROTARY ASSEMBLY

Collar flexibility due to gravity or bit weight

Not fully seated on bottom Side force

Figure 7.6

The bit tilt or side force created by the bend elements can have the most influence on bit performance. The bits response to these loads can determine the directional drillers comfort with one product or another. Erratic loading can influence the tool face because of the reactive torque and can lead to inefficiencies in the expected directional path. The following is an example of the side force exerted by a 7.75 x 2.5 Monel drill collar if the bending interference is 2.0 and the axial length over which the bend occurs is 30. BiSc3.0 Fs = LT3 Fs = (2.0)(4.55 x 109lbin2)3.0 (30.0 x 12in/ft)3

Fs = 585lbs

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A Note on Bit Design for Directional Drilling Of special consideration in bits designed for directional applications are gauge, profile and length features. For example, gauge design, whether "active" (with cutters) or "passive," smooth or spiraled, will affect bit stability and aggressiveness. Similarly, long profiles generate more vibration when drilling transition zones. Long profiles also tend to generate more bit walk in general, and can be difficult to build angle with. By contrast, a short bit length tends to build angle more easily. Such factors must be taken into account when selecting a bit for directional drilling. Key Objectives of a Directional Driller The kick off point accuracy is the most critical part of a directional well. It determines the inclination change as well as the azimuth position. Depending on the complexity, a directional driller doesnt want to make azimuth changes in an aggressive build up plan. This is why some directional drillers prefer to use roller cone bits versus PDC bits in the kick off. If the dog leg severity of a kick off is much higher than expected, a key seat can form which will cause torque and drag problems throughout the rest of the well. Guidelines for kicking off a well are: Build up rate (radius of curvature) must be compatible with the formation and downhole equipment limitations (e.g. completion equipment, formation evaluation program, drillstring and casing) Build up rate and tangent sections (if any) should be selected to Provide sufficient horizontal displacement to reach the target entry point Allow for TVD variations due to geological uncertainties Allow for differences between actual and expected directional performance Provide a straight wellbore for casing shoes (see below) and completion equipment (e.g. submersible pumps) Take advantage of stratigraphic markers (formation types, fluid contacts, log responses, etc.) where possible to allow for adjustments while drilling Considerations for anti-collision with other wells (e.g. from a platform)

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For re-entries it may be necessary to run a new directional survey before finalizing the kickoff due to improved accuracy of currently available equipment

MWDs are faster today as far as information updates, especially for tool face, but there can be a 30 second to 60 second delay in the real time update. Side force and bit tilt contribute to the tool face changes, especially in a vertical well where there is no gravity to absorb some of the torque influence on tool face. Other Considerations: Side Force and Interference PDC bits are more aggressive at lower weights, and the fixed cutter configuration does not allow for any relief of torque changes when compared to a rolling element on a roller cone bit. Side force also causes the gauge of a PDC bit to tilt, which causes some of the erratic torque generation. Side forces and bit tilt create interference forces. Bit tilt has low interference forces and, therefore, is better for bit performance. Side force is in essence force to push the bit in the required direction. If done incorrectly, catastrophic failure of our bits or poor performance can ensue. Bit designs must be adaptable to this, especially PDC bits. This is why short gauges have been found to be more effective. Interference is the distance the bit would displace beyond the wall of the wellbore if not constrained by the formation. It is directly related to formation characteristics calculated by rock strength analyses as it relates to bit performance.

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EXAMPLE OF BIT DISPLACEMENT AND POTENTIAL SIDE FORCE

Figure 7.7

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Example Calculate the bit displacement for several lengths below the bent sub and bent sub angles. BD = LT Sin BD = (30ft)(12in/ft)(Sin2.0) BD = 12.56in
0

LT (ft) 10 15 20 25 30 40 60

0.5 1.05 1.57 2.09 2.62 3.14 4.19 6.28

BD (in) 1.00 2.09 3.14 4.19 5.24 6.26 8.38 12.56

Figure 7.8

2.00 4.19 6.28 8.38 10.47 12.56 16.75 25.13

3.00 6.28 9.42 12.56 15.70 18.84 25.12 37.68

Soft formations can tolerate more interference without much bit wear, whereas, formations that are harder or if the wellbore goes against the natural tendency, interference will cause higher wear and can have a substantial effect on bit performance. Do not underestimate the role of side force and interference on bit performance. Remember that the same interference forces are influencing the bit when it is tripped in and out of the hole. If you learn only a few things from this course, this is one of the most critical to remember. A directional driller is most concerned with hitting the well path targets expected. He will improve drilling efficiencies once he is comfortable that these objectives will be met. You will never be able to convince him otherwise because his reputation and future work potential are based almost solely on this measurement. If he is on the proposed well path, he is happy; if not, he is scrambling. He will use as much side force as he thinks he needs to hit the targets.

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Bits and Coring as Part of a Drilling System We usually spend most of the time calculating performance proposals based on length of run, cost/foot, core recovery, and ROP. Directional drilling considers these factors but also includes bits and coring as part of an assembly analysis to determine directional tendencies and expectancies. The physical properties of size, weight, stiffness, and modulus of elasticity are calculated because these factors have an influence on drill path tendencies. Depending on where a directional driller is versus plan, tendency analysis is critical to the success of his responsibility.

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Typical Properties of Tubular Steels Metal Low Carbon Steel Cr-Mo Steel Monel K-500 304 Stainless 316 Stainless Inconel Aluminum Density (lb/ft3) 491 491 529 501 501 526 170
Figure 7.9

Modulus of Elasticity (106psi) 29.0 27.4 to 29.9 26.0 27.4 28.1 31.0 10.3

Measurement of tubular stiffness to calculate side force SC = IE I = moment of inertia (in4) E = modulus of elasticity SC = stiffness coefficient (ibin2) I = 64 Do: outside diameter of tubular (in) Di: inside diameter of tubular (in) Directional Tendencies All assemblies have tendencies depending on the inclination, formation, weight utilized on the bit, fluid type, rpm, etc. Tendencies can be altered depending on the objective. Rotary assemblies mainly use stabilizer placement to influence tendency. Again, inclination above 14 is easiest to influence up or down. Roller cone bits have a tendency to walk right, but not always. This analysis of all factors and experience is where the directional driller earns his reputation. Horizontal wells are usually described by the curvature rate to horizontal utilized. Figure 7.10 depicts the three curvature categories utilized, the build up rates, and the radius in feet which is the measurement of footage required to go from vertical to horizontal. DIFFERENT TYPES OF BUILD RATES TO REACH 90 (Do4 - Di4)

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Figure 7.10

Bottom hole assemblies (BHAs) are classified as follows: Rotating dropping assembly building assembly holding assembly Slide assembly mud motor Steerable mud motor jetting assembly It is important to understand elements of the basic three configurations listed below: Dropping Assembly (pendulum) Building Assembly (fulcrum) Holding Assembly (packed hole)

Dropping Assembly (pendulum) Dropping assemblies act as a pendulum to create and control negative side force. Pendulum Principle: The stabilizer above the bit is removed and an additional drill collar is added, making the BHA more flexible. The upper stabilizers, properly placed, hold the bottom drill collar away from the low side of the hole. Gravitational forces act on the bottom collar and bit, causing the hole to lose or decrease angle. PENDULUM ASSEMBLY

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Gravity

Figure 7.11

DO NOT RUN 3 OR 4 BLADED PDC BITS ON PENDULUM ASSEMBLIES, THE RISK OF CATASTROPHIC FAILURE IS TOO HIGH Building Assembly (fulcrum) Building assemblies use a fulcrum to create and control positive side force. The closer the fulcrum point is to the bit, the higher the side force for a given drill collar size.

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Figure 7.12

Figure 7.13

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The fulcrum uses a stabilizer inserted into the drillstring just above the bit. With the bit rotating on bottom, enough weight is applied to cause the bottom collars to bow. In holes with five degrees or more of inclination, the bow is toward the low side of the hole. This bow causes the bit to push hard against the top of the hole, resulting in a build up of angle as the drilling progresses. ANGLE BUILD ASSEMBLY

Utilizes fulcrum forces

Figure 7.14

Holding Assembly (packed hole)

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These assemblies are designed to minimize side force and decrease sensitivity to axial load.

EXAMPLE OF PACKED HOLE ASSEMBLIES

Assembly response at different hole angles

Figure 7.15

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SEMI-PACKED ASSEMBLIES WITH POSSIBLE BUILD TENDENCIES

Figure 7.16

The rate of angle change with the above assemblies is small, so the side force generated is minimal. This means that they have limited influence on bit performance except for a few secondary conditions related to torque and drag, the ability to get the required bit weight to bottom. In addition, the vibrational forces generated in a pendulum assembly can damage cutting structures on both PDC and roller cone bits, and can create blade breakage in light set PDC bits. Influence on Cost/Foot Performance Note well: The directional requirement is the priority and economics play a role secondarily, especially in areas where a lot of directional drilling has already been conducted. Also, certain portions of the directional plan are more conducive to cost/foot optimization. After the angle and direction have been established as planned, many directional wells incorporate a long tangent section where directional parameters are held. This is where customers will optimize cost. Again, bottomhole assembly choice is critical to hold the angle or slightly build or drop, but this is usually in a less critical part of the well.
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The study of azimuth behavior is becoming more important in bit design methodology, especially for PDC bits. As roller cone bits become capable of drilling longer sections and for more hours, it will become more of a factor for this bit type also. These types of evaluations are very similar to normal proposal generation techniques except for the directional parameter influence. Most of the control should be established above the bit and not incorporated into the bit itself. Better participation in directional wells will improve revenues and image. Especially in the kick off section, assemblies are tripped to change components through no fault of the bit. New bits are usually picked up because of the complexity and cost of the well. Rotary Steerable Drilling Systems Although this module focuses on the fundamental principals of directional drilling using motors to rotate the bit, an growing part of the directional market is for rotary steerable drilling systems which are able to drill directionally using drillstring rotation.

Point-the-Bit

Push-the-Bit

There are two basic Rotary Steerable System configurations: Point-the-Bit and Push-the-Bit. It should be noted that each type of system requires special drill bit design features to achieve desired drilling objectives.

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Push-the-bit systems achieve steerability by application of a side force to the bit cutting structure, which pushes the bit in the desired direction. In terms of bit design, a push-the-bit design typically requires a shorter gage area than PDC bits used on motor applications. The reduced lateral area affords greater directional responsiveness when a side force is applied by the steering unit. Since various push-the-bit systems require different degrees of lateral aggressiveness to achieve the desired wellbore, bit designs can be tailored specifically for applications requiring less or more lateral aggressiveness according to well objectives. The Geo-Pilot rotary steerable system is the industrys first commercially available "point-the-bit" rotary steerable system. The system points the bit by deflecting a driveshaft between two bearings. The lower bearing acts as a ball joint, allowing the end of the driveshaft to point in the opposite direction. The bit is pointed in the desired direction, and only the face of the bit cuts the formation. Since the tool doesnt try to push the bit sideways to deviate, as other systems do, the Geo-Pilot system can utilize Security DBS FullDrift extended-gauge bits, which are selfcentralizing and remain in the true center of the hole, resulting in truly high-quality wellbores. Future Directions Many types of new well path configurations are being utilized. Multilateral designs from one wellbore are growing in popularity as tools and completion techniques become available. Development of drill bits equipped with LWD/MWD sensors is advancing, with new sensors increasing the information available at the surface during drilling. The ability to make real time decisions based on the rapid transmittal of information collected at, or nearer the drill bit, will lead to new gains in drilling efficiency and safety. Directional drilling continues to grow with no slow up in sight. Our products and services must continue to provide expected performance and improvement for us to acquire and maintain our fair share of this market.

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Directional Drilling References:

1. Moore, S.D.: High Angle Hole Drilling Comes of Age, Pet. Eng. Int. (February 1987), pp. 18-20,22. 2. Bradley, W.B.: Failure of Inclined Boreholes, J. of Energy Resources Tech., Trans. of ASME., 1979, pp.232-239. 3. Terzaghi, K. van: Die Berechnung der Durchlassigkeitsziffer des Tones aus dem Verlauf der Hydrodynamischen Spannungserxcheinungern, Sber Akad, Wiss, Wien, (1923), 132, 105. 4. Sherrard, D.W., Brice, B.W. MacDonald, D.G.: Application of Horizontal Wells at Prudhoe Bay, SPE 15376, 61st Annual Mtg., October 5-8, 1986, New Orleans. 5. Giger, F.M.: Horizontal Well Production Techniques in Heterogeneous Reservoirs, SPE 13710, Mid East Oil Conf., Bahrain, March 11-14, 1985. 6. Joshi, S.D.: A Review of Horizontal and Drainhole Technology, SPE 16868, presented at 62nd Annual Tech. Mtg., Dallas, Sept. 27-30, 1987. 7. Joshi, S.D.: Augmentation of Well Productivity Using Slant and Horizontal Wells, SPE 15375, SPE 61st Annual Conf. New Orleans, Oct. 5-8, 1986. 8. Payne, Cocking, and Hatch,: Critical Technologies for Success in Extended Reach Drilling, SPE 28293, SPE 69th Annual Conf., New Orleans, September 25-28, 1994. 9. Joshi and Cade,: Horizontal Technology Matures into Fundamental Drilling Technique The American Oil and Gas Reporter, July 1996. 10. Wilkirson and Smith,: Horizontal Drilling Techniques at Prudhoe Bay, Alaska SPE 15372, Annual Tech. Conf. New Orleans, October 5-8, 1986. 11. Honeybourne, Will,: Formation MWD Benefits Evaluation and Efficiency, Oil & Gas Journal, Feb. 25, 1985. 12. Guild and Lal, Designing and Drilling Extended Reach Wells, Petroleum Engineer International, Feb. 1995. 13. Califf and Johnson, How Tandem Power Motors Improve Drilling Performance, World Oil, October 1994. 14. Leazer and Marquez, Short Radius Drilling Expands Horizontal Well Applications, Petroleum Engineer International, April 1995. 15. Gidman, Hammons, and Paulk,: Horizontal Wells Enhance Development of Thin Offshore Gas Resvoirs, Petroleum Engineer International, March 1995. 16. Guild, Hill, and Summers,: Designing and Drilling Extended Reach Wells, Petroleum Engineer International, April 1995.
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17. Vance, George, P.,: Deepwater Field Developments Face Cost, Technology Challenges, Petroleum Engineer International, April 1995. 18. Krystinik, Schell, and Meehan,: UPRC Redifining Capability of Horizontal Technology, The American Oil & Gas Reporter, August 1995. 19. Burckitt, Gary,: Turbodrills Deliver Cost Savings and Break Records, World Expo, 20. Staff Report,: Planning and Focus Solves Cusiana Drilling, Harts Petroleum Engineer International, July 1996. 21. Slaton, Michael R.,: Geographic Boundaries Expand With Horizontals Maturation, The American Oil & Gas Reporter, July 1995. 22. Ackert, Boetel, Marszalek, Clavier, Goode, and Thambynayagam,: Looking Sideways for Oil, Technical Review. (Schlumberger) V 36, No. 1 January 1988. 23. Cruncleton, Michele,: Depleted Wells Ideal for Horizontal Drilling, Offshore, April 1988. 24. MacDonald, Ron R.,: Drilling the Cold Lake Horizontal Well Pilot No. 2, SPE Drilling Engineering, Sept. 1987. 25. Slim Holes, Slimmer Prospects, JPT November 1995. 26. Kerr, & Clayton,: Proper Drillstem Design is Key to Success, Drilling Contractor, Feb/Mar 1989. 27. Bruijn, Kemp, and van Dongen,: The Use of MWD for Turbodrill Performance Optimization as a Means to Improve Rate of Pentration, SPE 13000, London, England, October 25-28, 1984. 28. Kamp, Anthony W.,: Downhole Telemetry From the Users Point of View, Journal of Petroleum Technology 29. Carson, Charles,: MWD Technology Will Expand Rapidly in Near Future, The Digest, March 1994. 30. Spatz, Ed,: Directional Seminar, Definition of Basic Terms and Formulas, 31. Eickelberg, Burger, and Jurgens,: Controlled Directional Drilling, 9th International Symposium 82. 32. Vicanek, Jan,: Reservoir Engineering Aspects and Drainhole Drilling Technology, 33. King, George E.,: Highly Deviated Well Completions, 1988. 34. Joshi, S.D.,: Overview of Horizontal Drilling, Sept. 1988. 35. EMCO Directional Drilling Training Manual, February 1978. 36. SPE Short Course,: Overview of Horizontal Drilling and Completions, Wichita Falls, Texas, May 2-3, 1990.

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