Environmental monitoring of offshore drilling for petroleum exploration (MAPEM Project): shallow waters

摘要

The exploratory phase is the first step in drilling operations for oil and gas extraction in oceanic waters. If hydrocarbons are present, additional wells are then drilled to assess the dimension and outline of the petroleum accumulation. Thus, the exploratory program for the ocean areas may foresee the drilling of an expressive number of exploratory wells.rnWhen a well is drilled, drilling fluids or mud are launched at high pressure to transport waste cuttings to the surface, maintain well stability, and to cool, lubricate, and support part of the weight of the drill bit and drill pipe (Darley and Gray 1988).