Microhole drilling shaves well costs - Low-cost drilling systems using micro-hole technologies can give operators reservoir access in marginal fields for half the cost of conventional rigs

摘要

Microhole technologies are the array of technologies necessary to enable the ability to drill out of 4/4-in. casing (generally 29/8-in. and smaller holes). It is the infrastructure that will create a new class of wells: smaller; much less expensive to drill, equip and operate; and more environmentally friendly than before. Much of it is downsized versions of existing technologies, such as bits, motors, and some bottom-hole assemblies (BHAs). Others are novel technologies unique to the problems of miniaturizing drilling equipment. Drilling technologies include built-for-purpose coiled tubing (CT) drilling rigs; specialized bits and motors for faster and straighter drilling; the complete array of BHAs for steering, logging, seismic, and communications with surface; and technologies to extend reach such as tractors and friction reducing devices. Enabling technologies are those that make drilling mkroholes with CT less expensive or more reliable, such as tubulars with improved alloys, manufacturing and defect detection and remediation; and those technologies that expand the applications, such as low-cost, miniaturized seismic receivers for reservoir monitoring.