Introduction
Drilling is a key process employed in oil and gas exploration and production. It is a complex procedure that involves several specialized techniques to successfully drill an oil or gas well. The drilling process can be divided into three main phases: surface drilling, intermediate drilling and deep drilling. Each phase is conducted with different techniques and usually involves some form of rock or material removal, soil stabilization and/or loads measurement.
Surface Drilling
Surface drilling involves drilling shallow holes or wells to determine the location of potential oil or gas reservoirs. During this process, a rotating drill string is lowered into the ground and rotated while the drill bit takes a continuous core sample of the rock. The sample is then analyzed and the presence of hydrocarbons, the components of oil and gas, is then determined. This sampling can be used to help locate energy reserves and assess the probability of producing oil or gas from the area.
Intermediate Drilling
This process is used for deeper drilling and associated with the development of an improved understanding of the target formation. It involves inserting a special tool, called a drill string, into the borehole in order to gain further information about the characteristics of the strata. This process allows for the drilling of deeper holes than surface drilling. The types of drilling used in intermediate drilling include rotary drilling, directional drilling, sonic drilling, and coring.
Deep Drilling
The most challenging facet of oil and gas production is deep drilling. It requires drilling through formations that are hundreds or even thousands of feet beneath the surface. Special drill bits and powerful motors are needed to penetrate these difficult rock formations. Drilling mud, or lubricant, is used during this process in order to keep the drill string from becoming stuck in the well. Once the target depth is reached, a special tool called a blow-out preventer is installed at the top of the well in order to contain any potential pressure problems.
Conclusion
The drilling process is an intricate operation that involves multiple steps. Each step of the process requires specialized knowledge and expertise in order to produce a successful well. Surface, intermediate and deep drilling are all necessary components in order to fully explore an oil or gas reservoir. By understanding the challenges associated with each step of the process, the knowledge and experience of an operator can help to ensure a successful operation.
