Directional drilling is a method used for controlling the deviation and direction of a wellbore to a predetermined underground location target. It is also known as slant drilling and is mainly used in the oil and gas industry because it allows drilling multiple wells from the same vertical wellbore, which helps minimize a well’s impact on our environment.
Directional drilling is very popular, but there are many facts that are not well-known this guide will tell you everything you need to know about directional drilling, including its applications, which include:
- Mining industry. Directional wells are used in the mining industry to produce methane gas that is available in coal seams.
- Construction industry. Directional drilling is used to make a small diameter pilot hole in a smooth arc under the river until it emerges on the other side. This technique is used for crossing rivers that are up to 200’ wide.
- Geothermal engineering. Some rocks contain a high geothermal gradient, which can be harnessed to provide energy. The drilling of injection and production wells is necessary to extract the heat from these rocks.
Benefits
There are many benefits of directional drilling, including savings in excavations and shoring costs. This is a clean, trenchless solution for underground installations as it will not disturb the above surface, and it also eliminates the possibility of trenching-related accidents. You will not experience delays as a result of poor weather conditions and will not need to apply for road opening permits or public road works.
Directional drilling requires less than half the time to get the job done compared to traditional trenching methods, and this is the best option for sites that are sensitive to surface disruptions, like airport runways and busy traffic junctions, for example.
Additionally, prices are not too high compared to the conventional trenching methods, and directional drilling is perfect for house service installations for gas, communications, power, sewer and water lines.
While there are several benefits, it’s important to mention some of the disadvantages. Expensive equipment will need to be mobilized to push tools down the holes that are needed for repairs, and the prevention of sand influx into the drilling wells is less reliable and requires more effort. Finally, the difference in operating costs can be very high.
It’s clear that the advantages of directional drilling outweigh its disadvantages. This method is safe, and using the right directional equipment and methods can minimize the downsides. Choosing directional drilling over other traditional methods is recommended if you want the trenching job to be completed perfectly.
Explore more about Directional Drilling
Do you need more information regarding directional drilling? The experts at Taber Solids Control understand you may have many questions about this process before deciding if it makes sense for your drilling project. Directional drilling involves drilling at an angle to precisely reach underground targets. It can help avoid obstacles above and below ground.
Taber Solids Control can provide all the details on how directional drilling works from start to finish. They will explain techniques like steering tools, tracking systems and drilling fluid engineering that make directional drilling possible. Representatives are available to discuss your specific site conditions, goals for the well or pipe installation, and budget to advise if this customized approach is right for you. Don’t hesitate to contact them – their team is ready to answer your questions and provide a free initial consultation.