Integrated technologies enhance horizontal results

This paper reviews the effectiveness of horizontal drilling activity showing the increase in this type of activity as compared to production. It briefly discusses the application of this technology to fractured reservoirs, offshore operations, and draining relatively thin reservoirs which are continuous. The paper goes on to describe the various technologies now commonly used in horizontal drilling. These include the ability to measure or log formations while drilling. It also includes the development of steerable motors, PDC drill bits, improved environmentally-safe drilling muds, better rigs, better completion technology, and the increased use of 3-D seismic surveys. The paper gives a procedure and planning proposal for using horizontal drilling technology.