In Depth Analysis of HorizontalDrilling in Old Conventional Pools - Research Paper Example

An examination of the history and technology of horizontal trilling technology is explored with specific reference to Western Canada. The development of the technology necessary for horizontal drilling is explored in addition to advantages and challenges. Economic and environmental factors are discussed relevant to the process of horizontal drilling as a means of increasing the output of known oil deposits. Comparisons of horizontal drilling and fracking techniques with conventional techniques in old style pools will be investigated, in addition to comparisons with more standard reservoirs.

Case studies and recommendations are included. The ongoing march of technological progress pursuant to both the production and discovery of natural oil reserves is a persistent development of increasing relevance in our interconnected world. Specifically, a necessary avenue of development are the challenges and applications pursuant to horizontal drilling technology, which is increasing in utility as technology advances, sparking great interest worldwide in recent decades. This investigation is an exploration in a technical sense of the applications of horizontal drilling practices pertaining to specific types of oil deposits, some – such as oil shales may have been neglected previously due to a cost-benefit analysis between the difficulty of their extraction and the price at which oil could be sold.

Over time, this balance changes. Prospects for improvement in the oil industry, and relevant applications for advancements in pre-existing techniques are also relevant to this investigation. In addition, the techniques investigated will be adapted to the geography of Western Canada as a source of oil deposits in question. Specific technologies involved, in addition to their history are relevant to the discussion. Newer techniques applied to old, conventional pools will be discussed. For exploration purposes, there are several types of strata useful to the industry, including older wells, and also less permeable rocks which will be discussed in this analysis.

There are two  two main types under consideration here: conventional pools and impermeable deposits, such as oil shale. Old-style, conventional pools can be exploited through traditional, vertical wells – but this is only a fraction of the productivity possible. Derived horizontal techniques will be compared with older methods for use in Canadian fields. Some comparisons will be discussed involving fields in diverse locations, but the primary intent is to discuss the potential for these techniques in oil formations extending through southern Canada, Montana, and the Dakotas.