Current extended-reach-drilling (ERD) well technology limits the well lengths to approximately 12 km, with a horizontal departure of approximately 10 km. This paper presents a concept that enables simultaneous drilling and completion, with an aim to extend well reach substantially and with an ultimate objective of constructing 30-km-long production wells. Longer-reach wells can be used to drain remote reserves using existing production facilities and to provide a means to access reservoirs located beneath environmentally sensitive areas.
Concept Description
The concept introduces a new way of constructing production wells. During drilling, the annulus is closed by packers and the well is drilled to the final target with one hole diameter.
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