SLANT DRILLING Meaning and
Definition
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Slant drilling refers to the technique of drilling a wellbore at an angle rather than vertically, allowing access to oil or gas reservoirs that are located beneath an obstruction or at a considerable distance from the vertical access point. It involves intentionally deviating the drilling path from the normal vertical orientation to a predetermined angle, usually using advanced directional drilling techniques.
The primary purpose of slant drilling is to access and extract the resources underneath obstacles such as bodies of water, mountains, or urban areas where it is difficult or impossible to drill directly from the surface. By drilling at an angle, engineers can reach the desired reservoir from a more accessible location, which greatly reduces the cost and environmental impact of drilling operations. Slant drilling also enables companies to exploit oil and gas reserves that were previously considered unreachable or economically unviable.
To achieve slant drilling, various sophisticated tools and technologies are employed, such as measurement-while-drilling (MWD) systems, rotary steerable systems, and mud motors. These allow for real-time monitoring and control of the drilling process, ensuring accurate navigation and trajectory control.
Slant drilling has revolutionized oil and gas exploration and production, unlocking previously untapped resources and expanding the possibilities for hydrocarbon extraction. It has proven to be an essential technique for reaching reserves that were formerly out of reach, ultimately enhancing energy production and contributing to the growth of the industry.
Etymology of SLANT DRILLING
The term "slant drilling" is derived from the combination of the words "slant" and "drilling".
"Slant" is derived from the Old Norse word "slen"; it gradually evolved through Middle English and Old French. "Slant" originally referred to an inclined or oblique position or direction.
"Drilling" is derived from the word "drill", which has its origins in Old English and Middle English. It stems from the Old High German word "draen" and ultimately from the Proto-Germanic "drehanan", meaning "to turn or twist".
The combination of "slant" and "drilling" results in the term "slant drilling", which refers to the practice of drilling a wellbore at an angle or inclination to reach a subsurface location that would otherwise be inaccessible with vertically drilled wells.
