Inclined drilling is used to extract oil and gas from inaccessible areas and protect sensitive environments. It reduces the number of wells needed and can lower production costs. It can also relieve pressure in case of well blowouts and is useful in offshore situations.
Inclined drilling is a non-vertical form of well drilling typically used in the production of natural gas and oil. This form of drilling is generally for the extraction of oil or gas resources that cannot be accessed through traditional vertical drilling. Inclined drilling is also employed as a means of protecting sensitive areas of the environment such as wetlands and oceans. This directional drilling also helps reduce the number of wells and equipment needed to produce natural gas and oil. In some cases, inclined drilling provides pressure relief if a vertical wellbore fails.
Natural gas and oil fields are sometimes located under inaccessible areas such as lakes, mountains, glaciers or residential areas. Instead of disturbing the existing landscape, a well is drilled at a 30-45 degree angle to tap the reservoir from another location. The production of vertical shafts of underground tanks can sometimes be very difficult due to their shape. In these cases, slope drilling is required for more efficient removal of oil and natural gas.
Inclined drilling also offers many environmental benefits by allowing the production of natural gas and oil away from sensitive ecosystems. This type of drilling is particularly important in protecting the marine environment near offshore basins. Inclined drilling can allow a single offshore rig to access more than 20 wells. This production arrangement reduces the total number of rigs operating in a single body of water and can minimize risk to the marine environment.
Allowing for multiple wellheads in a single offshore location can also help reduce the overall cost of oil and natural gas exploration. The need for fewer drilling rigs has helped reduce costs associated with producing natural gas and oil in offshore locations. Onshore production expenses have also been reduced by allowing drilling rigs to be located in locations that are more easily accessible to vehicles and pipelines. Production costs can be further reduced by allowing crews to navigate dense, rocky terrain by drilling non-vertical shafts from a location with fewer obstacles.
Inclined drilling can also be used to relieve pressure after a well blowout occurs. In this situation, an alternate well is drilled at an angle to the original well from a different location. The angled well relieves pressure and stops the uncontrolled flow of oil or natural gas into the site. This relief shaft is then used to pump concrete into the original shaft to cap it until repairs can be made. This method of stopping leaks is especially useful in offshore situations.
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