Extended Reach Drilling (ERD) – what is it?

ERD is directional drilling of very long horizontal wells. The aims of ERD are: to reach a larger area from one surface drilling location, and to keep a well in a reservoir for a longer distance in order to maximize its productivity and drainage capability. to drill and produce the reservoir from a remote location, for example to avoid environmental damage or hazards. Todays challenges in ERD are hole cleaning, managing the mechanical loads on the drill string and managing downhole pressure. At present maximum horizontal drilling reach is approximately 12 km.

RDM pushes present limits of ERD

Superior hole cleaning is obtained because the drill cuttings are removed from the wellbore just above the BHA and transported back to the surface via the inner string.

• Accurate pressure control enables drilling within a narrow pressure window. RDM avoid dynamic pressure gradients in the open hole section and the pressure margins remain also at long horizontal reach.
• The piston (optional) provides Hydraulic WOB that enables unique horizontal traction of the drill string and reduced buckling.
• RDM provides unique patented solutions for drill string buoyancy to significantly reduce the torque and drag of the drill string.
• Mechanical and hydraulic calculations have confirmed the capability of RDM to drill wells reaching beyond 20 km