How do you compare conventional and unconventional drilling engineering?

1 Conventional drilling engineering

Conventional drilling engineering refers to the methods and techniques that have been used for decades to drill vertical or slightly deviated wells into conventional reservoirs. Conventional reservoirs are those that have high porosity and permeability, meaning that the oil and gas can flow easily through the rock pores and fractures. Conventional drilling engineering involves selecting the appropriate well location, casing, drilling fluids, bit, and equipment to optimize the drilling performance and minimize the risks and costs. Conventional drilling engineering also requires applying the principles of geology, geophysics, reservoir engineering, and well logging to evaluate the reservoir potential and quality.

2 Unconventional drilling engineering

Unconventional drilling engineering refers to the methods and techniques that have been developed in recent years to drill horizontal or multilateral wells into unconventional reservoirs. Unconventional reservoirs are those that have low porosity and permeability, meaning that the oil and gas are trapped in tight rock formations or in organic matter such as shale, coal, or oil sands. Unconventional drilling engineering involves designing and implementing complex well trajectories, hydraulic fracturing, and multistage completions to create artificial pathways for the oil and gas to flow to the surface. Unconventional drilling engineering also requires applying the principles of geomechanics, petrophysics, geochemistry, and reservoir simulation to assess the reservoir properties and performance.

3 Comparison criteria

Comparing conventional and unconventional drilling engineering can be done using several criteria that reflect the different aspects and challenges of each type of drilling. Generally, conventional wells are shallower and shorter, faster and cheaper to drill, and have higher recovery and production rates, with lower environmental impact and regulation than unconventional wells. Unconventional wells, on the other hand, can reach several kilometers in depth and length, require more advanced equipment, materials, and personnel, and pose more risks of water contamination, air emissions, seismicity, and land use.

4 Advantages and disadvantages

Each type of drilling engineering has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the objectives and constraints of the project. Conventional drilling engineering is known for its simplicity and reliability, as well as the high quality and quantity of reservoirs and the lower environmental footprint and regulatory burden. However, it is also scarce and mature in terms of resources, plus competition and geopolitics of conventional markets can be a challenge. Unconventional drilling engineering, on the other hand, provides abundance and diversity of resources, along with opportunity and flexibility in markets. It also encourages innovation and optimization in technology. The main disadvantages are the complexity and uncertainty of the drilling process, low quality and productivity of reservoirs, as well as higher environmental impact and regulatory pressure.

5 Future trends and opportunities

The future of drilling engineering will be determined by the harmony and integration of conventional and unconventional drilling engineering, as well as the adaptation and evolution of the drilling technology and practices. Enhanced oil recovery, smart drilling, and sustainable drilling are all trends and opportunities that could be explored in the future. Enhanced oil recovery involves applying advanced techniques and technologies to increase the recovery and production of conventional and unconventional reservoirs. Smart drilling refers to using digital and intelligent tools and systems to improve the efficiency and safety of the drilling operations. Sustainable drilling, on the other hand, is about adopting environmentally friendly and socially responsible solutions to reduce the impact and risk of the drilling activities.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?