Brief: Critical technologies for success in extended-reach drilling

Extended-reach drilling (ERD) is a pivotal industry activity to optimize field development through a fewer drillsites and structures and access to otherwise unavailable reserves. ERD technologies are specialized and rapidly changing. This review is based on technology assessments and field experience gained in the pursuit of world-record ERD objectives. Six wells have now been drilled in the Wytch Farm ERD project, and many lessons have been learned. This review has highlighted some of the significant ERD issues to be considered. Time/depth performance to date has improved dramatically as a result of critical technologies being recognized, resolved, and adopted.