Horizontal Drilling U.S. Shale & Tight Oil Plays 2014

Horizontal drilling rigs in the US grew significantly from 362 February 2011 to 823 September 2012 meaning 58% of all onshore rigs in the US are now horizontal. With plays such as the Mississippi Lime and Granite Wash now being revolutionized by horizontal drilling, the growth trend is set to continue into 2013 and beyond. But there is still a great deal in costs and a great deal in time that can be saved. Innovations in curve building, torque and drag reduction, casing, cementing, rotary steerable and fluids are now being pioneered across US shale and tight oil plays to improve project time and reduce project costs, whilst ultimately facilitating higher rates of production.
This focus on efficiency calls again for the sharing of the latest horizontal case studies showing how new technologies, tools and techniques continue to optimize drill time, facilitate increased recovery in completions and ultimately, justify the expenditure on new drilling technology in shale and tight oil plays such as the Bakken, Eagle Ford and Permian.