Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad B.Tech III DRILLING TECHNOLOGY Previous Question Paper (October - 2020 - R15)

Drilling is the fundamental process in field development, serving as the primary bridge between subsurface exploration and commercial hydrocarbon production. Its role encompasses several critical functions:

• Exploration and Appraisal: Drilling exploratory wells confirms the presence of hydrocarbons, while appraisal wells determine the size, extent, and commercial viability of the reservoir.
• Data Acquisition: Drilling provides essential access to the reservoir, allowing for the collection of core samples, well logs, and formation pressure data, which are vital for characterizing the field.
• Production Access: Development wells are drilled to establish a permanent conduit between the reservoir and the surface, enabling the controlled extraction of oil and gas.
• Field Management: Drilling includes the placement of injection wells for pressure maintenance (water or gas injection) and observation wells to monitor reservoir performance over time.
• Economic Realization: By optimizing well placement and trajectory, drilling maximizes the recovery factor and ensures the economic feasibility of the entire field development project.

Wells are classified based on their purpose and trajectory. The primary classifications include:

• Exploration Wells: Drilled to discover new hydrocarbon accumulations in unproven areas.
• Appraisal Wells: Drilled to define the limits and characteristics of a discovered reservoir.
• Development Wells: Drilled within a proven field to extract hydrocarbons.
• Service Wells: Includes injection wells (for pressure maintenance) and disposal wells.
• Directional/Horizontal Wells: Classified by their trajectory, where the wellbore is deviated from the vertical to reach specific targets or increase reservoir exposure.

The Rig Crew is the specialized team responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the drilling rig. Key personnel include:

• Toolpusher: The overall supervisor of the rig site, responsible for operations, logistics, and safety.
• Driller: Operates the drilling console and controls the drilling parameters; responsible for the immediate safety of the rig floor.
• Derrickman: Works on the monkey board during tripping operations to handle drill pipe and monitors the mud system/pumps.
• Floorhands (Roughnecks): Assist on the rig floor with pipe handling, making up and breaking out connections, and general maintenance.
• Motorman: Maintains the rig's engines, power systems, and mechanical equipment.