Abstract

Radial drilling (RD) technique utilizes hydraulic energy to create several lateral holes in different directions and levels with several lengths. These lateral holes are made by milling the casing with small bit then extending these holes laterally using high pressure hydraulic jetting. This work presents full descriptions and analysis for RD applications in one of the Egyptian oil field. Moreover, it attempts to analyze and then optimize the different means for performing this technique. Therefore, several tests was performed and analyzed. The total depths of these wells vary from 8856 to 8987 ft. The first well was laterally drilled by about 164 ft long by seven laterals and the angle between each two is 90°. The second well was drilled by 6 laterals in two different levels. Five of them extended to 164 ft, and one of them with 295 ft long. In the third well, 4 lateral holes were radially drilled with 165 ft long. After evaluation, the first well gross rate increased by 37.4%, and the net oil rate was improved by more than 31.4%; the second well shows an improvement by about 73.34% increase in gross rate, and 47.3%, an increase in the net oil rate; and the third well shows an improvement by about 14.3% gross rate, and 14.7%, an increase in the net oil rate for very short period. Several experiences have been gained from using this technology which extends the productive life of wells and accordingly of the whole field with reasonable cost.

Key words: Radial drilling, stimulation, lateral holes, hydraulic jetting, URRS.