Directional drilling in unstable environments

Authors

Frank Hungerford, University of WollongongFollow
Ting Ren, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

89834

Publication Details

Hungerford, F. & Ren, T. X. (2014). Directional drilling in unstable environments. International Journal of Mining Science and Technology, 24 (3), 397-402.

Abstract

Directional drilling has been established in the coal industry as a viable means of gas drainage, exploration and water management. But the environment in and around coal seams is not always conducive to stable conditions while drilling and borehole stability after the drilling has been completed. This paper identifies the conditions which cause unstable drilling conditions and the various means which are used to attempt to manage or bypass those conditions. Ultimately, equipment does become bogged in these adverse environments and requires recovery by over-coring. 2014.