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Vertical Section
Vertical section is a directional drilling term used to describe the horizontal distance of well path from starting azimuth to end azimuth, the angle direction of a well bore. It's measured from survey point to survey point in vertical direction of well bore. Two factors affect the measurement of a vertical section: incremental horizontal displacement and vertical section direction. Incremental horizontal displacement takes into account how much the actual bore path deviates from the proposed bore path. Vertical section direction takes into account the direction the bore path takes to the last azimuth.
Directional Drilling Types
Directional drilling is divided into three types: oilfield drilling, utility installation and in-seam directional drilling. Oilfield drilling is the most typical application of directional drilling where many bore wells are drilled to create multiple access points. Utility installation uses a form of directional drilling called directional boring that makes it possible to lay piping, for example, in a horizontal direction without digging a trench. In-seam directional drilling is primarily used for coal bed degasification. This drilling method uses steerable, motor driven drills to bore a continuous hole.
Advantages
Directional drilling's main advantage is providing access to an area where vertical drilling, drilling straight down, isn't possible. Furthermore, directional drilling requires less rig moves because it's possible to group multiple well heads to one location. Doing this saves a great deal of time, which improves drilling efficiency. Another advantage is the possibility of drilling a relief well to relieve well pressure in a safer location far away to reduce the risk and danger of a blowout.
Disadvantages
Regardless of technological advances, directional drilling is still much slower and more laborious than vertical drilling. Directional drilling costs a great deal more as well. Tools required for directional drilling are extremely expensive and complex. As a result, these tools are more difficult to repair. However, it's important to note that technology in directional drilling is advancing, and the gap between it and its competitor drilling types is shrinking, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.