Page 101 - Drilling Technology in Nontechnical Language

92 Drilling Technology in Nontechnical Language Second Edition

Fig. 4–6. Directional well terminology

Writing the Well Program

With a development well, the engineers have access to a wealth of data
from drilling the exploration and appraisal wells. The drilling engineers
must learn all the lessons that the previous wells can teach. Of course, this

is difficult, even if the information is both complete and accurate (which it
often is not). However, there are problems that make this reviewing process
even more difficult:

1. Information is often incomplete because people do not always
record all the relevant information. Also, records sometimes are
missing for a variety of reasons.

2. In many operations, experience from earlier in the project is not
properly documented. When engineers leave for another project,
their hard-won experience goes with them.
3. Most people do not readily admit mistakes, so instead of learning
from problems, the problems become hidden. In some companies,
admitting to mistakes can threaten promotions or even careers.

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