Extended reach drilling

Extended Reach Drilling (ERD) is directional drilling of very long horizontal wells. The aims of ERD are: a) to reach a larger area from one surface drilling location, and b) to keep a well in a reservoir for a longer distance in order to maximize its productivity and drainage capability.

Today's challenges in ERD are hole cleaning, managing the mechanical loads on the drill string and managing downhole pressure. There is also the cost issue to consider.