As E&P organizations in the Permian Basin continue to look for ways to reduce overall well costs, slim hole drilling with its inherent pros and cons, has become an ever increasing topic of discussion.

Although not new, slim hole drilling, particularly in the Permian Basin, continues to attract operators due to the advancement in technology as well as significant reductions in cost.  As slim hole applications increase, so do the characteristic complications with drilling a smaller hole.  From lateral control to specific slim hole tool availability, operators and directional drilling service companies continue to look for solutions.

“Slim Hole” definition: for the purpose of this forum, slim hole is defined as a type of gas or oil well whose production hole size is 6” to 6 ¾”. Typically drilled with 4 ¾” to 5” directional tools.

Key Topics to be explored at the “Slim Hole Solutions” technical forum:

• WHY SLIM HOLE: why are more and more operators designing slim production holes?  (Cost savings, efficiencies and more…)
• LATERAL CONTROL vs. BHA DESIGN: difficulties with controllability to BHA design solutions.
• DIRECTIONAL TOOL AVAILABILITY: a manufacturer’s update on current tool availability and a look ahead to 2018.