Jet Drilling Tool: Cost-Effective Lateral Drilling Technology for Enhanced Oil Recovery

Abstract The paper describes a new coiled tubing conveyed drilling technique, were several new well bores are jet-drilled perpendicular from the mother well and into the reservoir formation. This technology is targeted for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) in both existing and new field developments. The objective is to improve the production profile around the mother well, by penetrating the damaged skin zone, and connecting to possible hydrocarbon pockets left behind in the reservoir. The Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA) is configured to jetdrill several slim laterals, all in one coiled tubing (CT) run. This through tubing operation has the potential to create up to ten, 50 m long, and 1–2 in. diameter laterals at the exact desired depth in the mother well. The BHA consists of two main parts; a casing drilling machine and a high-pressure hose and jet-nozzle. The hose is spooled from the BHA as the lateral is drilled into the formation. The main issues presented in the paper are: The new jet tool functional characteristicsThe theoretical aspects of jet drilling; penetration mechanisms and self-induced nozzle pull forceLaboratory experiments (confirmation of theoretical models)The jet drilling effect on improved well production (production simulations). The technology is an attractive substitute or supplement to acid and proppant fracturing, perforating services and conventional sidetrack drilling.