Our life is a combination of several different components and elements, and all of them link with the necessities. Without basic amenities, we wouldn’t be able to imagine surviving, even for a few days. One such vital in life is water, and the fast depleting natural resource everyone is worried about currently. Eventually, countries across the world and think-tanks have been working to conserve it. The upcoming times pose more significant challenges, and, in this scenario, we must make every effort to ensure its availability.
People around the world have been striving to find ways to make sure they don’t run out of water. And, one of the emerging solutions is to have a well dug in your own home or nearby vicinity. This approach also brings convenience in terms of use. However, with ease come challenges, and there are many relating to the well-drilling process too.
The good news is that many of the drilling challenges are avoidable or resolvable with just a simple set of knowledge. Applying the same expertise to practicality is entirely possible with the right knowledge and experience. And, we decided to assist you with the problems. This article will highlight four drilling-related challenges that have the potential to slow down the process. Let’s talk about them one by one, so you can make informed decisions the next time you face any of them. The key is to spot them timely and resolve them as early as possible. So, let’s begin.
- PIPE STICKING
During the process, there may be several issues we may tend to overlook or ignore because they seem simple to resolve. However, that is what creates significant hurdles, both during the residential well drilling or in other industrial operations. A seemingly small issue is of the pipe sticking as it consumes a tremendous amount of time once it happens. A tube will hold on to its position when it is entangled deep in the mud.
During the relieving process, it should surpass the allowed hook load. Also, there can be other causes, such as mechanical ones, causing a blockage. When the sticking happens, we can pump the mud out or maneuver the string to free it from the entangling.
- CIRCULATION LOSS
Circulation loss may emerge as the second most significant issue that may hinder the process and slow down the process. Let’s first understand what circulation loss is, so we may be able to resolve it in the right way. It happens when a particular portion of the mud may flow to the formation and get stuck in it. When this happens, the rest of the part may make its way to the surface. The second type is known as a complete loss, wherein the entire mud goes to the formation. In such a case, nothing comes to the surface.
To anything of this sort from happening, we can opt for keeping the mud weight to a proper level. Other options include lowering the friction pressure and adhering to the rules of cleaning of the hole. Assuring that there is no hindrance in the annular space is another way of keeping safe.
- PIPE FAILURE
Pipe failure is another cause of slowed down drilling, and it can halt the entire process right in the middle of it. The uncertainty of the issue may undermine the operation and increase the costs exponentially. The primary reasons for a damaged drill pipe include improper storage or some faults during the installation. Sometimes, the damage occurs during the transportation phase, even before it arrives on the site. As soon as the torque exceeds the pipe’s pressure, a twist-off may take place.
In rare cases, the pressure during the drilling may cause a faulty pipe to burst up. It happens when the mud weight is too high, and there’s a loss of circulation. Corrosion is a common reason, also, causing the cracks to appear in the pipe. The only way to avoid pipe failure is to adhere to the rules of storage and inspection and select the right material. The fact is that if you manage to choose the right equipment, half of the job already gets done.
- HOLE DEVIATION
Deviation of the hole is another yet troubling issue that can compromise the whole process and prolong the project time. It happens when the point of the drill bit moves from the one that is preselected. It occurs suddenly and brings the drilling to a halt. It may occur due to several issues. These include the weight on the drilling bit, a change in the inclination angle or the hydraulics or inadequate cleaning of the hole. It might also happen if the formation has not remained as heterogeneous.
FINAL WORD
The drilling of a well in your residence or during the industrial operation is a challenging task. Even a small issue that hinders the process and slows it down can be quite impactful. For this reason, it is imperative to have knowledge in advance and operate accordingly. While we might not have comprehensive professional experience, we can avoid the issues by being informed. So, the next occasion you’re about to drill a well and conserve water, be sure to carry the above checklist.
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