Slant drilling often is the preferred method of oil drilling that is less costly overall by providing more opportunity for profit and may be less invasive to parts of our natural environment. Instead of the older style method of vertical drilling, selecting a site and only drilling vertically towards gas or oil pockets far below the ground surface, slant drilling allows for a way to maximize adjacent deposits by maneuvering the drill on horizontal and/or slanted planes while drilling. Using the slant drilling method enables drill workers the additional opportunity to tap into gas and/or oil pockets that are available along the way.
If the path of a well lies directly under a scenic area or a special property, there is no need to remove or destroy the intended site area directly because the drilling rig does not have to be built directly above the desired site for a vertical pathway. Instead, the rig may be built adjacent to the natural environment and then drilling on a slant to the intended well. In addition to being an environmentally desired option, slant drilling is less costly than the old style vertical method. In addition, as the drilling continues there may be adjacent pockets of gas and oil along the way, in any direction, that the drill may be maneuvered to collect the deposits. Doing so enables the workers to be more flexible and productive using one drilling rig.
Slant drilling is also referred to as Directional, Horizontal or Deviated drilling, which has become the preferred style of drilling that offers the chance to increase profits while reducing costs and protecting the environment. Although the technique of slant drilling has been around since 1939, early attempts were significantly impeded by low build rates and short lateral extension capabilities. Slant drilling is a fairly old method that used to take up to 2,000 feet for the well to complete the transitional curve from vertical to horizontal. However, with the current gains in technology, experienced drillers can make a 90 degree turn in less than 100 feet. Consequently, slant drilling has become the preferred option that is friendlier to the environment, becomes a less costly drilling operation and offers more opportunity to locate several oil and gas deposits without having to use additional vertical drilling methods. Slant drilling remains a preferred type of drilling because it maximizes the opportunity for tapping oil and gas deposits while cutting the costs.
