What Does
Complex Directional Well Mean?
Complex Directional wells, in context of Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD), are defined as wells that are drilled in complex geological conditions. In trenchless technology, HDD is used to drill bore holes for laying pipelines under the ground with minimum surface disturbance. However; there are conditions including the type of soil and underground utilities that have to be taken into consideration before a hole is bored.
Trenchlesspedia Explains Complex Directional Well
Complex directional wells involve a series of necessary turns, bends and dog legs, routed to make a project cost effective and environment friendly. Complex directional wells are dug where soil conditions may not be consistent and where extra costs are often incurred in stabilizing the soil before drilling. Changing the direction of the well can prevent issues such as settlement which can cause damage to the pipeline. Of late, trenchless technology has become an effective solution to minimizing environmental impact on nature sensitive areas like wetlands and swamps which are natural habitats for many animals, birds and plants. When designing complex directional wells, it is essential to take into consideration subsurface utilities, bends, turns and the maximum dogleg severity allowed.