Slimholes drilling and production: lessons learned and perspectives

Authors: Sh.F. Takhautdinov, R.S. Khisamov, I.A. Nuriev, A.S. Sultanov, A.M. Evdokimov (Tatneft OAO)

This paper discusses the results of drilling of slim holes on the fields operated by Tatneft Company. Compared with drilling of conventional wells, slim holes display a number of benefits: decreased cuttings volume, mud and tubulars consumption; amount of cement required for casing cementing is reduced; drilling costs are reduced by 20-30 %; wells can be drilled with mobile drilling rigs.