Wellbore structure describes the path drilled from surface to target, from simple vertical wells to complex multilateral configurations.
A well drilled straight down from surface to the target formation. Vertical wells are the simplest and cheapest to drill but contact limited reservoir area. They remain common for deep targets and exploration.
Example: The exploration well was drilled vertically to test multiple formations.
A well drilled vertically to a kickoff point, then curved to travel horizontally through the target formation. Horizontal wells contact much more reservoir than vertical wells, making them essential for tight rocks and unconventional plays. Lateral lengths can exceed 3,000 meters.
Example: This Montney horizontal has a 2,500-meter lateral section.
A well intentionally drilled at an angle from vertical to reach a target not directly below the surface location. Directional drilling avoids surface obstacles, accesses multiple targets from one pad, or reaches offshore reservoirs from land.
Example: Directional wells from a single pad reduced the surface footprint by 80%.
A well with multiple lateral branches extending from a single main wellbore. Multilaterals maximize reservoir contact while minimizing surface disturbance and drilling costs. They are technically complex and require advanced completion systems.
Example: The multilateral well has four laterals targeting different zones.
A new wellbore drilled from an existing well, typically to bypass an obstruction or access a new target. Sidetracks leverage existing surface facilities and upper wellbore, reducing costs compared to drilling a new well.
Example: After hitting a fault, the operator sidetracked to reach the original target.
The date when drilling operations begin on a new well. "Spudding" refers to the initial penetration of the drill bit into the ground. Spud dates mark the start of a well's physical existence.
Example: The well was spudded on March 15 and reached TD three weeks later.
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