Comparative Study Between Overbalanced and Underbalanced Oil Drilling Methods

Comparative Study Between Overbalanced and Underbalanced Oil Drilling Methods

Content Structure of Comparative Study Between Overbalanced and Underbalanced Oil Drilling Methods

• The abstract contains the research problem, the objectives, methodology, results, and recommendations
• Chapter one of this thesis or project materials contains the background to the study, the research problem, the research questions, research objectives, research hypotheses, significance of the study, the scope of the study, organization of the study, and the operational definition of terms.
• Chapter two contains relevant literature on the issue under investigation. The chapter is divided into five parts which are the conceptual review, theoretical review, empirical review, conceptual framework, and gaps in research
• Chapter three contains the research design, study area, population, sample size and sampling technique, validity, reliability, source of data, operationalization of variables, research models, and data analysis method
• Chapter four contains the data analysis and the discussion of the findings
• Chapter five contains the summary of findings, conclusions, recommendations, contributions to knowledge, and recommendations for further studies.
• References: The references are in APA
• Questionnaire

Abstract of Comparative Study Between Overbalanced and Underbalanced Oil Drilling Methods

The technique used worldwide while drilling is known as overbalanced drilling. Which is defined as the drilling process where the hydrostatic pressure used exceeds the formation pressure. This is done with the main purpose of “killing” the well. However, there are numerous problems that accompany overbalanced drilling. Such problems are differential pipe sticking, loss of circulation, formation damage and other problems. A relatively new technique was introduced, known as underbalanced drilling, where the well is being drilled with a hydrostatic pressure less than that of the formation. Correct and proper execution of such technique eliminates problems associated with overbalanced drilling. More precisely, underbalanced drilling solves the issues of formation damage, differential pressure sticking and loss of circulation. On the other hand, underbalanced drilling has its own problems as well. Additionally, underbalanced drilling increases the rate of penetration and provides other uses discussed in this project.  The objective of this paper was to compare between overbalanced and underbalanced drilling and ascertain which method is most suitable in all aspects. Finally, it can be concluded that UBD provides lower drilling costs, increased rate of penetration (ROP) and less hole problems when it was compared to overbalanced drilling of the same formations.

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