Introduction

Directional drilling has revolutionized modern oil and gas exploration and production, allowing operators to reach reserves previously deemed inaccessible. This 12-day specialized training program by Global Horizon Training Center is designed to provide drilling engineers, supervisors, and technical professionals with a deep and practical understanding of directional drilling techniques and accompanying operations, including well planning, trajectory control, bottom hole assembly design, and real-time monitoring. The program also integrates supporting technologies such as MWD/LWD, hole cleaning, wellbore stability, and sidetracking strategies.

Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the principles and objectives of directional drilling.

• Plan and execute directional and horizontal wells effectively.

• Design and evaluate bottom hole assemblies (BHA) for trajectory control.

• Analyze and interpret MWD and LWD data.

• Handle operational challenges such as torque, drag, and hole cleaning.

• Implement best practices in sidetracking, fishing, and wellbore surveying.

• Integrate new technologies into directional drilling programs.

• Minimize risks and improve drilling efficiency and wellbore placement.

Organizational Impact

• Enhanced drilling performance and reduced non-productive time

• Improved well placement and reservoir contact

• Better risk mitigation and operational control

• Increased competency in advanced drilling technologies

• Strengthened collaboration between drilling, geological, and engineering teams

• Reduction in well failure and sidetrack costs

Target Audience

• Directional Drilling Engineers

• Drilling Supervisors and Superintendents

• Well Planning Engineers

• MWD/LWD Specialists

• Petroleum Engineers and Technologists

• Field Engineers and Toolpushers

• Geologists and Geosteering Personnel

Training Program Outline

Day 1: Fundamentals of Directional Drilling

• Objectives and benefits of directional drilling

• Directional well types and applications

• Introduction to trajectory design: build, hold, drop

• Key terminology and tools overview

Day 2: Surveying and Wellbore Positioning

• Surveying methods (magnetic, gyroscopic)

• Measurement accuracy and error analysis

• TVD, MD, Inclination, Azimuth calculation

• Anti-collision and proximity rules

Day 3: Well Planning and Trajectory Design

• Planning directional, S-shaped, J-shaped, and horizontal wells

• Build-up rate and turn rate calculations

• Dogleg severity (DLS) and minimum curvature method

• Case planning: trajectory modeling

Day 4: Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA) Design

• Types of BHAs for different build tendencies

• Stabilizers, motors, rotary steerable systems

• BHA selection based on trajectory needs

• BHA modeling software overview

Day 5: Downhole Motors and Rotary Steerable Systems

• Mud motors: types, operation, and limitations

• RSS: types, operation principles, and advantages

• Steering principles and control methods

• Motor vs RSS decision-making

Day 6: Measurement While Drilling (MWD) & Logging While Drilling (LWD)

• MWD fundamentals: inclination, azimuth, gamma ray

• LWD applications in reservoir navigation

• Tool positioning and telemetry

• MWD/LWD troubleshooting

Day 7: Real-Time Drilling and Geosteering

• Real-time trajectory adjustments

• Formation evaluation and steering techniques

• Geosteering principles and tools

• Case study: horizontal reservoir navigation

Day 8: Torque, Drag, and Hole Cleaning

• Mechanical models for torque and drag

• Hole cleaning best practices

• Friction factors and ECD management

• Case studies of stuck pipe and hole problems

Day 9: Sidetracking and Fishing in Directional Wells

• Sidetracking planning and tools

• Cement plugs, whipstocks, and retrievable systems

• Fishing operations in deviated wells

• Operational risk management

Day 10: Wellbore Stability and Drilling Fluids

• Borehole collapse and washout prevention

• Mud properties and hydraulics

• Fluid loss, filter cake, and pressure balance

• Use of OBM, WBM, and managed pressure drilling

Day 11: Directional Drilling Software and Modeling

• Overview of directional drilling software (Landmark, Compass, etc.)

• BHA modeling and wellpath prediction

• Trajectory visualization and anti-collision scans

• Hands-on exercises

Day 12: Best Practices, Safety, and Future Trends

• Drilling efficiency metrics and performance KPIs

• HSE considerations in directional drilling

• Emerging technologies (automation, AI, digital twins)

• Wrap-up: lessons learned and action planning