Directional and Horizontal Drilling

Vertical drilling is fundamental to the oil and gas industry. Directional drilling developed from a need to vary direction from vertical drilling and has been facilitated by advances in technology. It is a commonly used, well-established, and proven technique. Horizontal drilling developed for similar reasons. It is widely used and is gaining acceptance in the industry. Through continued use and technological advances, additional applications of these two innovative drilling methods will develop, further increasing their importance. Both are used worldwide to prevent waste by developing and producing oil and gas not recoverable by other methods and by reducing costs.