Extended Reach Drilling

ERD

Extended reach drilling is a term used to define a well with a hard to reach target based on hole geometry.

Initially this term was used for deviated wells whose 'reach' caused the Total Measured Depth to be at least double the True Vertical Depth (ERD: MD / TVD >2). However the term has grown to also include wells that have a TVD greater than 25,000ft,

ERD wells pose a greater emphasis on directional control, hole cleaning and drill pipe design as these items become more critical. Another aspect to consider is well control as in a long horizontal section, a gas bubble is harder to detect therefore precautions like pumping out of hole may be employed.