Precision Drilling Tampa What are the Most Common Uses for Precision Drilling?

Tampa geotechnical drilling firms such as Amdrill, Inc. are frequently called in to perform precision drilling projects. Precision drilling methods may be required for a number of different projects, from projects involving an existing well, too difficult access drilling projects and sinkhole investigations, amongst other efforts.

So, in today’s article, we’ll explore precisely what’s involved with this specific style of drilling and some of the special considerations that our technicians must keep in mind when embarking upon this type of project.

What is Precision Drilling?

Tampa drilling technicians may be called upon to perform precision drilling techniques in a variety of different settings and scenarios.

Perhaps one of the best-known uses of precision drilling occurred during the Deepwater Horizon oil rig disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, as BP drilling technicians were tasked with drilling relief wells through thousands of feet of bedrock to hit the primary well, which was just a matter of 30 inches in diameter. They were drilling in an environment with 5,000 feet of water and the intersection point was 2.5 miles beneath the sea floor. This remarkable feat of precision drilling ultimately brought an end to the Deepwater Horizon disaster, as experts were finally able to cap the well once those relief wells were drilled.

Of course, this is an extreme example of precision drilling, but there are many other projects that may involve a high degree of skill and expertise.

One of the most common uses for precision drilling involves difficult access drilling projects, where there may be limited access to the area that needs to be sampled, drilled into or otherwise accessed.  In these settings, our drilling technicians may need to drill in a very precise angle and direction in order to hit the target.

Cases where you’re working with an existing underground structure, such as drilling with an objective of intersecting existing well, aquifer, pipeline or bore hole, also require a unique degree of precision. The task can be made even more complex if you must maneuver around structures or obstacles.

Even a case involving sinkhole investigation and remediation can require precision drilling techniques, as you must place the drilling rig on stable ground; ideally ground that is not situated directly atop the void if the vibrations and added weight trigger a collapse. But the presence of structures such as buildings and roadways can make this more challenging, resulting in some cases where you must position your drilling rig a bit further away than would be considered ideal. This can make it more challenging to hit the target.

When it comes to precision drilling, Tampa natives trust Amdrill, Inc. because we have the equipment, training, vehicles and expertise required to get the job done properly.

*Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Amdrill Inc*