Directional Well Planning Overview

By George T. Armistead, PE
armisgt@yahoo.com

Link to YouTube Playlist for

Directional Well Planning Overview
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKQsiFzev0c1yia3XMPK2GpD-i_E25jjx

Link to Notes on
Directional Well Planning Overview
Google Drive
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gDGxWNxJMWCBMZXPVfqrhIr3rpIIeCeS/view?usp=sharing

The purpose of this video and accompanying notes is to give the viewer an overview of the
pertinent material and process utilized to plan directional wells.
This overview of directional well planning process will only be described and illustrated for
targets located in a single plane. Three dimensional (3D) directional plans can be prepared
without the use of computer software but the mathematics is a little more complex leading
to higher probability of mathematical mistakes. Only the directional planning to meet the
targets requirements will be covered in this video. The mud motors selection and other
equipment aspects would be too broad to review in this video series. Motor and stage
selection are well specific and based on experience in the area.

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 Topics

1. Describe some of the limitations and project issues that would affect directional
planning.

2. Examine Basic Directional Planning Equations and Concepts

a. Depth References and Coordinate Systems

b. Describe Inclination and Azimuth References
c. Build Rate and Radius of the Arc Utilized for Directional Execution
d. Equations to Calculate Change in True Vertical Depth and Displacement During
Inclination Angle Changes
e. Build Rates Necessary Between Targets for Continuous Change in Inclination
f. Basic Trigonometry Relationships
g. Geometric Principles for Tangents to a Circle at a Chord

3. Evaluate the analysis, planning steps and review examples of a single target
applications.
a. Calculation of KOP when a build rate and inclination has been selected.
b. Determination of inclination when the KOP and build rate has been selected.

4. Explore and describe the analysis, planning steps for a multiple target directional
application. Construct a directional strategy for a multiple target application that
fulfills the requirements.

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 Directional Limitations and Concerns

There are three (3) major concern areas that must be mitigated in directional well planning.

a. BUR’s - There are limitations of build/drop rates based on well depths and
experience. For fairly deep wells > 15,000’ TVD BUR’s are generally limited to a
maximum of 4°. For intermediate wells of < 12,000’ TVD greater build rates of up
to 15° can be used based on experience in the exploitation area. Higher BUR’s
will increase wellbore side loads, torque and drag and casing wear. Be vigilant
and use critical thinking during project execution with the perception that getting
the appropriate increase/decrease in inclination every 100’ does not directly
correspond to the desired build/drop rate as the motor may be set with a much
higher BUR and a smaller portion of the 100’ interval is drilled in the angle
changing mode.
b. Difficult Hole Sections - There can be limitations based on geology on some depth
ranges that attempting directional changes can be very problematic and difficult.
These areas may be very abrasive or extremely hard formations making it difficult
to drill. Some areas can cause severe vibrations damaging downhole equipment
resulting in high nonproductive time. Other areas of the wellbore may be subject
to wellbore instability increasing the odds of stuck pipe and other hole problems
trying to do direction well angle changes in these areas. Generally, these lessons
are learned for operating areas based on experience and directional angle
changes are planned in hole sections either above or below these difficult areas of
the wellbore.
c. Hole Tortuosity - Drilling a usable wellbore in which the required casing strings
and completion equipment can easily be deployed is paramount to directional
planning. Hole tortuosity must be managed and mitigated for both vertical and
directional wells. It is strongly encouraged to view and learn the principles of
hole tortuosity management given in the following YouTube video link:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKQsiFzev0c1w1XbhVBjvpSi6Wkpo0L3T
It is imperative to drill a smooth wellbore that is usable to run the casing or
completion equipment in once the hole section drilling has been completed.

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 Basic Planning Equations and Concepts

Depth References and Coordinate Systems

Geological mapping and targets must be done and described in a manner that can be consistently applied
over a large area and easy to implement in industry practice.
Vertical Depths
All geological mapping and associated targets are developed from maps based on a common vertical
reference such as subsea depth. The target vertical depths for a project will be given in True Vertical Depth
Subsea (TVDSS).

Offshore Operations
Rig Floor Elevation

RKB (Rotary Kelly Bushing)

Elevation and Distance of Rig Floor above MSL

Mean Sea Level RKB to ML

Distance from Rotary to Mud Line (ML)
Water Depth (WD)
All directional well work must be
done below the mud line with the
exception of curved conductors

Mud Line (ML)

TVDSS

Target TVDSS
For an Offshore Well the TVD required to utilize for the directional plan would be the sum of
the TVDSS depth plus the RKB elevation distance. Target TVD = TVDSS + RKB
The TVDSS of the prospect doesn’t change but the rig floor elevation will vary for different
reasons and rig types (Jackup, Platform, Submersible, Semisubmersible, Drill Ship, Tender)
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Land Operations

Rig Floor Elevation

RKB
Ground

Above Sea Level (ASL)

Distance of Ground Elevation Target TVD
Above Sea Level
TVD = TVDSS + ASL + RKB
MSL

TVDSS

Target TVDSS

Horizontal References
Because land ownership and control has always been a significant part of human history
then there are different horizontal reference systems throughout the world to describe
ownership and rights of control of land areas. All land purchases or leasing, geological
analysis and assessment along with project execution are done in a common coordinate
system that has long existed before the lease position was obtained. For instance, on land
in the United States references may be done based on sections and townships. For offshore
operations the coordinate system is a reference to a horizontal reference system that was
created years ago for lease ownership and rights of control by states and nations.

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 Example 1
Evaluation of Grid System and Target Location

Coordinate Grid System Values

Project Values Based on Grid
Calculated Values

Grid Description Four Sections (640 Acres) with sides of 5,280’ within a township

Given Project Description of Target Within Grid System

Surface Location 2,800’ FWL & 2,900’ FNL of Section 6
Target 2,200’ FEL & 2,700’ FSL of Section 8 at 9,000’ TVDSS

5,280’ 5,280’
Sec 6 Sec 5
2,900’
5,280’

2,800’
SL
5,280’

2,200’
Target
2,700’

Sec 7 Sec 8

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 N
Calculated Project Description Values of Target

5,280’
ΦA
5,280’ SL PLAN VIEW
Sec 6 Sec 5
2,900’
5,280’

2,800’
Φd
2,480’ 7,450.8’

4,960’
SL 48.3°
2,380’

2,580

Tar
5,280’

3,080’ 2,200’ 5,560’

Target
2,700’

Sec 7 Sec 8

Target Coordinates East of SL 2,480’ + 3,080’ = 5,560’ East of SL

Target Coordinates South of SL 2,380’ + 2,580’ = 4,960 South of SL

Target Displacement D = (5,5602 + 4,9602 ) .5 = 7,450.8’

ΦD = Atan 5,560 / 4,960 = 48.3° Well Course Direction S 48.3° E

ΦA = Azimuth of Well = 180 - ΦD = 180 – 48.3 = 131.7°

Inclination and Direction References

Inclination - In the oil and gas sector inclination is measured from the vertical, not horizontal. A vertically drilled well
has an inclination of 0° and a well that is being drilled horizontal would be drilling at an inclination of 90°. Inclination in
the oil and gas business is different than what we experience when we drive and see a road sign expressing an
inclination.

90° Inclination

0° Inclination
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Azimuth or Direction – The azimuth or direction of the well is measured in degrees clockwise from due North - 0° to
360°. A well heading due East would have an azimuth of 90°, a well course headed due South would be 180° azimuth
and due West would be a heading of 270°. This same convention is also used in other industries (airlines, ships). We are
all fortunate that one of the greatest inventions of all times is the magnetic compass which points generally north.

Earth N

N The earth is spinning on a North-South axis making the

diameter of the earth larger on the plane of the equator
than in a N-S direction. The earth is also made up with
a large molten iron core which also is elliptical in shape
due to the centrifugal acceleration. The fact that this
Equator iron core is elliptical in shape give the earth’s magnetic
field its shape. If the earth were perfectly symmetrical
in shape the magnetic field would not be as is and the
Elliptical Iron Core compass would not be a reliable for direction.

Inclination and azimuth changes within a wellbore. All angle change portions within a well profile consist of an arc of a
circle with a radius R. The directional drilling tools that are utilized to execute directional work within a well are set up
at the surface to drill a tight arc of a circle with a short radius or a long radius well change.

We can derive the radius (R) as a function of the Build or Drop Rate (B) using the basic circumference of a circle equation
and the circumference of a circle based on build rate equation.

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 Equations for Change in TVD and Displacement During Inclination Angle Change

By convention for a positive distance for V and D the value of R is positive (+) if building angle and negative (–)
if dropping angle. However, if you switch the angles in the two equations the absolute value of the calculated
value would be the correct distance.

The equation V = R (Sin I2 – Sin I1) can be rearranged by substituting 5730/ B for R

𝑉 = (𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝐼2 − 𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝐼1)

𝐵= (𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝐼2 − 𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝐼1)



Equation to Calculate Build or Drop Rate Between Targets

Application Exercise 1 – It was planned to hit Vertical Section View

Target No. 3 at an inclination of 32° and build at 2°
26°
/ 100’ between Target No. 3 and Target No. 4 in
order to achieve an inclination of 46° at Target No. 7,400’ TVD Tar 3

4 and be aligned with Target No. 5 further

downhole. Due to multiple factors during the
actual execution of drilling the well Target No. 3 is
hit with an inclination of 26° instead of the 7,943’ TVD Tar 4
intended 32°. Now that Target No. 3 has been hit
46°
at the inclination of 26° what BUR needs to be
utilized between Target No. 3 and Target No. 4 to
be aligned at Target No. 4 with the 46° inclination? Tar 5

Pause Video and Calculate BUR Necessary.

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Solution to Exercise 1:

Using the equation

B = 5730 (sin 46 – sin 26) / (7943-7400) = 2.97°

Basic Trigonometry Relationships

L2 = V2 + D2
L = ( V2 + D2 ).5
V = L * Cos I
D = L * Sin I
Tan I = D / V

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Angle Property Relationships for the Tangents to a Chord on a Circle

The Change in Angle (  ) will be necessary between Targets 1 and 2 in order to be aligned towards Target 3 when Target
2 is reached. This Change is Angle () between targets is equal to twice the difference between the chord and tangent
angle (φ).

Another way to think about the inclinations at Target 1 and Target 2 is that if a continuous change is inclination will be
employed between the two targets then the Average Inclination of Targets 1 and Targets 2 must be the same inclination
as the Chord Inclination. For example, if the inclination at Target 2 needs to be 40° in order to hit Target 3 and the
Chord Inclination is 30° then the inclination at Target 1 would have to be 20°.

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 Build and Hold to Single Target
Vertical Section View

The Target is at a given TVD depth and based on a required Total Displacement.

Looking at the diagram above there are three (3) sections when drilling to a single target with a build and hold profile.

1. Section 1 – Holding inclination at 0° from the surface down to a kick off depth (KOP). 0’ - KOP
2. Section 2 – Building an inclination from 0° to the necessary inclination to be aligned towards the downhole
Target. KOP – End of Build (EOB)
3. Section 3 – A Tangent (Hold Inclination) section in which the inclination achieved at the End of Build is held to
the Target. EOB – Target

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There are infinite solutions to utilizing a build and hold profile to a single target by varying KOP’s, Build Rate,
and Tangent Angle. You can mathematically select two of these criteria and calculate the third criteria to
achieve the directional plan.
Most Common Approaches

1. Select a Build Rate (B) along with a Tangent Angle (). [Unknown KOP]
This choice is generally utilized for the following two reasons:

1. Lots of experience drilling directional wells at this inclination and build rate with minimum
problems executing directional plan.
2. Inclination that is easy to clean the hole thereby minimizing potential for hole troubles.

The KOP is a calculated value based on following steps.

a. Calculate a value of R based on the equation R = 5730 / B
b. Calculate the values of V2 and D2 using the formulas V = R (Sin I2 – Sin I1) & D = R (Cos I1-Cos I2)
c. Calculate the value of D3 which will be the total displacement minus D2 D3 = DT – D2
d. Calculate the value of T3 based on basic trigonometric function. T3 = D3 / Tan .
e. Calculate the KOP subtracting T3 and T2 from TT KOP = TT -T3 - T2

Application Exercise 2: Calculate the KOP for a well with a single target at 10,000’ TVD with 3,500’ of
displacement using a build rate of 3°/100’ and an inclination of 30°.

PAUSE THE VIDEO AND CALCULATE THE KOP FOLLOWING THE STEPS ABOVE.

Solution:

a. R = 5730/B = 5730/3 = 1910’

b. V2 = R(Sin I2 – Sin I1) = 1910 (Sin 30 – Sin 0) = 955’ D2 = R (Cos I1 – Cos I2) = 1910 (Cos 0 – Cos 30) = 256’
c. D3 = DT – D2 = 3,500’ – 256’ = 3,244’
d. T3 = D3 / Tan 30 = 3,244 / Tan 30 = 5,619’
e. KOP = VT – V3 – V2 = 10,000 – 5,619 – 955 = 3,426’

It is quite common to examine the KOP and determine that directional work would be required in two hole sections
(above and below a casing shoe) requiring two sets of directional tool sizes. By considering increasing the inclination to
a higher angle it may be possible to eliminate doing directional work in a hole section.

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2. Select a Build Rate (B) and a KOP. [Unknown EOB]

This choice is generally utilized for the following two reasons:

1) To minimize the hole sections that directional work is executed in thereby eliminating the
need for different size directional motors and tools.
2) To choose the shallowest practical KOP in a long reach well plan thereby minimizing the hole
sail angle.

The steps in the chart below can be utilized to calculate the sail angle (3) needed to achieve this
directional plan when there is an unknown End of Build (EOB).

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Application Exercise 3: Calculate the Sail Angle for a long reach well to be drilled from a platform located in
300’ WD with a 100’ RKB [depth from rotary to Mean Sea Level (MSL)]. The first conductor casing will be set
250’ below mud line (BML) and the well can be kicked off with the directional assembly 150’ below the base
of the conductor. Plan to drill the well to its target is located at 9,000’ TVD with 15,000’ of displacement
utilizing a 3°/100’ build rate.

PAUSE THE VIDEO AND CALCULATE THE KOP FOLLOWING THE STEPS ABOVE.

a. KOP = RKB + WD + Conductor Depth + Depth Below Cond = 100 + 300 + 250 + 150 = 800’
b. R = 5730/ B = 5730/ 3 = 1910’
c. Disp B = Target Disp – R = 15000-1910 = 13090
d. L1 = Target TVD – KOP = 9000 – 800 = 8200
e. 1 = Atan (Disp B / L1) = Atan (13090 / 8200 ) = 57.9°
f. L2 = Disp B / Sin 1 = 13090 / Sin 57.9° = 15452
g. 2 = Asin (R / L2) = Asin (1910 / 15452 ) = 7.1°
h. 3 = Sail Angle = 1 + 2 = 57.9 + 7.1 = 65°

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 Multiple Well Targets Well Planning

Multiple well targets well planning will be described thought the application of an exercise which
purposely contains multiple targets that cause of to go through some analysis and planning steps to come
up with a directional strategy which satisfies the directional requirements.

Application Directional Planning Exercise 4 – Multiple Targets

Develop a directional drilling strategy in order to meet the well target
objectives listed below for an offshore well. Assume an RKB of 100’ for
preparing the directional plan.

WELL PLANNING TARGET OBJECTIVES

Well TVD SS Distance Ref Block Distance Ref Call Block

Objectives (feet) (Feet) Call (Feet)

Surface 12498 FNL EI 126 10022 FEL EI 126

Location

Target 1 7801 13009 FNL EI 126 10906 FEL EI 126

Target 2 8953 13475 FNL EI 126 11714 FEL EI 126

Target 3 11187 514 FNL EI 141 14376 FEL EI 141

Target 4 13244 1930 FNL EI 140 13216 FWL EI 140

Target 5 15540 2675 FNL EI 140 11924 FWL EI 140

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17
 Protraction Map LA4 Eugene Island Area
http://www.boem.gov/Oil-and-Gas-Energy-Program/Mapping-and-Data/Gulf-
PDFs/la4.aspx

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1) Complete the target directional analysis by completing the chart below to
determine TVD, ∆TVD, Distance South and West of SL, Displacement, ∆
Displacement, Plan View Direction from South and Vertical Section View Average
Inclination Angles between Targets.
Direction Inclination
Well Distance Distance
TVD ∆ TVD Disp. ∆ Disp. from between
Objective South West
North/South Targets

SL

Target 1

Target 2

Target 3

Target 4

Target 5

Plan View Vertical Section View

SL Tar i
Ø ø
D S ∆ TVD

Tar i W ∆ Disp Tar i+1

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2) Select the sail angle needed at Target No. 2 in order to hit target 2 – 4.
3) Determine the inclination angle required at Target No. 1 in order to have a
continuous build between Target 1 and Target 2.
4) Determine the inclination angle at Target 5 in order to have a continuous drop
from Target 4 to Target 5.
5) Determine the build rate required between Targets 1 and 2 based on the two
inclinations. Determine the drop rate between Targets 4 and 5 based on the
two inclinations.
6) Utilizing the same build rate determined in Step 5 between Targets 1 and 2
calculate a KOP for the well to hit Target 1 with the inclination determined in
Step 3.
a) Determine the vertical depth required to build angle from 0° at KOP to
required inclination at Target No. 1.
b) Determine horizontal displacement achieved while building angle to required
inclination at Target 1.
c) Determine additional displacement needed while holding inclination to
Target 1 along with vertical depth to hold calculated inclination.
d) Subtract vertical depth of holding inclination and vertical depth while
building inclination from Target 1 TVD to obtain KOP depth.
7) List out the directional strategy steps determined in Steps 1 – 6.

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 Multiple Target Exercise Solution Steps

1) Construct Operating Grid Sketch and Complete Target Directional Analysis by completing chart determining
target displacements, directions and inclinations between targets.

X = 1,954,933.52’
X = 1,939,911.36’
X = 1,924,889.20’

15,022.16’
Y = 110,408.20’
BLK 126 14,498.58

15,022.16’
Y = 95,909.62’
14,498.58

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BLK 140 BLK 141
Y = 81,411.04’
 Atan (4/3) Atan (6/2)

Direction Inclination
Well Distance Distance
TVD ∆ TVD Disp. ∆ Disp. from between
Objective South West
North/South Targets
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
SL

Target 1 7901 511 884 1021 60°

1152 933 39°
Target 2 9053 977 1692 1954 60°
2234 3074 54°
Target 3 11287 2515 4354 5028 60°
2057 2831 54°
Target 4 13344 3931 6806 7860 60°
2296 1491 33°
Target 5 15640 4676 8098 9351 60°

Evaluating the well direction of all of the targets in column 7 we see that the direction of each target from the
surface location is S60°E meaning that they are all aligned in an azimuth of 240° heading which can be seen when
plotted as well.

60°

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Evaluating the inclinations between target in column 8 we can see that an angle of 54° needs to be
maintained from Target No. 2 to Target No. 4. The required sail angle to hit these three targets then
would be 54° for directional planning which can also be seen on a well directional plot. It can be seen
visually that a build above Target No. 2 will be required to hit Targets 1 and 2 and a drop below Target
No. 4 will be required to hit Target No. 5.

2– 4) An inclination between Targets 2 -4 is 54°. Based on circular properties for tangents to a chord on a circle
the inclination needed at Target 1 is 24° and for Target No. 5 is 12°.
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 ( )
5) Determine build rate between Target 1 and 2 using equation B= .

( )
𝐵= = 2° which is an acceptable rate of change in inclination.

Determine drop rate between Targets 4 and 5.

( )
𝐵= = 1.5° which is an acceptable rate of change in inclination.

A buildup rate of 2° will be used between Targets 1 and 2 and then a 1.5° drop rate will be used
between Targets 4 and 5.

6) Determine KOP for well.

1) Determine vertical depth while building inclination. R = 5730 /2 = 2865 V =
2865 (sin 24 – sin 0) = 1165’
2) Determine displacement while building angle. D = 2865 (cos 0 – cos 24) = 248’
3) Additional displacement needed = DT – D2 = 1021 – 248 = 773’ Vertical Depth =
D3 / tan 24 = 773 /tan24 = 1736
4) KOP = VT – V3 – V2 = 7,901’ – 1,736’ – 1,165’ = 5,000’

7) List out directional strategy to fulfill directional requirements for well profile.

1) Drill vertical to KOP at 5,000’ TVD.

2) Beginning at KOP of 5,000’ TVD build 2° / 100’ in the direction of S60°W or
240° azimuth to an inclination of 24°. Azimuth of 240° is held to well’s TD.
3) Hole 24° inclination to Target No. 1 at 7,901’ TVD.
4) Beginning at Target 1 (7,901’ TVD) begin building inclination 2° / 100’ to an
inclination of 54° at Target No. 2 (9,053’ TVD).
5) Hole 54° from Target 2 through Target 3 and on to Target 4 (13,344’ TVD).
6) Beginning at Target 4 (13,344’ TVD) drop 1.5° / 100’ to an inclination of 12° at
Target 5 (15,640’ TVD).

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 0.00 Vertical Section View
1,000.00

2,000.00

3,000.00

4,000.00

5,000.00

6,000.00

7,000.00

8,000.00
TVD
9,000.00

10,000.00

11,000.00

12,000.00

13,000.00

14,000.00

15,000.00

16,000.00
0.00 4,000.00 8,000.00 12,000.00 16,000.00 20,000.00
Vertical Section

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Summary of Concepts Examined in this Directional Planning Overview

1. Described some of the limitations of directional drilling

2. Evaluated Vertical Depth and Horizontal Reference Systems
3. Reviewed the Definitions and References for Directional Inclination and Azimuth
4. Described the Arc necessary for doing directional work and how to calculate the Radius.
5. Examined the Basic Directional Planning Equations and Geometry Concepts
6. Reviewed the Geometry of a Circular Arc and Tangent Angles to a Chord on a Circle
7. Seen and Utilized the Steps Necessary to Develop a Directional Plan to a Single Target for Two
Applications
a. Choosing Build Rate and Inclination
b. Choosing KOP and Build Rate
8. Assessed the process to develop a directional plan for multiple targets utilizing an application example.

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