Environmental impact of Slim Hole Drilling
Downsizing wells has environmental benefits. During drilling the volume of cuttings, waste mud and cement are reduced roughly in proportion to the square of the hole diameter at total depth. Once slim wells are accepted in an area, the size of wellheads, blowout preventers, masts, draw works, mud pumps, mud tanks, storage bins, pipe racks, and power systems can all be reduced.
Smaller, multi-skilled crews require smaller camps and logistics become easier.
Slim disposal wells for injection of liquids, slurries and cuttings may also prove to be a . . .