Overview
The Directional Drilling & Survey Management course provides comprehensive training on the fundamentals, design considerations, and operational aspects of directional and horizontal drilling. This specialized program covers trajectory design, survey quality assurance, anti-collision procedures, and real-time steering workflows essential for successful directional well construction. Participants will gain practical knowledge and skills to plan, execute, and manage directional drilling operations effectively.
Learning Outcomes
- Design optimal well trajectories for various drilling scenarios
- Implement survey quality control and validation procedures
- Apply anti-collision techniques and wellbore separation methods
- Utilize real-time steering workflows for precise well placement
- Interpret survey data and manage positional uncertainty
- Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams for successful well delivery
- Troubleshoot directional drilling challenges and operational issues
Target Audience
This course is designed for directional drillers, toolpushers, drilling engineers, survey engineers, and geosteering specialists involved in directional and horizontal drilling operations who need to enhance their technical knowledge and operational skills.
Entry Requirements
Participants should have basic understanding of drilling operations and well construction principles. Experience with directional drilling systems or survey operations is beneficial but not mandatory.
Course Details
Module 1: Fundamentals of Directional Drilling
- Directional drilling principles and applications
- Wellbore geometry and trajectory terminology
- Drilling bottom hole assemblies (BHAs) for directional work
Module 2: Trajectory Design and Planning
- Target selection and wellpath optimization
- Trajectory design principles and constraints
- Anti-collision planning and wellbore separation
Module 3: Survey Systems and Tools
- Survey tool types and operational principles
- Magnetic and gyroscopic surveying methods
- Toolface orientation and steering techniques
Module 4: Survey Quality Assurance
- Survey data validation and quality checks
- Error modeling and uncertainty analysis
- Sag and stretch corrections
Module 5: Anti-Collision Management
Duration: 3 days (24 hours)
Assessment Methods:
- Continuous assessment during practical sessions
- Knowledge checks after each module
- Final written examination
- Practical trajectory design exercises
Passing Criteria: 75% minimum score on written assessment and satisfactory participation in practical exercises
Certification: ZTC Directional Drilling & Survey Management Certificate
Validity: 2 years from date of issue
Recognition: Industry-recognized certificate aligned with Highwave Training standards
Digital Credential: Verifiable digital certificate available
Study Materials:
- Comprehensive directional drilling manual
- Survey calculation worksheets and templates
- Trajectory design software tutorials
Post-Course Support:
- Technical support for 12 months
- Access to directional drilling updates
- Refresher training recommendations
Q: What is the difference between directional and horizontal drilling?
A: Directional drilling refers to any wellbore that deviates from vertical, while horizontal drilling specifically refers to wells with near-horizontal sections.
Q: How important is survey quality in directional drilling?
A: Survey quality is critical as errors can lead to wellbore collisions, target misses, and costly operational issues.
Q: What software tools are covered in this course?
A: The course covers industry-standard software for trajectory design, survey calculations, and anti-collision analysis.