Pilot Wells-for those who don't know10 Sep 2019 12:04
A pilot well is often used in oil and gas drilling campaigns as part of an overall strategy to extend the field's life by continuing to locate and tap remaining oil accumulations. Collaboration across subsurface teams leads to decisions on pilot well locations. In most cases the pilot well appraisal objectives will be to confirm the structural position, to identify fluid contacts or to assess depth uncertainty, especially in areas where there is no well penetration or in significantly updip locations. These appraisal objectives apply to shallower and deeper horizons as well as to the target reservoir itself, and there is a strong record of accomplishment of successfully locating remaining oil by means of such appraisal. It is critical therefore, that well planning is tailored so as to accommodate the appraisal objectives as well as the eventual production target.