For instance, I had a landman or some nut tell me Natchitoches parish was too deep to drill. Then why are they building these Trinidad rigs that are capable of 18,000 ft?
I agree. I'm sure one of those 18,000' rigs costs a few million more than a mere 14,000' rig. If they weren't expecting to be drilling to such depths (i.e., Natchitoches and Sabine), they wouldn't incur that additional cost.
Diane & Skidmark, five stars to each of you on spotting the information and posting.
Basically the 1500 - 2000 Hp rigs are required for all the Haynesville Shale horizontal development programs. With the 18,000' drilling limit, these rigs could drill Haynesville Shale up to ~ 14,000' deep. 50 rigs would be able to drill about 300 wells a year.
Les, thanks for the information. Just trying to learn. But these rigs are capable of going 18,000' if needed right? I don't think the shale in my area is 18,000' but just in case. Would it be wise to assume that no matter where there is shale - they will find a way to get to it????
Diane, my 14,000' limit was based on drilling a 3500 - 4000' horizontal lateral. Economics and technology would be more challenging for deeper depths but yes eventually companies will find a way to produce. It just may be much later.
The rigs are all expected to be delivered before the end of 2009 and are currently planned to drill in the Haynesville Shale in North Louisiana, one of the key emerging unconventional gas plays in the U.S.
this excerpt may give us all in natch and sabine some indication on when things will pick up around us...we all in these areas need to keep patient!
I spoke with a drilling superintendent from Trinidad Sunday. He said they were loading a rig to move to the Natch/Red River line to drill a well. I didn't ask a specific location. He said they're trying to free up other rigs to move in also.