Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Marcus Grayson on July 16, 2012 at 12:13pm

The drill bit is equipped with a GPS tracker that shows the length of the lateral.

Permalink Reply by Kathleen on July 16, 2012 at 2:19pm

I also was told a gps was used. Supposedly this is to help the oil co. but also is being used to make sure the bore head stays the proper distance from unleased or land not included in the unit here in Ohio.

Permalink Reply by Larry on July 16, 2012 at 3:10pm

Thank you info appreciated

Permalink Reply by Larry Moore on July 16, 2012 at 5:36pm

Almost correct. GPS is used for precise location of the well Entrance point. But, GPS signals won't penetrate far into the earth.
There is a component attached to a directional drilling Head that incorporates "inertial guidance". (Remember gyroscopes?) These are very similar to the inertial guidance systems used in missles and spacecraft. This unit then communicates with the surface and its movement relative to the Entrance Point can be charted in three dimensions with great accuracy.

Permalink Reply by Marcus Grayson on July 16, 2012 at 10:08pm

That's a much better explanation than mine.  Good info, Larry.