The oil and gas industry continues to strive for ways to reduce drilling costs as costs can be the deciding factor in whether a well is drilled or not. DOE/NETL has been involved through the years in the development of new advanced drilling tools and methodologies which have aided in the reduction of drilling costs. For example, DOE supported pioneering efforts on measurement-while-drilling (MWD) in the 1970's, which revolutionized drilling operations. DOE was also involved in the first system to transmit drill bit location information by sending pressure pulses through drilling mud. Most recently, DOE was involved in the development of “Intellipipe,” which can support high speed communications from essentially a limitless number of downhole measuring devices to the surface. These advanced tools have helped to reduce drilling costs, and make the driller smarter at the same time.

Intellipipe Data Link assembly which collects data from the rotating pipe during drilling operations

DOE/NETL continues to be a leader in the development of advanced tools and methods for drilling operations. The NETL Oil and Natural Gas Program promotes research and development for technologies which will increase drilling efficiency, which will look at casing while drilling and liner drilling, and the development of new drill bit technology, either with new cutters or new bit designs. New developments in these areas will instrumental in helping meet the increasing demand for oil and gas.

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