TMD

TMD: The Crucial End-Point in Oil & Gas Exploration

In the world of oil and gas exploration, TMD (Total Measured Depth) is a critical term that signifies the ultimate depth reached by a drilling operation. Understanding TMD is crucial for evaluating the success of a well and making informed decisions about future exploration plans.

What is TMD?

TMD is the total vertical distance traveled by the drill bit from the surface to the deepest point reached in the wellbore. It includes all the vertical sections of the well, both the initial vertical section and any subsequent deviations or horizontal sections drilled.

Why is TMD important?

TMD plays a pivotal role in:

• Determining the well's reach: It indicates how deep the well goes, which directly impacts the potential volume of hydrocarbons that can be accessed.
• Assessing the effectiveness of drilling: Reaching the intended TMD is a key benchmark for evaluating the success of a drilling operation.
• Understanding reservoir properties: TMD, in conjunction with other geological data, helps to estimate the thickness, extent, and properties of the reservoir rock.
• Evaluating the economics of the well: The deeper a well is drilled, the higher the cost, so understanding TMD is essential for calculating the overall cost-effectiveness of the project.

How is TMD measured?

TMD is measured through a combination of:

• Surveys: Surveys using advanced technologies like wireline logging, magnetic surveys, and gyro surveys are conducted to accurately determine the wellbore's trajectory and depth.
• Drilling records: Real-time data collected during drilling, including the amount of drill string deployed and the rate of drilling, are used to track the progress and calculate the TMD.

TMD in the context of "Hold"

The term "hold" is often used in relation to TMD in oil and gas exploration. When a well is "held" at a specific depth, it means that drilling has been stopped at that depth, and the well is temporarily "held" in place. This could be due to various reasons, such as:

• Reaching the target reservoir: If the desired reservoir has been reached, the well may be held to allow for further evaluation and potential production.
• Technical challenges: If encountering unexpected geological conditions or technical difficulties, drilling may be paused to assess the situation and develop a plan for proceeding.
• Waiting for further approvals: In some cases, regulatory approvals or additional studies may be required before continuing drilling, leading to a temporary "hold."

TMD: A crucial indicator of success

In conclusion, TMD is a critical parameter in oil and gas exploration, providing insights into the well's depth, reservoir characteristics, and overall success. Understanding TMD is crucial for evaluating drilling operations, making informed decisions, and ensuring the profitability of exploration projects.