go in the hole

"Go in the Hole": A Drilling & Well Completion Glossary Term

"Go in the hole" is a common phrase used in the oil and gas industry, particularly in drilling and well completion operations. It simply refers to the action of lowering equipment into the wellbore. This equipment can include:

Drill stem: The string of drill pipes connected to the drill bit, used to penetrate the earth and drill the wellbore.
Tubing: The pipe that carries produced fluids (oil, gas, water) from the reservoir to the surface.
Casing: Steel pipes that are cemented into the wellbore to provide structural support, prevent formation fluids from entering the wellbore, and isolate different formations.
Sucker rods: The rods that connect to the pump downhole and are used to lift produced fluids to the surface in artificial lift operations.

The process of "going in the hole" typically involves:

Preparation: Ensuring the equipment is properly assembled and inspected for any damage or defects.
Connection: Connecting the equipment to the rig's hoisting system, such as a draw works or a crane.
Lowering: Carefully lowering the equipment into the wellbore using the hoisting system, controlled by experienced personnel.
Monitoring: Constant monitoring of the equipment's descent and wellbore conditions using gauges and sensors.
Running: This is a term often used interchangeably with "going in the hole" to describe the entire process of lowering equipment.

Importance of "Going in the Hole":

This seemingly simple phrase represents a crucial stage in the drilling and well completion process. It's a critical operation requiring meticulous attention to detail, as any mistakes could lead to:

Equipment damage: Improper handling or mishandling can result in damage to the equipment being lowered.
Wellbore damage: Mishandling can cause damage to the wellbore itself, leading to potential production issues and safety risks.
Safety hazards: If not done correctly, "going in the hole" can pose safety hazards to personnel on the rig.

Examples:

"We're going to go in the hole with the drill pipe today."
"The casing string is being run, they are going in the hole."
"We will need to go in the hole with the sucker rods to run the pump."

In summary, "Go in the hole" is a basic yet essential term in the drilling and well completion industry, signifying the crucial process of lowering equipment into the wellbore. It's a complex operation that requires skill and expertise to ensure safety and operational efficiency.

Test Your Knowledge

Quiz: "Go in the Hole"

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What does the term "go in the hole" refer to in the oil and gas industry?

(a) Drilling a new wellbore. (b) Lowering equipment into the wellbore. (c) Producing oil and gas from a well. (d) Cleaning the wellbore.

Answer

(b) Lowering equipment into the wellbore.

2. Which of the following is NOT typically lowered into the wellbore during the "go in the hole" process?

(a) Drill stem (b) Tubing (c) Casing (d) Rig floor

Answer

(d) Rig floor

3. What is a crucial step in the "go in the hole" process that ensures safety and prevents equipment damage?

(a) Using only experienced personnel. (b) Lowering the equipment at a slow pace. (c) Properly inspecting and assembling the equipment. (d) Constant monitoring of the wellbore conditions.

Answer

4. Why is the term "go in the hole" important in the oil and gas industry?

(a) It's a simple way to describe a complex process. (b) It highlights the importance of safety and efficiency in the operation. (c) It emphasizes the need for specialized equipment. (d) All of the above.

Answer

(d) All of the above.

5. Which of the following is an example of a statement using the phrase "go in the hole"?

(a) "We're going to drill a new well today." (b) "The well is producing oil and gas." (c) "We're going to go in the hole with the tubing string to connect to the reservoir." (d) "The rig floor is being cleaned."

Answer

Exercise: "Go in the Hole" Scenario

Scenario: You are the supervisor on a drilling rig. The crew is about to "go in the hole" with the drill stem.

Task: List 3 important safety procedures that must be followed before and during the "go in the hole" process to ensure the safety of the crew and the equipment.

Exercise Correction

Here are some possible safety procedures:

Pre-operation Inspection: Thoroughly inspect the drill stem and all connections for damage or defects. Ensure all components are properly lubricated and in good working order.
Rig Hand Signals: Establish clear hand signals for the driller and the crew involved in the lowering operation. Ensure everyone understands the signals and their meaning.
Constant Communication: Maintain constant communication between the driller, the crew, and the supervisor throughout the "go in the hole" process. Monitor gauges and sensors to detect any abnormalities or potential issues.
Emergency Procedures: Ensure everyone on the rig knows and understands the emergency procedures in case of a sudden stop or any unforeseen event during the lowering operation.

Books

Petroleum Engineering: Drilling and Well Completion by Robert E. Aguilera
Drilling Engineering: Principles, Applications, and Management by M.C. Smith
Well Completion Design and Operations by John A. Economides & Kamal K. Aziz

Articles

"Drilling Operations and Well Completion" - A general overview article found on many oil & gas industry websites.
"Safety Considerations in Running Casing and Tubing" - Journal articles focusing on the safety aspects of lowering equipment.
"Drilling Equipment: A Comprehensive Guide" - Articles describing the types of equipment involved in "going in the hole".

Online Resources

SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) website: https://www.spe.org/ - Offers a wealth of resources, including technical papers and training materials related to drilling and well completion.
Oil & Gas Journal: https://www.ogj.com/ - A reputable industry news source, often featuring articles on various aspects of drilling and well completion.
Drillinginfo: https://www.drillinginfo.com/ - A platform offering data and analytics for the oil and gas industry, including resources related to drilling operations.

Search Tips

Use specific search terms like: "go in the hole drilling," "running casing in the hole," "lowering equipment into wellbore."
Add keywords related to the type of equipment being lowered, like "drill pipe," "casing string," "tubing," or "sucker rods."
Use quotation marks around the phrase "go in the hole" to find exact matches.
Combine keywords with industry-specific terms like "oil and gas," "drilling operations," or "well completion."