directional drilling: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Professional
Quick answer
What does “directional drilling” mean?
A technique for drilling non-vertical boreholes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A technique for drilling non-vertical boreholes.
A specialized drilling process that allows the wellbore to be steered along a planned, deviated path to reach a subsurface target that is not directly beneath the drilling rig. It is a foundational technology for modern hydrocarbon extraction, geothermal energy, and certain civil engineering projects.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Spelling conventions (e.g., 'drilling' vs. 'driling') do not apply as the term is identical. The activity is equally common in both regions' oil & gas industries.
Connotations
Technical precision, advanced engineering, and high-cost operations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general language but standard within the oil & gas, geothermal, and mining industries in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “directional drilling” in a Sentence
[undergo/use/employ] directional drilling [to + VERB]directional drilling [is used/employed] [for NOUN]directional drilling [through/across/into] [FORMATION]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “directional drilling” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The team decided to directionally drill to avoid the unstable shale layer.
- They are directional drilling for the geothermal project in Cornwall.
American English
- We need to directionally drill from this single pad to access multiple reserves.
- The company directionally drilled under the river to minimize environmental impact.
adverb
British English
- The well was drilled directionally to reach the target. (Rare usage, 'directionally' modifies 'drilled')
American English
- They drilled directionally for over two miles. (Rare usage)
adjective
British English
- The directional drilling campaign was a success.
- They reviewed the directional drilling plan thoroughly.
American English
- The directional drilling tools arrived on site.
- He is a directional drilling specialist.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a capital-intensive operation with significant project management and cost implications.
Academic
Discussed in petroleum engineering, geology, and geophysics papers regarding reservoir access and reduced environmental footprint.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Might appear in news articles about energy or controversial pipeline projects.
Technical
The standard term for the process, involving tools like mud motors, MWD (Measurement While Drilling), and LWD (Logging While Drilling) systems.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “directional drilling”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “directional drilling”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “directional drilling”
- Confusing it with 'directional boring', which is a similar but smaller-scale technique used for utility lines. Using it as a countable noun incorrectly (e.g., 'three directional drillings') instead of an uncountable one or using 'directional drills'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Directional drilling is the technique of steering the wellbore. Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is a separate process that may occur after drilling, where fluid is pumped into rock to create fractures. A directionally drilled well can be fracked, but not all are.
It allows access to oil, gas, or geothermal resources located under cities, bodies of water, or protected areas without placing the rig directly above them. It also enables multiple wells from one platform (reducing cost and surface impact) and can be used for relief wells or to intersect difficult formations.
Yes, this is called 'horizontal drilling.' The drill string is steered from vertical to horizontal over a curve of specific radius. This is standard for shale oil and gas production.
Directional drilling typically refers to large-scale operations for oil, gas, or geothermal wells. Directional boring (or horizontal directional drilling, HDD) is a smaller-scale trenchless method used for installing utilities like pipes, cables, and conduits underground.
A technique for drilling non-vertical boreholes.
Directional drilling is usually technical/professional in register.
Directional drilling: in British English it is pronounced /dɪˈrɛkʃ(ə)n(ə)l ˈdrɪlɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /dəˈrɛkʃənəl ˈdrɪlɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Drilling sideways (informal industry term for horizontal directional drilling)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a dentist using a special drill to reach a cavity from an angle, not straight down. Directional drilling is like that for the earth.
Conceptual Metaphor
NAVIGATING UNDERGROUND: The drill string is steered like a ship or car to a specific underground destination.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary advantage of directional drilling in sensitive environments?