A Quick History of Directional Drilling

Whenever you dig for natural resources, you run the risk of disrupting surrounding infrastructure. Whether you’re mining for gold or oil, you need to be aware and plan. As more and more mining companies venture into urban and suburban areas, the industry has found a solution.

We can thank directional drilling for all the mining and drilling we see happening today. But what is directional drilling, and how did it evolve?

Let’s explore the basics of directional drilling history, so we can appreciate how this industry-standard innovation came to be.

Read on!

The Beginnings of Directional Drilling

The history of directional drilling can be traced back to the late 1820s. When drilling rigs were first made to traverse along lateral paths rather than straight up and down.

But, the first instance of oil extracted from this process wasn’t until the late 1860s in Ontario, Canada. It was the first successful drilling of a well.

After this, the technology continued to develop further. Companies used horizontal drilling in the early 1900s in the North East of the United States. The modern-day directional drill was developed in the 1920s, and in 1939 the world’s first rotary directional drilling unit was built.

Since then, directional drilling technology refined, leading to its widespread usage as a way to drill for oil, gas, and other minerals.

The Evolution of Directional Drilling

Directional drilling has come a long way since its start in the late 1800s. The concept originated in Kansas City, Missouri. This is where several enterprising individuals saw the potential to mine the resources underground from part of the edge of the city.

These first experiments used an operated cable tool inserted into a drilled hole and then rotated by hand. From there on out, directional drilling technologies advanced. During the 1920s, the first automated, motorized directional rigs were developed. It enabled more control over the direction of drill paths.

Beyond that, the computing power behind directional drilling increased over the years. It gave us the advanced technologies we have today. And now, we use computer algorithms to optimize the process and ensure precision and accuracy.

All in all, directional drilling has progressed in the last century. And remains an important tool for accessing resources from beneath the surface of the Earth. So, for the latest directional drilling tools, click here.

Imagining Endless Possibilities of Directional Drilling

What the future holds for directional drilling is exciting. With the advances in drilling technology, it is possible to reach further into the ground and drill with greater accuracy.

This has the potential to open up the world of oil and gas exploration to more places and have a major impact on the global economy. Directional drilling will also allow for more power lines, telecommunications lines, and fiber optic cables to be laid.

Learn More About the History of Directional Drilling Today

Directional drilling is a powerful tool used in the oil and gas industry that has a long history and an even brighter future. Companies are finding new ways to develop and innovate this technology, with great success.

If you own an oil or gas business, consider investing in directional drilling to maximize efficiency.

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