The Challenge Team is still working to update the Guidelines based on their latest engineering calculations. They think that the directional well can be drilled, but that attaining a near horizontal angle in this short well path will difficult, and perhaps impossible. They are re-writing the guidelines to reflect this and to create a scorecard that will let teams see how the judges will weigh the different factors in their decision.
Baker Hughes GE will donate drill bits again this year. The diameter of the bit will be 1.5 inches with a length of 2 inches. Details of the cutting structure are not yet available.
The rock sample will be sandstone, as reported earlier, but its dimensions may change in width but not height. Continue to plan for a 24 inch height. Plan for a maximum with of 24 inches x 12 inches, but the final stone could be 12″ x 12″.
I got a couple of comments:
-Can we come out of hole at an angle (let’s say 45 deg.) using continous build after the the pilot hole?
– From my understanding, it appears like increasing the extended reach distance with same height makes it more difficult mechanically.
We do not understand your question. Do you mean to drill a vertical pilot hole or a pilot hole at 45 degrees? The pilot hole must be vertical.
Yes, under the current guideline, you will have a lot of difficulty getting a build rate that would exit the side of the rock. That is why we are changing the guidelines. We hope to release the updated guidelines this weekend.
Is there a typo in the bit diameter here? The guidelines say the bit diameter is 1.25″, while the blog post say 1.5″.
We are working on an update to the Guidelines and expect to publish it Monday.