2007-02-03 12:46:09 · 3 answers · asked by mopennies4u 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
I worked the oil fields of Alberta for a few years and personally know of several oil rigs that drilled well over 4000 meters diagonal, and over 3500 meters vertical. I have also heard of rigs that drilled over 10,000 meters, but they were few and far between. I would say the average depth was around the 2500-3500 meter range. The depth a rig can drill is dependant upon the size of the rig and the power of the rig and its equipment.
2007-02-03 12:59:07 · answer #1 · answered by dragondave187 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the maximum distance that can be drilled is controlled by the weight of the drill stem, the weight of the bit and the load capacity of the derrick. Obviously if the weight of the drill stem and the bit exceed the capacity of the rig the whole mess will go into the hole. Also, regardless of the capacity of the rig, if the drill stem gets long enough the weight of the drill stem would break the drill stem and drop the bit into the hole. In the case of a very long stem the weight of the bit is insignificant.
2007-02-06 09:37:28 · answer #2 · answered by bignose68 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
12262 meters, so far.
2007-02-03 14:48:19 · answer #3 · answered by virtualguy92107 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋