Creating an effective management plan requires combining the known with the unknown. As competent drilling professionals, we know the chosen drilling method, rig, tooling and borehole design. We control all those components. Mother Nature —the downhole geologic conditions — gives us the unknown factors affecting the plan. For an effective drilling management and disposal plan, drillers must utilize the components they can control to minimize the waste generated by the unknown components.
The size and scope of the drilling project has a direct impact on our plan and control parameters. One of the most challenging aspects of creating an effective plan involves single holes with varying conditions miles apart. Sadly, I hear that same excuse used to deflect the competency of drillers and companies as they trial-and-error their way through a residential or commercial geothermal project. However, all the information required for success falls within the control components. Once a driller understands their drilling method, the tooling package and rig capabilities, the outcome on any hole from a management and waste perspective becomes a known component. Yes, the borehole design can change by increasing the amount of material we produce. That’s common sense. Yes, the downhole conditions can swell or heave, requiring more fluids and creating more material to manage. We can mitigate any of these unknown issues by setting a reasonable material limit to dispose of and continually monitoring how that amount changes.