Asso. Drilling Engineer

Worked as an Asso. Drilling Engineer, I have been involved in developing aerated drilling fluid for Geothermal wells projects. Geothermal formation has different characteristic comparing oil and gas formation. Geothermal mainly has igneous rock while oil and gas mostly sedimentary rock. The Geothermal well drilling process is basically similar to the process of drilling the wells of oil or gas. Formation pressure found in geothermal drilling is smaller than the hydrostatic pressure of the mud used when drilling. Therefore, when drilling mud is applied, its pressure will exceed the formation pressure. Then drilling mud will be lost and enter to the formation itself.

For the drilling team, understanding pore and fracture pressure is the key to optimize the aerated drilling implementation. Aerated fluids is common remedy for lost circulation in geothermal drilling. The bottom hole pressure (BHP) or ECD is to be maintained such that it will ‘balance’ the pore pressure. The utilisation of aerated fluids allows for full circulation of drilling fluids and drilling cuttings back to the surface while drilling through permeable formations. During the planning phase, software and formulas spreadsheet were used to model the pressure profile.

I have an experience to work in drilling engineering area (office and site). I have got to spend several weeks working on a land drilling rig. On my first day, I was introduced to the whole team and got an insight of what it really means to put safety first. I also learnt about the nature of office and site work, which, I believe, will help me decide on my future plans. I was working with projects that take months to complete and use the most advanced technology in the industry.  This was the first time I had to actively think about the task at hand and use all my knowledge. I also noticed how software engineers work at a typical engineering job. It was an amazing experience and great to meet all the people who work at drilling rig in the different locations. I am very grateful that I was offered this incredible opportunity.