5 Facts: Well Drilling

There are countless article surrounding royalties, riches, water contamination and leases... but what are the "facts" surrounding drilling a well. Here are 5 facts regarding well drilling.

1. Dilling is a 24/7 operation.
2. The drilling phase itself is a temporary operation, typically lasting 3-4 weeks per well bore.
3. Multiple wells may be drilled, one after another.
4. After the well pad is constructed a drilling rig is moved on site. A single drilling rig can take 50-65 tractor trailers to move and will stand well over 100 feet tall.
5. Most Marcellus shale wells are drilled down vertically 5,000-8,000 feet and then horizontally 3,000-5,000 feet on average. To drill vertically and then horizontally, a special drilling bit is used.