Coalbed Methane Horizontal Drilling in North America

Randy Franklin
Pathfinder Energy Services, Houston, TX

Horizontal drilling in coalbed methane plays has evolved to include many different techniques and strategies for drilling both single and multi-seam wellbores. This paper analyzes the various approaches and presents case studies from the Arkoma, Black Warrior, San Juan and Raton Basins. These studies illustrate the importance of horizontal drilling in enhancing the productivity of coal seams to improve project economics and maximize gas recoveries.