Definition
Directional Drilling — Directional drilling is the practice of steering a wellbore along a planned, non-vertical path to reach a target that is offset from the surface location, using tools such as mud motors, rotary steerable systems, and MWD to control inclination and azimuth.
Also known as: directional drilling, deviated drilling
What directional drilling is
Directional drilling deliberately deviates a wellbore from vertical to intersect a subsurface target that is horizontally displaced from the rig. It enables horizontal wells, multiple wells from a single pad, relief wells, sidetracks around obstructions, and access to reservoirs beneath surface constraints such as towns, water, or leases. The well is planned as a trajectory of inclination and azimuth versus depth, then drilled to follow it.
How the well is steered
Two steering methods dominate. A steerable mud motor with a bent housing builds or turns the hole while sliding, and drills nominally straight while rotating. A rotary steerable system steers continuously while the whole string rotates, giving smoother trajectories and better hole cleaning. Both rely on MWD for real-time surveys and toolface, and on controlled dogleg severity to keep the path within plan and within the fatigue limits of the drill string.
Why it matters for rentals
Directional programs need non-magnetic collars, stabilizers, and specialized downhole tools tuned to each trajectory.
Explore our downhole tools and BHA components for directional work, and see directional drilling applications; contact us to spec a steerable BHA.