In a remarkable technological breakthrough, China has set a new record in onshore drilling by achieving a daily drilling depth of 2,006 meters at an ultra-deep well near the edge of the Taklimakan Desert. The China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) announced on Wednesday that the well, known as “Ha 13-H9,” in the Tarim Oilfield has reached a final depth of 7,341 meters.
Located in Shaya County of Aksu Prefecture within the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the Tarim Oilfield has become a focal point for deep-earth oil and gas exploration. The impressive daily drilling record was accomplished during the drilling process at this site, showcasing China’s advancements in energy technology.
The achievement is credited to significant developments in key technical equipment. Innovations include high-strength drill pipes capable of enduring extreme conditions, high-temperature-proof drilling fluids that withstand heat up to 220 degrees Celsius, and advanced logging tools operable thousands of meters below the surface. These technological advancements have been instrumental in supporting China’s efforts to explore and harness deep-earth resources.
Since the beginning of the year, CNPC has accelerated the drilling speed of wells in the Tarim Oilfield. The drilling cycle has been reduced by more than 20 percent, marking a significant improvement in efficiency. The record for daily drilling speed in ultra-deep wells has been broken multiple times, reflecting the rapid progress in China’s oil and gas sector.
This milestone not only highlights China’s growing capabilities in energy exploration but also underscores the strategic importance of the Tarim Oilfield in meeting the country’s energy demands. As technological innovations continue to propel the industry forward, China solidifies its position as a leader in ultra-deep drilling technology.
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2,006 meters a day: China sets a new record for onshore drilling
cgtn.com