What is the main purpose of directional drilling?

The main purpose of directional drilling is to access oil and gas reservoirs that are not vertically aligned. This technique allows operators to drill at angles and navigate around obstacles, thereby reaching deposits that would otherwise be inaccessible through traditional vertical drilling methods. By utilizing directional drilling, operators can target specific formations more effectively, enhance production rates, and optimize reservoir drainage. This capability is crucial in complex geological structures where resources are spread out horizontally or located beneath overlying structures, allowing for more efficient extraction and better management of resources.

While accessing vertically aligned wells, eliminating the use of drilling fluids, and reducing drilling costs can be benefits in certain contexts, they do not encapsulate the primary purpose of directional drilling, which specifically focuses on reaching reservoirs that require non-vertical drilling paths.