Producing the Marcellus Shale: Field Experience in Pad Drilling Techniques

The Marcellus Shale region in the northeastern United States is the scene of intensive shale gas development. In this paper, the authors discuss the advantages and challenges of multiwell pad-design drilling in a region where conventional vertical well approaches are often no longer ideal because of changing environmental, economic, and regulatory factors. In particular, they will examine the importance of effective anticollision methodologies and the increasingly critical role of collaboration among service providers and operators.