The oil and gas industry thrives on precision, efficiency, and data-driven decision-making. At the heart of these operations lies the Daily Drilling Report (DDR)—a document critical to tracking, analyzing, and optimizing drilling operations. Whether you’re a newcomer to the industry or looking to expand your knowledge, understanding how to read and interpret a DDR is a vital skill.

In this blog, we’ll break down the key components of a DDR and why it’s indispensable for drilling operations.

What is a Daily Drilling Report (DDR)?

A DDR is a comprehensive summary of a drilling operation’s progress over a 24-hour period, typically prepared by the rig supervisor or “company man.” It captures everything from costs and equipment performance to operational details, providing stakeholders with a snapshot of the project’s health and progress.

Key Sections of a Daily Drilling Report

1. Header Information

The header offers a quick overview of the well’s status, location, and essential details, including:

Well Name: Identifies the well being drilled, often a combination of lease name, site number, and well type.
API Number: A unique identifier assigned to the well.
Spud Date: The date when drilling began.
Measured Depth (MD) & True Vertical Depth (TVD): Tracks how far the well has been drilled.

This section is your go-to for high-level insights without diving into the full report.

2. Cost Summary

Drilling costs are categorized into:

Intangible Costs: Services and equipment with subjective value, like mud additives or rentals.
Tangible Costs: Fixed costs for equipment and assets, such as casing or drill bits.

The report also highlights cumulative costs, enabling teams to monitor budgets and detect overruns early.

3. Blowout Preventer (BOP)

Safety is non-negotiable in drilling operations, and the BOP is a critical safeguard against blowouts. The DDR tracks:

Last and next scheduled BOP pressure tests.
Any simulated pressure drills conducted to ensure preparedness.

4. Well Casing

The casing secures the wellbore and protects formations. The report specifies:

Casing Type: Conductor, surface, intermediate, or production casing.
Depths: Measured and true vertical depths for each casing string.
Grade and Weight: Strength and weight per foot of the casing material.

5. Drilling Mud Report

Drilling fluid, or mud, plays a crucial role in maintaining wellbore stability and clearing debris. The DDR includes:

Mud Weight In/Out: Monitors density changes.
Rheology: Tracks flow properties like viscosity and gel strength.
Chemical Properties: pH levels, chloride concentration, and more.

Effective mud management ensures operational efficiency and prevents costly delays.

6. Drill Bits

This section tracks the performance of drill bits used, including:

Size: Diameter of the bit.
Type: From PDC to tricone bits, tailored to drilling conditions.
Rate of Penetration (ROP): A key metric showing how quickly the bit advances.

7. Bottomhole Assembly (BHA)

The BHA is the lower part of the drill string, responsible for transmitting weight and torque to the drill bit. Key fields include:

Components: Drill collars, stabilizers, and jars.
Weights: Measured in air and adjusted for buoyancy in drilling fluid.
Torque and Rotating Weight: Indicators of potential drag or mechanical issues.

8. Deviation Survey

Directional drilling requires precise measurements. This section includes:

Inclination and Azimuth: Tracks the wellbore’s angle and direction.
Dog-Leg Severity (DLS): Measures wellbore curvature, critical for managing drilling strain.

9. Time Breakdown

Every minute on a drilling site counts. The DDR provides a detailed log of activities, categorized using standard codes (e.g., WOC for “waiting on cement”). These logs are essential for analyzing efficiency and addressing bottlenecks.

Why is the DDR Important?

The DDR serves multiple purposes:

Operational Oversight: Ensures all stakeholders have access to up-to-date information.
Cost Control: Tracks spending against the approved budget.
Safety Monitoring: Records critical safety checks like BOP tests.
Performance Metrics: Highlights opportunities to optimize processes and improve drilling efficiency.

Tips for Reading a DDR

Start with the Header: It gives you a quick summary of the well’s progress and status.
Focus on Key Metrics: Pay attention to costs, depths, and ROP for a snapshot of performance.
Understand the Codes: Familiarize yourself with common industry acronyms and shorthand.
Look for Trends: Compare daily reports to identify patterns or anomalies.

Conclusion

The DDR is more than just a record—it’s a strategic tool that ensures drilling operations stay on track, on budget, and safe. By understanding its components, you can gain valuable insights into the complexities of oil and gas drilling. Whether you’re in the field or the office, mastering DDRs is a step toward making informed decisions that drive success in the energy industry.