Drilling EngineeringDirectional Drilling
Build Section Measured Depth from Build Rate Formula
Build Section Measured Depth from Build Rate calculates measured depth of build section for directional drilling workflows in drilling engineering.
How engineers use this formula
Use this formula when the listed inputs (I_1, I_2, BUR) are known and the assumptions behind the cited directional drilling relationship match the engineering case being checked.
Assumptions
- Input values are representative for the well, reservoir, fluid, or equipment case being evaluated.
- The declared units match the field-unit constants used in the formula.
- The cited formula applies to the selected petroleum engineering workflow.
Limitations
- The calculation does not replace a full engineering model or operating procedure.
- Accuracy depends on the source correlation, assumptions, input quality, and unit consistency.
Common mistakes
- Mixing unit systems without converting the inputs.
- Using default example values as field recommendations.
- Applying the formula outside the source assumptions.
Default example
Using the default inputs, dMD equals 500 ft.
I_1degree
0
I_2degree
60
BURdegree/100 ft
12
Inputs
I_1
degreeStarting Inclination
I_2
degreeEnding Inclination
BUR
degree/100 ftBuild-Up Rate
Outputs
dMD
ft
Measured Depth of Build Section
BUR
degree/100 ft
Build-Up Rate
I_2
degree
Ending Inclination
I_1
degree
Starting Inclination
Source and review
reviewedDrilling Manual horizontal directional drilling calculations, build-rate example.
Source