Drilling EngineeringDirectional Drilling
Closure Distance and Direction Formula
Closure Distance and Direction calculates closure distance for directional drilling workflows in drilling engineering.
How engineers use this formula
Use this formula when the listed inputs (N, E) 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, CD equals 1,670.43328 ft.
Nft
1543.05
Eft
639.80
Inputs
N
ftNorth Coordinate Relative to Surface Reference
E
ftEast Coordinate Relative to Surface Reference
Outputs
CD
ft
Closure Distance
Az_cl
degree
Closure Direction
Source and review
reviewedDirectional drilling closure distance and closure direction from survey north/east coordinates.
Source