Challenges and Innovations in Horizontal Drilling at Urucu: Petrobras' Leadership in the Oil Industry
Abstract
The horizontal drilling project at Urucu, carried out by Petrobras between 2009 and 2011, was a significant milestone in Brazil's oil industry. Located in the state of Amazonas, the region faced geological and logistical challenges due to the dense Amazon rainforest, tropical climate, and limited infrastructure. The complexity of the terrain required advanced technological solutions to ensure the efficiency and safety of operations. Petrobras overcame these difficulties by adopting cutting-edge technologies and specialized drilling tools, essential for crossing rock layers and complex sediments, as well as dealing with extreme underground temperature and pressure conditions. Environmental preservation was a priority, given the sensitive ecosystem of the Amazon, with the implementation of strict environmental control practices aligned with IBAMA's requirements. The horizontal drilling not only increased the production of oil and gas but also introduced innovations in drilling methodologies, demonstrating Petrobras' ability to face technological challenges in difficult environments. The success of the project solidified the company as a leader in Brazil's oil exploration and production sector, expanding its operations in the North region and improving drilling technology in hard-to-reach areas. The study by Alves and Souza Filho (2014) highlights the importance of Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) technology in the Urucu-Manaus pipeline, which facilitates the transportation of natural gas from the Amazon region to the thermoelectric market. Additionally, research by Almeida et al. (2020) and studies by Torres, Nascimento, and Neto (2014) illustrate the challenges and environmental and social impacts of oil exploration in the region.
Keywords
Horizontal Drilling; Petrobras; Urucu; Amazon; Technological Innovation.
Citations
IRE Journals:
Salomão
"Challenges and Innovations in Horizontal Drilling at Urucu: Petrobras' Leadership in the Oil Industry" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 8 Issue 8 2025 Page 831-834
IEEE:
Salomão
"Challenges and Innovations in Horizontal Drilling at Urucu: Petrobras' Leadership in the Oil Industry" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 8(8)
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