Explores optimum drilling practices which provide the highest rate of penetration (ROP) at minimum footage cost. While these factors are commonly acknowledged in the drilling community, they need to be underscored in any drilling text. These fundamental elements of drilling provide the foundation for more detailed analyses throughout the book.

The book starts with a review of optimum drilling practices, which provide for highest rate of penetration (ROP) at minimum footage cost ($/ft). These elements of drilling provide a backdrop for in-depth technical discussions.