Geosteering Tools

Rotary Steerable Systems (RSS)

The development of rotary steerable drilling systems over the past decade
has been rapid and exciting one. The benefits of the ability rotate every part
of the drilling assembly from surface to bit whilst controlling the direction of
the hole include higher rates of penetration (ROP), improved transfer of
weight on bit (WOB), and ease of holding tool face in the presence of drilling
parameter and formation changes. Whatever the favored type of rotary
steerable drilling system, all such systems cause the centerline of the bit to
be offset by a controlled amount in a controlled direction while the drill string
is being rotated. There are many ways in which this maybe done, most
commonly there are two types of RSS.

1. Push the Bit

2. Point the Bit

For historical reasons, systems are grouped by principle of operation (that is,
either push or point the bit), but in practice systems usually comprise
elements of both.

Push the Bit:

Side force applied to the bit to increase side cutting action

The synchronous pad type tools operate by activating pads that slide against the well-bore all at
the same rotation rate as the drill-string. As each pad reaches a certain position along the well-
bore circumference, it applies a force that drives the bit in opposite direction. Thus, the
effectiveness of such a steering technique depends on the ability of the pads to translate an
increase in side force into a directional tendency. Under certain situations, the pads are not able
to apply a side force of great enough magnitude to effect a significant side cutting action. A
situation in which this may occur is the case where the hole gauge at the pad position is of the
same or greater diameter as the fully extended pad. The point-the-bit system described here
poses no such limitation, since the steering ability is less a function of the side force and more a
function of system geometry.
Point the Bit:

Introduces an offset to the bit trajectory - analogous to steering with a bent motor
An experimental prototype of the point the bit system was developed in 1998. This system was
built from exiting MWD components and operated in a limited specification range. Several well
were completed with this prototype system. These wells proved the point-the-bit concept by
completing several curve and tangent sections with a number of different bit type. The results
from these testing were utilized to enhance the current tool design. Improvement were made in
several areas: software algorithms were developed to insure control in severe conditions
including stick-slip. Electronic sub-systems were made more rugged. The mechanical design of
the system was enhanced to provide high reliability.