Design, Development, and Testing of a Slimhole Rotary-Steerable System

摘要

The first commercially successful rotary steerable systems (RSSs) were introduced in the mid-1990s for 8V2- and 12 1/4-in. sections on high-end drilling applications. As the systems have matured and day rates have declined, they have been adapted to drill all borehole sizes from surface to the target depth. RSSs are highly complex tools consisting of mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems functioning simultaneously. Because of their complexity, systems designed for slimhole applications (5 3/4- to 6 3/4-in. sections with 4 3/4-in. collars) typically have been challenged with poor reliability. As these slimhole systems have matured, reliability and durability have increased through continuous improvements.