Drilling curves using rotary steerable systems means the operator conducts the build in what is referred to as “manual mode,” involving a sequence applied repeatedly to control the curve trajectory. This comprises multiple interventions and downlinks from the directional driller at the surface for steering force, toolface orientation, and measurements. The sequence alone can involve up to 20 min to cycle—all leading to lost time, tortuous curves, and slow ROP.
The operator agreed to deploy an advanced RSS with autonomous downhole control technology—in this specific instance, the auto-curve component. Auto-curve bundles all the steps of manual mode into a single downhole autonomous control process. The BHA tracks its continuous inclination and azimuth using sensors close to the bit (3-axis inclinometers and triple 3-axis magnetometers), frequently adjusting its steering parameters to meet the designated trajectory. Consequently, the RSS can function without the need for surface control, which means fewer downlinks and less time lost to the cycle.
Guided by the auto-curve component, the PowerDrive Orbit G2 RSS built a curve on each of three wells of different hole sizes. Results observed were compared with nearby respective offsets with curves drilled in manual mode. Downlinks to the RSS were reduced 33% in the each of the three wells.
