An operator in the North Sea used the auto-curve mode of the rotary steerable system (RSS) to land an 8½-in production section with varied dogleg severity (DLS) up to 3°/30 m to meet geological targets and improve drilling efficiency with a 14% increase in rate of penetration (ROP).

The field test assessed the downhole automated curve control mode with wired drillpipe technology and automated downlinking system.

The operator deployed PowerDrive Xcel™ rotary steerable system with the autonomous downhole control system auto-curve. Auto-curve was chosen because it adjusts the steering ratio automatically based on the required DLS and toolface, eliminating the time required to send and receive downlinks on the RSS downhole. Auto-curve reacts faster to formation changes and reduces the risk of deviation from the directional plan.

Auto-curve was engaged once the PowerDrive Xcel RSS was clear from magnetic interference, and 506 m were drilled in downhole autonomous mode to the section’s total depth. Auto-curve performed a smooth continuous turn with varied DLS up to 3°/30 m.

For an even faster reaction to formation changes, wired drillpipe used at the rig site enabled sending and accepting downlinks instantly. Because of this improvement, the operator achieved a 40% reduction in downlink commands with auto-curve compared with the downlink requirements of a similar offset well without auto-curve.

The operator achieved the geological targets, and the turn section was drilled according to the plan with a 14% increase in ROP compared with what had been the optimal well drilled in the field.