Steering Assembly Geostationary Control Drilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing directional drilling technologies face challenges such as inefficiency, mechanical complexity, and high costs due to the need for slide drilling and limited control, particularly with rotary steerable systems (RSS) which are rig-dependent and have limited bit size and speed selection.
Innovation Solution
A steering assembly with an under-gauge and over-gauge peripheral section configuration that remains geostationary during drill head rotation, allowing for precise directional control by varying the radial extension of gauge pads and junk slots to prevent obstruction and enhance steering effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If rotary steerable systems (RSS) are used for directional drilling, then directional control and rate of penetration are improved, but mechanical complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the steering function from the complex RSS system by using a simple bent subsurface assembly that steers the bit through its geometric configuration rather than through complex counter-rotating mechanisms. The steering is achieved by the bent geometry of the assembly itself rather than through additional mechanical steering components.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex counter-rotating mechanisms to steer the bit, the patent inverts the approach by using a bent subsurface assembly that steers the bit through its fixed geometric configuration. The bit rotates in the opposite direction to the conventional RSS approach, achieving steering through the bent geometry rather than through counter-rotation.
2Ease of operation
If slide drilling is used for directional drilling, then steering capability is achieved, but drilling efficiency decreases due to extreme torque and drag
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the subsurface assembly rotatable relative to the drill string, allowing dynamic adjustment of the bent geometry during drilling. This enables the system to transition between sliding and rotating modes, optimizing both steering capability and drilling efficiency by using rotation when torque and drag become excessive.
3Ease of operation
If counter-rotating mechanism is used in RSS, then directional control is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to small displacement needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an asymmetric bent geometry in the subsurface assembly to achieve directional control. Instead of requiring precise counter-rotation, the asymmetric bent shape creates a natural steering effect that is easier to manufacture. The bent geometry provides the necessary directional control through its inherent asymmetry rather than through precise rotational control.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering assembly configured for circumferential disposition about a drill string above a drill head and having top and bottom surfaces, an under-gauge peripheral section, and an over-gauge peripheral section substantially opposing the under-gauge peripheral section, where the maximum under-gauge on the top surface in the under-gauge peripheral section is greater than the maximum over-gauge on the bottom surface in the over-gauge peripheral section.