Rotary steerable system for vertical drilling

Abstract

A rotary steerable drilling system that is operable to drill vertical wellbores and automatically maintain a vertical wellbore drilling path. The system includes a control module for operating solenoid valves that control an amount of fluid pressure applied to bias pad piston / cylinders. The control module is operable to determine when the system is deviating from vertical, in what direction the system is deviating, and where the bias pads are in relation to the direction of deviation. Based on these determinations, the control module actuates the requisite bias pads by controlling the amount of fluid pressure applied to the bias pad piston / cylinders to direct the system back to the vertical drilling path.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]Embodiments of the invention generally relate to steerable drilling systems for drilling vertical wellbores.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Directional drilling involves varying or controlling the direction of a wellbore as it is being drilled. Usually the goal of directional drilling is to reach or maintain a position within a target subterranean destination or formation with the drilling string. For instance, the drilling direction may be controlled to direct the wellbore towards a desired target destination, to control the wellbore horizontally to maintain it within a desired payzone, or to correct for unwanted or undesired deviations from a desired or predetermined path.[0005]Thus, directional drilling may include deflection or deviation of a wellbore along a predetermined or desired path in order to reach or intersect with, or to maintain a position within, a specific subterranean formation or target. ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent is about a drilling system that can be used to drill vertical wellbores. Its technical effects include being able to rotate the drilling system, which makes it easier to move in and out of the wellbore. Additionally, it can help to control the direction the drilling system is pointing, making it more precise.

Problems solved by technology

Current steerable drilling systems have expensive steerable equipment and are not cost effective when drilling generally vertical wellbores that do not require the steerable capabilities.

It is costly for operators to have both conventional drilling systems for drilling generally vertical wells and steerable drilling systems for drilling deviated wellbores, and switching between the two drilling systems as necessary.

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