This paper describes a new approach to evaluating the effectiveness of the rotary-steerable-system (RSS) steering mechanism on wellbore tortuosity in horizontal wells. Discussing the relative merits of a push-the-bit steering mechanism vs. a point-the-bit steering mechanism is an oversimplification; neither mechanism can deliver the wellbore quality the industry demands from RSS. The present study introduces the continuous proportional steering method (CPSM) and demonstrates how this mechanism can provide superior wellbore quality by reducing wellbore tortuosity.
Introduction
For this study, 18 wells were chosen on the basis of geology, trajectory, and bottomhole assembly (BHA). The study focused on the horizontal 6⅛- and 5⅞-in. production sections, where the wellbore quality is more critical.
