US 6,158,529 A · Rotary steerable well drilling system utilizing sliding sleeve

Abstract

An actively controlled rotary steerable drilling system for directional drilling of wells, the system having a rotary drive component rotatable within a tubular sliding tool collar that incorporates elastic anti-rotation members to maintain a coupled relation with the borehole wall during drilling. An offsetting mandrel is supported within the tool collar by a knuckle joint for pivotal movement and for rotation relative to the tool collar and has a lower end extending from the tool collar and supporting a drill bit. To achieve controlled steering of the rotating drill bit, orientation of the tool collar is sensed and the offsetting mandrel is maintained geostationary and selectively axially inclined relative to the tool collar by orienting it about the knuckle joint. An alternator and a hydraulic pump, located within the tool collar, are driven by relative rotation of the rotary drive component with the tool collar to produce electric power and hydraulic pressure for the electronics package of the tool and for actuation of hydraulic system components. Hydraulic cylinder and piston assemblies, actuated by tool position signal responsive solenoid valves, control the angular position of the offsetting mandrel with respect to the tool collar. The hydraulic pistons are servo-controlled responsive to signal input from tool position sensing systems such as magnetometers and accelerometers which provide real-time position signals to the hydraulic control system.

Claims26

Dependent claims

A method for drilling wells and simultaneously steering a drill bit with an actively controlled rotary steerable drilling system, comprising:

(a) rotating within the wellbore being drilled a drive component within a sliding tool collar, said drive component having rotary driving relation with an offsetting mandrel pivotally mounted within said sliding tool collar and supporting a drill bit;
(b) providing steering control signals;
(c) responsive to said steering control signals, hydraulically positioning said offsetting mandrel about its pivot mount during driving rotation of said offsetting mandrel by said rotary drive component for maintaining the axis of said offsetting mandrel substantially geostationary and at predetermined angles of inclination and bearing;
and
(d) slidably moving said sliding tool collar in coupled relation with the wellbore wall during drilling.

2 more elements

A rotary steerable well drilling system, comprising:

(a) a sliding tool collar;
(b) means for maintaining coupling of said sliding tool collar with the wall of the wellbore being drilled and substantially preventing rotation of said sliding tool collar during drilling;
(c) an offsetting mandrel mounted within said sliding tool collar for pivotal movement relative to said sliding tool collar and for rotation relative to said sliding tool collar;
(d) means for imparting driving rotation to said offsetting mandrel;
and
(e) hydraulic actuator means for maintaining said offsetting mandrel selectively pivotally positioned within said sliding tool collar during its rotation within said sliding tool collar to thus maintain said offsetting mandrel and a drill bit attached thereto pointed in a selected direction for steering the drill bit along an intended course.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Rotary steerable well drilling system utilizing sliding sleeve

Life of this patent

Rotary steerable well drilling system utilizing sliding sleeve

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims26