Targeted Development of low-cost 3D rotary-steerable systems

The many benefits of 3D rotary-steering systems (RSSs) are well documented. ExxonMobil Development Co. (EMDC) Drilling continues to expand its use of 3D RSSs in its daily drilling operations. Its drilling operations include a variety of well architectures in both the high-cost and low-cost markets. Because of the high price of RSSs currently on the market, EMDC is unable to justify use of these systems in lower-cost wells. However, the low-cost market would benefit from the higher rates of penetration (ROPs), reduced risk through improved hole cleaning, reduced wellbore tortuosity, and more-efficient directional control.