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The RSS is an evolution in directional-drilling technology that overcomes the drawbacks

in steerable motors and in conventional rotary assemblies. To initiate a change in the

wellbore trajectory with steerable motors, the drilling rotation is halted in such a position that
the bend in the motor points in the direction of the new trajectory. This mode, known as the
sliding mode, typically creates higher frictional forces on the drillstring. In extreme ERD, the
frictional force builds to the point at which no axial weight is available to overcome the drag
of the drillstring against the wellbore, and, thus, further drilling is not possible. To overcome
this limitation in steerable motor assemblies, the RSS was developed in the early 1990s to
respondto this need from ERD. The first RSS was used in BP plc¶s Wytch Farm (U.K.)
extendedreachwells.
RSSs allow continuous rotation of the drillstring while steering the bit. Thus, they have
better penetration rate, in general, than the conventional steerable motor assemblies. Other
benefitsinclude better hole cleaning, lower torque and drag, and better hole quality. RSSs are
much more complex mechanically and electronically and are, therefore, more expensive to run
compared to conventional steerable motor systems. This economic penalty tends to limit their
use to highly demanding extended-reach wells or the very complex profiles associated with
designer wells. Additionally, the technology is still very new. As a result, the current generation
of systems (2002) is climbing a very steep learning curve in regard to run length,performance,
and mechanical reliability.
There are two steering concepts in the RSSņpoint the bit and push the bit. The point-thebit
system uses the same principle employed in the bent-housing motor systems. In RSSs, the
bent housing is contained inside the collar, so it can be oriented to the desired direction during
drillstring rotation.Point-the-bit systems claim to allow the use of a long-gauge bit to reduce
holespiraling and drill a straighter wellbore.The push-the-bit system uses the principle of
applying side force to the bit, pushing it against the borehole wall to achieve the desired
trajectory.The force can be hydraulic pressureor in the form of mechanical forces.In
general,either a point-the-bit or a push-the-bit RSS allows the operator to expect a maximum
build rateof approximately 6 to 8°/100 ft for the 8½-in.-hole-sized tool.