The APS Rotary Steerable Motor combines an advanced technology Rotary Steerable steering unit with a mud motor power section. Using proven “Push-the-Bit technology and designed with a very small auxiliary equipment footprint, the RSM provides rotary steerable control while continuously rotating the drill string with the optimum power and bit speed for the application. Designed for directional drilling applications throughout the world, the RSM provides “big service company” rotary steerable system functionality with the simple directional control commands commonly used with steerable motors.
Tool Description
The RSM steering head houses the steering pads, directional measurement and control electronics and the electrical and hydraulic power systems, which are driven by the mud motor drive. The control electronics provide timing signals to a hydraulic manifold to control the steering direction and force to achieve the desired directional objective.
Modes of Operation
Utilizing APS’s proprietary control systems, the RSM can be programmed to use a closed-loop feedback system for vertical or tangent angle control or to operate with surface supplied instructions to efficiently drill any directional well plan. The mode of operation may be easily changed downhole with a series of timed pump speed changes to switch between modes or to turn the tool off for back-reaming
Programmable Downhole
The desired tool face on the initial units is set by surface orientation, like a steerable motor. The desired build rate is communicated with timed pump speed changes. The RSM has ample on-board computer power to enable much more sophisticated control. Future plans include a short-range telemetry system linking the RSM and the APS MWD system for higher level control