PathFinder offers two rotary steerable options - The PathMaker Rotary Steerable System for 3-D wellbore trajectory control and the 2DRS multi-position adjustable stabilizer for inclination control.
The PathMaker® Rotary Steerable System provides reliable and accurate 3-dimensional directional control while continuously rotating the drill string. The system has proven itself in a wide range of directional drilling applications globally, covering more than 700,000 ft since commercial release in 2004.
PathMaker® controls inclination and azimuth while rotating by utilizing three independent hydraulically actuated steering pads located in the steering unit. The pads are positioned based on Target Toolface (steering direction) and Target Offset (position in inches from the center of the hole). The Directional Driller has full control over PathMaker® by utilizing an RPM and flow downlink system. RPM and flow downlinks can be executed while on bottom drilling ahead for maximum efficiency.
Real-time confirmation of PathMaker® steering settings, near bit inclination, near bit caliper (RPCC), and vibration/stick-slip severities (RSVD) are sent via mud pulse telemetry. This real-time information gives the assurance that the system is performing as required as well as capturing valuable near-bit data for real-time drilling parameter optimization.
To increase drilling efficiency while maintaining inclination and azimuth, PathMaker® has an Automated Hold Mode feature. This feature uses closed-loop feedback of inclination and azimuth to maintain wellbore target trajectory. Eliminating the need to downlink leads to optimal drilling efficiency while maintaining a smooth wellbore with minimal corrections.
PathMaker® is the only RSS available today that transmits a Real-time Pad Contact Caliper (RPCC) measurement close to the bit. The caliper information is calculated from position sensors located in the steering pads. This information is invaluable when assessing directional performance in relation to borehole gauge. The onset of borehole wash-out in soft formations is detected early and the appropriate parameter changes can be implemented to mitigate the problem. This ultimately leads to optimization of bit hydraulic efficiency and improved borehole quality.
In boreholes where geo-steering is necessary, PathMaker® has the option of at-bit or near-bit real-time gamma. At-bit gamma is typically utilized for casing or core point picks where gamma within 1ft of the bit is required.
When more horsepower is required to drive the bit, a Powered PathMaker® (PRSS) option is available utilizing Pathfinder Positive Displacement Motors. The Powered PathMaker® has all of the benefits associated with PRSS drilling.
PathMaker® can also be configured as a Vertical Control System (VertiMakertm) for vertical drilling applications. Using a proportional vertical control method, the system has proven to maintain inclination below 1 degree in formations with strong deviation tendencies.
Features
· Real-time Stick-Slip and Vibration Detection (RSVD)
· Real-time Pad Contact Caliper (RPPC)
· Real-time near bit inclination and steering parameters
· Optional real-time at-bit or near-bit gamma option
· Optional real-time annular pressure monitor for Equivalent Circulating Density (ECD)
· Automated Drilling Control for maintaining target inclination and azimuth
· PDM powered (PRSS) option for performance drilling
· Downlink while drilling using RPM and flow
- Compatible with all PathFinder LWD services
Benefits
- Superior borehole quality
- Consistent and predictable directional control with full drill string rotation
- Improved hole cleaning with continuous drill string rotation
- Reduced torque and drag
- Easier casing and cement operations
Applications
· Vertical, directional, horizontal, geosteering and extended-reach wells
· Kick-off from vertical
· Cement plug and open-hole sidetrack
· Use with borehole enlargement reamers
