NeoSteer CLx Extreme Curve and Lateral At-Bit Steerable System | SLB

NeoSteer CLx

Extreme curve and lateral at-bit steerable system

The NeoSteer CLx extreme curve and lateral at-bit steerable system.

The NeoSteer CLx ABSS enables operators to drill extreme high-dogleg curves and laterals.

The NeoSteer CLx extreme curve and lateral at-bit steerable system (ABSS) is specifically designed to enable drilling the curve and lateral in a single run. It lets you achieve high build rates and extend lateral lengths in unconventional drilling applications. Especially where vertical, curve, and lateral sections are the same hole size, the NeoSteer CLx ABSS reduces NPT by eliminating the need to change out the BHA for every section.

The NeoSteer CLx ABSS uses an actuating system to push against the borehole wall for propulsion; the pistons are fully integrated with the cutting structure for greater curvature leverage. The NeoSteer CLx ABSS uses this leverage to achieve higher build rates with no additional application of hydraulic force. This provides the ability to meet both the build requirements in the curve section and the directional control requirements in the lateral section.

The NeoSteer CLx ABSS incorporates metal-to-metal hydraulic seals that reduce erosion and increase hydraulic design capability for improved performance. In addition, the steering technology can be equipped with XPC extreme-profile single shoulder connections to increase reliability during high-dogleg severity drilling. These connectors also enable compatibility with Smith Bits PDC Blade Family bits equipped with the proper unique cutting elements for formation-specific challenges. The cutting structure and steering technology of the NeoSteer CLx ABSS work in concert to provide single-run drilling with greater drilling efficiency.

Multiaxis measurements and automatic trajectory control for accurate well placement in shale and unconventional wells

The NeoSteer CLx ABSS includes comprehensive six-axis continuous inclination and azimuth measurements. The multiaxial component enables automatic hold inclination and azimuth (HIA) measurements for precise well positioning. This feature, along with self-steering capabilities, helps provide smooth tangents with minimized tortuosity. Near-bit extended-range gamma ray measurements provide additional well positioning data for improved real-time decision making.

Azimuthal image gamma ray for improved steering in the curve and lateral sections

The NeoSteer CLx ABSS can be configured with an onboard azimuthal image gamma ray cartridge to improve in-zone percentage and enable steering within the reservoir sweet spot. With an azimuthal gamma ray cartridge just 6 ft behind the cutting structure, the ABSS can identify signs of changing lithology earlier to enact instant steering corrections.

Cutout photo of the NeoSteer CLx at-bit rotary steerable system

Applications

  • Pad and batch drilling operations
  • Horizontal wells with long lateral sections
  • Wells requiring high build rates and dogleg severity (DLS)
  • Unconventional wells

Benefits

  • Enables single-run drilling of vertical, curve, and lateral sections with a single BHA
  • Achieves high build rates and long lateral length requirements
  • Increases leverage of force applied to bit by placing pistons with the cutting structure
  • Improves control and reaction time

Features

  • Application-specific Smith Bits PDC bit design
  • Nonmagnetic steering unit body
  • Dual hydraulically activated pistons
  • Inclination and azimuth closed loops to provide advanced automated tangent control
  • Proprietary high-endurance-strength connector
  • Near-bit measurements including
    • Inclination
    • Azimuthal
    • Gamma ray
    • Azimuthal gamma ray
    • High-definition (HD) surveying

Maximum temperature: 302 degF [150 degC]
Maximum hydrostatic pressure: 20,000 psi [138 MPa]
Maximum rotational speed: 350 rpm
Nominal OD (API): 6.75 in
Simplified side-view illustration of the core components of a NeoSteer CLx at-bit rotary steerable system BHA