PowerDrive Xcel
Point-the-bit rotary steerable system
Overview
Part of the PowerDrive™ rotary steerable systems family, the PowerDrive Xcel™ point-the-bit rotary steerable system was designed for use in directional drilling operations. It provides the power to place wells accurately with superior wellbore quality while ensuring maximum drilling efficiency. Unlike rotary steerable system units that rely solely on magnetic and gravity field measurement for steering control and thus are challenged in areas in high magnetic interference, the PowerDrive Xcel system provides inertial directional control in deviated sections, enabling tight control even through the magnetic zone of exclusion (ZOE). The system also features automated closed loops for simultaneous inclination and azimuth and can be customized for extended-reach drilling applications to optimize the curvature delivery and provide tighter control in long tangent sections. In addition, its gyro can also be used as a redundant backup system to magnetic control.
Applications
- Sidetracking
- Zone of exclusion drilling
- Geostopping
- Dogleg severity (DLS) assurance
- Extended-reach drilling
Benefits
Delivers sidetracking capabilities
Increases geological certainty near the bit
Provides redundant control for trajectory optimization and superior reliability
Enables higher DLS and smoother well profiles
Facilitates longer runs in standard PowerDrive vorteX™ high-powered rotary steerable system configuration
Features
- Gyroscopic sensor with accelerometers and magnetometers
- Total gamma ray sensor placed near the bit
- Shock and vibration sensor to monitor downhole drilling dynamics on three axes
- Configurable bend to enable higher DLS and smoother well profiles
- Advanced inclination and azimuth autosteering to provide advanced tangent control
- Reinforced critical components for enhanced durability
- No need for lithium batteries
- Inertial directional control toggled by a downlink
- QuikDownlink™ continuous-circulation downlink service
The PowerDrive Xcel system features a direction and inclination sensor package close to the bit for precise well placement and independently generates power for 3D steering and control.
