The gain from a rotary steerable system comes from continuous rotation. Sliding with a motor stops rotation, which reduces rate of penetration, worsens hole cleaning, increases the risk of differential sticking and leaves a less smooth hole. Eliminating sliding improves all of those, which is why rotary steerable systems dominate extended reach and horizontal drilling.

The trade-off is cost and reliability. These are complex tools with downhole electronics, hydraulics and moving parts operating in a hostile environment, and a failure means a trip. Understanding the failure modes, the operating limits and the parameters that stress the tool is what keeps them running, and run life is a major component of their economic case.

Bit and system interaction matters more than with motors. Push the bit systems rely on side force against the borehole wall, so bit gauge and stability are critical; point the bit systems tilt the bit, so bit side cutting and depth of cut behaviour matter. A bit that works well on a motor may steer poorly on a rotary steerable system.

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Describe rotary steerable system types and their operating principles.
• Explain push the bit, point the bit and hybrid steering mechanisms.
• Describe control, downlinking and closed loop steering operation.
• Assess steering performance and dogleg severity capability.
• Select bits for rotary steerable applications and assess bit-system interaction.
• Specify operating parameters and apply best practice.
• Identify failure modes and their causes.
• Manage reliability and run life.
• Select systems for specific applications and well conditions.
• Compare rotary steerable systems with steerable motors on performance, cost and risk.

The course is instructor-led. System designs are covered with cutaway drawings, specifications and operating manuals, and performance is examined through real run data including rate of penetration, dogleg delivery and failure records. Participants compare system options for given wells on technical and economic grounds. Participants are encouraged to bring their own run data for discussion.

Organisations sending participants to this training will:

• Improve directional performance and hole quality.
• Select steering systems appropriately against cost.
• Improve run life and reduce tool failure trips.
• Improve operating practice and parameter management.
• Strengthen technical oversight of directional service providers.

Participants will:

• Understand how rotary steerable systems work.
• Be able to select systems and bits for an application.
• Understand operating limits and best practice.
• Be able to diagnose performance and reliability problems.
• Be able to compare systems with motors on evidence.

• Drilling engineers
• Directional drilling specialists
• Rig site supervisors
• Service company directional engineers
• Drilling performance engineers
• Well planners designing complex wells

Upon successful completion of this training course, delegates will be awarded an official Certificate of Completion issued by the Petroleum Engineers Association (PEA), an ISO 9001:2015 certified training organization. The certificate carries 10 Credits and formally records the total learning hours completed.

Each certificate is signed by the Course Facilitator and the CEO of the Petroleum Engineers Association, and serves as verifiable proof of professional training that delegates can present to employers and professional bodies worldwide.