DIRECTIONAL DRILLING SYSTEM AND METHODS

摘要

A directional drilling steering system is configured to direct a tubular sleeve arranged at the bottom of a drill string adjacent the drill bit at a selected tilt angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the uphole drill string and at a selected azimuth. Tilt angle can be achieved by axial movement of one or more pistons in engagement with the downhole tubular sleeve. Azimuth can be achieved by axial movement of the pistons or by rotation of the drill string. The movement of the downhole sleeve along the deviated path causes movement of the drill bit shaft and the drill bit coupled thereto.

主权项

1. A drill apparatus for a subterranean well, the apparatus comprising:
a first tubular sleeve; a second tubular sleeve; a drill bit shaft comprising a first end arranged in the first sleeve and a second end arranged in the second sleeve; at least one piston extending from the first sleeve and engaging the second sleeve, wherein the at least one piston is axially moveable relative to the first sleeve and arranged radially outward of the bit shaft; and an actuator configured to selectively axially move the at least one piston to direct the second sleeve and the second end of the bit shaft at a selected tilt angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the first sleeve.