MODULAR ROTARY STEERABLE ACTUATORS, STEERING TOOLS, AND ROTARY STEERABLE DRILLING SYSTEMS WITH MODULAR ACTUATORS

摘要

Modular actuators, steering tools, and rotary steerable drilling systems are presented herein. A modular actuator is disclosed for use in directing a drill string, which includes a housing proximate a drive shaft. The modular actuator includes a cartridge that is configured to couple to the outer periphery of the housing. A fluid reservoir is contained within the cartridge. A hydraulically actuated actuator piston, which is slidably disposed at least partially inside the cartridge, is movable between activated and deactivated positions. A hydraulic control system is also contained within the cartridge, fluidly coupling the fluid reservoir to the actuator piston. The hydraulic control system is configured to regulate movement of the actuator piston between the activated and deactivated positions such that the actuator piston selectively presses against and moves the drive shaft and thereby changes the direction of the drill string.