Dynamic behavior analysis of push-the-bit rotary steerable bottom hole assembly

Abstract

Rotary steerable drilling technology is currently an advanced technology in the field of drilling engineering. A good understanding of dynamic behavior of rotary steerable system will benefit the drilling progress. Aimed at push-the-bit type of rotary steerable tool, finite element method was employed to model the rotary steerable bottom hole assembly (RSBHA) and establish the motion equation. Contact interaction between drill string and wellbore wall was analyzed and taken as the constraint condition in solving RSBHA motion equation. Force applied by steering pads was as the external force acting at the pads node. Then RSBHA motion state and bit lateral force were obtained by using Newmark method to solve the motion equation. A case was given and effects of influencing factors were analyzed. The results show that stick-slip phenomenon occurs under 60 r/min rotary speed condition and disappears when rotary speed rises to 90 r/min. Fully developed backward whirl comes into being at the near-bit stabilizer when rotary speed increases to 120 r/min. High weight on bit intensifies bit torsional vibration while larger pads’ steering force decreases the bit torsional vibration. Upper stabilizer plays a part in weakening RSBHA backward whirl under high rotary speed condition but reduces the inclination force. Time average of bit lateral force is mainly determined by pads’ steering force. Based on the results, corresponding suggestions were proposed to make the RSBHA be better used in the field applications.