Technology Innovation of Directional Drilling and Downhole Tools

Abstract

The well trajectory in Oil & Gas industry has been getting more and more complex since rotary drilling became a common solution. In order to satisfy the industry needs to drill further and deeper wells, the various downhole tools were developed. Rotary Steerable System (RSS), Measurements While Drilling (MWD) and Logging While Drilling (LWD) are particularly innovative technology in the directional drilling application. The new technology development has been slowing down drastically due to the downturn which began in 2014, however, the technology integration and IT technology development has made another wave of technology innovation in the drilling industry today.

This paper reviews the technology transition focusing on directional drilling and the related downhole tools, and discusses the outlook of future technology in the drilling industry.