1. n. [Drilling, Shale Gas]

A tool designed to drill directionally with continuous rotation from the surface, eliminating the need to slide a steerable motor. Rotary steerable systems typically are deployed when drilling directional, horizontal, or extended-reach wells. State-of-the-art rotary steerable systems have minimal interaction with the borehole, thereby preserving borehole quality. The most advanced systems exert consistent side force similar to traditional stabilizers that rotate with the drillstring or orient the bit in the desired direction while continuously rotating at the same number of rotations per minute as the drillstring.

See related terms: directional drilling