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US 2015/0308194 A1Published application
Method and system for advancement of a borehole using a high power laser
AssigneeForo Energy, Inc.
InventorsJoel F. Moxley, Mark S. Land, Charles C. Rinzler, Brian O. Faircloth, Yeshaya Koblick, Mark S. Zediker
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
There is provided a system, apparatus and methods for the laser drilling of a borehole in the earth. There is further provided with in the systems a means for delivering high power laser energy down a deep borehole, while maintaining the high power to advance such boreholes deep into the earth and at highly efficient advancement rates, a laser bottom hole assembly, and fluid directing techniques and assemblies for removing the displaced material from the borehole.
Claims104
A high power laser drilling system for use in association with a drilling rig, drilling platform, drilling derrick, a snubbing platform, or coiled tubing drilling rig for advancing a borehole in hard rock, the system comprising:
- a. a source of high power laser energy, the laser source capable of providing a laser beam having at least 20 kW of power;
- b. a bottom hole assembly;
- i. the bottom hole assembly having an optical assembly;
- ii. the optical assembly configured to provide a predetermined energy deposition profile to a borehole surface;
- and,
- iii. the optical assembly configured to provide a predetermined laser shot pattern;
- c. a means for advancing the bottom hole assembly into and down the borehole;
- d. a downhole high power laser transmission cable, the transmission cable having a length of at least about 1000 feet;
- e. the downhole cable in optical communication with the laser source;
- and,
- f. the downhole cable in optical communication with the bottom hole assembly.
8 more elements
A high power laser drilling system for use in association with a drilling rig, drilling platform, snubbing platform, drilling derrick, or coiled tubing drilling rig for advancing a borehole, the system comprising:
- a. a source of high power laser energy;
- i. the laser source capable of providing a laser beam having at least 10 kW of power;
- ii. the laser source comprising a laser;
- b. a bottom hole assembly;
- i. configured to provide a predetermined energy deposition profile of laser energy to a borehole surface;
- ii. configured to provide a predetermined laser shot pattern;
- iii. comprising an optical assembly;
- and,
- iv. comprising a means to mechanically remove borehole material;
- c. a means for advancing the bottom hole assembly into and down the borehole;
- d. a source of fluid for use in advancing a borehole;
- e. a downhole high power laser transmission cable, the transmission cable having a length of at least about 1000 feet;
- f. the downhole cable in optical communication with the laser source;
- g. the downhole cable in optical communication with the optical assembly;
- and,
- h. the bottom hole assembly in fluid communication with the fluid source;
- i. whereby high power laser energy may be provided to a surface of a borehole at locates within the borehole at least 1000 feet from the borehole opening.
14 more elements
A high power laser drilling system for use in association with a drilling rig, drilling platform, drilling derrick, a snubbing platform, or coiled tubing drilling rig for advancing a borehole, the system comprising:
- a. a source of high power laser energy;
- b. a bottom hole assembly;
- i. the bottom hole assembly having an optical assembly;
- ii. the optical assembly configured to provide an energy deposition profile to a borehole surface;
- and,
- iii. the optical assembly configured to provide a laser shot pattern;
- iv. comprising a means for directing a fluid;
- c. a means for advancing the bottom hole assembly into and down the borehole;
- d. a source of fluid for use in advancing a borehole;
- e. a downhole high power laser transmission cable;
- f. the downhole cable in optical communication with the laser source;
- g. the downhole cable in optical communication with the bottom hole assembly;
- and,
- h. the means for directing in fluid communications with the fluid source;
- i. wherein the system is capable of cutting, spalling, or chipping rock by illuminating a surface of the borehole with laser energy and remove waste material created from said cutting, spalling or chipping, from the borehole and the area of laser illumination by the action of the directing means.
12 more elements
A high power laser drilling system for advancing a borehole comprising:
- a. a source of high power laser energy, the laser source capable of providing a laser beam having at least 5 kW of power;
- b. a tubing assembly, the tubing assembly having at least 1000 feet of tubing, having a distal end and a proximal;
- c. a source of fluid for use in advancing a borehole;
- d. the proximal end of the tubing being in fluid communication with the source of fluid, whereby fluid is transported in association with the tubing;
- e. the proximal end of the tubing being in optical communication with the laser source, whereby the laser beam can be transported in association with the tubing;
- f. the tubing comprising a high power laser transmission cable, the transmission cable having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end being in optical communication with the laser source, whereby the laser beam is transmitted by the cable from the proximal end to the distal end of the cable for delivery of the laser beam energy to the borehole;
- and,
- g. the power of the laser energy at the distal end of the cable when the cable is within a borehole being at least about 2 kW.
5 more elements
A system for providing high power laser energy to the bottom of deep boreholes, the system comprising:
- a. a source or high powered laser energy capable of providing a high power laser beam;
- b. a means for transmitting the laser beam from the high power laser to the bottom of a deep borehole;
- and,
- c. the transmitting means having a means to suppress SBS;
- d. whereby substantially all of the high power laser energy is delivered to the bottom of the borehole.
2 more elements
(canceled)
A system for providing high power laser energy to the bottom of deep boreholes, the system comprising:
- a. a high powered laser source capable of providing a high power laser beam;
- b. a means for transmitting the laser beam from the high power laser source to the bottom of a deep borehole;
- and,
- c. the transmitting means having a means for suppressing nonlinear scattering phenomena;
- and,
- d. whereby, high power laser energy is delivered to the bottom of the borehole with sufficient power to advance the borehole.
3 more elements
A system for providing high power laser energy to the bottom of deep boreholes, the system comprising:
- a. a high powered laser capable of providing a high power laser beam;
- b. a means for transmitting the laser beam from the high power laser to the bottom of a deep borehole;
- and,
- c. the transmitting means having a means for increasing the maximum transmission power;
- d. whereby, high power laser energy is delivered to the bottom of the borehole with sufficient power to advance.
2 more elements
A system for providing high power laser energy to the bottom of deep boreholes, the system comprising:
- a. a high powered laser capable of providing a high power laser beam;
- b. a means for transmitting the laser beam from the high power laser to the bottom of a deep borehole;
- and,
- c. the transmitting means having a means for increasing power threshold;
- d. whereby high power laser energy is delivered to the bottom of the borehole with sufficient power to advance the borehole.
2 more elements
A method of advancing a borehole using a laser, the method comprising:
- a. advancing a high power laser beam transmission means into a borehole;
- i. the borehole having a bottom surface, a top opening, and a length extending between the bottom surface and the top opening of at least about 1000 feet;
- ii. the transmission means comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a length extending between the distal and proximal ends, the distal end being advanced down the borehole;
- iii. the transmission means comprising a means for transmitting high power laser energy;
- b. providing a high power laser beam to the proximal end of the transmission means;
- c. transmitting substantially all of the power of the laser beam down the length of the transmission means so that the beam exits the distal end;
- and,
- d. directing the laser beam to the bottom surface of the borehole whereby the length of the borehole is increased, in part, based upon the interaction of the laser beam with the bottom of the borehole.
5 more elements
A method of advancing a borehole using a laser, the method comprising:
- a. advancing a high power laser beam transmission fiber into a borehole;
- i. the borehole having a bottom surface, a top opening, and a length extending between the bottom surface and the top opening of at least about 1000 feet;
- ii. the transmission fiber comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a length extending between the distal and proximal ends, the distal end being advanced down the borehole;
- iii. the transmission fiber comprising a means for suppressing nonlinear scattering phenomena;
- b. providing a high power laser beam to the proximal end of the transmission means;
- c. transmitting the power of the laser beam down the length of the transmission fiber so that the beam exits the distal end;
- and,
- d. directing the laser beam to the bottom surface of the borehole whereby the length of the borehole is increased, in part, based upon the interaction of the laser beam with the bottom of the borehole.
5 more elements
A method of advancing a borehole using a laser, the method comprising:
- a. advancing a high power laser beam transmission fiber into a borehole;
- i. the borehole having a bottom surface, a top opening, and a length extending between the bottom surface and the top opening of at least about 1000 feet;
- ii. the transmission fiber comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a length extending between the distal and proximal ends, the distal end being advanced down the borehole;
- iii. the transmission fiber comprising a means for increasing the maximum transmission power;
- b. providing a high power laser beam to the proximal end of the transmission means;
- c. transmitting the power of the laser beam down the length of the transmission fiber so that the beam exits the distal end;
- and,
- d. directing the laser beam to the bottom surface of the borehole whereby the length of the borehole is increased, in part, based upon the interaction of the laser beam with the bottom of the borehole.
5 more elements
A method of advancing a borehole using a laser, the method comprising:
- a. advancing a high power laser beam transmission fiber into a borehole;
- i. the borehole having a bottom surface, a top opening, and a length extending between the bottom surface and the top opening of at least about 1000 feet;
- ii. the transmission fiber comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a length extending between the distal and proximal ends, the distal end being advanced down the borehole;
- iii. the transmission fiber comprising a means for increasing power threshold;
- b. providing a high power laser beam to the proximal end of the transmission means;
- c. transmitting the power of the laser beam down the length of the transmission fiber so that the beam exits the distal end;
- and,
- d. directing the laser beam to the bottom surface of the borehole whereby the length of the borehole is increased in part based upon the interaction of the laser beam with the bottom of the borehole.
5 more elements
A high power laser drilling system for advancing a borehole comprising:
- a. a source of high power laser energy, the laser source capable of providing a laser beam having at least 5 kW of power;
- b. a tubing assembly, the tubing assembly having at least 1000 feet of tubing, having a distal end and a proximal;
- c. the proximal end of the tubing being in optical communication with the laser source, whereby the laser beam can be transported in association with the tubing;
- d. the tubing comprising a high power laser transmission cable, the transmission cable having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end being in optical communication with the laser source, whereby the laser beam is transmitted by the cable from the proximal end to the distal end of the cable for delivery of the laser beam energy to the borehole;
- and,
- e. the power of the laser energy at the distal end of the cable when the cable is within a borehole being at least about 2 kW.
3 more elements
A high power laser drilling system for advancing a borehole comprising:
- a. a source of high power laser energy, the laser source capable of providing a laser beam having at least 5 kW of power;
- b. a tubing, the tubing assembly having at least 1000 feet of tubing, having a distal end and a proximal;
- c. a means for advancing the tubing into the borehole;
- d. a bottom hole assembly;
- e. a blowout preventer;
- f. a diverter;
- g. the proximal end of the tubing being in optical communication with the laser source, whereby the laser beam can be transported in association with the tubing;
- h. the tubing comprising a high power laser transmission cable, the transmission cable having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end being in optical communication with the laser source, whereby the laser beam is transmitted by the cable from the proximal end to the distal end of the cable for delivery of the laser beam energy to the borehole;
- and,
- i. the power of the laser energy at the distal end of the cable when the cable is within a borehole being at least about 2 kW.
7 more elements
53-70. (canceled)
A laser bottom hole assembly comprising:
- a. a first rotating housing;
- b. a second fixed housing;
- c. the first housing being rotationally associated with the second housing;
- d. a fiber optic cable for transmitting a laser beam, the cable having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end adapted to receive a laser beam from a laser source, the distal end optically associated with an optical assembly;
- e. at least a portion of the optical assembly fixed to the first rotating housing, whereby the fixed portion rotates with the first housing;
- f. a mechanical assembly fixed to the first rotating housing, whereby the assembly rotates with the first housing and is capable of applying mechanical forces to a surface of a borehole upon rotation;
- and,
- g. a fluid path associated with first and second housings, the fluid path having a distal and proximal opening, the distal opening adapted to discharge the fluid toward the surface of the borehole, whereby fluid for removal of waste material is transmitted by the fluid path and discharged from the distal opening toward the borehole surface to remove waste material from the borehole.
5 more elements
A laser bottom hole assembly comprising:
- a. a first rotating housing;
- b. a second fixed housing;
- c. the first housing being rotationally associated with the second housing;
- d. an optical assembly, the assembly having a first portion and a second portion;
- e. a fiber optic cable for transmitting a laser beam, the cable having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end adapted to receive a laser beam from a laser source, the distal end optically associated with the optical assembly;
- f. the fiber proximal and distal ends fixed to the second housing;
- g. the first portion of the optical assembly fixed to the first rotating housing;
- the second portion of the optical assembly fixed to the second fixed housing, whereby the first portion of the optical assembly rotates with the first housing;
- h. a mechanical assembly fixed to the first rotating housing, whereby the assembly rotates with the first housing and is capable of apply mechanical forces to a surface of a borehole upon rotation;
- and,
- i. a fluid path associated with first and second housings, the fluid path having a distal and proximal opening, the distal opening adapted to discharge the fluid toward the surface of the borehole, the distal opening fixed to the first rotating housing, whereby fluid for removal of waste material is transmitted by the fluid path and discharged from the distal opening toward the borehole surface to remove waste material from the borehole;
- j. wherein upon rotation of the first housing the optical assembly first portion, the mechanical assembly and proximal fluid opening rotate substantially concurrently.
9 more elements
A laser bottom hole assembly comprising:
- a. a first rotating housing;
- b. a second fixed housing;
- c. the first housing being rotationally associated with the second housing;
- d. a motor for rotating the first housing;
- e. a fiber optic cable for transmitting a laser beam, the cable having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end adapted to receive a laser beam from a laser source, the distal end optically associated with an optical assembly;
- f. at least a portion of the optical assembly fixed to the first rotating housing, whereby the fixed portion rotates with the first housing;
- g. a mechanical assembly fixed to the first rotating housing, whereby the assembly rotates with the first housing and is capable of apply mechanical forces to a surface of a borehole upon rotation;
- and,
- h. a fluid path associated with first and second housings, the fluid path having a distal and proximal opening, the distal opening adapted to discharge the fluid toward the surface of the borehole, whereby fluid for removal of waste material is transmitted by the fluid path and discharged from the distal opening toward the borehole surface to remove waste material from the borehole.
6 more elements
A laser bottom hole assembly comprising:
- a. a housing;
- b. a means for providing a high power laser beam;
- c. an optical assembly, the optical assembly providing an optical path upon which the laser beam travels;
- and,
- d. a means for creating an area of high pressure along the optical path;
- and,
- e. a means for providing aspiration pumping for the removal of waste material from the area of high pressure.
4 more elements
A system for creating a borehole in the earth comprising:
- a. a high power laser source;
- b. a bottom hole assembly;
- and,
- c. a fiber optically connecting the laser source with the bottom hole assembly, such that a laser beam from the laser source is transmitted to the bottom hole assembly;
- d. the bottom hole assembly comprising:
- i. a means for providing the laser beam to a bottom surface of the borehole;
- ii. the providing means comprising beam power deposition optics;
- e. wherein, the laser beam as delivered from the bottom hole assembly illuminates the bottom surface of the borehole with a substantially even energy deposition profile.
5 more elements
A system for creating a borehole in the earth comprising:
- a. a high power laser source;
- b. a bottom hole assembly;
- and,
- c. a fiber optically connecting the laser source with the bottom hole assembly, such that a laser beam from the laser source is transmitted to the bottom hole assembly;
- d. the bottom hole assembly comprising:
- i. a means for providing the laser beam to a bottom surface of the borehole;
- ii. the providing means comprising beam power deposition optics;
- and,
- iii. the means for providing the laser beam to the bottom surface configured to provide a predetermined energy deposition profile;
- e. wherein, the laser beam as delivered from the bottom hole assembly illuminates the bottom surface of the borehole with a predetermined energy deposition profile.
7 more elements
A system for creating a borehole in the earth comprising:
- a. a high power laser source;
- b. a bottom hole assembly;
- and,
- c. a fiber optically connecting the laser source with the bottom hole assembly, such that a laser beam from the laser source is transmitted to the bottom hole assembly;
- d. the bottom hole assembly comprising:
- i. a means for providing the laser beam shot pattern to a surface of the borehole in a predetermined shot pattern and in a predetermined energy deposition profile.
3 more elements
A system for creating a borehole in the earth comprising:
- a. a high power laser source;
- b. a bottom hole assembly;
- and,
- c. a fiber optically connecting the laser source with the bottom hole assembly, such that a laser beam from the laser source is transmitted to the bottom hole assembly;
- d. the bottom hole assembly comprising:
- i. a means for providing a substantially elliptical shaped laser beam shot pattern to the bottom surface of the borehole in a rotating manner to thereby provided a predetermined shot pattern and a predetermined energy deposition profile.
3 more elements
A method of advancing a borehole using a laser, the method comprising:
- a. advancing a high power laser beam transmission means into a borehole;
- i. the borehole having a bottom surface, a top opening, and a length extending between the bottom surface and the top opening of at least about 1000 feet;
- ii. the transmission means comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a length extending between the distal and proximal ends, the distal end being advanced down the borehole;
- iii. the transmission means comprising a means for transmitting high power laser energy;
- b. providing a high power laser beam to the proximal end of the transmission means;
- c. transmitting substantially all of the power of the laser beam down the length of the transmission means so that the beam exits the distal end;
- d. transmitting the laser beam from the distal end to an optical assembly in a laser bottom hole assembly,
- e. the laser bottom hole assembly directing the laser beam to the bottom surface of the borehole;
- and,
- f. providing a predetermined energy deposition profile to the bottom of the borehole;
- g. whereby the length of the borehole is increased, in part, based upon the interaction of the laser beam with the bottom of the borehole.
8 more elements
A method of advancing a borehole using a laser, the method comprising:
- a. advancing a high power laser beam transmission fiber into a borehole;
- i. the borehole having a bottom surface, a top opening, and a length extending between the bottom surface and the top opening of at least about 1000 feet;
- ii. the transmission fiber comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a length extending between the distal and proximal ends, the distal end being advanced down the borehole;
- b. providing a high power laser beam to the proximal end of the transmission means;
- c. transmitting the power of the laser beam down the length of the transmission fiber so that the beam exits the distal end and enters a laser bottom hole assembly;
- and,
- d. directing the laser beam to the bottom surface of the borehole in a substantially uniform energy deposition profile;
- e. whereby the length of the borehole is increased, in part, based upon the interaction of the laser beam with the bottom of the borehole.
5 more elements
A method of removing debris from a borehole during laser drilling of the borehole the method comprising:
- a. directing a laser beam comprising a wavelength, and having a power of at least about 10 kW, down a borehole and towards a surface of a borehole;
- b. the surface being at least 1000 feet within the borehole;
- c. the laser beam illuminating an area of the surface;
- d. the laser beam displacing material from the surface in the area of illumination;
- e. directing a fluid into the borehole and to the borehole surface;
- f. the fluid being substantially transmissive to the laser wavelength;
- g. the directed fluid having a first and a second flow path;
- h. the fluid flowing in the first flow path removing the displaced material from the area of illumination at a rate sufficient to prevent the displaced material from interfering with the laser illumination of the area of illumination;
- and,
- i. the fluid flowing in the second flow path removing displaced material form borehole.
7 more elements
A method of removing debris from a borehole during laser drilling of the borehole the method comprising:
- a. directing a laser beam having at least about 10 kW of power towards a borehole surface;
- b. illuminating an area of the borehole surface;
- c. displacing material from the area of illumination;
- d. providing a fluid;
- e. directing the fluid toward a first area within the borehole;
- f. directing the fluid toward a second area;
- g. the directed fluid removing the displaced material from the area of illumination at a rate sufficient to prevent the displaced material from interfering with the laser illumination;
- and,
- h. the fluid removing displaced material form borehole.
6 more elements
A method of removing debris from a borehole during laser drilling of the borehole the method comprising:
- a. directing a laser beam towards a borehole surface;
- b. illuminating an area of the borehole surface;
- c. displacing material from the area of illumination;
- d. providing a fluid;
- e. directing the fluid in a first path toward a first area within the borehole;
- f. directing the fluid in a second path toward a second area;
- g. amplifying the flow of the fluid in the second path;
- h. the directed fluid removing the displaced material from the area of illumination at a rate sufficient to prevent the displaced material from interfering with the laser illumination;
- and,
- i. the amplified fluid removing displaced material form borehole.
7 more elements
A laser bottom hole assembly for drilling a borehole in the earth comprising:
- a. a housing;
- b. optics for shaping a laser beam;
- c. an opening for delivering a laser beam to illuminate the surface of a borehole;
- d. a first fluid opening in the housing;
- e. a second fluid opening in the housing;
- and,
- f. the second fluid opening comprising a fluid amplifier.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.