Deep hole penetration of rock for oil production using ytterbium fiber laser

Samih I. Batarseh; Brian C. Gahan; Bhargav C Sharma; Sherif I Gowelly

doi:10.1117/12.548580

20 September 2004 Deep hole penetration of rock for oil production using ytterbium fiber laser

Samih I. Batarseh, Brian C. Gahan, Bhargav C Sharma, Sherif I Gowelly

Proceedings Volume 5448, High-Power Laser Ablation V; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.548580
Event: High-Power Laser Ablation, 2004, Taos, New Mexico, United States

Abstract

This study provides experimental results in investigating the use of a 5.34 kW ytterbium-doped multiclad fiber laser with an emission wavelength of 1.07 microns for creating deep hole configurations in different types of rock for production applications in oil and gas wells. Recent developments in high power fiber lasers offer technical advantages when compared to other industrial lasers that may now allow economic subsurface applications to rock formations, delivering the beam through optical fiber from the surface via the wellbore. Successful applications in this manner would provide an alternative to conventional methods that employ rotary drilling and shaped charge explosives. Various parameters affecting laser penetration into samples of sandstone and limestone were studied and optimized. A maximum penetration depth of 30 cm for 8.9-mm hole diameter was achieved in limestone, while 15 cm penetration depth was achieved in sandstone with the same hole diameter. In all cases, the hole diameter was no greater than the beam diameter applied.

Citation Download Citation

Samih I. Batarseh, Brian C. Gahan, Bhargav C Sharma, and Sherif I Gowelly "Deep hole penetration of rock for oil production using ytterbium fiber laser", Proc. SPIE 5448, High-Power Laser Ablation V, (20 September 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.548580

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