Abstract
The subject of this paper is the requirements, design, fabrication, and testing of a prototype laser rock drilling system capable of penetrating even the hardest rocks found deep in the earth. The Oil and Gas industry still uses many of the technologies that were in use at the turn of the 19th century. The drilling industry started with a great innovation with the introduction of the tri-cone bit by Howard Hughes in 1908. Since then, the industry has modified and optimized drilling systems with incremental advancement in the ability to penetrate hard crystalline rock structures. Most oil producing reservoirs are located in or below relatively soft rock formations, however, with the growing need for energy, oil companies are now attempting to drill through very hard surface rock and deep ocean formations with limited success. This paper will discuss the types of laser suitable for this application, the requirements for putting lasers in the field, the technology needed to support this laser application and the test results of components developed specifically by Foro Energy for the drilling application.
