Flow Enhancement by High Power Laser Technology

Abstract

The objective of this work is to present the utilization of high-power laser technology in different downhole flow enhancement applications. High power laser technology provides innovative non-damaging technology and is an alternative to several current downhole conventional technologies. Wide ranges of high power laser applications have been identified, evaluated and successfully tested in the laboratory, these applications are related to improve production. The precision of controlling the laser parameters enables the properties flow improvement in all rock types. Laser energy generated and transmitted from the laser source to the target via fiber optics cables. The laser beam is controlled by downhole tool and optical bottom hole assembly. Based on the identified applications, the laser tools are designed and built combining mechanical and optical components that are aligned and assembled accordingly, the tools released the final shaped beam to the target. The controlled beam generates thermal energy, this energy can melt, vaporize or spall the formation, depending on the application needed. High power laser technology has the potential to change the industry in several downhole applications including perforations, heating, fractures initiation, open hole notching, deep perforation, and drilling. The motivation for searching for alternative technologies is the cost effective and advancement of the laser technology and the need for none damaging environmentally friendly alternative technology. Laser provides unique advantages for downhole applications, such as accuracy, precision, and power, these parameters have been successfully tested in the lab and the optimized setting are configured in the tool. Several iterations of the tools have been done to optimize and finalize the successful design. The tools are designed to fit in slim holes as small as four inches. In addition, the tools are designed to operate in a fluid environment, the tools are equipped with purging capabilities to circulate gas or fluid, the functions of the purging are to clean the hole from the debris and carry the cuttings. The technology provides very small footprint and is environmentally friendly, it is a waterless technology when it is used for fracturing, and a non-explosive perforation base technology when it is used as a perforation gun. The unique futures of the technology are the precision is controlling and orienting the energy in any direction regardless of the reservoir stress orientation and magnitude. The precision in orienting the energy enables to focus the energy on the pay zones directly maximizing reservoir contact.