High power laser in-situ heating and vapor generation tool and method

Abstract

An apparatus for generating steam in situ, the apparatus comprising: a rotary union and a steam generation tool, the steam generation tool comprising: an optical unit configured to shape and manipulate laser energy delivered to the optical unit through an optical fiber cable to produce a laser beam; an optical cap; an activated carbon housing configured to hold activated carbon, the activated carbon housing comprising a laser end configured to allow the laser beam to pass through and hold activated carbon and a reinforced end configured to block the laser beam and hold activated carbon, wherein the laser beam travels from the optical cap to the laser end of the activated carbon housing, through the activated carbon housing and terminates at the reinforced end; the activated carbon housing further comprising activated carbon; the apparatus further comprising an outer housing and a water supply tube, wherein an annular space is formed between the outer housing and the activated carbon housing, the water supply tube configured to deliver water to the annular space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Apparatus and methods for generating steam are disclosed. More specifically, embodiments relating to apparatus and methods incorporating a laser for generating steam are provided. Background Technology

[0002] Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) is a branch of petroleum engineering. The focus of EOR is to extract heavy oil from reservoirs for production by improving the flow from the formation to the wellbore. Heavy oil can be defined as having an API specific gravity of less than 29 and a viscosity greater than 5000 cP. To produce heavy oil from the formation, it is necessary to improve the connectivity between the oil-bearing formation and the wellbore, allowing the oil to flow to the surface. Therefore, to facilitate flow, the viscosity must be reduced.

[0003] One way to reduce the viscosity of heavy oil is to increase formation temperature. Different forms of temperature increase can reduce viscosity and allow oil flow. Temperature can be increased through steam injection, in-situ combustion, or electromagnetic heating (including the use of microwaves). Radio frequency heating can only reach temperatures of 800°C and cannot be precisely controlled. Steam injection uses steam as a heating method.

[0004] Traditional methods of using steam to raise formation temperatures have several problems and limitations. Heat loss is one of the main issues, as steam travels long distances through steam pipes. This heat loss occurs due to the multiple branching of the pipes to distribute steam to different injection wells, and is particularly pronounced in cold weather and winter. Heat loss also occurs in the wellbore as the steam travels from the wellhead to the injector. This heat loss leads to a loss of steam quality, resulting in inefficient steam processes. Another concern is the safety of traditional steam methods. As steam travels across the surface through pipelines, these pipelines can be damaged over time, due to corrosion, or accidents, causing hot steam to escape into the air and damage anything that comes into contact with it. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An apparatus and method for generating steam are disclosed. More specifically, this disclosure provides embodiments relating to an apparatus and method incorporating a laser for generating steam.

[0006] In a first aspect, an apparatus for in-situ steam generation is provided. The apparatus includes: a rotary connector physically connected to an optical fiber cable, the rotary connector being configured to rotate a steam generating tool about an axis; and the steam generating tool. The steam generating tool includes: an optical unit physically connected to the rotary connector and configured to shape and manipulate laser energy delivered to the optical unit via the optical fiber cable to generate a laser beam; an optical cover optically connected to the optical unit and configured to protect the optical unit; and an activated carbon housing optically connected to the optical unit and configured to hold activated carbon. The activated carbon housing includes: a laser end proximate to the optical cover and configured to allow the laser beam to pass through and hold the activated carbon; a reinforcing end opposite the laser end, the reinforcing end being configured to block the laser beam and hold the activated carbon, wherein the laser beam travels from the optical cover to the laser end of the activated carbon housing, passes through the activated carbon housing, and terminates at the reinforcing end; and activated carbon configured to retain and radiate heat. The steam generating device also includes: an outer casing that physically surrounds an activated carbon shell, wherein an annular space is formed between the outer casing and the activated carbon shell, wherein heat from the activated carbon is radiated to the annular space; and water supply pipes configured to deliver water to the annular space, wherein each water supply pipe terminates at a one-way valve, and wherein the outer casing includes a release valve.

[0007] In some aspects, the device further includes: a surface unit configured to generate laser energy, wherein the surface unit is located on the surface; and an optical fiber cable configured to transmit the laser energy from the surface unit to the steam generating tool. In some aspects, the laser end is selected from optical grids, optical elements, and combinations thereof. In some aspects, the activated carbon housing is made of activated carbon. In some aspects, the one-way valve is a check valve. In some aspects, the activated carbon is in the shape of gravel. In some aspects, the optical unit includes one or more lenses. In some aspects, the steam generating tool also includes an optical housing extending from the optical unit to the laser end, the optical housing being configured to isolate the laser beam from the water supply pipe.

[0008] In a second aspect, a method for in-situ steam generation is provided. The method includes the following steps: generating laser energy in a surface unit; transmitting the laser energy to a steam generating tool via an optical fiber cable; converting the laser energy into a laser beam in an optical unit of the steam generating tool; emitting the laser beam from the optical unit to an activated carbon shell, wherein the laser beam enters the activated carbon shell through a laser end, wherein the activated carbon shell comprises activated carbon, and wherein the laser beam contacts the activated carbon; increasing the temperature of the activated carbon to generate thermal activated carbon; radiating heat from the activated carbon to an annular space between the outer shell and the activated carbon shell, wherein the temperature in the annular space is 1750°C; guiding water from a water supply pipe into the annular space; generating steam in the annular space due to the increased temperature of the water in the annular space; and releasing the steam through a release valve in the outer shell.

[0009] In some aspects, the surface unit is located at the surface near the wellbore in the formation, such that steam released through a release valve raises the temperature of the wellbore in the formation. In some aspects, the laser beam is a pulsed laser beam. In some aspects, the laser beam is a continuous laser beam. In some aspects, the method further includes a step of preheating water in a supply pipe due to contact between the laser beam and the supply pipe. In some aspects, the step of raising the temperature of the activated carbon lasts from 30 seconds to 3 minutes. In some aspects, the method further includes a step of rotating a steam generating tool to uniformly distribute steam from the release valve. Attached Figure Description

[0010] These and other features, aspects, and advantages will be better understood by referring to the following description, claims, and drawings. However, it should be noted that the drawings illustrate only a few embodiments and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention, as other equivalent embodiments are permissible.

[0011] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a steam generating tool.

[0012] Figure 2 This is an orthographic view of an embodiment of the steam generating tool.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a steam generating tool.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a steam generating tool.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a steam generating tool.

[0016] Figure 6 This is an example illustration.

[0017] Figure 7A This is a diagram illustrating the results from an example infrared camera.

[0018] Figure 7B This is a chart of data from an example infrared camera.

[0019] Figure 8A This is a diagram illustrating the results from an example infrared camera.

[0020] Figure 8B This is a chart of data from an example infrared camera.

[0021] In the accompanying drawings, similar parts or features, or both, may have similar reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0022] While several embodiments will be used to describe the scope, it should be understood that those skilled in the art will appreciate that many examples, variations, and substitutions of the described apparatus and methods are within the scope and spirit of the embodiments. Therefore, the embodiments described herein are set forth without loss of generality or limitation. Those skilled in the art will understand that the scope of the invention includes all possible combinations and uses of the specific features described in the specification. In the drawings and detailed description, the same reference numerals consistently denote the same elements.

[0023] An apparatus and method for in-situ steam generation using laser energy are described. The steam generating tool combines laser energy with activated carbon to produce in-situ steam. The steam generating tool can be used for heavy oil production, enhancement production, and offshore steam injection. Advantageously, when the activated carbon is exposed to laser energy, it is immediately heated to a high temperature within seconds. The activated carbon in the steam generating tool can be in the form of gravel. The laser beam passes through the activated carbon and heats it, then water is injected, and the heat converts the water into steam. The steam can be used to raise the formation temperature for heavy oil production or for enhancement production.

[0024] Advantageously, the steam generating tool combines high-power laser energy with activated carbon to generate heat and steam without damaging the formation. Advantageously, the steam generating tool generates in-situ steam, reducing heat loss because the steam does not travel from the surface. Advantageously, the steam generating tool is a compact tool that can be fitted through the wellbore and positioned within the formation. Advantageously, the steam generating tool allows the activated carbon to be heated to a temperature greater than 1700°C in less than 3 minutes. Advantageously, the steam generating tool can generate in-situ steam in less than 3 minutes. Advantageously, the steam generating tool provides an in-situ steam generation method and eliminates heat loss during steam generation.

[0025] As used throughout, "activated carbon" refers to carbon that has been treated to become highly porous with an increased surface area.

[0026] As used throughout, "steam quality" refers to the proportion of saturated steam (vapor) in a mixture of saturated condensate (liquid) and saturated steam (vapor). A steam quality of 0 indicates 100% condensate (liquid), while a steam quality of 100 indicates 100% saturated steam (vapor). Steam with "high steam quality" has a steam quality greater than 75, or between 75 and 100.

[0027] You can refer to Figure 1 Let's understand the steam generator 100 that produces in-situ steam. The steam generator 100 is connected to the fiber optic cable 300 via a rotary connector 200. (Refer to...) Figure 2Understandably, fiber optic cable 300 connects surface unit 310 to steam generator 100. Fiber optic cable 300 transmits laser energy from surface unit 310, located on the surface near the ground. Surface unit 310 generates laser energy. Surface unit 310 can be any type of laser generator capable of producing laser energy exceeding 2 kW. In at least one embodiment, surface unit 310 may include a ytterbium fiber laser with a wavelength of 1062 nm.

[0028] Back Figure 1 The rotary coupling 200 allows the steam generating tool 100 to rotate about its axis, enabling the generated steam to be precisely targeted to a specific section of the formation, and ensuring uniform distribution of heat and steam. The rotary coupling 200 can be any type of rotary coupling used in downhole applications, including hydraulically driven, battery-driven, pre-programmed, or surface-controlled rotary couplings.

[0029] Laser energy delivered via fiber optic cable 300 exits through optical unit 110. Optical unit 110 may include one or more lenses that can shape and manipulate the laser energy to generate a laser beam. The size of the laser beam can be manipulated within optical unit 110. Optical unit 110 is protected by optical cover 120. Optical cover 120 can be made of any type of material and is configured to allow the laser beam to pass through while preventing dust, debris, vapor, or water from entering optical unit 110.

[0030] Laser energy from surface unit 310 is converted into laser beam 130 in optical unit 110. Laser beam 130, attributed to optical unit 110, can be a collimated beam or a focused beam. A collimated beam (also referred to as a parallel beam) is a straight beam with uniform power intensity (power divided by area) to maximize the interaction between laser beam 130 and activated carbon 160. A focused beam has a focal point and produces a conical beam. In at least one embodiment, laser beam 130 is a collimated beam. Laser beam 130 can be as follows: Figure 1 The pulsed type shown, or it could be as follows: Figure 3 The continuous type is shown. In at least one embodiment, whether the laser beam 130 is pulsed or continuous is a design feature of the laser manufacturer and therefore originates from the surface unit 310. In at least one embodiment, the laser beam 130 may be pulsed due to the mechanical shutter.

[0031] The laser beam 130 travels through the laser generating tool 100 to contact the laser end 140 of the activated carbon housing 150. The distance between the optical cover 120 and the laser end 140 may depend on the size of the steam generating tool 100. In at least one embodiment, the distance between the optical cover 120 and the laser end 140 is approximately 2 inches (5.08 cm). The activated carbon housing 150 holds the activated carbon 160. The laser end 140 can be any type of material that allows the laser beam 130 to pass through and is capable of holding the activated carbon 160 in the activated carbon housing 150. The laser end 140 can be an optical mesh, an optical cover, or a combination thereof. The laser end 140 can be any material that allows the laser beam 130 to pass through without altering its physical or chemical properties or physical shape or size. In at least one embodiment, the laser end 140 can be an optical cover made of a high-heat, high-pressure resistant material. In at least one embodiment, the laser end 140 is an optical cover made of sapphire, which is a high-heat, high-pressure resistant material.

[0032] The activated carbon shell 150 may be made of activated carbon.

[0033] Activated carbon 160 can be any type of carbon, and the temperature of the carbon can be increased without affecting the physical shape or size of the activated carbon 160. The advantages of using activated carbon are: it can be rapidly heated when exposed to a laser beam; it can be molded into any desired shape; and it can be designed to have any desired size to fill the activated carbon shell 150. In at least one embodiment, the activated carbon 160 in the activated carbon shell 150 can be in a gravel shape.

[0034] The laser beam 130 travels through the activated carbon housing 150, thereby contacting the activated carbon 160 and raising its temperature. The laser beam 130 stops at a reinforcing end 155. The reinforcing end 155 can be made of any material capable of blocking the transmission of the laser beam 130 and retaining the activated carbon 160 within the activated carbon housing 150. The reinforcing end 155 prevents leakage of the activated carbon 160. In at least one embodiment, the reinforcing end 155 is a plug within the activated carbon housing 150.

[0035] Water supply pipe 180 transports water from the ground surface to the steam generator 100. Water supply pipe 180 can be any type of pipe resistant to high pressure and high temperature. In at least one embodiment, water supply pipe 180 can be made of activated carbon. Water supply pipe 180 can be in contact with laser beam 130 (as shown in Figure 100). Figure 1 and Figure 3 (as described above), or can be separated from the laser beam 130 (as per reference). Figure 4(as described above). In some embodiments, the optical unit 100 may configure the size and shape of the laser 130 to contact the water supply pipe 180. In embodiments where the laser beam 130 contacts the water supply pipe 180, the water in the water supply pipe 180 may be heated. Advantageously, using activated carbon is more efficient than directly heating water using a laser, which loses approximately 33% of its energy per inch of water. Therefore, the contact between the water in the water supply pipe 180 and the laser beam 130 is preheating, and the primary heat source in the steam generating tool 100 is the activated carbon. The steam generating tool 100 may include one water supply pipe 180, two water supply pipes 180, or more than two water supply pipes. The size of the water supply pipe 180 may depend on the desired flow rate of the water to be supplied to the steam generating tool 100 and the size of the steam generating tool 100. The flow rate of water through the water supply pipe 180 may be determined based on the volume of activated carbon and the target temperature. Each water supply pipe 180 terminates near the laser end 140 of the activated carbon housing 150, such that when water leaves the water supply pipe 180, it comes into contact with the activated carbon housing 150. The water does not directly contact the activated carbon, but radiant heat from the activated carbon housing 150 heats the water to generate steam. Each water supply pipe 180 terminates at a one-way valve 170.

[0036] The one-way valve 170 is any type of valve that allows flow in only one direction, enabling water to flow from the surface through the water supply pipe 180 but preventing backflow towards the surface. In at least one embodiment, the one-way valve 170 is a check valve.

[0037] The steam generating tool 100 is enclosed in a housing 190. The housing 190 can be made of any high-pressure, high-temperature resistant material. The housing 190, adjacent to and surrounding the activated carbon housing 150, is perforated, each perforation containing a release valve 195. The release valve 195 can be any type of valve configured to allow steam flow through but not allow fluid backflow into the steam generating tool 100. In at least one embodiment, each release valve 160 can be a check valve. Each release valve 195 can operate according to a release setpoint, such that each release valve 195 opens when the release setpoint is reached. Opening the release valve 195 at the release setpoint ensures that steam released into the formation is forcibly released. The pressure at the release setpoint can be less than the formation fracturing pressure, such that the released steam does not fracture the formation. The release setpoint can be between 800 psi (5515 kPa) and 1200 psi (8273 kPa).

[0038] The temperature of the steam released into the formation can be above 204°C (400°F), or between 204°C (400°F) and 300°C (572°F), or between 204°C (400°F) and 250°C (482°F), or between 204°C (400°F) and 225°C (437°F). In at least one embodiment, the steam temperature is above 204°C (400°F). Advantageously, maintaining the steam temperature within this range can eliminate damage to the formation. The steam temperature can be controlled by the amount of activated carbon, the power of the laser beam 130, and the exposure time.

[0039] An annular space is formed between the outer shell 190 and the activated carbon shell 150. Heat from the heated activated carbon is radiated into this annular space, and the water supply pipe 180 terminates in this annular space, allowing water leaving the water supply pipe 180 to enter the annular space.

[0040] Reference Figure 4 An embodiment is described in which the water supply pipe 180 is separated from and does not contact the laser beam 130. An optical housing 125 extends from the optical unit 110, which includes the laser beam and an optical cover. The optical housing 125 can be any type of material capable of isolating the laser beam. The optical housing 125 isolates the laser beam such that it does not come into contact with the water flowing in the water supply pipe 180. The laser generating tool 100 may include the optical housing 125 to isolate the laser beam when the reservoir temperature is high and the water in the pipe has been preheated.

[0041] The steam generator 100 is designed not to generate steam in the water supply pipe 180.

[0042] Although the steam generating tool 100 is shown as a cylinder, those skilled in the art will understand that the steam generating tool 100 can be any shape that allows the steam generating tool to be placed in the wellbore.

[0043] Reference Figure 5 The operation of the steam generating tool 100 is understandable. A laser beam 130 heats activated carbon 160, thereby increasing the temperature of the activated carbon in the activated carbon shell 150 to produce hot activated carbon with a target temperature. The target temperature of the hot activated carbon can be between 800°C and 1795°C, or between 1564°C and 1795°C. The target temperature is below the combustion temperature of the activated carbon. The target temperature of the hot activated carbon can be determined in a laboratory based on the volume of the activated carbon, the power of the laser, and the desired heating time. In at least one embodiment, the target temperature is 1795°C. Depending on the volume of activated carbon in the activated carbon shell 150, the step of increasing the temperature of the activated carbon 160 may take from 30 seconds to 3 minutes.

[0044] Heat radiates from the activated carbon shell 150, increasing the temperature in the annular space between the activated carbon shell 150 and the outer shell 190. The temperature in this annular space can reach 1750°C. As water leaves the water supply pipe 180 through the one-way valve 170, the heat converts the water into steam. The generated steam is high-quality superheated steam.

[0045] Steam is released from the steam generator 100 through the release valve 190.

[0046] Back Figure 2 , refer to Figure 1 and Figures 3 to 4 An embodiment using a steam generating tool 100 is described. A surface unit 310 is located on the surface 330 near a wellbore 340. The wellbore 340 cuts across the formation 320. The steam generating tool 100 is positioned within the formation 320. Steam released through a release valve 190 can increase the temperature of the formation 320 during wellbore operations.

[0047] Steam escaping from the steam generating tool 100 can be used for wellbore activities. These activities can include increasing formation temperature without damaging the formation, improving the efficiency of wellbore temperature rise, wellbore cleaning, reservoir enhancement, improving the efficiency of laser-material interaction, steam-assisted oil recovery, injecting steam from an offshore platform into an offshore reservoir, and combinations of the above activities. Advantageously, the steam generating tool can be used to generate and inject steam on an offshore platform, where conventional steam generators are bulky and cannot be installed on offshore platforms. When used in an offshore environment, the surface where the laser unit is located is the offshore platform.

[0048] In in-situ steam generation, the steam generating tool does not involve steam traveling from the surface through the wellbore. The steam generating tool does not utilize microwaves or microwave energy. The steam generating tool does not contain ceramic materials. The use of the steam generating tool is carried out without the deployment of ceramic materials in the wellbore or formation. Although residual or naturally occurring water in the formation can be converted into steam, the use of the steam generating tool does not rely on the presence of such water to generate steam; instead, the water required for steam generation is piped to the steam generating tool. The steam generating tool does not inject water into the formation. In steam generating tools and methods used to generate in-situ steam, activated carbon does not ignite or burn when a laser beam is applied. The steam generating tool does not inefficiently utilize lasers directly to heat the formation. The steam generating tool operates without explosive force. The steam released through the steam generating tool does not penetrate or strip away the formation surrounding the steam generating tool.

[0049] Example. This example illustrates how a laser can be used to increase the temperature of activated carbon to produce thermally activated carbon.

[0050] like Figure 6 As shown, one area of ​​a limestone block is covered with activated carbon. A second area is exposed without activated carbon. A 1kW laser beam is emitted onto both areas, one with activated carbon and the other without. An infrared (IR) camera is used to capture the temperature of the limestone blocks in both areas after 30 seconds of heating.

[0051] like Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown, the highest temperature reached by the infrared camera in the area without activated carbon was 888℃. Figure 7A Infrared images of limestone blocks heated by laser in areas without activated carbon are shown. Figure 7B The data collected by an infrared camera is shown. The highest temperature reached by the activated carbon area, as recorded by the infrared camera, is 1795°C. Figure 8A An infrared image of a limestone block heated by a laser in an area containing activated carbon is shown. Figure 8B The data collected by the infrared camera is shown.

[0052] In addition to illustrating the concept, the example also shows that using activated carbon can raise the temperature more effectively than using rocks such as limestone.

[0053] Although the present technology has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made to the present technology without departing from the principles and scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the embodiments should be determined by the appended claims and their appropriate legal equivalents.

[0054] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “one,” and “the” include plural references.

[0055] Optional or alternative means that the event or situation described below may or may not occur. The description includes instances where the event or situation occurs and instances where it does not occur.

[0056] A range can be expressed as a range from one specific value to another. When expressing such a range, it should be understood that another embodiment is a range from one specific value to another, as well as all combinations within the range.

[0057] In this application, where patents or publications are cited, the disclosures of such references are intended to be incorporated into this application in their entirety by reference in order to more fully describe the prior art, unless such references contradict the statements made herein.

[0058] As used herein and in the appended claims, the words “comprising,” “having,” and “including,” and all their grammatical variations, are intended to have an open, non-limiting meaning that does not exclude additional elements or steps.

Claims

1. An apparatus for in-situ steam generation, comprising: A rotary connector, which is physically connected to an optical fiber cable, is configured to cause the steam generator to rotate about an axis. The steam generating tool, the steam generating tool comprising: - An optical unit, which is physically connected to the rotary connection, is configured to shape and manipulate laser energy transmitted to the optical unit through the optical fiber cable to generate a laser beam; - An optical cover, which is optically connected to the optical unit and configured to protect the optical unit; - An activated carbon housing, optically connected to an optical unit, the activated carbon housing configured to retain activated carbon, the activated carbon housing comprising: The laser end is located near the optical cover and is configured to allow the laser beam to pass through while retaining the activated carbon. The reinforcing end is opposite to the laser end and is configured to block the laser beam and retain the activated carbon. The laser beam travels from the optical cover to the laser end of the activated carbon shell, passes through the activated carbon shell, and terminates at the reinforcing end; and o activated carbon, the activated carbon being configured to retain and radiate heat; An outer shell physically surrounds the activated carbon shell, wherein an annular space is formed between the outer shell and the activated carbon shell, and heat from the activated carbon radiates to the annular space; and A water supply pipe, configured to deliver water to the annular space, wherein each water supply pipe terminates at a one-way valve. The outer casing includes a release valve.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A surface unit configured to generate laser energy, wherein the surface unit is located on a surface, and An optical fiber cable configured to transmit the laser energy from the surface unit to the steam generator.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The laser end is selected from optical grids, optical components, and combinations thereof.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The activated carbon shell is made of activated carbon.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The one-way valve is a check valve.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The activated carbon is in the shape of gravel.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The optical unit includes one or more lenses.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The steam generating tool also includes an optical housing extending from the optical unit to the laser end, the optical housing being configured to isolate the laser beam from the water supply pipe.

9. A method for generating steam in situ, applied to the apparatus for generating steam in situ according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the method comprising the following steps: Generate laser energy in surface units; The laser energy is transmitted to the steam generator via the optical fiber cable; The laser energy is converted into a laser beam in the optical unit of the steam generating tool; The laser beam is emitted from the optical unit to the activated carbon shell, wherein the laser beam enters the activated carbon shell through the laser end, wherein the activated carbon shell comprises activated carbon, and wherein the laser beam is in contact with the activated carbon; Increase the temperature of the activated carbon to produce thermal activated carbon; Heat is radiated from the activated carbon to the annular space between the outer shell and the activated carbon shell, wherein the temperature in the annular space is 1750°C; Water is directed from the water supply pipe into the annular space; Steam is generated in the annular space due to the increased temperature of the water therein; and The steam is released through the release valve in the outer casing.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The surface unit is located at the surface near the wellbore in the formation, such that steam released through a release valve increases the temperature of the wellbore in the formation.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The laser beam is a pulsed laser beam.

12. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The laser beam is a continuous laser beam.

13. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of preheating the water in the water supply pipe due to contact between the laser beam and the water supply pipe.

14. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The step of raising the temperature of the activated carbon lasts from 30 seconds to 3 minutes.

15. The method according to claim 9, wherein, It also includes the step of rotating the steam generating tool to distribute steam evenly from the release valve.

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