Controlled laser cutting head

Abstract

A laser cutting tool (400) includes: a tool body (402), the tool body (402) having a central axis (504); the laser cutting head (404) is coaxially arranged along a central axis (504) of the tool main body; and a laser head (408) disposed on one side of the laser cutting head (404). The laser head (408) includes a laser outlet. An inner laser channel (508) extends in a radial direction between the laser cutting head (404) and the laser outlet and is configured to direct a laser beam (206) from the laser cutting head (404) in a radially outward direction through the laser outlet. A plurality of internal nozzles (406) are positioned within the laser head (408) configured to direct a cooling substance to a cutting area around the laser beam (206) and a plurality of adjacent cutting zones around the cutting area (300). A plurality of internal nozzles (406) are arranged parallel to the internal laser channel (508).

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] In the oil and gas industry, fracturing operations are performed to create communication between a formation and a wellbore for production. Fracturing technology relies on pumping large volumes of high pressure fracturing fluid down a wellbore to a formation where the pressure of the fracturing fluid exceeds the formation fracture pressure, creating a fracture. Fractures are stress dependent, such that the propagation of the fracture in the formation is controlled by the stress orientation. As a result, the fracture can propagate in a direction that bypasses certain hydrocarbons in the formation, thereby reducing the rate of hydrocarbon production and / or the total amount of hydrocarbons ultimately produced. Accordingly, there is a need for a fracturing method that prevents or reduces the amount of hydrocarbons bypassed. SUMMARY

[0002] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the of the Invention. This Summary is neither intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter as defined in the claims.

[0003] In one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a laser cutting tool comprising: a tool body having a central axis; a laser cutting head coaxially disposed along the central axis of the tool body; a laser head arranged on a side of the laser cutting head, the laser head comprising a laser outlet; an internal laser channel extending in a radial direction between the laser cutting head and the laser outlet and configured to direct a laser beam from the laser cutting head in a radially outward direction through the laser outlet; a plurality of internal nozzles located within the laser head and configured to direct a cooling substance to a cutting zone surrounding the laser beam and a plurality of adjacent cutting zones surrounding the cutting zone; wherein the plurality of internal nozzles are arranged in parallel to the internal laser channel.

[0004] In one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method comprising: lowering a laser cutting tool into a wellbore drilled into an underground formation, wherein the laser cutting tool comprises: a tool body; a laser cutting head positioned along the tool body; and a plurality of internal nozzles positioned within a laser head arranged on the laser cutting head; directing a laser beam from the laser cutting head in a radially outward direction to cut into a cutting zone in the wellbore; and spraying a cooling substance to the cutting zone and a plurality of adjacent cutting zones surrounding the cutting zone via the plurality of internal nozzles.

[0005] Other aspects and advantages of the claimed subject matter will become apparent from the following description and accompanying claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] Specific embodiments of the disclosed technology will now be described in detail with reference to the figures. Like reference numerals indicate like elements in the drawings. The size and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements and angles are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some of these elements are arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve drawing legibility. Further, the specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments are not to be interpreted as limiting. In addition, the particular shapes employed by elements in the drawings and described herein are not intended to convey any specific physical information and merely serve illustrative purposes in viewing and understanding the claims.

[0007] Figure 1 An example hydraulic fracturing system is shown.

[0008] Figure 2 A conventional laser cutting tool with external nozzles is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0009] Figure 3 A laser cutting zone is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0010] Figure 4 A laser cutting tool is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0011] Figure 5 A detailed view of components in a laser cutting tool is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0012] Figure 6 A laser cutting tool deployed in a well is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0013] Figure 7 A head tip configuration of a laser cutting tool is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0014] Figure 8 A laser cutting tool without purging is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0015] Figure 9 A laser cutting tool with purging is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0016] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of a laser cutting tool with purging is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0017] Figure 11 A flowchart is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] In the following detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the disclosure can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.

[0019] Throughout the application, ordinal terms such as first, second, third, etc. can be used as adjectives to describe an element (i.e., any noun in the application). The use of these ordinal terms does not imply or create any particular order or ranking of the elements unless explicitly identified as such, e.g., using the terms "before," "after," "single," and other such terms. Rather, the use of the ordinal terms is to differentiate between elements. By way of example, a first element is distinct from a second element, and a first element can comprise more than one element and be positioned after (or before) a second element in an ordering of elements.

[0020] It is to be understood that the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a fracture" includes reference to one or more of such fractures.

[0021] Terms such as "approximately," "substantially," and the like are terms of approximation and are intended to account for unprecise or imprecise measurements, parameters, or values, and that deviations or variations (including, for example, tolerances, measurement errors, measurement accuracy limitations, and other factors known to those skilled in the art) can occur in amounts that do not exclude the effect intended to be provided by the characteristic.

[0022] It is to be understood that one or more steps shown in the flowcharts can be omitted, repeated, and / or performed in a different order than shown. Thus, the scope of the present specification should not be considered limited to the particular step arrangements shown in the flowcharts.

[0023] In the following detailed description of Figures 1 to 11 In the following detailed description of

[0024] In one aspect, the embodiments disclosed in this specification relate to a laser cutting tool and a method of using the laser cutting tool. More specifically, the embodiments disclosed in this specification relate to using a laser cutting head that can emit a controlled laser beam to cause a laser cut within a formation. The laser beam is controlled by using internal nozzles in the laser cutting tool that direct a cooling substance around the laser beam to cool the area around the laser cut.

[0025] Figure 1 An example of an example hydraulic fracturing site 100 in which a hydraulic fracturing operation is being performed is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments. The particular hydraulic fracturing operation and hydraulic fracturing site 100 shown are for illustrative purposes only. The scope of the present disclosure is intended to encompass any type of hydraulic fracturing site 100 and hydraulic fracturing operation. Typically, a hydraulic fracturing operation includes two separate operations: a perforating operation and a pumping operation.

[0026] The hydraulic fracturing operation is performed at multiple wells that are geographically grouped in stages. A single well can have from one to more than forty stages. Typically, each stage includes a perforating operation (which can create multiple adjacent perforations) and a pumping operation. While a perforating operation is being performed at one well, a pumping operation can be performed at another well. Thus, Figure 1 An example hydraulic fracturing operation occurring on a first well 102 and a second well 104 is shown, each well extending from a surface 105 to a formation 107. The first well 102 is depicted as performing a perforating operation, while the second well 104 is shown as performing a pumping operation.

[0027] The first well 102 and the second well 104 are horizontal wells, meaning that each well includes a vertical section and a turn section. A turn section is a section of a well that is drilled at least eighty degrees from vertical. However, fracturing operations can be performed at vertical wells and less deviated wells, and Figure 1 The well trajectories shown in FIG. 1 are not intended to limit the claimed application in any way. The first well 102 is capped by a first fracturing tree 106, and the second well 104 is capped by a second fracturing tree 108. Fracturing trees 106, 108 are similar to production trees, but are specifically installed for hydraulic fracturing operations. Compared to production trees, fracturing trees 106, 108 tend to have larger bore diameters and higher pressure ratings. In addition, hydraulic fracturing operations require abrasive materials to be pumped into the well at high pressure, so fracturing trees 106, 108 are designed to handle higher erosion rates.

[0028] As an example, Well 102 and Well 104 are shown to require four stages. Well 102 and Well 104 have both undergone three stages and are currently undergoing the fourth stage. Well 104 has already undergone the fourth stage of perforation and is currently undergoing the fourth stage of pumping. Well 102 is undergoing the fourth stage of perforation but has not yet undergone the fourth stage of pumping.

[0029] The perforation operation includes installing a wireline blowout preventer (BOP) 110 on the first fracturing tree 106. The wireline BOP 110 is similar to a drilling BOP; however, the wireline BOP 110 has a seal designed to enclose (or cut) the wireline 112 rather than the drill pipe. A blowout preventer 114 is connected to the opposite end of the wireline BOP 110. The blowout preventer 114 is a long, high-pressure conduit used to balance downhole pressure with atmospheric pressure to allow downhole tools (such as the perforating gun 116) to be lowered into the well.

[0030] The perforating gun 116 is lowered into the first well 102 using a blowout preventer 114, a wire rope 112, and fluid pressure. According to one or more embodiments, the perforating gun 116 is equipped with explosives and a fracturing plug 118 before deployment into the first well 102. The wire rope 112 is connected to a drum 120 typically located on a wire rope truck 122. Electronic equipment (not shown) included in the wire rope truck 122 is used to control the deployment / retraction of the wire rope 112 and to send and receive information along the wire rope 112. The electronic equipment can also be connected, via wired or wireless means, to a monitoring system 124 for monitoring and controlling various operations being performed at the hydraulic fracturing site 100.

[0031] When the perforating gun 116 reaches the predetermined depth, a signal is sent along the wire rope 112 to set the fracturing plug 118, thereby sealing the well section in the ongoing phase. After setting the fracturing plug 118, another signal is sent via the wire rope 112 to detonate the explosive, such as... Figure 1 As shown. Explosives create perforations in the casing 126 and the surrounding formation. A single perforating gun 116 may carry more than one set of explosives, each set detonated by a different signal. Multiple sets of explosives are used to perforate at different depths along the casing 126 in a single stage. Furthermore, the setting of the fracturing plug 118 can be performed separately from the perforation operation without departing from the scope of this specification.

[0032] As mentioned above, Figure 1The diagram shows that the fourth stage of perforation work was performed on well 104, and pumping operations were carried out after perforations were left in casing 126 and the surrounding formation. The pumping operations involved pumping fracturing fluid 128 into the perforation to extend it and create fractures 142 in the surrounding formation. Fracturing fluid 128 typically contains a percentage of water, proppant, and chemicals.

[0033] Figure 1 Chemical storage container 130, water storage container 132, and proppant storage container 134 are shown at a hydraulic fracturing site 100. Fracturing lines 136 and conveyor belts (not shown) transport chemicals, proppant, and water from storage containers 130, 132, and 134 to a fracturing mixer 138. Multiple sensors (not shown) are located throughout the equipment to send signals to a monitoring system 124. The monitoring system 124 can be used to control the volume of water, chemicals, and proppant used in pumping operations.

[0034] The fracturing mixer 138 blends water, chemicals, and proppant to form fracturing fluid 128. Fracturing fluid 128 is delivered to one or more fracturing pumps (typically pump trucks 140) to be pumped into a second well 104 via a second fracturing tree 108. Each pump truck 140 includes a pump designed to pump fracturing fluid 128 at a given pressure. More than one pump truck 140 can be used simultaneously to increase the pressure of the fracturing fluid 128 pumped into the second well 104. Fracturing fluid 128 is delivered from the pump truck 140 to the second fracturing tree 108 using multiple fracturing lines 136.

[0035] Fluid pressure propagates and creates fracture 142, while proppant holds fracture 142 in place after pressure release. Different chemicals can be used to reduce frictional pressure, prevent corrosion, etc. Pumping operations can be designed to continue for a certain duration to ensure that fracture 142 has fully propagated. Furthermore, the fracturing fluid 128 can have different compositions throughout the pumping operation to optimize the pumping operation without departing from the scope disclosed in this specification.

[0036] pass Figure 1 In the fracturing process shown, numerous fractures 142 extend from the wellbore into the formation 107. The propagation of fractures 142 depends on stress orientation. Therefore, fractures 142 can propagate in multiple directions, thereby generating one or more bypass zones 160 in a random pattern. A bypass zone 160 can refer to an area within formation 107 where hydrocarbons are bypassed by fractures 142, preventing the realization of the full production potential of formation 107.

[0037] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the formation of fracture bypass zones can be prevented by using the laser cutting tool disclosed herein to create relatively uniform cuts through the surrounding formation. As described in more detail below, the laser cutting tool according to embodiments of this disclosure may include one or more laser cutting heads designed to guide a laser beam outward from the laser cutting head by jetting cooling material from an internal nozzle in the laser cutting tool. In this way, the laser beam can enter the surrounding formation linearly, thereby forming a cut into the surrounding formation along a single plane across the wellbore. Therefore, unlike fractures 142 formed by conventional fracturing processes (e.g., by perforation gun 116) that extend in multiple directions depending on the characteristics of the surrounding formation (e.g., stress concentration, heterogeneity, and physical discontinuities in the rock), the cuts formed by the laser cutting tool can be controlled and guided to the cutting zone.

[0038] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a laser cutting tool can be lowered into a well to create a cut through the surrounding formation, as an alternative to creating conventional fractures. In some embodiments, the laser cutting tool can be used to create the cut through the surrounding formation after conventional fracture 142 has been formed, for example in... Figure 1 In the first well 102 shown, one or more bypass zones 160 are cut through.

[0039] Figure 2 A conventional laser cutting tool 200 with an external nozzle 202 is shown. The conventional laser cutting tool 200 may include a conventional laser head 204 designed to emit a laser beam 206 for cutting material (e.g., formation 107). The heat generated by the laser beam 206 induces thermomechanical stress on the material targeted by the laser beam 206. The cutting speed and the number of laser beam 206 firings can be adjusted to reduce the laser time spent on the target. The external nozzle 202 may be capable of coaxial purging. Coaxial purging occurs when the external nozzle 202 uses fluid or gas to cool the cutting area and remove debris under the laser beam 206, facilitating further laser cutting.

[0040] Figure 3 The laser cutting area 300 of a conventional laser cutting tool 200 is shown. Specifically, Figure 3 It shows the use of Figure 2The conventional laser cutting tool 200 described herein performs a cutting operation on a material with thermal effects. An external nozzle 202 sweeps at an angle to target the laser cutting area 300. Therefore, heat from the laser beam 206 propagates to adjacent areas 302, causing thermomechanical effects. This thermal effect may cause alterations and weakening of the material targeted by the laser beam 206, such as adjacent areas 302. Adjacent areas 302 surround the laser cutting area 300. The size of adjacent areas 302 can vary depending on several factors, including the physical and thermal properties of the material, the laser intensity, and the laser time spent on the target area 300. The amount of time the laser beam 206 spends on the laser cutting area 300 may cause the adjacent areas to become brittle and prone to breakage.

[0041] Figure 4 A laser cutting tool 400 according to one or more embodiments is shown. The laser cutting tool 400 includes a tool body 402 having a laser cutting head 404 designed to guide a laser beam 206 radially outward from the laser cutting tool 400. The laser cutting tool 400 includes a plurality of internal nozzles 406. The internal nozzles 406 are positioned within a laser head 408 disposed on one side of the laser cutting head 404. The internal nozzles 406 may be fluid nozzles capable of ejecting material or fluid in a manner parallel to the laser beam 206 emitted by the laser cutting head 404. The internal nozzles 406 may eject cooling material into a purge zone 410. The purge zone 410 may be a region parallel to and surrounding the laser beam 206. The purge zone 410 prevents unwanted diffusion of the thermal effects of the laser beam 206. The number of internal nozzles 406 can be selected to produce a desired flow rate. The internal nozzles 406 may eject materials, such as gases or liquids. For example, the gas used may be an inert gas, such as nitrogen.

[0042] In one or more embodiments, the laser cutting tool 400 is deployed in the well, such as Figure 1 The first well 102 or the second well 104 described herein. The source of the gas or liquid material may be located on the surface 105.

[0043] Figure 5 A laser cutting tool 400 according to one or more embodiments is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the laser cutting head 404 is shown in an enlarged cross-sectional view to show the internal components and details of the tool body 402. However, in one or more embodiments, the laser cutting head 404 may have an outer diameter that is substantially the same size as the tool body (e.g., the deviation between the outer diameter of the laser cutting head and the outer diameter of the tool body is within 5%). In one or more embodiments, additional laser cutting heads may be spaced apart axially along the tool body 402 and coaxially aligned.

[0044] The tool body 402 may be axially connected to a wire rope or coiled tubing 500 and lowered into the well. In one or more embodiments, the tool body 402 may be configured to withstand high temperatures and pressures, such as those typically associated with fracturing processes at formation 107. In one or more embodiments, a laser beam 206 may be generated at the surface 105 and transmitted to the laser cutting head 404. In other embodiments, the laser beam 206 may be generated in situ at a downhole location. The laser cutting head 404 is coaxially arranged along the central axis of the tool body 402. In some embodiments, a mechanical gear 502 may be fixed between the laser cutting head 404 and the tool body 402 to allow the laser cutting head 404 to rotate relative to the tool body 402 about the central axis 504. In one or more embodiments, the mechanical gear may be rotated by a hydraulically or electrically driven motor 506. In some embodiments, such a motor 506 may be disposed in the tool body 402 and connected to a gear assembly (including one or more gears 502) in the laser cutting head to allow the laser cutting head 404 to rotate. The laser cutting head 404 can be coaxially aligned with the tool body 402, so that the laser cutting head 404 can rotate around the central axis 504 of the tool body 402.

[0045] Looking further Figure 5 The laser beam 206 can be guided through the internal channel 508 and exit from the outlet 510 (opening) of the laser head 408, which is disposed on the laser cutting head 404. The internal laser channel 508 can extend radially through the laser cutting head 404 between the central axis 504 of the laser cutting tool 400 and the outlet 510 in the laser head. The laser head 408 (and the outlet 510) are disposed around one side of the laser cutting head 404.

[0046] An internal nozzle 406 may be integrally formed within the laser cutting head 404. The internal nozzle 406 may include a fluid opening oriented to guide fluid parallel to the laser beam 206 emitted by the laser cutting head 404. The flow path from the fluid source to the internal nozzle 406 may be configured via fluid-connected channels throughout the assembly, passing through the continuous tubing 500, the tool body 402, and the laser cutting head 404. The laser cutting tool 400 may include one or more external nozzles 202 for removing any debris, such as impurities, from the path of the laser beam 206. Figure 2In one or more embodiments, the laser cutting tool 400 may include one or more annular flow paths that fluidly connect a flow channel between the tool body 402 and the laser cutting head 404 when the laser cutting head 404 rotates relative to the tool body 402. In some embodiments, the entire laser cutting tool 400 may rotate (the laser cutting head 404 rotates together with the tool body 402). In such embodiments, one or more annular flow paths may fluidly connect a flow channel between the laser cutting tool 400 and the continuous tubing 500.

[0047] Figure 6 A laser cutting tool 400 according to one or more embodiments is shown deployed in a well 600. The well 600 can extend from the surface 105 to the formation 107. In one or more embodiments, the well 600 can be a vertical well, a horizontal well, or a directional well. In a horizontal well, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the well may have a main shaft 602 and a lateral section 604. The main shaft 602 may extend underground in a substantially vertical direction, and the lateral section 604 may branch off from the main shaft 602 at an angle at the build-up point until the lateral section 604 is substantially horizontal. In the illustrated embodiment, the laser cutting tool 400 is positioned in the lateral section 604 of the well 600. However, the laser cutting tool according to embodiments of this disclosure may operate in other directional or vertical sections of the well.

[0048] The laser cutting tool 400 can be driven from the ground by a laser power generator 606. The laser power generator 606 may be a diesel generator configured to provide electricity to generate laser energy. The laser cutting tool 400 can be pushed (e.g., lowered onto coiled tubing or a wireline) or pulled (e.g., onto a borehole traction device) from one depth to another. When positioned at a selected location in the well 600, a laser beam 206 can be generated by the laser power generator 606 and directed to one or more laser cutting heads 404. The laser beam 206 can be directed outward from an outlet 510 on the laser cutting head 404 into the formation 107 surrounding the well 600. The laser beam 206 can be continuously emitted by the laser cutting head 404. In one or more embodiments, the laser cutting tool 400 may include more than one laser cutting head 404.

[0049] Figure 7 A configuration of the head tip 700 of a laser cutting tool according to one or more embodiments is shown. Specifically, Figure 7 The diagram shows a laser cutting head tip 700 with two internal nozzles 406 and a laser beam 206 inside the laser head 408. The internal nozzles 406 can be configured as follows: Figure 7The internal nozzle 406 is positioned to spray or purge cooling material in a manner parallel to the laser beam 206 as it exits the laser head 408. The cooling material can be any gas or liquid capable of preventing or minimizing heat transfer. The internal nozzle 406 can be configured to diffuse the cooling material to cover a greater area of ​​the cutting area 300 and adjacent areas 302.

[0050] Figure 8 A laser cutting tool 400 without purging is shown according to one or more embodiments. Purging is the action of activating an internal nozzle 406 during laser cutting. Specifically, Figure 8 The diagram illustrates a laser cutting head 404 emitting a laser beam 206 onto a workpiece 800. The workpiece 800 can be any cutting surface, such as metal or a well shaft. An adjacent region 302 is shown surrounding the cutting area 300 of the laser beam 206. This adjacent region 302 is affected by the heat of the laser beam 206. Due to heat transfer from the laser beam 206, the workpiece 800 may become brittle or break around this adjacent region 302.

[0051] Figure 9 A laser cutting tool 400 performing a purging operation is shown according to one or more embodiments. Specifically, Figure 9 The diagram illustrates a laser cutting head 404 emitting a laser beam 206 onto a workpiece 800 while simultaneously purging using an internal nozzle 406. The internal nozzle 406 creates a purging zone 410 by spraying cooling material into the cutting area 300 or an adjacent area surrounding the laser beam 206. The purging zone 410 is cooled... Figure 8 The adjacent region 302 shown is designed to prevent or reduce heat transfer, thereby reducing the size of the adjacent region 302. The internal nozzle 406 can also induce coaxial purging to remove any debris, thus clearing the path for the laser beam 206. Coaxial purging occurs when the laser beam 206 and the cooling material flow and exit in the same direction. The cooling material can be selected based on the material of the workpiece 800 and the characteristics (e.g., intensity) of the laser beam 206. A large temperature difference between the material of the workpiece 800 and the laser beam 206 can cause the adjacent region 302 to become brittle. Control materials can be used to control heat transfer and prevent the material of the workpiece 800 from becoming brittle.

[0052] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of a laser cutting tool 400 undergoing purging according to one or more embodiments is shown. Specifically, Figure 10 A laser beam 206 emitted from a laser head 408 is shown. An internal nozzle 406 ejects material adjacent to the laser beam 206, creating a purge stream 1010. The purge stream 1010 shows a guide 1020 and a straight direction. Figure 10Two arrows indicate the direction of the purge flow 1010, showing both a straight direction along the side of the laser beam 206 and a radially outward direction away from the laser beam 206. The purge flow 1010 does not occur below the laser beam 206, but is guided to the edge of the laser beam 206. Figure 10 As shown, the internal nozzle 406 can be placed at a certain angle to guide the purge flow 1010 to the laser beam 206, and the guide member 1020 guides the purge flow 1010 to that location as needed.

[0053] Figure 11 A flowchart according to one or more embodiments is depicted. More specifically, Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating a method for generating transverse fractures in formations is provided. Furthermore, Figure 11 One or more boxes in the middle can be made by Figures 1 to 10 One or more components described herein are executed. Although Figure 11 The boxes in the diagram are presented and described in sequence, but those skilled in the art will understand that some or all of the boxes may be executed in a different order, may be combined, may be omitted, and some or all of the boxes may be executed in parallel. Furthermore, these boxes may be executed actively or passively.

[0054] First, within frame 1100, the laser cutting tool 400 can be suspended in a borehole or wellbore. Specifically, the laser cutting tool 400 can be lowered from a surface wellhead 105 into a subsurface formation 107 (e.g., a first well 102 or a second well 104). More specifically, the laser cutting tool 400 can be lowered along the wellbore to a desired fracturing location within the formation 107. In one or more embodiments, the laser cutting tool 400 may include a tool body 402, a laser cutting head 404 positioned along the tool body 402, and a plurality of internal nozzles 406 positioned within a laser head on the laser cutting head 404. The internal nozzles 406 may be axially spaced apart from each other.

[0055] In block 1102, a laser beam 206 can be guided radially outward from a laser cutting head 404 to cut into a cutting zone 300 within the wellbore. The laser beam 206 can be generated and driven by a laser power generator 606 located on the Earth's surface and transmitted downhole via coiled tubing. The laser beam 206 generates heat with variable intensity and power. In one or more embodiments, the laser beam 206 forms a laser cut in the wellbore, thereby creating a transverse fracture. In block 1104, an internal nozzle 406 injects a cooling material into the cutting zone 300 and adjacent zones 302 surrounding the cutting zone 300. The cooling material can be a gas or fluid, such as water or an inert gas. The cooling material can be used to control heat transfer from the laser beam 206 to prevent the wellbore from becoming brittle, thereby preventing debris generation. Because the cooling material is injected parallel to the laser beam 206, the laser beam 206 can provide a clean and efficient cut, avoiding pipe damage and failure.

[0056] The above method can be repeated until the transverse fractures reach the desired depth. Transverse fractures allow hydrocarbons to flow radially from the formation 107 into the wellbore. Furthermore, due to the larger reservoir contact area compared to conventional hydraulic fracturing, transverse fractures can maximize flow.

[0057] The embodiments of this disclosure can provide at least one of the following advantages. Conventional hydraulic fracturing operations are characterized by fracture propagation, and fracture formation is largely dependent on stress orientation. Therefore, numerous bypass zones exist, meaning that a significant amount of potential hydrocarbons within the formation are not produced. Embodiments of this disclosure employ laser cutting tools to generate transverse fractures. Transverse fractures can be generated and tuned to the desired depth, covering all areas within the formation, thereby effectively eliminating any bypass zones that might exist when using conventional methods. Furthermore, the generation of transverse fractures can increase flow from the formation to the wellbore by maximizing the reservoir contact area. The use of high-power lasers (such as the controlled laser cutting tools described in this specification) is a non-destructive technique that can provide appropriate production enhancement for formation rock samples.

[0058] Although only a few exemplary embodiments have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily understand that many modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments without substantially departing from the invention. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined by the following claims. In the claims, the functional definition is intended to cover structures described in this specification that perform the defined functions, including not only structural equivalents but also cylindrical structures. Thus, while nails and screws may not be structural equivalents because nails use a cylindrical surface to hold wooden parts together, while screws use a helical surface, in the context of fastening wooden parts, nails and screws can be equivalent structures.

Claims

1. A laser cutting tool (400), comprising: The tool body (402) has a central axis (504); A laser cutting head (404) is coaxially arranged along the central axis (504) of the tool body; A laser head (408) is disposed on one side of the laser cutting head (404), and the laser head (408) includes a laser outlet; An internal laser channel (508) extends radially between the laser cutting head (404) and the laser outlet, and is configured to guide a laser beam (206) from the laser cutting head (404) through the laser outlet in a radially outward direction; and Multiple internal nozzles (406) are positioned within the laser head (408) and configured to guide cooling material to a cutting area (300) around the laser beam (206) and multiple adjacent cutting areas around the cutting area (300); The plurality of internal nozzles (406) are arranged parallel to the internal laser channel (508).

2. The laser cutting tool according to claim 1, wherein, The laser beam (206) is configured to cut into the wellbore.

3. The laser cutting tool according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The laser beam (206) is configured to cut into the metal material.

4. The laser cutting tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The plurality of internal nozzles (406) are axially spaced apart from each other.

5. The laser cutting tool according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The cooling substance is a gas.

6. The laser cutting tool according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The cooling substance is a fluid.

7. The laser cutting tool according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The laser beam (206) is generated by a laser generator on the ground surrounding the wellbore.

8. The laser cutting tool according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The laser beam (206) generates heat.

9. A method comprising: A laser cutting tool (400) is lowered into a wellbore into the underground formation (107), wherein the laser cutting tool (400) comprises: Tool body (402); A laser cutting head (404) positioned along the tool body (402); and Multiple internal nozzles (406) are positioned within a laser head (408) arranged on the laser cutting head (404); The laser beam (206) is guided radially outward from the laser cutting head (404) to cut into the cutting area (300) in the wellbore; and Cooling material is sprayed into the cutting area (300) and a plurality of adjacent cutting areas around the cutting area (300) via the plurality of internal nozzles (406).

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The plurality of internal nozzles (406) are axially spaced apart from each other.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, The cooling substance is a gas.

12. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, The cooling substance is a fluid.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, further comprising generating the laser beam (206) by a laser generator on the ground surrounding the wellbore.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein, The laser cutting tool (400) is lowered into the wellbore through one end of the coiled tubing (500).

15. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, further comprising generating heat via the laser beam (206).

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