Laser Bottom Hole Assembly Fluid Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drilling methods face challenges in efficiently transmitting high power laser energy and managing fluid flows to a laser mechanical drill bit, particularly due to the long distance between the rotational movement source and the drill bit, which affects the efficiency and effectiveness of the drilling process.
Innovation Solution
A laser bottom hole assembly is designed with a rotating and non-rotating section, incorporating a self-regulating system for fluid flow management and a high power laser fiber optic cable, which includes a flow diverter, check valves, and a flow regulator to maintain a predetermined flow balance and prevent debris from entering the laser beam path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the rotational movement source is positioned far from the drill bit (conventional drilling rig with top drive), then the drilling system can rotate the drill bit, but the distance between the rotational source and drill bit becomes thousands of feet, causing energy loss and reduced drilling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical rotation transmission system (drill string, top drive) with a downhole motor that converts hydraulic energy directly into mechanical rotation at the drill bit location. This substitution eliminates the need for long-distance mechanical power transmission and resolves the contradiction between operational ease and energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a downhole motor as an intermediary device that receives hydraulic power from the drilling fluid and converts it to mechanical rotation. This intermediary allows the rotational source to be positioned at the drill bit while maintaining the benefit of centralized power delivery through the drill string, thus resolving the energy loss issue.
2Power
If high power laser energy is transmitted through the drilling system, then laser mechanical drilling can be achieved, but the long distance and rotating components cause beam distortion and power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the laser source from the surface drilling system and positions it within the downhole assembly near the drill bit. This extraction eliminates the problem of long-distance laser transmission through rotating components, allowing high power laser energy to be delivered directly to the drilling location without beam distortion or significant power loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical rotation of the drill string with a downhole motor-driven rotation system. This allows the laser fiber to remain stationary while the drill bit rotates, eliminating mechanical stress and beam distortion that would occur with traditional mechanical transmission over long distances.
3Productivity
If drilling fluid is pumped through the drill string to carry cuttings, then waste removal is achieved, but the fluid flow can contaminate or damage the laser beam path and optical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid flow paths within the downhole assembly, creating separate channels for drilling fluid (for cuttings removal) and for laser beam transmission. This segmentation allows both functions to operate simultaneously without interference, resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces protective intermediaries such as sealed chambers and protective barriers that isolate the laser optical components from the drilling fluid. These intermediaries allow the laser system to maintain reliability while the drilling fluid continues to perform its cuttings removal function.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enables efficient transmission of high power laser energy and effective management of fluid flows, enhancing the drilling process by maintaining a clear laser beam path and optimizing fluid distribution, thereby improving drilling efficiency and bit performance.
Implementation Method 1
a means for providing a laser beam having at least 5 kW of power
Implementation Method 2
laser mechanical energy... laser assisted drilling of boreholes
Implementation Method 3
transmission of high power laser energy over great distances without substantial loss of power
Implementation Method 4
an externally rotated progressive cavity type motor... converting hydraulic energy into mechanical energy
Implementation Method 5
a first means such as a component that separates the fluid flow and conveying the laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided for laser bottom hole assembly for providing a high power laser beam having greater than 5 kW of power for a laser mechanical drilling process to advance a borehole. This assembly utilizes a reverse Moineau motor type power section and provides a self-regulating system that addresses fluid flows relating to motive force, cooling and removal of cuttings.