High Power Laser Borehole Drilling System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for drilling boreholes, especially in hard rock formations like granite and basalt, are inefficient and unable to deliver high power laser energy effectively over long distances, limiting the depth and speed of borehole advancement.
Innovation Solution
A high power laser drilling system that uses a bandwidth broadened laser source, fiber lasers, phased array laser sources, and advanced fiber spooling techniques to suppress Stimulated Brillioun Scattering, combined with micro lenses and optics for efficient energy deposition, and a method for reconvert optical power to electrical power, enabling effective transmission and use of high power laser energy down a borehole.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If high power laser energy is transmitted over long distances down a borehole, then the ability to drill hard rock formations at great depths is improved, but power loss and energy dissipation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical drilling systems with a laser-based system that transmits optical energy through fiber optic cables to the borehole bottom, enabling drilling at greater depths without the power loss limitations of mechanical transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs bandwidth broadening techniques and phased array configurations to modify the laser parameters, suppressing Stimulated Brillouin Scattering and reducing energy loss during long-distance transmission through the fiber optic cable
2Productivity
If conventional mechanical drilling methods are used, then drilling equipment can be easily deployed, but drilling speed through hard rock formations is slow and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical cutting action with optical energy delivery, using high-power lasers to ablate and vaporize rock material, dramatically increasing drilling speed through hard formations like granite and basalt
Solution Approach 2:
The laser energy induces phase transitions in the rock material, melting and vaporizing it to create borehole advancement, which is significantly faster than mechanical removal methods
3Power
If laser power is increased to maintain drilling effectiveness over long distances, then borehole advancement capability is improved, but Stimulated Brillouin Scattering interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent broadens the laser bandwidth and uses phased array configurations to suppress Stimulated Brillouin Scattering, allowing high power transmission without the harmful nonlinear effects that would otherwise limit effective drilling depth
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic modulation of the laser signal in a phased array configuration, creating destructive interference patterns that suppress the buildup of Stimulated Brillouin Scattering along the fiber optic transmission path
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
The system allows for efficient and cost-effective drilling through hard rock formations at rates superior to conventional mechanical drilling, capable of advancing boreholes to great depths with minimal power loss and interference from debris.
Implementation Method 1
bandwidth broadened laser source, fiber lasers, phased array laser sources, and advanced fiber spooling techniques to suppress Stimulated Brillioun Scattering
Implementation Method 2
a fiber optic cable, having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end adapted to receive a high power laser beam, the distal end adapted to deliver the high power laser beam
Implementation Method 3
directing the laser beam to illuminate a bottom surface of the borehole... capable of cutting, vaporizing, or ablatting material
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3B
Figure 4~5
AI summary
There is provided a system, apparatus and methods for the laser drilling of a borehole in the earth. There is further provided with in the systems a means for delivering high power laser energy down a deep borehole, while maintaining the high power to advance such boreholes deep into the earth and at highly efficient advancement rates, a laser bottom hole assembly, and fluid directing techniques and assemblies for removing the displaced material from the borehole.