Laser Tool Color Applicator for Wellbore Rock Sublimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wellbore stimulation methods face challenges in effectively enhancing hydrocarbon flow from rock formations with low permeability, as they often require multiple stages and can be inefficient in creating reliable fluid flow paths.
Innovation Solution
A laser tool is introduced that uses a laser beam to create fluid flow paths by sublimating rock formations, with an extendable color applicator head that applies coloring agents to enhance laser energy absorption and a focusing system to manipulate the laser beam, allowing for efficient penetration and fracture creation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional wellbore stimulation methods are used to enhance hydrocarbon flow from low permeability rock formations, then multiple stages of stimulation are required, but the process becomes inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical stimulation methods (perforation, hydraulic fracturing) with a laser-based system. The laser tool delivers high-energy laser beams through optical transmission media to directly ablate and fracture rock formations, creating fluid flow paths without mechanical contact. This substitution enables single-stage stimulation to achieve results that previously required multiple stages, significantly reducing time and improving efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the rock formation by applying concentrated laser energy. The laser beam parameters (intensity, duration, focal point) are precisely controlled to induce phase changes in the rock material, transforming it from a solid state to vaporized or molten state, thereby creating tunnels and fractures. This parameter change approach allows direct creation of fluid flow paths without sequential mechanical operations.
2Productivity
If laser beams are used to create fluid flow paths by sublimating rock formations, then penetration efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies coloring agents to the rock formation surface before laser irradiation. These coloring agents (such as black paint or carbon-based materials) are applied in advance to increase the optical absorption of the rock surface. By pre-modifying the surface properties, the laser energy is more efficiently absorbed and converted to thermal energy, reducing the total energy required for rock sublimation and fracture creation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention deliberately changes the color/optical properties of the rock surface by applying dark-colored agents that have high absorption coefficients for laser wavelengths. This color change transforms the rock surface from a reflective state to an absorptive state, enabling more effective energy transfer from the laser beam to the rock material, thereby improving penetration efficiency while reducing overall energy consumption.
3Productivity
If coloring agents are applied to enhance laser energy absorption, then rock sublimation efficiency is improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the color applicator head with the laser tool body, creating a multi-functional device. The same tool that delivers laser energy also applies the coloring agents, eliminating the need for separate application equipment. This universal design allows the system to perform both coloring and laser treatment in a single operation, improving absorption efficiency without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the color application function with the laser treatment function into a single integrated tool. The color applicator head and laser delivery system are combined, allowing simultaneous or sequential operation of both functions. This merging reduces the number of separate devices and operations required, thereby improving efficiency while keeping the overall system complexity manageable.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the color applicator head is extendable along the laser beam axis, then accessibility to formation holes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an extendable color applicator head with movable components that can dynamically adjust their position along the laser beam axis. The extension mechanism allows the applicator to reach deeper into formation holes or adjust its positioning based on the specific application requirements. This dynamic adaptability improves accessibility to various formation depths and geometries while using a relatively simple extension mechanism rather than a completely complex structure.
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 laser tool effectively creates tunnels and cracks in rock formations, enhancing hydrocarbon flow by increasing the absorption of laser energy, which leads to improved production fluid flow into the wellbore, and can also evaporate fluids or reduce viscosity to promote flow.
Implementation Method 1
A laser tool is introduced that uses a laser beam to create fluid flow paths by sublimating rock formations
Implementation Method 2
enhance laser energy absorption
Implementation Method 3
applies coloring agents to enhance laser energy absorption
Implementation Method 4
evaporate fluids or reduce viscosity to promote flow
Data Source
AI summary
An example laser tool is configured to operate within a wellbore of a hydrocarbon-bearing rock formation. The laser tool includes one or more optical transmission media. The one or more optical transmission media are part of an optical path originating at a laser generator configured to generate a laser beam having an axis. The one or more optical transmission media are for passing the laser beam. The laser tool includes an optical element that is part of the optical path. The optical element is for receiving the laser beam from the one or more optical transmission media and for output to the hydrocarbon-bearing rock formation. The laser tool includes a color applicator head for discharging one or more coloring agents to a surface in the wellbore in a path of the laser beam.