Laser Purging Head With Coaxial and Helical Gas Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wellbore stimulation methods face challenges in effectively creating fluid flow paths through hydrocarbon-bearing rock formations with low permeability, as existing techniques often result in irregular hole shapes and reduced penetration efficiency due to debris obstruction and melting of rock.
Innovation Solution
A laser tool is introduced that uses a laser beam to sublimate rock formations, accompanied by a purging head that discharges coaxial and helical gas streams to clear debris and enhance the laser beam's path, allowing for precise tunnel creation and improved fluid flow paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional drilling methods are used to create fluid flow paths, then the process can penetrate rock formations, but the hole shape becomes irregular and penetration efficiency is reduced due to debris obstruction and rock melting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical drilling systems with a laser-based system. The laser beam delivers energy to the rock formation without physical contact, eliminating mechanical debris generation and rock melting issues. This substitution of mechanical drilling with optical energy delivery achieves both regular hole shapes and high penetration efficiency, directly resolving the technical contradiction between manufacturing precision and productivity.
2Manufacturing precision
If laser beam is used to sublimate rock formations, then smooth and deep fluid flow paths can be created, but debris and vapor may obstruct the laser beam path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a purging gas flow as an intermediary medium between the laser beam and the rock formation debris. The purging gas flows coaxially with the laser beam, removing dust and vapor from the optical path. This intermediary gas flow protects the laser beam coherence while allowing the laser to maintain its ability to create smooth fluid flow paths, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and reliability.
3Reliability
If purging gas streams are discharged to clear debris, then laser beam path can be maintained, but additional components and gas supply systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The purging head assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it directs the laser beam onto the rock formation, generates the purging gas flow to clear debris, and maintains laser beam coherence. By combining these functions in a single integrated assembly, the patent reduces overall device complexity while maintaining reliable laser beam path clarity, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
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 smooth and deep fluid flow paths by preventing debris obstruction and maintaining the laser beam's coherence, resulting in faster and more efficient drilling with higher penetration depths compared to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
The laser tool includes a laser source configured to generate a laser beam... sublimating the hydrocarbon-bearing rock formation using the laser beam to create a tunnel
Implementation Method 2
The purging head is for discharging two or more purging gas streams... a coaxial purging gas stream flowing in a direction parallel to the axis... a helical purging gas stream flowing in a helical pattern around and substantially along the axis
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 as part of an optical path originating at a laser generator configured to generate a laser beam having an axis. The laser tool includes an optical element 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 purging head for removing dust or vapor from a path of the laser beam. The purging head is for discharging two or more purging gas streams. The purging head may include a coaxial flow assembly and a helical flow assembly. A coaxial purging gas stream may flow in a direction parallel to the axis. A helical purging gas stream may flow in a helical pattern around and substantially along the axis.