Wellbore Laser Tool Integrating Purging Medium for Debris Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser tools used in wellbores face challenges in efficiently forming holes through rock formations due to debris accumulation and uneven energy distribution, which hampers the effectiveness of the laser beam in creating precise and extended holes.
Innovation Solution
A laser tool that combines a laser beam with a purging medium in a turbulent flow, converting it to a laminar flow and rotating the output to create a spiral impact pattern, effectively expelling debris and ensuring consistent energy delivery by surrounding the laser beam within the purging medium, which is then directed towards the target within the wellbore.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a laser beam is used to create holes in rock formations, then hole formation capability is achieved, but debris accumulation occurs and energy distribution becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful debris from the interaction zone by introducing a purging medium that flows through the conduit, carrying away rock particles and debris generated by laser ablation, preventing accumulation that would otherwise interfere with laser beam effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The purging medium acts as an intermediary substance between the laser beam and the rock formation, facilitating debris removal while allowing the laser energy to pass through and interact with the target, thus resolving the conflict between hole formation and debris accumulation
2Productivity
If a laser beam is used to create holes in rock formations, then hole formation capability is achieved, but energy distribution becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs rotational movement of the laser tool to transform the linear laser beam path into a circular or spiral pattern, ensuring uniform energy distribution around the hole perimeter and preventing localized overheating or uneven drilling
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static laser beam to a dynamic rotating laser tool with controlled rotational speed, allowing the energy delivery point to continuously change and distribute heat uniformly across the target area, improving manufacturing precision
3Productivity
If the laser tool is rotated to create spiral impact patterns, then debris expulsion and energy distribution improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating conduit structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it delivers the laser beam, introduces the purging medium, enables rotational movement for spiral patterning, and facilitates debris removal, reducing the need for separate components and thereby managing 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
This solution enhances hole formation efficiency by maintaining full energy delivery to the target, expelling debris, and allowing for precise control of hole extension through spiral rotation patterns, thereby improving the overall drilling process in wellbores.
Implementation Method 1
The integrator is configured to receive the laser beam from a laser head and to combine the laser beam and the purging medium. The conduit is configured to generate a laminar flow from the purging medium
Implementation Method 2
The conduit is configured to generate a laminar flow from the purging medium and to produce an output that includes the laminar flow and the laser beam
Implementation Method 3
The laser beam may be used in a number of applications, such as creating holes in a wall of the wellbore. Heat from the laser beam breaks or sublimates rock or other structures to form the hole in the wellbore
Implementation Method 4
Heat from the laser beam breaks or sublimates rock or other structures to form the hole in the wellbore
Implementation Method 5
Rotation of the conduit may produce a pattern of impact of the laser beam on the target that is a spiral in shape
Data Source
AI summary
An example laser tool that operates within a wellbore is configured to combine a purging medium and a laser beam. The laser tool includes an integrator configured to receive the laser beam from a laser head and to combine the laser beam and the purging medium. A conduit is configured to generate a laminar flow from the purging medium and to produce an output that includes the laminar flow and the laser beam. The output is directed by the conduit towards a target within the wellbore. At least part of the laser tool is configured for rotation to cause the output to rotate during application of the output to the target.