Apparatus and system to drill a bore using a laser

Abstract

A system to extend a lateral bore section using laser light comprises a first umbilical connected to a deflection member having a drive gear, a lateral exit port and at least one deployable seal intermediate a proximal end and the lateral exit port, and a second umbilical having an exterior movable by the drive member through a pathway of the deflection member ending at the lateral exit port to controllably advance a drill head connected to a leading end of the second umbilical. Optical fibers of the second umbilical transmit laser light from a surface end to optical elements in the drill head that condition laser light for heating a targeted portion of a bore wall. The first umbilical positions the deflection member within a primary bore section, and the second umbilical is controllably advanced to extend a lateral bore by the drive gear of the deflection member.

Description

STATEMENT OF RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to and depends to International PCT / US2012 / 055768 filed on 17 Sep. 2012, which claims priority to and depends from Hungarian application no. P1100517 filed on 15 Sep. 2011, and Hungarian application no. P1100665 filed on 1 Dec. 2011.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field of Invention[0003]The present invention relates to the drilling of earthen bores to recover fluids residing in subterranean geologic formations. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and system to extend a bore section into a geologic formation using a laser drilling apparatus.[0004]2. Background of the Related Art[0005]Borehole systems are drilled into the earth's crust to penetrate subsurface geologic formations bearing a formation fluid, such as water, oil or gas, to facilitate the production of the formation fluid to the surface. A bore system may comprise a single bore surrounded by a bore wall or, alternately, a primary bore h...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a system for drilling a bore section into a subsurface geological formation using a laser. The system includes a deflection member with a seal to engage and seal against the wall of the primary bore. The system also includes a fluid conduit to provide pressurized fluid to expand the seals and displace laser-obstructing materials from the laser light path. The drill head includes an optical element and a fluid nozzle to protect the laser and remove debris. The technical effects of the invention include improved protection against debris and laser light damage, improved fluid pressure control, and improved laser light transmission.

Problems solved by technology

Unwanted accumulation of debris on laser emitting portions of the drill head impairs drilling performance by obstructing efficient transmission of emitted laser light to impinge on the targeted portion of the wall of the bore section to be extended.

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