Laser Gun: The Next Perforation Technology

S. Batarseh, D. S. R. Alerigi, Omar Al Obaid, Haitham A. Othman
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引用次数: 3

Abstract

Establishing communication between the wellbore and hydrocarbon-bearing formations is critical to ensure optimal production. Laser is a new technology that utilizes the power of light to perforate rocks. The technology is non-damaging, safe (non-explosive), and affords precise control over the perforation's geometry (size and shape). The process creates an enhanced tunnel that improves the flow and increases production. The technology has been successfully demonstrated in the lab environment. The results are used to develop a field deployment strategy. In the field, the laser source will be mounted on a coiled tubing unit on the surface and transmitted downhole via optical fibers. Downhole, the beam is out-coupled and directed to the target using an optical bottom hole assembly (oBHA). This tool combines optical and mechanical components to control the beam and produce multipole shots per foot as needed to create the desired perforation network. High-power laser perforation is the next new intelligent perforation generation that will change current well perforation. Laser-rock interaction drives in the transformation of electromagnetic energy into thermal energy. This results in a highly localized and controllable temperature surge that can melt or vaporize the rocks. These properties make the technology a unique alternative to current perforation techniques based on shaped charge guns. The thermal process induced by the laser enhances the flow properties of the rock, especially in tight formations. Laser perforation has been tested on all types for rocks including unconventional tight sands. This has been proven through extensive pre- and post-perforation characterization over the last two decades. This work presents the development and evolution of the high-power laser tools for subsurface applications. These tools provide innovative and non-damaging alternatives to current downhole technologies. In the lab, the laser technology has been proven to improve the flow properties; thus, it can improve communication between the wellbore and formation. To achieve this efficiently in the field, it is necessary to develop different tool designs and configurations, manufacture prototypes, conduct extensive tests, and optimize each part before upscale for field operations. The laser source is mounted in a coil tubing rig at the surface; the coil contains the optical fiber cable used to convey the energy to the downhole tool. The tool combines mechanical and optical components to transform, control, and direct the laser beam. The design and configuration of each tool assembly varies depending on the targeted application. For example, the perforation tool converts and splits the beam into several horizontal beams; whereas the drilling tool emits a straight beam with controlled size for deeper penetration. They also incorporate purging capabilities to circulate fluids to clean the hole from the debris and carry the cuttings. The entire assembly must be made to fit in slim holes as small as four inches. And finally, ruggedized to operate in a complex environment with high pressure and temperature. The technology improves reach and provides versatility in a compact and environmentally friendly manner. For example, it is a waterless technology when it is used for fracturing, and a non-explosive based perforation when it is used to perforate. The unique features of the technology enable a precise, controlled, and oriented delivery of energy in any direction, regardless of the reservoir stress orientation and magnitude. Thus, it enhances reach to produce from pay zones that are bypassed by current conventional technologies and practice. The motivations to search alternative technologies are the advancement of technologies, including high power lasers, and the need to enhance several applications in deeper wells in an environmentally friendly manner.
激光枪:下一代射孔技术
建立井筒与含油气地层之间的连通是确保最佳产量的关键。激光是一种利用光的力量来射孔岩石的新技术。该技术无损伤,安全(无爆炸),并且可以精确控制射孔的几何形状(大小和形状)。该工艺创造了一个增强的隧道,改善了流量,提高了产量。该技术已在实验室环境中成功验证。研究结果用于制定现场部署策略。在现场,激光源将安装在地面的连续油管上,并通过光纤传输到井下。在井下,光束通过光学底部钻具组合(oBHA)外耦合并定向到目标。该工具结合了光学和机械组件来控制光束,并根据需要产生每英尺多极射孔,以创建所需的射孔网络。大功率激光射孔技术是下一代智能射孔技术,将改变当前的射孔技术。激光与岩石的相互作用驱动了电磁能向热能的转化。这导致了一个高度局部可控的温度波动,可以融化或蒸发岩石。这些特性使该技术成为当前基于聚能射孔枪的射孔技术的独特替代方案。激光诱导的热过程增强了岩石的流动特性,特别是在致密地层中。激光射孔已经在所有类型的岩石上进行了测试,包括非常规致密砂岩。在过去的二十年中,通过广泛的射孔前后表征已经证明了这一点。这项工作介绍了用于地下应用的高功率激光工具的发展和演变。这些工具为现有的井下技术提供了创新且无害的替代方案。在实验室中,激光技术已被证明可以改善流动性能;因此,它可以改善井筒与地层之间的连通。为了在现场有效地实现这一目标,有必要开发不同的工具设计和配置,制造原型,进行广泛的测试,并在升级到现场作业之前优化每个部件。激光源安装在地面的螺旋管钻机中;线圈包含用于将能量传输到井下工具的光纤电缆。该工具结合了机械和光学组件来变换、控制和引导激光束。每个工具组件的设计和配置因目标应用而异。例如,射孔工具将光束转换并拆分为若干水平光束;而钻井工具则发射具有控制尺寸的直光束,以实现更深的穿透。它们还具有吹扫功能,使流体循环以清除井眼中的碎屑并携带岩屑。整个组件必须能装进小到4英寸的小洞里。最后,坚固耐用,可以在高压和高温的复杂环境中运行。该技术提高了覆盖范围,并以紧凑和环保的方式提供了多功能性。例如,当用于压裂时,它是一种无水技术,当用于射孔时,它是一种非爆炸性射孔技术。该技术的独特之处在于,无论储层应力方向和大小如何,都可以在任何方向上精确、可控、定向地输送能量。因此,它增加了目前常规技术和实践所绕过的产层的采油范围。寻找替代技术的动机是技术的进步,包括高功率激光,以及需要以环保的方式加强深井中的几种应用。
本文章由计算机程序翻译,如有差异,请以英文原文为准。
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