Key Success Factor for High Power Laser Deployment: Strategy and Execution

Abstract

This paper presents the strategy and execution that led to the industry's first successful deployment of a high-power laser in the field. The development encompassed various aspects: administration, technical, lab-to-field transformation, and intensive research. One of the primary success factors was identifying potential technologies and forecasting their evolution. High-power lasers were selected for the upstream applications because of their capabilities and successful use in almost every industry, ranging from medical to the military; it attracted the industry due to its unique features, such as precision, reliability, control, and accuracy. High-power lasers at the early stage (generation) were not applicable for downhole applications due to their relatively lower power levels. However, it has been utilized widely in several applications, such as sensing, measurements, and others. The objective of this program is to utilize the new generations of higher-power lasers in several upstream applications. The program is strategically designed to reduce the risk and increase success. In the initial stage, the work focused on the feasibility and characterization of intervening physics. The goal was to answer fundamental technical questions, such as "can lasers penetrate all types of rocks? What are the limitations? What is the effect of the laser on rocks?" The research spanned the last two decades, culminating in the development of the first field prototype of a high-power laser system. The work proved that near-infrared multi-kilowatt lasers (hereon high-power lasers or HPL) could perforate and process any rock type at different conditions, including in-situ testing and liquid environments. The experimental plan was designed systematically and divided into phases, starting from fundamentals to advance. Prototype tools were designed, tested, and upscale for field deployment. All applications can be performed with the same HPL source -only the optical head needs to be changed. High-power laser technology is an alternative to conventional methods of subsurface energy extraction, such as perforation, descaling, and drilling. It is cost-effective, compact, versatile, waterless, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly, thus enabling sustainable field operations.

Experimental Results of a High-Power Laser for Underwater Paraffin Removal

“…The two main problems in offshore oil production concern methane hydrates and paraffin plugs [1]. These problems make underwater operations difficult, often requiring their elimination using expensive and time-consuming methods that can damage equipment [2].…”

“…These interactions can severely disrupt light propagation to the target. However, several solutions have been advanced, and today there are different methods available to tackle them [1].…”