Abstract: Wellbore drilling and completion systems using a laser head implement methods of completing a wellbore. A wellbore drill bit is rotated through a subterranean zone to form a wellbore. Rotating the wellbore drill bit through the subterranean zone causes portions of the subterranean zone to be released as drill cuttings into the wellbore. A laser head, attached to the wellbore drill bit, emits a laser beam that is incident on a portion of the drill cuttings. The laser beam heats the portion of the drill cuttings to consolidate and form a casing of the wellbore.

Abstract: A hard rock tunnel boring machine combining microwave heating with high pressure water cutting for assisting in rock breaking includes a tunnel boring machine body, a microwave heating assisted rock breaking system and a high pressure water cutting assisted rock breaking system, wherein the microwave heating assisted rock breaking system is arranged on the tunnel boring machine body, and is used for heating and cracking a rock; and the high pressure water cutting assisted rock breaking system is arranged on the tunnel boring machine body, and is used for performing hydraulic cutting on the rock. A rock breaking sequence lies in that the microwave heating assisted rock breaking system is used for heating and cracking the rock, then the high pressure water cutting assisted rock breaking system is used for performing hydraulic cutting on the rock, and finally, the tunnel boring machine body is used for squeezing and breaking the rock.

Abstract: Microwave-based drilling systems and methods are provided that employ coiled tubing that is deployed from a spool of coiled tubing to guide propagation of microwave radiation into a borehole. The coiled tubing has a surface end disposed at the spool. Microwave radiation generated at the surface is injected into the surface end of the coiled tubing. The microwave radiation propagates inside the coiled tubing and is used to vaporize rock and extend the borehole.

Abstract: A flow control valve configured to be positioned in a tubing in a borehole formed in a subsurface formation, wherein the flow control is used to regulate a flow of an injection fluid into the subsurface formation based on a vapor-transition characteristic of a fluid contained within a chamber of the flow control valve.

Abstract: This invention is in relation to a laser-energization system to be used in laboratory tests used in the area of acid stimulation of carbonate reservoirs aiming to improve the efficiency in the passage of acid inside the reservoir rock. This system improves planning of the operation, seeking more efficient penetration of the acid treatment in the carbonate rock, and therefore it contributes to improving the IP result of the well by increasing the area open to the flow between the reservoir and the well. The laser-energization system comprises coupling the plug-flow testing equipment with the laser-energization system.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes a housing configured to couple to a downhole conveyance; a laser tool positioned in the housing and configured to transmit a laser beam sufficient to form a tunnel in a subterranean formation; a chamber positioned in the housing and configured to enclose a shaped members that include at least two laser reflective surfaces; and a perforating head coupled to the housing. The perforating head includes an optical pathway formed to receive the laser beam from the laser tool and output the laser beam toward the subterranean formation through an outlet of the perforating head; and at least one conduit separate from the optical pathway and configured to receive the shaped members from the chamber and output the shaped members through the outlet of the perforating head.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for drilling a hole(s) in a subsurface formation utilizing laser energy that is controlled by an optical manipulation system. Various embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods use a laser with a laser source (generator) located on the surface with the power conveyed via fiber optic cables down the wellbore to a downhole target via a laser tool. The optical manipulation system provides the flexibility to control and manipulate the beams, resulting in an optimized optical design with fewer optical components and less mechanical motion. Different beam shapes can be achieved by the different optical lenses and designs disclosed in this specification. Additionally, a purging system is disclosed that is configured to clear a path of the laser beam, assist in manipulating the tool, or both. The rotating and purging features contribute to creating a clean hole with no melt.

Abstract: This application relates to systems and methods for stimulating hydrocarbon bearing formations using a downhole laser tool.

Abstract: A cutter head has a front surface formed with several transmitting ports, a protection plate mounted at an external-end hole of each port, several microwave generating mechanisms distributed in two manners: first, the generating mechanisms are uniformly arranged in the cutter head; second, the microwave generating mechanisms in the same number as hobbing cutters. Each generating mechanism includes a microwave source, a magnetron, a rectangular waveguide, a circulator and a microwave focus radiator, wherein the microwave source is connected with the magnetron, the magnetron is connected with one end of the waveguide, the other end of the waveguide is connected with a first port of the circulator, a second port of the circulator is connected with the microwave focus radiator, and a water load is connected to a third port of the circulator. The focus radiator includes a standard waveguide section, an impedance matching section and a compressed radiation section.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods for performing laser operations in boreholes and other remote locations, such operations including laser drilling of a borehole in the earth, and laser workover and completion operations. Systems, apparatus and methods for generating and delivering high power laser energy below the surface of the earth and within a borehole. Laser operations using such down hole generated laser beams.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermal lance (1) having adequate flexibility and concentrated effective heating capacity for the fusion cutting and/or piercing of any type of material, for example, for piercing and opening tapping passages in melting furnaces that use plugs made of clay or mixtures of, inter alia, alumina, silica and carbon. The thermal lance comprises at least four tubular profiles, one disposed externally and three disposed internally, and more than seventeen cavities housed inside said lance, wherein at least two of said four tubular profiles have different cross-sections, wherein each tubular profile is disposed in a contiguous manner in relation to the other tubular profiles, and wherein each tubular profile is selected from tubular profiles having a circular, square, triangular, hexagonal, oval, or multi-point star-shaped cross-section. The invention also relates to the use of the thermal lance for the fusion cutting and/or piercing of any type of material.

Abstract: A method for determining the tensile strength of a rock sample comprising the steps of obtaining the rock sample, measuring a water content of the rock sample through a water measurement method, determining a matrix bulk modulus of the rock sample, wherein the matrix bulk modulus is determined through a matrix modulus method, heating the rock sample with electromagnetic energy such that the electromagnetic energy heats the water content in the rock sample from an initial temperature, wherein heating the water content causes a pore-water pressure of the rock sample to increase, detecting a break in the rock sample with a sensor, wherein the increase in the pore-water pressure causes the rock sample to break, wherein the break occurs at a break time, at a break temperature; and calculating the pore-water pressure through the water content, the matrix bulk modulus, and the break temperature of the water content.

Abstract: There are provided high power laser perforating tools and methods of delivering laser energy patterns that enhance the flow of energy sources, such as hydrocarbons, from a formation into a production tubing or collection system. These tools and methods precisely deliver predetermined laser beam energy patterns, to provide for custom geometries in a formation. The patterns and geometries are tailored and customized to the particular geological and structural features of a formation and reservoir.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and methods for delivering high power laser energy to perform laser operations in oil fields and to form a borehole deep into the earth using laser energy. A laser downhole assembly for the delivery of high power laser energy to surfaces and areas in a borehole, which assembly may have laser optics and a fluid path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drilling system with a multi-function drill head used in, among other applications, oil and gas drilling. The system is used to enhance the effective permeability of an oil and/or gas reservoir by drilling or cutting new structures into the reservoir. The system is capable of cutting straight bores, radius bores, or side panels, by water jets alone or in combination with lasers. In various embodiments, a device for remotely controlling the mode of the system by variations in the pressure of a drilling fluid is also provided, allowing an operator to switch between various modes (straight drilling, radius bore drilling, panel cutting, etc.) without withdrawing the drill string from underground.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drilling system with a multi-function drill head used in, among other applications, oil and gas drilling. The system is used to enhance the effective permeability of an oil and/or gas reservoir by drilling or cutting new structures into the reservoir. The system is capable of cutting straight bores, radius bores, or side panels, by water jets alone or in combination with lasers. In various embodiments, a device for remotely controlling the mode of the system by variations in the pressure of a drilling fluid is also provided, allowing an operator to switch between various modes (straight drilling, radius bore drilling, panel cutting, etc.) without withdrawing the drill string from underground.

Abstract: A stimulation method involves arranging a fluid-activated gun in a well through a well head and/or a blowout preventer, dividing the well into a first and a second part, the first part being closer to the well head and/or blowout preventer than the second part, pressurizing the first part of the well with a hot fluid, the hot fluid having a temperature which is higher than the temperature of the formation at a downhole point of injection, activating the fluid-activated gun, thereby converting energy from the pressurized hot fluid into mechanical waves, directing said mechanical waves into the formation, and injecting the hot fluid into the formation simultaneous to activation of the fluid-activated gun via the hot fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tunnel excavation device, which includes an excavation head, a main body on which the excavation head is rotatably mounted, a motor provided in the main body and rotates the excavation head, and a controller for controlling the motor, wherein the excavation head includes a perforating means formed by maintaining a predetermined interval from the center of a body part, which has a front surface formed in the shape of a circular plate, to the outer surface of the body part, an injection means for injecting water and liquid nitrogen into the hole formed by the perforating means, and a plurality of cutters provided on the surface of the main body for crushing the bedrock.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon resource recovery system is provided for a subterranean formation having an injector wellbore and a producer wellbore therein. The hydrocarbon resource recovery system includes a tubular producer positioned in the producer wellbore and a tubular injector positioned in the injector wellbore. A steam source is coupled to a proximal end of the tubular injector, and a radio frequency (RF) energy source is coupled to the proximal end of tubular injector. The tubular injector has spaced apart steam injector slots sized to allow steam to pass into the subterranean formation, while containing RF energy within the tubular injector to heat the steam.

Abstract: A high power laser drilling system utilizing an electric motor laser bottom hole assembly. A high power laser beam travels within the electric motor for advancing a borehole. High power laser drilling system includes a down hole electrical motor having a hollow rotor for conveying a high power laser beam through the electrical motor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting light through a light absorbing medium in which a light transmissive fluid column or channel contiguous with the light absorbing medium is formed in the light absorbing medium. The light is introduced into a light inlet end of the column of light transmissive fluid, whereby the light is transmitted in the column of light transmissive fluid through the light absorbing medium until exiting a light outlet end of the column. The invention has applicability to the field of fiber optics and downhole applications of lasers, such as for wellbore drilling and completion activities.

Abstract: A method and a device to thermally fragment rock for excavation of vertical and directional boreholes in rock formations, preferentially hard rock, using highly exothermic reactions. Exothermic reactions are initiated directly in the pressurized, aqueous environment of a water-based drilling fluid preferably above the critical pressure of water (221 bar). After reaction onset temperatures within the reaction zone exceed the critical temperature for water (374° C.) providing supercritical conditions, which favor the stabilization of the reaction, e.g. a supercritical hydrothermal flame. Since reactions can be run directly in a water-based drilling fluid, the method proposed here allows high density drilling action as in conventional rotary drilling. A part from the hot reaction zone of the proposed reaction can be brought directly to the rock surface in case of hard polycrystalline rock, where high temperatures are required.

Abstract: Method of disintegrating rock by melting and by synergism of water streams, comprising action of the heat flow source on the rock, action of the water stream source on the melted rock so that: the heat or energy flow source acts on the rock at least until its local phase transition into the melt occurs, at least one water stream is directed into the locally created melt, physical explosion occurs in the melt, on which the water stream acts.

Abstract: Downhole cutting systems, devices and methods for utilizing 10 kW or more laser energy transmitted deep into the earth with the suppression of associated nonlinear phenomena. Systems and devices for the laser cutting operations within a borehole in the earth. These systems and devices can deliver high power laser energy down a deep borehole, while maintaining the high power to perform cutting operations in such boreholes deep within the earth.

Abstract: Workover and completion systems, devices and methods for utilizing 10 kW or more laser energy transmitted deep into the earth with the suppression of associated nonlinear phenomena. Systems and devices for the laser workover and completion of a borehole in the earth. These systems and devices can deliver high power laser energy down a deep borehole, while maintaining the high power to perform laser workover and completion operations in such boreholes deep within the earth.

Abstract: Disclosed herewith are methods and embodiment of an apparatus for using geothermal heat for pyrolysis. In some embodiments, a pyrolysis reaction chamber is lowered into a well, where the pyrolysis reaction can be driven by geothermal heat. In some embodiments the reaction chamber is connected to second chamber to contain the gas reaction products produced by the pyrolysis reaction. In some embodiments, the reaction chamber and the gas collection chamber are separated by some distance in the well, and are connected by a long hose or conduit. A spallation drilling apparatus is also disclosed that uses jets of hot fluid for drilling. This is compatible with drilling wells in high temperature zones, such as a lava dome. A simplified pyrolysis reactor for use in a lava dome is also disclosed, in which the dome functions to contain the reaction, and the apparatus to facilitate pyrolysis is far more compact.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wellbore perforation in which a laser beam at a downhole location of a wellbore is directed to a target area of a wellbore wall to be perforated. The laser beam is guided through a longitudinally extensible nozzle onto the target area and a purge fluid is introduced into the longitudinally extensible nozzle, thereby longitudinally extending the nozzle toward the target area. The purge fluid in the longitudinally extensible nozzle is passed through a purge fluid outlet of the nozzle onto the target area, thereby removing debris from the target area generated by the laser beam.

Abstract: Methods for utilizing 10 kW or more laser energy transmitted deep into the earth with the suppression of associated nonlinear phenomena to enhance the formation of Boreholes. Methods for the laser operations to reduce the critical path for forming a borehole in the earth. These methods can deliver high power laser energy down a deep borehole, while maintaining the high power to perform operations in such boreholes deep within the earth.

Abstract: Systems devices and methods for the transmission of 1 kW or more of laser energy deep into the earth and for the suppression of associated nonlinear phenomena. Systems, devices and methods for the laser perforation of a borehole in the earth. These systems can deliver high power laser energy down a deep borehole, while maintaining the high power to perforate such boreholes.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for producing fluids from a wellbore wherein fluids may be communicated through an aperture in a wall of the wellbore. A laser can then be used to seal the aperture in the wall of the wellbore. The wall of the wellbore may include a casing, and the laser can be used to seal the aperture in the wall of the wellbore by fusing apertures in the casing shut. Fusing the aperture in the casing can involve heating the casing such that opposite sides of the aperture fuse together or can involve selectively laser sintering fusible powders. The wall of the wellbore can be an open hole and using a laser to seal the aperture can include sealing the aperture in side surfaces of the open hole by glazing the surface of hole extending into a subterranean formation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for drilling a wellbore in a material, such as rock. The apparatus can include a microwave source, a first fluid source, and a second fluid source. The microwave source can be configured to transmit microwave energy to a surface of the material to alter the material. The first fluid source can be configured to emit a first fluid to the surface of the material to alter the material. The first fluid can be substantially absorptive to the microwave energy. The second fluid source can be configured to emit a second fluid to the surface of the material to flush the first fluid from the surface of the material. The second fluid can be substantially transparent to the microwave energy.

Abstract: There is provided for laser bottom hole assembly for providing a high power laser beam having greater than 5 kW of power for a laser mechanical drilling process to advance a borehole. This assembly utilizes a reverse Moineau motor type power section and provides a self-regulating system that addresses fluid flows relating to motive force, cooling and removal of cuttings.

Abstract: A drill bit, system and method for penetrating a material such as a mineral bearing rock or the like. The system comprises a drill bit comprising a cutting face comprising at least one cutting tool, an emitter of microwaves positioned behind the cutting face, wherein at least a portion of the microwaves are emitted in a direction away from the cutting face, and a reflector for directing the portion to the cutting face. In operation the emitted microwaves irradiate the material prior to the irradiated material being removed by the at least one cutting tool.

Abstract: Methods may include selecting a slot size of apertures to control sand production including formation fines in fluid from a subterranean zone. The slot size may be selected based on a distribution of sizes of particles in fluid from the subterranean zone. A laser may be used to form apertures with the selected slot size in a casing installed in a wellbore in the subterranean zone. Systems and apparatuses may be configured to perform the above operations.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses involve selecting an aperture geometry to filter solids from fluid from a subterranean zone, the aperture geometry selected based on a distribution of sizes of particles in the fluid from the subterranean zone. A laser can be used to form slots with the selected aperture geometry in a casing installed in a well in the subterranean zone, the aperture geometry having a size selected based on the distribution of sizes of the particles.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices related to downhole wellbore operations such as drilling and completing wells in an earth formation include a laser device. For example, a method may include characterizing a subterranean formation, selecting an orientation of an aperture based on characteristics of the subterranean formation, and using a laser to form an aperture of the selected orientation in the wall of the wellbore.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for the transmission of 1 kW or more of laser energy deep into the earth and for the suppression of associated nonlinear phenomena. Systems, devices and methods for the laser drilling of a borehole in the earth. These systems can deliver high power laser energy down a deep borehole, while maintaining the high power to advance such boreholes deep into the earth and at highly efficient advancement rates.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices related to downhole wellbore operations, such as drilling and completing wells in an earth formation, include a laser device. A first portion of a subterranean formation can be characterized, the first portion being at a first location. A first orientation of an aperture can be selected based on the characteristics of the first portion of the subterranean formation. A laser beam can be used to create the aperture having the first orientation. A second portion of the subterranean formation can be characterized, the second portion being at a second location different from the first location. A second orientation, different from the first orientation, can be selected based on the characteristics of the second portion of the subterranean formation. The laser beam can be moved to the second location and can be used to form the aperture having the second orientation.

Abstract: System for drilling boreholes into subsurface formations. A gyrotron injects millimeter-wave radiation energy into the borehole and pressurization apparatus is provided for pressurizing the borehole whereby a thermal melt front at the end of the borehole propagates into the subsurface formations. In another aspect, a system for fracturing a subsurface formation is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus to thaw, soften and bore a pilot hole into frozen ground for the interment of screw-in, self digging and other vertical burial containers by pumping water heated by scavenging heat from different elements of a fuel burning engine, plus the heat generated by a hydraulic power transfer system and the heat generated by a fuel burning combustion chamber and having load increasing devices on the fuel engine and hydraulic power transfer system to further increase heat.

Abstract: An object is to provide a method capable of boring a borehole even when quartz glass or silicon dioxide is deposited as molten dross by laser irradiation. A laser irradiation position of a workpiece is irradiated with a laser having wavelength of 1.2 ?m or longer and a high factor of absorption into liquid, for example, a CO2 laser, from a laser oscillator through liquid. By high pressure generated in an advancing microbubble flow occurring in the liquid, molten dross is scattered. Thus, the processing, such as boring, of the rock is performed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for spalling a material, for example to thermally drill a wellhole, are provided. Such methods may include directing a fluid having a temperature greater than about 500° C. above the ambient temperature of the material and less than about the temperature of the brittle-ductile transition temperature of the material to a target location on the surface of the material, wherein the fluid produces a heat flux of about 0.1 to about 50 MW/m2 at an interface between the fluid and the target location, and thereby creating spalls of the material.

Abstract: A device for boring holes in rock mass working in a system, in which the reference axis is the axis of gravity, with thermal, pressure and sound energy comprises an assembly of at least one cone-shaped disintegrator body having an inner feed space. The front of the body houses nozzles followed by pressure sensors and has drainage flow lines distributed at its sides and leading into the surrounding space. The assembly further includes a cooperating hollow geometrical penetrator body. A forced movement of at least one disintegrator body occurs within the inner space of the penetrator body. The penetrator body has a broader front part, the cavity of which houses combustion chambers as well as signal and power media feed controlling components and has relaxation flow lines distributed at its sides. The middle part houses technical assemblies separating the working space at the front from the feed space.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for measuring in-situ stress in rock using a thermal crack. The method involves forming a borehole, cooling a wall of the borehole, applying tensile thermal stress, forming a crack in the borehole wall, and measuring temperature and cracking point. Afterwards, the borehole wall is heated to close the formed crack, the borehole wall is cooled again to re-open the crack, and temperature is measured when the crack is re-opened. The in-situ stress of the rock is calculated using a first cracking temperature at which the crack is formed and a second cracking temperature at which the crack is re-opened. Further, the apparatus cools, heats and re-cools the borehole wall, thereby measuring the first cracking temperature, the second cracking temperature, and the cracking point.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for boring holes in rock mass working in a system, in which the reference axis is the axis of gravity, with thermal, pressure and sound energy. It constitutes an assembly of at least one disintegrator body (1.2) of a cone shape geometry having an inner feed space (1.2.6). The front of the body houses nozzles (1.2.1) followed up by pressure sensors and it has drainage flow lines (1.2.2.1) distributed at its sides and leading into the surrounding space. The assembly further includes a cooperating penetrator body (1.1) representing a hollow geometrical body. At the same time, the inner space of this geometrical body determines the space for a forced movement of at least one disintegrator body (1.2). The said geometrical body has a broader front part (1.1.3), the cavity (2) of which houses combustion chambers (1.1.1.1) as well as signal and power media feed controlling components and has relaxation flow lines (1.1.3.1) distributed at its sides.

Abstract: System and methods for creating shaped, non-circular boreholes in rocks especially for use with geothermal heat pump applications and for increasing wellbore support in applications such as horizontal oil and gas drilling are described. The systems and methods when applied to geothermal heat pumps create an elliptical shaped hole that is optimized for placing heat transfer tubes with a minimum of grout used. The significantly reduced cross-sectional area of the elliptical borehole also increases the overall drilling rate in rock and especially in hard rocks. In horizontal hard-rock drilling, creation of a horizontal non-circular borehole or modification of a circular borehole to a non-circular geometry is used to stabilize the borehole prior to casing insertion, and may also allow the use of lower mud pressures improving drilling rates. The system uses a non-contacting drilling system which in one embodiment uses a supersonic flame jet drilling system with a movable nozzle that swings between pivot points.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus for drilling boreholes in an underground formation. The drilling apparatus comprises a tool body that can be positioned in a borehole where drilling is to take place. The apparatus further comprises a gas cutting torch having a nozzle, a supply of a cutting gas connected to the gas cutting torch. and means for advancing the tool body through the borehole as drilling takes place.

Abstract: The invention relates to a procedure and device for the use of SC(supercritical)-GeoSteam for a possible complete exploitation of coal- and hydrocarbon deposits, preferably insitu, by means of “SC-GeoSteam Injection” well as the use of CO2 as the element for CO2 resource management within a closed system, with the necessary primary energy harvested in the form of SC-GeoSteam from a Supercritical Subsurface Boiler (SSB), also called a Geo heat exchanger, by means of super-deep drilled mine shafts. The SSB as the primary energy provider for SC-GeoSteam Injection can, at the same time, be used as a natural SCW* reactor. Because of the low viscosity of SC-GeoSteam and its high solubility in hydrocarbon, the hydrocarbons dissolve 100% in the supercritical fluid and are catalyzed in the presence of catalysts into high-grade hydrocarbons which can be separated via simple pressure reduction without complicated refining methods.

Abstract: System for drilling boreholes into subsurface formations. A gyrotron injects millimeter-wave radiation energy into the borehole and pressurization apparatus is provided for pressurizing the borehole whereby a thermal melt front at the end of the borehole propagates into the subsurface formations. In another aspect, a system for fracturing a subsurface formation is disclosed.

Abstract: Utilisation of geothermal energy in depths above 5 km could contribute considerably to resolving the global problems related to a lack of energy and to glasshouse gases from fossil fuels. The invention describes innovative equipment which makes deep holes in geological formations (rock) by disintegrating the soil into blocks carried to the land surface through the excavated hole filled with liquid, using transport modules yielded up by gas buoyancy interaction in the transport module utilising supercavitation. In an opposite direction—by help of negative buoyancy—the necessary energy carriers, materials and components, or entire devices required for rock excavation, are carried to the bottom. The opportunity to transport rock in entire blocks reduces energy consumption considerably, because the rock is disintegrated in the section volumes only. Some of the extracted rock and material carried from the surface is used to make a casing of the hole using a part of the equipment.