Laser Deep Tunneling: An Alternative Waterless Technology to Hydraulic Fracturing

Abstract This study provides experimental results of creating deep tunnels using high power laser technology as a waterless technology for hydraulic fracturing technology. The innovative technology has already been successfully deployed in the field to handle perforation jobs in hydrocarbon wells. The technology penetrated cased hole communicating the wellbore with the formation. The technology is a game changer that will provides safe and sustainable technology. High power laser system with a 20 kW ytterbium-doped multiclad fiber laser with an emission wavelength of 1.07 microns is used for creating deep hole configurations in different types of rock for production applications in oil and gas wells. Recent developments in high power fiber lasers offer technical advantages when compared to other industrial lasers that may now allow economic subsurface applications to rock formations, delivering the beam through optical fiber from the surface via the wellbore. Successful applications in this manner would provide an alternative to conventional methods that employ hydraulic fracturing and shaped charge explosives. Various parameters affecting laser penetration into samples of sandstone and limestone were studied and optimized. Deep tunnels are created reaching 64 inches in the lab, the tunnels can be extended deeper into the formation reaching over 100 feet in each direction. The tunnels can be created in all tock types with diameters up to 4 inches. The success of the first deployment provided key elements and learning curve to create more advanced tunnels that can reach the targeted zone, the advantage of the laser is its stress and rock strength independent, it can create tunnels in any rock type regardless the strength. The technology can create communication with the hydrocarbon bearing formation allow the fluid to produce from the formation into the wellbore. This enable sustainable operation as the technology is waterless, cost effective and environmentally friendly technology. Laser can create enhanced tunnels with improved permeability. The technology is waterless, cost effective and environmentally friendly, the innovative technology is stress and formation strength independent, eliminate the use of fresh water and reduce the surface footprint by reducing chemical, water tanks and pumps equipment.