Reducing Hydraulic Fracturing Breaking Pressure by Using High Power Lasers

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents a hybrid approach to reduce hydraulic fracturing braking pressure by integrating high-power laser energy with hydraulic fracturing operations. The innovative technology reduced the formation's breaking pressure by 68%, improving the operation efficiency. The technology is safe, efficient, and cost-effective, providing a long-term solution to fracturing technology. The field system is already mobilized and deployed for different applications. High-power laser technology has been tested and proven to reduce breaking pressure for all rock types regardless of strength and composition, including carbonate, shale, and sandstone formations. The success of over two decades of intensive research has led to the development of the first high-power laser field system. The system's design is enclosed, providing safe and environmentally friendly operation; it consists of a laser energy generator, nitrogen tank, coiled tubing, and tool. The function of the tool is to control the size and the shape of the beam that targeted formation. The process is done by utilizing the power of the laser in the form of a controlled beam creating a sudden increase in the formation's temperature, causing micro-fracture initiation and, as a result weakening the formation. The technology was tested on several rock types, and the pre and post-analysis on the rocks have been conducted, including uniaxial stress tests and ultrasounds; the result shows that the breaking pressure was reduced by 68%. The reduction is due to the laser/formation interaction and mechanism; the instant laser beam causes sudden heat in the formation, resulting in fracturing initiations and collapsing the mineral. The laser is used as an enabler along with the hydraulic fracturing operation. Applying high-power laser technology to reduce braking pressure in hydraulic fracture operation is innovative and cost-effective. The precise control of the beam allows targeting the formation and orienting and creating weaker formations for hydraulic fracturing. The technology is cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and safe technology.