Abstract
High power laser research has been advancing in targeting several areas for downhole applications such as perforation, clay treatment and wellbore flow enhancement among others. This paper presents an overview of the laser research in well stimulation; past, current and future applications. The focus will be on the use of laser to support fracturing of horizontal wells by creating a vertical notch to help initiate the fracture in the point of interest along the horizontal section.
Hydraulic fracturing is the process used by the petroleum industry to enhance productivity from low producing wells. Unconventional reservoirs such as tight sands and shale are associated with productivity challenges due to extremely low formation permeability. The process entails high pressure injection of fluids, mostly water based, in the stimulated well such that the pressure applied on the well sand face exceeds the formation fracturing gradient. Although the process of hydraulic fracturing is mostly used to enhance productivity, there are other applications of this process such as sand production control and bypassing of formation damage caused by drilling fluid. The outcome of hydraulic fracturing is a maximized surface area that connects the reservoir to the producing well. This process also leads to activation of natural fractures thus making the stimulated reservoir volume at its maximum value.
