A review of light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation in oil and gas well drilling

The prospect of employing Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation (LASER) for well drilling in oil and gas industry was examined. In this work, the experimental works carried out on various oil well drilling operations was discussed. The results show that, LASER or LASER-aided oil and gas well drilling has many potential advantages over conventional rotary drilling, including high penetration rate, reduction or elimination of tripping, casing, bit costs, enhanced well control, as well as perforating and side-tracking capabilities. The investigation also reveals that modern infrared LASERs have a higher rate of rock cuttings removal than that of conventional rotary drilling and flame-jet spallation. It also reveals that LASER can destroy rock without damaging formation permeability but rather, it enhances or improves permeability and that permeability and porosity increases in all rock types. The paper has therefore provided more knowledge on the potential value to drilling operations and techniques using LASER.