Patent ID: 8997894
Filing Date: 2015-04-07
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A high power laser drilling system for advancing a borehole comprising: a. a source of high power laser energy, the laser source capable of providing a laser beam having at least 5 kW of power; b. a tubing assembly, the tubing assembly having at least 1000 feet of tubing, having a distal end and a proximal; c. a source of fluid for use in advancing a borehole; d. the proximal end of the tubing being in fluid communication with the source of fluid, whereby fluid is transported in association with the tubing; e. the proximal end of the tubing being in optical communication with the laser source, whereby the laser beam is transported in association with the tubing; f. the tubing comprising a high power laser transmission cable; the transmission cable positioned inside the tubing; the transmission cable having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end being in optical communication with the laser source, whereby the laser beam is transmitted by the cable from the proximal end to the distal end of the cable for delivery of the laser beam energy to the borehole; the transmission cable comprising an optical fiber having a core and a protective layer; the transmission cable comprising a break detection means; and a stabilizer associated with the protective layer and the tubing, whereby the stabilizer at least partially fixes the optical fiber within the tubing; and, g. the power of the laser energy at the distal end of the cable when the cable is within a borehole being at least about 2 kW.