ARMA 11-115

Laser Perforation for Hydraulic Fracturing in Oil and Gas Wells

Keshavarzi, R.
Department of Petroleum and Gas Engineering, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

Copyright 2011 ARMA, American Rock Mechanics Association

This paper was prepared for presentation at the 45th US Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium held in San Francisco, CA, June 26–29,
2011.
This paper was selected for presentation at the symposium by an ARMA Technical Program Committee based on a technical and critical review of
the paper by a minimum of two technical reviewers. The material, as presented, does not necessarily reflect any position of ARMA, its officers, or
members. Electronic reproduction, distribution, or storage of any part of this paper for commercial purposes without the written consent of ARMA
is prohibited. Permission to reproduce in print is restricted to an abstract of not more than 300 words; illustrations may not be copied. The
abstract must contain conspicuous acknowledgement of where and by whom the paper was presented.

ABSTRACT: Current explosive shaped charge perforating methods causes formation damage that results in reducing the
permeability and imposing the costly post-perforation operations. One of the newest technologies recommended as a suitable
alternative for the conventional perforating methods is laser perforation which is gone along with micro and macro fractures
initiation. In this paper, the results of experimental studies on implementation of high power lasers in perforation and fracture
initiation in oil and gas wells is presented.

remarkably decreases the shortcomings of the current

1. INTRODUCTION
In petroleum industry, perforation is a process of
creating tunnels through the cemented steel casing and
rock formation to let the formation fluid flow into the
well. For decades the petroleum industry has been
applying the wellbore perforation method introduced in
the 1940s which is using explosive shaped charges that
originally were antitank devices in World War II [1]. In
this method, a perforating gun is lowered through the
casing by a wire line. When it is in the proper position,
explosive shaped charges are blown up and create the
path between the formation and the well. This process
imposes around 1.5*106 psi pressure at the tunnel
entrance [2] that crushes the rock matrix and produces
fine grain particles which plug or reduce the pore throat
size that leads to formation damage and hence
remarkable permeability reduction in the rock formation
adjacent to the created tunnel [3]. Thus, for many years
the petroleum industry has been looking for a non-
explosive and non-damage alternative that not only
create holes effectively but also minimize the formation
damage. Recent advances in high power lasers
technology provide a new tool to replace the current
perforation methods in oil and gas wells. Since 1997,
Gas Technology Institute (GTI) and its associated
partners have paved the way for applying high power
lasers in drilling and completion of oil and gas wells.
The results of their experimental studies have proven
that high power fiber laser represents a technology that
explosive shaped charge perforation methods and
operates more effective. The significant permeability
increase even as high as 500 –1000% [4] is the most
important priority of laser perforation over the
conventional perforation methods while increasing the
permeability can result in the higher rate of production.
Also, experimental studies have shown that laser
perforation leads to fracture the adjacent rock formation
due to generation of thermal stresses in laser-rock
interaction which results in improving permeability and
facilitating fracture initiation [5]. The main objective of
this paper was to show the efficiency of laser energy for
perforation and fracture initiation in oil and gas wells.
2. LASER-ROCK INTERACTION
Transferred laser energy into the rock will be mainly
reflected, scattered and absorbed. The ratio of energy
reflected by a surface is due to the composition of the
rock while the scattering of radiation is due to
wavelength [6]. When a rock surface is exposed to a
high power laser, the local temperature will rise
instantaneously and spallation, melting, or vaporization
may take place. Thermal spallation is the most energy-
efficient rock-removal mechanism [7]. Melting the rock
minerals happens when the heat dispersion in laser/rock
interaction goes beyond the absorbed energy by the rock.
By increasing the local temperature to mineral melting
points, a glassy phase will form which is a function of
the rock mineralogy and the grain space of the rock
matrix [9]. The formation of this glassy phase disperses
the heat and reflects a portion of laser radiation that
leads to reducing the transmitted energy to the rock. In
this trend by decomposing and vaporization of some
minerals, gas phase will be produced that somehow
decrease the transferred energy to the rock [9]. Thus, the
effective rock removal is before rock melting
occurrence. Laser-sandstone interaction is in such a way
that there is a phase transformation at 600°C for quartz
from “α” to “β” phase which is gone along with an
expansion of 0.8 percent in volume that leads to
improving the spallation rate while vaporization of other
minerals and formation of gas phase will also increase
the pressure in the media that helps fragmentation [8]. In
this process several phase changes will take place like
melting and vaporization that absorb and redirect the
laser energy and increase the required energy for
removing rock. So, the main point that should be taken
into consideration in removing sandstone is controlling
the thermal accumulation in the target [9]. In another
hand, the tunnel during laser perforation in limestone is
created by calcination which is the thermal dissociation
of CaCO3 into CaO and CO2 at about 825°C that results
in increasing the permeability without any kind of
destruction [10].
°C
CaCO3 825
 → CaO + CO2 (1)
The laser-rock interaction efficiency is determined due
to specific energy (SE). SE is a common unit used for
laser-rock interaction. It can be defined by Eq. 2 [11]:
E
SE = (2)
V
account individually. To make it clear, may be it is
thought that the higher laser power leads to more
efficient laser perforation with the minimal SE value, but
the experimental studies of GTI has indicated that it is
not necessary true and an optimized laser power for laser
perforation, is not always the higher one [12]. Lasing
time and continuous or non-continuous beam (known as
pulsation) are also effective in this way while different
purging systems can diversify debris-free path for the
laser beam during laser-rock interaction [13]. To
investigate the interaction of fluids and laser radiation,
sandstone and limestone samples were saturated with
brine, fresh water and oil as a part of GTI research
process. The results have shown that saturation has a
significant effect on SE [9]. Experimental studies of GTI
have also demonstrated that at in-situ pressure
conditions depth of penetration increases and SE value
decreases significantly in both limestone and sandstone
[14].
3. EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES ON LASER
PERFORATION
As shown in literature, high power lasers were taken into
account as an innovative method for perforating and
fracture initiation in oil and gas wells. To determine the
ability of lasers for perforating application, many
experimental tests have been conducted by GTI and its
research partners. Three types of lasers were considered
by GTI as good candidates for laser perforation namely
1.6 kW Nd:YAG, 6 kW CO2 and 5.34 kW Fiber lasers.
Fig.1, shows the experimental setup for laser perforation
in sandstone by 1.6 kW Nd:YAG laser performed by
GTI.

Where SE is a specific energy in J/cc, E is energy

required in J and V is volume removed in cc. SE shows
the actual amount of energy consumed to perforate a
rock. Lower values of SE indicate more efficient rock
removal and a greater ease of perforation. In general the
parameters that affect laser-rock interaction are mainly
as follows [9]:
• Laser Power (W)
• Lasing Time (s)
• Pulsation (hz)
• Purging System
• Rock saturation
• Confining Pressure (psi)
• Axial Pressure (psi) Fig.1. Experimental setup for laser perforation by 1.6 kW
• Pore Pressure (psi) pulsed Nd:YAG laser [8].
Therefore, for gaining the best result in any experimental
and numerical studies on laser perforation, the
effectiveness of each parameter should be taken into
The perforation method was in such a way that a rock
sample was fixed on a rotary stage and rotated at a given
speed. While the rock sample was rotating, the laser
beam of 12 mm in diameter was offset 6 mm from the
rotational center of the rock sample, fired on it and as the
hole got deeper, the laser head got closer to the rock to
keep the constant spot size [8]. In this process a purging
system of Nitrogen was applied to remove the produced
debris and materials. Eventually, a hole of 25 mm
diameter and 100 mm depth was perforated in a
sandstone core in 80 seconds (Fig.2) [8].
Lased Tunnel

Fig.4. A cross-section of a hole of 12 inch with 2 inch

diameter on each end perforated by 5.34 kW fiber laser in
sandstone [13].

Experimental studies done by GTI have demonstrated

Fig.2. A sandstone laser perforated core exposed to 1.6 kW
pulsed Nd:YAG laser [8].
that fiber laser has shown to be more efficient than
Nd:YAG, CO2 lasers due to the advantages of this type
of laser such as high output efficiency, no maintenance,
transportable dimensions and ease of deliverability to
downhole through fiber optics cable with minimum
energy loss which leads to increasing the possibility of
laser application and transportation to the field at any
location [13]. To simulate downhole conditions GTI has
designed tri-axial pressure cell to do high pressure in-
situ laser perforation tests on rocks (Fig.5).

In the next phase, the experimental studies were

continued by high power ytterbium fiber laser.
According to experimental studies in this phase, a hole
of 12.2 inch and 12 inch were perforated by 5.34 kW
fiber laser in limestone and sandstone, respectively as
shown in Fig.3 and Fig.4.

Lased Tunnel

Fig.5. Tri-axial pressure cell designed by GTI to do high

pressure in-situ tests on rocks [9].

Experimental tests performed on sandstone and

Fig.3. A hole of 12.2 inch perforated by 5.34 kW fiber laser in
limestone sample [9].
limestone cores under pore, axial, and confining
pressures have shown the favorable impacts of stress and
pressure on laser perforation in sandstone and limestone
whereas under axial and confining stress the contact
between the grains gets closer which leads to better
grain-to-grain contact that improves the penetration
depth of laser radiation in rock [15]. These studies have
demonstrated that at in-situ pressure conditions, SE
value decreases 88% and 35% lower than the lab
condition in limestone and sandstone, respectively [15].

4. LASER PERFORATION FOR HYDRAULIC

FRACTURING
As shown in literature, laser perforation will affect the
structure of the rock in several ways. Fig.6 shows that
the mineralogy of sandstone before and after laser
perforation is different whereas after laser perforation
the void spaces between the grains have been increased
which leads to improving permeability.
Fig.7. Formation of fracture in sandstone sample exposed to
1.6 kW pulsed Nd:YAG laser [8].
Before
Generally, when a thermal stress exceeds the strength of
the rock, fracture will form in rocks that mainly depends
on mineralogy, thermal properties of the rock, void
spaces between grains and the amount of stress applied
[9]. When stress is applied on rock samples, the
formation of macro-fractures is probable. A fracture
development in a limestone sample during laser
perforation, when 2215 psi stress was applied, is
represented in Fig.8 [9].
After

Fig.6. Comparison of sandstone thin sections before and after

laser perforation [9].

In addition, induced fractures that can be classified into

macro- and micro- fractures (macro-fractures are easily
observed in hand specimen, while the micro-fractures
can be seen under the microscope) form in the lased rock
which leads to permeability increase and helps the
fracture initiation. As the temperature increases, thermal
energy accumulates in the grains and grains in the matrix
begin to expand. The expansion results in developing
micro-cracks within the grains. Fig.7, shows a lased
sandstone by 1.6 kW Nd:YAG laser whereas formation
of fractures can be clearly observed.
Fig.8. Fracture development in a limestone sample during
laser perforation, when stress was applied [9].
The results of experimental tests on both limestone and
sandstone at in-situ pressure conditions have proven that
in downhole conditions the possibility of fracture
formation during laser perforation is higher which is so
favorable for hydraulic fracturing operation in the next
steps.
5. CONCLUSION 7. Xu, Z., Yamashita, Y., Reed C.B. 2005. Modeling of
Laser Spallation Drilling of Rocks for Gas and Oil Well
• Applying high power lasers in perforation and Drilling. In SPE Annual Technical Conference and
fracture initiation in oil and gas wells was Exhibition held in Dallas, Texas, U.S.A., 9 – 12
demonstrated. October 2005.

• High power lasers have efficient rock removal 8. Xu, Zh., Reed, C.B., Graves, R.M. and Parker, R.A.
mechanisms which are spallation for sandstone 2004. Rock perforation by pulsed Nd:YAG laser. In
Proceedings of the 23rd International Congress on
and thermal dissociation for limestone that lead
Applications of Lasers and Electro-Optics, 2004.
to significant increase in rock permeability
without any damage. 9. Gahan, B.C. and Batarseh, S. 2005. Laser Drilling –
Drilling with the Power of Light. DOE Annual
• Fiber lasers have shown a greater ability for Technical Progress Report. DOE Award Number: DE-
laser perforation under the same conditions as FC26-00NT40917.
other high power lasers since it can do so more
10. Gahan, B.C. 2004. Application of Fiber Lasers to Rock
economically with less electrical power and and Earth Materials. Gas Technology Institute. USA.
longer pump life that represent the technological
breakthrough required to cut and remove rock. 11. Batarseh S.I. 2001. Application of Laser Technology in
the Oil and Gas Industry: An Analysis of High Power
Laser-Rock Interaction and Its Effect on Altering Rock
• During laser perforation micro and macro Properties and Behavior. PhD Dissertation, Colorado
fractures are formed which depends on School of Mines.
mineralogy, thermal properties of the rock, void
spaces between grains and the amount of stress 12. Gahan, B.C. and Batarseh, S. 2004. Laser Drilling –
applied. Drilling with the Power of Light. DOE Annual
Technical Progress Report. DOE Award Number: DE-
FC26-00NT40917.
• Formation of fractures during laser perforation
will facilitate hydraulic fracturing operation in 13. Batarseh, S.I., Gahan, B.C. and Sharma B.C. 2004.
the next steps. Deep Hole Penetration of Rock for Oil Production
Using Ytterbium Fiber Laser. In SPIE 5448-98. SPIE
High-Power Laser Ablation V, Taos, NM, 25-30 April
2004.
REFERENCES 14. Gahan, B.C., Batarseh, S., Watson R., and Deeg,W.
1. Hilchie, D.W. 1990. Wireline – A History of the Well 2005. Effect of Downhole Pressure Conditions on
Logging and Perforating Business in the Oil Fields. High-Power Laser Perforation. In SPE Annual
Colorado: Douglas W. Hilchie, Inc. Technical Conference and Exhibition held in Dallas,
Texas, U.S.A., 9 – 12 October 2005.
2. Behrmann, L. A. 1995. Under Balance Criteria for
Minimum Perforation Damage. In SPE Annual 15. Gahan, B.C., Batarseh, S., Watson R., Deeg,W. 2005.
Technical Conference and Exhibition held in Effect of Downhole Pressure Conditions on High-
Netherlands, 14-16 May 1995. Power Laser Perforation. In SPE Annual Technical
Conference and Exhibition held in Dallas, Texas,
3. Batarseh, S., Gahan, B.C., Graves, R.M. and Parker, U.S.A., 9 – 12 October 2005.
R.A. 2003. Well Perforation Using High-Power Lasers.
In SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition
held in Denver, Colorado, U.S.A., 5 – 8 October 2003.
4. Graves, R. M. and Batarseh, S. 2001. Rock Parameters
that Effect Laser-Rock Interaction: Determining the
Benefits of Applying Star Wars Laser Technology for
Drilling and Completing Oil and Natural Gas Wells.
Topical Report to Gas Research Institute, Document
No. GRI-01/0080.
5. New Laser-perforation method making gains in the
Middle East. 2009. JPT Online, 27 October 2009.
6. Graves, R. M. and O’Brien, D.G. 1998. StarWars Laser
Technology Applied to Drilling and Completing Gas
Wells. In SPE Annual Technical Conference and
Exhibition held in New Orteans, Louisiana, 27-30
September 1998.