This paper describes results of the second phase of a Gas Research Institute (GRI) funded research program. The overall purpose of this research is to advance a fundamental change in the methods currently used to drill and complete natural gas wells applying the U.S.Defense Department's Star Wars laser technology. Results of tests conducted at the U.S.Air Force's high power laser research facilities are presented. This phase of the research has used the Chemical Oxygen-Iodine Laser (COIL) highpowered laser invented by the U.S.Air Force in 1977 for air-to-air defense. Located at the U.S.Air Force Research Laboratory's Directed Energy Directorate, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, COIL has gained notoriety as an airborne laser tactical weapon capable of tracking and destroying missiles. More than 100 rock samples-including sandstones, limestones, shales, salt, granites and concrete-were exposed to laser beams of varying power and duration. The results were encouraging in that the laser was able to penetrate all rock types. Samples saturated with water, brine, oil and gas were also tested to more accurately simulate the downhole drilling environment. The effects of vapor interference, gas atmosphere, confining rock stresses and operating the laser in continuous and chopped modes will be discussed. The basic research conducted on laser-rock-fluid interactions is helping provide the foundation on which to determine the benefits of using Star Wars laser technology for drilling and completing natural gas wells.
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