Laser assisted system for controlling deep water drilling emergency situations

摘要

There is provided a high power laser riser blowout preventer system and controller for operation thereof. The system utilizes high power laser cutters that are associated with the riser and the blowout preventer to provide an integrated operation to quickly weaken or cut tubulars to address potential emergency and emergency situations that can arise during deep sea drilling.

主权项

1. A laser riser and blowout preventer system for use with an offshore drilling rig, a vessel or platform, the laser riser blowout preventer system comprising:
a. a riser; b. a frame comprising a blowout preventer and a high power laser capable of providing a high power laser beam having greater than 1 kW of power, the blowout preventer comprising a pressure containment cavity; c. a first laser cutter and a second laser cutter, in optical association with the high power laser, whereby a first cutting high power laser beam is capable of being transmitted from the high power laser to the first laser cutter, and whereby a second cutting high power laser beam is capable of being transmitted from the high power beam switch to the second laser cutter; d. wherein the first laser cutter is positioned adjacent the riser, whereby the first laser cutter is capable of directing the first cutting high power laser beam at the riser; e. wherein the second laser cutter is positioned in the blowout preventer, whereby the second laser cutter is capable of directing the second cutting high power laser beam within the pressure containment cavity of the blowout preventer; and, f. a control network in data and control communication with the high power laser and the blowout preventer, wherein the control network provides for firing of the high power laser and actuation of the blowout preventer.