High power laser pipeline tool and methods of use

摘要

There is provided a high power laser tool system for transmitting and delivering high power laser energy within the interior of pipes, which includes a high power laser-pig and long distance high power optical tether. The high power laser system performs high power laser pigging operations and other operations, such as, cleaning, assembling, maintaining and monitoring of pipelines.

主权项

1. A launcher system for a high power laser pipeline pig system, comprising a laser source having a power of at least about 15 kW and a wavelength in the range of from about 800 nm to about 1600 nm, comprising:
a. a pig holder section containing a laser pig; b. a launch section; c. a feed through section comprising a packer; and, d. an optical capable section comprising a high power optical cable having a length of greater than about 1 mile, a means for winding and unwinding the optical cable, and a high power optical fiber having a core having a diameter of at least about 200 μm;
wherein the launch section comprises a valve and is in fluid communication with the holder section.