AN APPARATUS AND SYSTEM TO DRILL A BORE USING A LASER

摘要

A system to extend a lateral bore section using laser light comprises a first umbilical connected to a deflection member having a drive gear, a lateral exit port and at least one deployable seal intermediate a proximal end and the lateral exit port, and a second umbilical having an exterior movable by the drive member through a pathway of the deflection member ending at the lateral exit port to controllably advance a drill head connected to a leading end of the second umbilical. Optical fibers of the second umbilical transmit laser light from a surface end to optical elements in the drill head that condition laser light for heating a targeted portion of a bore wall. The first umbilical positions the deflection member within a primary bore section, and the second umbilical is controllably advanced to extend a lateral bore by the drive gear of the deflection member.