Well boring using annular laser beam - and fluid blasts to deflect cores ejected from the borehole

摘要

Earth boring appts. eg. for forming well bores, includes >=1 laser at the surface arranged to produce a vertical annular beam directed into the borehole to fuse successive annular regions at the bottom of the borehole at a power level that causes shattering of successive cores encircled by the beam and ejection of the cores from the borehole under the influence of then pressure created on the underside of the cores. A deflection is arranged adjacent the mouth of the borehole to direct blast of fluid at the cores leaving the borehole to deflect them laterally clear of the borehole. The laser(s) and the deflector are arranged to be actuated in a controlled sequence.