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Long distance high power optical laser fiber break detection and continuity monitoring systems and methods

  • US 9,267,330 B2
  • Filed: 02/23/2012
  • Issued: 02/23/2016
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/20/2008
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A system for advancing a borehole in hard rock, the system comprising:

  • a. a source of high power laser energy, the laser source capable of providing a laser beam having at least 20 kW of power;

    b. a laser bottom hole assembly;

    c. a high power optical fiber placing the laser bottom hole assembly in optical communication with the laser source thereby defining an operational beam path;

    the optical fiber having a length of at least about 1,000 feet; and

    ,d. a means for monitoring and detecting a condition of the high power laser energy along the high power optical fiber and thereby along the operational beam path,wherein the means for monitoring and detecting comprises a plurality of light detecting devices that are distributed along the high power optical fiber and in optical proximity to the high power optical fiber,wherein the plurality of light detecting devices is capable of detecting light leaked from the high power optical fiber and sends a signature indicating a location and the condition of the high power optical fiber to a monitoring device via a monitoring fiber.

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