Remote Ignition of an Open Gas Well Fountain Using Laser Radiation

A vertical methane fountain with sand particles of different sizes is simulated under laboratory conditions. The authors determine the intensity and duration of exposure to laser radiation with wavelength λ = 1.07 µm on sand particles needed for the stable ignition of an air–methane mixture. A cinematogram is presented of the ignition of a mixture on a laboratory model. The temperature of the gas mixture’s ignition, the time needed for radiation to heat particles to this temperature, and the maximum speeds of different particle sizes in the gas flow are estimated at ∼0.1 m³/s for laboratory conditions and ∼17 m³/s for a real emergency gas well. The angular velocity of the beam’s movement that is needed to keep particles with the highest speed in the zone of the beam while igniting the air–methane mixture is determined for a safe distance from the gas fountain. The main characteristics of a possible future laser complex capable of quickly solving the problem of remotely igniting a fountain of an emergency gas well are determined.