Tubular cutting process and system

Abstract

A system and method for processing a tubular member comprises a hollow tubular member, a laser and a media flow. The laser is constructed and arranged to transmit laser energy to the tubular member. The laser energy is transmitted to the tubular member through a fluid column according to a predetermined pattern. The media flow is injected into the lumen of the hollow tubular member.

1 - 28 . (canceled)  
     
     
         29 . A system for processing a tubular member comprising: 
 a hollow tubular member including a wall having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a lumen therein;    a laser source for transmitting laser energy onto the outer surface of the hollow tubular member;    an inner tubular member positioned within the lumen of the hollow tubular member, the inner tubular member having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a lumen therein;    a first media flow disposed in an annular lumen defined between the inner surface of the hollow tubular member and the outer surface of the inner tubular member, and    a second media flow disposed in the lumen of the inner tubular member.    
     
     
         30 . The system of  claim 29 , wherein the first media flow comprises a gas.  
     
     
         31 . The system of  claim 29 , wherein the first media flow comprises a liquid.  
     
     
         32 . The system of  claim 29 , wherein the second media flow comprises a gas.  
     
     
         33 . The system of  claim 29 , wherein the second media flow comprises a liquid.  
     
     
         34 . The system of  claim 30 , wherein the second media flow comprises a liquid.  
     
     
         35 . The system of  claim 31 , wherein the second media flow comprises a gas.  
     
     
         36 . The system of  claim 29 , wherein the first media flow includes a solution having a degree of energy reflecting characteristics.  
     
     
         37 . The system of  claim 29 , wherein the first media flow includes a solution having a degree of energy absorbing characteristics.  
     
     
         38 . The system of  claim 29 , wherein the laser energy is transferred through a column of fluid.  
     
     
         39 . A system for processing a tubular member comprising: 
 an outer tubular member including a wall having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a lumen therein;    an inner tubular member disposed in the lumen of the outer tubular member, the inner tubular member including a wall having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a lumen therein;    an annular lumen defined between the inner surface of the outer tubular member and the outer surface of the inner tubular member,    a laser source for transmitting laser energy through a fluid stream onto the outer surface of the outer tubular member, the laser source being configured to form a predetermined pattern through at least a portion of the wall of the outer tubular member;    a first fluid column disposed in the annular lumen; and    a second fluid column disposed in the lumen of the inner tubular member.    
     
     
         40 . The system of  claim 39 , wherein the first fluid column comprises a liquid.  
     
     
         41 . The system of  claim 39 , wherein the first fluid column comprises a gas.  
     
     
         42 . The system of  claim 39 , wherein the second fluid column comprises a liquid.  
     
     
         43 . The system of  claim 39 , wherein the second fluid column comprises a gas.  
     
     
         44 . The system of  claim 40 , wherein the second fluid column comprises a gas.  
     
     
         45 . The system of  claim 41 , wherein the second fluid column comprises a liquid.  
     
     
         46 . The system of  claim 39 , wherein the first fluid column comprises a static column of fluid.  
     
     
         47 . The system of  claim 39 , wherein the first fluid column comprises a moving column of fluid.  
     
     
         48 . The system of  claim 39 , wherein the second fluid column comprises a static column of fluid.  
     
     
         49 . The system of  claim 39 , wherein the second fluid column comprises a moving column of fluid.