Downhole seal element formed from a nanocomposite material

a nanocomposite material and seal element technology, applied in the direction of material nanotechnology, fluid removal, borehole/well accessories, etc., can solve the problems of difficult improvement, internal damage may accompany surface damage, and damage to the seal element, so as to minimize the effect of explosive decompression, minimize critical pressure and flaw size of the seal element, and improve the shear modulus

Inactive Publication Date: 2005-05-26
HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

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Benefits of technology

[0008] Accordingly, the present invention provides a downhole seal element that comprises a material which minimizes the effects of explosive decompression. The downhole seal element of the present invention minimizes the critical pressure

Problems solved by technology

Despite their dependability and reliability, static seals in oil-field equipment can be damaged by explosive decompression when the pressure on the system containing the static seals is released.
If the system containing the static seals is depressurized too rapidly, the liquids and gases that enter these void sites in the static seal can cause damage which

Method used

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  • Downhole seal element formed from a nanocomposite material
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  • Downhole seal element formed from a nanocomposite material

Examples

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example

[0068] The mechanical properties, such as tensile strength, elongation, and Young's modulus, for example, of the nanocomposite can be tailored over a wide range for the specific downhole conditions by varying the amount and type of nanostructure incorporated into the polymer host. By way of example, the following table illustrates particular nanostructures integrated into a polymer host by adding or blending the nanostructure in a preceramic state with the polymer host such that the nanostructure when heated above its decomposition point converts into a ceramic. The polymer host used in this example is a polyether block-polyamide copolymer (PEBAX), i.e., a thermoplastic. It should be appreciated however, that similar results would be achieved with other thermopolastics such as polypropylene, polyolefins, nylons, polyethers, polyesters, styrene-butadiene-styrere triblocks, and the like.

TABLE 1PeekBreakingYoung'sMeltingMaterialsStressStressModulusTemperature(% weight)(psi)(in / in)(ps...

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PUM

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Abstract

A seal element (70) for providing a static or dynamic seal between two components (74, 78) in a downhole tool includes a polymer host material (212) and a plurality of nanostructures (220) forming a nanocomposite material (210). The polymer host material (212) has a plurality of regions of free volume (222) that receive the nanostructures (220). The nanostructures (220) and the polymer host material (212) form interfacial interactions that improve the useful life of the seal element (70) by minimizing seal failures associated with explosive decompression, extrusion, spiral failure, abrasion, temperature degradation and the like.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates, in general, to a seal element and backup system for use in downhole tools positioned within a wellbore that traverses a subterranean hydrocarbon bearing formation and, in particular, to a downhole seal element formed from a nanocomposite material including a polymer host material and a nanomaterial. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Without limiting the scope of the present invention, its background will be described with reference to explosive decompression of static seals, as an example. [0003] A seal is a device used to close a gap or make a joint fluid-tight with respect to both liquids and gases. For example, static seals involve sealing surfaces that do not move relative to one another and dynamic seals involve sealing surfaces that do move relative to one another. In particular, static seals are zero-leakage barriers that provide a long-term complete physical barrier in a potential leakage path to which t...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): E21B33/10
CPCB82Y30/00E21B33/10C08J5/005
Inventor BUC SLAY, JEREMYRAY, THOMAS WAYNE
Owner HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC
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