Looking for breakthrough ideas for innovation challenges? Try Patsnap Eureka!

Applications of degradable polymers for delayed mechanical changes in wells

a technology of degradable polymers and mechanical changes, applied in the direction of fluid removal, borehole/well accessories, construction, etc., can solve the problems of no longer effective, no longer having mechanical strength, and directional or horizontal problems,

Inactive Publication Date: 2009-04-30
COOKE JR CLAUDE E
View PDF26 Cites 104 Cited by
  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]Degradable polymers and methods for using in wells are provided. In one embodiment, the degradable polymer is used to viscosify fluids used in wellbore operations. In another embodiment, the degradable polymer is used to protect a sand control screen from plugging as it is placed in a well. In yet another embodiment, the degradable polymer is used to delay to a selected range of time a change in mechanical or flow conditions in a well. In yet another embodiment, the solid degradable polymer is used to form equipment that is temporarily used in well operations.

Problems solved by technology

In some wells, the formation where hydrocarbons are found has low mechanical strength, which can result in “sand” being produced into the well along with hydrocarbons.
This problem can be particularly severe in directional or horizontal wells.
These devices may be needed for only a limited time and then an operator may wish to have them no longer effective or to no longer have mechanical strength.

Method used

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
View more

Image

Smart Image Click on the blue labels to locate them in the text.
Viewing Examples
Smart Image
  • Applications of degradable polymers for delayed mechanical changes in wells
  • Applications of degradable polymers for delayed mechanical changes in wells
  • Applications of degradable polymers for delayed mechanical changes in wells

Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test

Embodiment Construction

[0016]Referring to FIG. 1, wellbore 10 penetrates formation 20 where fluid is to be produced or injected. Wellbore 10 has casing 12 extending through formation 20, casing 12 being cemented in place by cement sheath 17. Perforations 14 have been formed through the wall of casing 12 and cement sheath 17 into formation 20. Perforations 14 may extend over the entire thickness of formation 20 or may extend only over a selected interval of formation 20 less than the total thickness surrounding wellbore 10. In some wells, hydraulic fracture 30 may have been formed around wellbore 10 by a previous treatment employing conventional fracturing fluid and proppant, using techniques well-known in industry. Alternatively, fracture 30 may not be present. Tubing 16 may have been suspended inside casing 12 and packer 18 may have been set near the bottom of tubing 16 to seal the annulus between tubing 16 and casing 12. Packer 18 may not be present in some wells, tubing 16 may not be present in some we...

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
Login to View More

PUM

No PUM Login to View More

Abstract

Degradable polylactic or polyhydroxyalkanoate polymers may be used to viscosify aqueous fluids for use in wells, Sand control screen or liner can be coated with a solid degradable polymer during placement in a well. Mechanical changes or flow changes in a well can be caused by solid degradable polymer that changes physical properties after it is placed in a well. Parts of devices or entire devices can be made of solid degradable polymer that converts to a fluid after selected times in an aqueous environment in a well.

Description

[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 470,738, filed May 15, 2003.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]This invention pertains to mechanical and chemical operations in wells. In one embodiment, polymer and method of preparing viscous fluid for use in wells is provided. In another embodiment, material and methods are provided for coating of sand control screens used in wellbores. In another embodiment, this invention pertains to delayed mechanical or flow changes in a wellbore after equipment is placed in the well. In another embodiment, this invention pertains to equipment that is placed in a wellbore and is degraded in the wellbore by contact with aqueous fluid.[0004]2. Discussion of Related Art[0005]A large number of mechanical and chemical operations are carried out in and around wells. Most of these wells are used for producing hydrocarbons from the earth. They are located at depths ranging from a few hundred ...

Claims

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
Login to View More

Application Information

Patent Timeline
no application Login to View More
Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): E21B23/00
CPCE21B23/00E21B33/12E21B43/08E21B34/00E21B33/134E21B34/063E21B2200/05
Inventor COOKE, JR., CLAUDE E.
Owner COOKE JR CLAUDE E
Who we serve
  • R&D Engineer
  • R&D Manager
  • IP Professional
Why Patsnap Eureka
  • Industry Leading Data Capabilities
  • Powerful AI technology
  • Patent DNA Extraction
Social media
Patsnap Eureka Blog
Learn More
PatSnap group products