Methods and compositions of low specific gravity eutectic composite particles

Abstract

Eutectic composites can be used in oil and gas services. For example, a method of making such a composite can include crosslinking a mixture including a polymer, a metaphosphate, and a plurality of eutectic alloy particles to produce a eutectic composite, and producing a plurality of eutectic composite particles from the eutectic composite. Further, an example composition can include a cement; water; and a plurality of eutectic composite particles including eutectic alloy particles dispersed in a polymer crosslinked with a metaphosphate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to reducing the proportion of eutectic alloy particles, and more specifically to preparing eutectic composite particles. Background Technology

[0002] The use of eutectic alloy particles in oil and gas service fluids (such as drilling fluids, cementing fluids, and separator fluids) to seal leaks in permeable subsurface formations and micro-annular gaps between casing and casing has been proposed. When a fluid containing eutectic alloy particles is placed in the region of interest, an external heat source is used to melt the particles into a liquid, which is then cooled to a temperature below the melting point of the eutectic alloy to obtain a solidified mass, thus providing an ultra-low permeability seal. However, due to the high specific gravity of the eutectic alloy particles, the particles may be difficult to suspend in the service fluid, thus creating difficulties when pumping fluids containing eutectic alloy particles. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The following summary outlines various details of this disclosure to provide a basic understanding. This summary is not a complete overview of this disclosure and is neither intended to identify certain elements of the disclosure nor to limit its scope. Rather, the main objective of this summary is to present some concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form before the more detailed description presented below.

[0004] The first non-limiting method of this disclosure includes: crosslinking a mixture comprising a polymer, a metaphosphate and a plurality of eutectic alloy particles to produce a eutectic composite material; and generating a plurality of eutectic composite particles from the eutectic composite material.

[0005] One non-limiting composition disclosed herein includes: cement; water; and a plurality of eutectic composite particles, said plurality of eutectic composite particles comprising eutectic alloy particles dispersed in a polymer crosslinked with metaphosphate.

[0006] A second non-limiting method of this disclosure includes: introducing a cement slurry into a wellbore penetrating an underground formation, wherein the cement slurry comprises cement, water, and a plurality of eutectic composite particles, the plurality of eutectic composite particles comprising eutectic alloy particles dispersed in a polymer crosslinked with metaphosphate; and causing the cement slurry to solidify into concrete in a downhole region of interest.

[0007] Any combination of the various embodiments and implementations disclosed herein can be used in another embodiment consistent with this disclosure. These and other aspects and features can be understood from the following description of certain embodiments presented herein, based on this disclosure, the accompanying drawings, and the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 A method for preparing eutectic composite particles is shown.

[0009] Figure 2 A cementing method is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0010] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For consistency, similar elements may be denoted by similar reference numerals in the various drawings. Furthermore, numerous specific details are set forth in the following detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure to provide a more thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments disclosed herein can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description. Additionally, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the scale of the elements presented in the drawings may vary without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0011] The embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to reducing the specific gravity of eutectic alloy particles, and more specifically to preparing eutectic composite particles. The eutectic composite particles described herein can have a lower specific gravity than pure eutectic alloys, thereby allowing the eutectic composite particles to be easily suspended in service fluids (e.g., cementing fluids, drilling fluids, and isolation fluids). Furthermore, the low specific gravity of the eutectic composite particles allows service fluids containing the eutectic composite particles to be pumped to the region of interest with a lower risk of particle settling in the fluid.

[0012] This document describes methods and compositions for preparing low-density eutectic composite particles. The described method for preparing low-density eutectic composite particles may include crosslinking a polymer with a metaphosphate in the presence of eutectic alloy particles to form a eutectic composite material. The eutectic composite material may be dried, and multiple eutectic composite particles may be produced from the eutectic composite material.

[0013] Figure 1 A non-limiting example of a method 100 for preparing eutectic composite particles is shown. Polymer 102 and metaphosphate 104 are mixed in water. The pH of the resulting mixture 106 is adjusted to alkaline conditions. The resulting alkaline mixture 108 is mixed with a eutectic alloy 110 and heated to crosslink the polymer 102 mixed with metaphosphate 104, thereby forming a eutectic composite material 112. The eutectic composite material 112 is dried and ground (or otherwise suitable) to produce a plurality of eutectic composite particles 114.

[0014] The polymer used to prepare the eutectic composite material can be in the form of a solid (e.g., polymer powder or granules) or a polymer solution (or slurry) containing water. Based on the total weight of the polymer solution, the concentration of the polymer in the solution can be, for example, from about 0.1 wt% to about 20 wt% (or from about 0.1 wt% to about 1 wt%, or from about 0.1 wt% to about 10 wt%, or from about 1 wt% to about 20 wt%). The polymer can include, but is not limited to, polyvinyl alcohol and any combination thereof.

[0015] The metaphosphate used to crosslink the polymer can be in solid (e.g., powder) form or pre-dispersed in a metaphosphate solution (or slurry) containing water. Based on the total weight of the metaphosphate solution, the concentration of metaphosphate in the solution can be, for example, from about 0.1 wt% to about 20 wt% (or from about 0.1 wt% to about 1 wt%, or from about 0.1 wt% to about 15 wt%, or from about 1 wt% to about 10 wt%, or from about 10 wt% to about 20 wt%). The metaphosphate may include, but is not limited to, sodium hexametaphosphate, sodium trimetaphosphate, and any combination thereof.

[0016] The weight ratio of the polymer to metaphosphate in the mixture can be, for example, from about 20:1 to about 1:20 (or from about 20:1 to about 10:1, or from about 10:1 to about 1:10, or from about 1:10 to about 1:20).

[0017] The alkaline mixture comprising the polymer, metaphosphate, and water may have a pH of about 8 to about 11 (or about 8 to about 10, or about 8.5 to about 10.5, or about 9 to about 10, or about 9.5 to about 10.5, or about 9 to about 11, or about 10 to about 11). pH adjustment may be achieved by adding an alkaline solution (e.g., sodium hydroxide solution).

[0018] Eutectic alloys suitable for the methods and compositions of this disclosure include, but are not limited to, bismuth-tin alloys, bismuth-lead alloys, bismuth-tin-lead alloys, and any combination thereof.

[0019] The melting temperature of the eutectic alloy particles can be, for example, about 250°F to about 300°F (or about 250°F to about 270°F, or about 260°F to about 280°F, or about 270°F to about 290°F, or about 280°F to about 300°F).

[0020] Any mixture prior to crosslinking (e.g., Figure 1The mixture 106 and / or the alkaline mixture 108 can be at a lower temperature, room temperature, or an elevated temperature, wherein the elevated temperature can improve dispersion (or dissolution). The temperature can be from about 50°F to about 100°F (or from about 50°F to about 70°F, or from about 60°F to about 80°F, or from about 70°F to about 90°F, or from about 80°F to about 100°F). The temperature should not be high enough to cause crosslinking.

[0021] The crosslinking of the polymer with metaphosphate to form a eutectic composite material can be carried out, for example, at a temperature of about 160°F to about 190°F (or about 160°F to about 170°F, or about 160°F to about 180°F, or about 170°F to about 180°F, or about 170°F to about 190°F, or about 180°F to about 190°F). The crosslinking of the polymer with metaphosphate to form a eutectic composite material can, for example, last for a period of about 1 hour to about 24 hours (or about 1 hour to about 5 hours, or about 3 hours to about 10 hours, or about 8 hours to about 14 hours, or about 10 hours to about 20 hours, or about 14 hours to about 20 hours, or about 14 hours to about 24 hours).

[0022] The volume ratio of the crosslinked polymer to the eutectic alloy particles in a eutectic composite material can be, for example, from about 3:7 to about 9:1 (or from about 3:7 to about 1:1, or from about 2:3 to about 3:2, or from about 1:1 to about 7:3, or from about 3:2 to about 4:1, or from about 7:3 to about 9:1). Without being bound by theory, different volume ratios of the crosslinked polymer to the eutectic alloy particles can result in eutectic composite materials with different specific gravities.

[0023] The drying of the eutectic composite material can be achieved using techniques including, but not limited to, decantation, centrifugation, thermal drying, freeze drying, and any combination thereof. Drying can, for example, be carried out for about 10 hours to about 24 hours (or about 10 hours to about 14 hours, or about 10 hours to about 20 hours, or about 14 hours to about 20 hours, or about 14 hours to about 24 hours). The residual liquid concentration of the eutectic composite material can be about 0.1 wt% to about 10 wt% (or about 0.1 wt% to about 1 wt%, 0.1 wt% to about 5 wt%, or about 1 wt% to about 5 wt%, or about 1 wt% to about 10 wt%, or about 5 wt% to about 10 wt%) based on the total weight of the eutectic composite material and the residual liquid.

[0024] Eutectic composite materials can be divided into eutectic composite particles by any suitable technique, including but not limited to self-grinding, ball milling, silica disc grinding, high-pressure grinding, pebble grinding, rod milling, semi-self-grinding, tower grinding, vertical shaft impact grinding, and any combination thereof.

[0025] Eutectic composite particles comprise eutectic alloy particles dispersed in a polymer crosslinked with metaphosphate. A eutectic composite particle may contain one or more eutectic alloy particles.

[0026] Eutectic composite particles (e.g., Figure 1 The eutectic composite particles 114 may have a weight-average diameter of, for example, about 100 μm to about 1000 μm (or about 100 μm to about 500 μm, or about 250 μm to about 750 μm, or about 500 μm to about 1000 μm).

[0027] Eutectic composite particles (e.g., Figure 1 The eutectic composite particles 114 can have, for example, about 1 g / cm³. 3 Approximately 4g / cm 3 (or approximately 1g / cm) 3 Approximately 2g / cm 3 or about 1g / cm 3 Approximately 3g / cm 3 or about 2g / cm 3 Approximately 3g / cm 3 or about 2g / cm 3 Approximately 4g / cm 3 The proportion of ).

[0028] The eutectic composite particles described herein can be used in oil and gas service fluids, such as cementing fluids. For example, cement slurry may comprise cement, water, and multiple eutectic composite particles. The cement slurry may also contain additives, including but not limited to filtration reducers, retarders, and any combination thereof.

[0029] The cement paste may, for example, contain a plurality of eutectic composite particles of about 0.5% (%bwoc) to about 100% bwoc by weight of cement (or about 0.5wt% to about 20% bwoc, or about 10% bwoc to about 30% bwoc, or about 20% bwoc to about 40% bwoc, or about 30% bwoc to about 50% bwoc, or about 40% bwoc to about 60% bwoc, or about 50% bwoc to about 70% bwoc, or about 60% bwoc to about 80% bwoc, or about 70% bwoc to about 90% bwoc, or about 80% bwoc to about 100% bwoc).

[0030] The cement paste may, for example, contain water of about 40% bwoc to about 200% bwoc (or about 40% bwoc to about 80% bwoc, or about 60% bwoc to about 100% bwoc, or about 80% bwoc to about 120% bwoc, or about 100% bwoc to about 140% bwoc, or about 120% bwoc to about 160% bwoc, or about 140% bwoc to about 180% bwoc, or about 160% bwoc to about 200% bwoc).

[0031] The cement slurry may, for example, contain a filtration loss reducer of about 0.1% bwoc to about 5% bwoc (or about 0.1% bwoc to about 1% bwoc, or about 0.1% bwoc to about 1% bwoc, or about 1% bwoc to about 3% bwoc, or about 2% bwoc to about 4% bwoc, or about 3% bwoc to about 5% bwoc). Suitable examples of filtration loss reducers include, but are not limited to, bentonite, polymer resins, modified natural polymers, cellulose-based polymers, vinyl polymers, and any combination thereof.

[0032] Cement slurry may, for example, contain a retarder of about 0.05% bwoc to about 5% bwoc (or about 0.05% bwoc to about 1% bwoc, or about 0.1% bwoc to about 1% bwoc, or about 1% bwoc to about 3% bwoc, or about 2% bwoc to about 4% bwoc, or about 3% bwoc to about 5% bwoc). Suitable examples of retarders include, but are not limited to, lignin sulfonates, hydroxycarboxylic acids and their salts, phosphonates, sugars, borates, lead salts, zinc salts, copper salts, arsenic salts, antimony salts, and any combination thereof.

[0033] The set concrete produced by the cement paste described in this article can have a density of approximately 1.5 g / cm³. 3 Approximately 5g / cm 3 (or approximately 1.5g / cm) 3 Approximately 3.5 g / cm³ 3 or about 3g / cm 3 Approximately 5g / cm 3 The proportion of ).

[0034] Cementing methods may include applying cement slurry to the downhole region of interest. The downhole region of interest may be, for example, subsurface formations, the annulus between the wellbore wall and any tubing therein (e.g., casing), the annulus between two tubes (e.g., two casings), microannulus, or combinations thereof. It should be noted that after cementing, the concrete may be at least partially heated so that eutectic composite particles fill one or more defects (e.g., cracks, etc.) in the concrete. Any suitable heating method may be used, including but not limited to, resistance heating, induction heating, hydrocarbon heating, etc., or any combination thereof.

[0035] Figure 2 A non-limiting example of the cementing method 200 of this disclosure is shown. Figure 2 Well site 200 includes a wellbore 202 formed through a geological formation 206 in the Earth's crust via the Earth's surface 204. Wellbore 202 is defined by a borehole surface 208 of the formation 206. Wellbore 202 includes a casing 210. In some embodiments, to cement the casing 210 in place, cement slurry 212 is pumped downward through the casing 210. The cement slurry 212 exits the bottom of the casing 210 and then flows upward through the annulus 214 between the casing 210 and the formation 206. The cement slurry 212 solidifies in the annulus 214 to cement the casing 210. This cementing of the casing 210 can be referred to as primary cementing. The cement slurry described herein, including the eutectic composite particles described herein, can also be used for secondary or remedial cementing operations.

[0036] Surface equipment 215 may be associated with wellbore 202 for drilling out wellbore 202 and installing casing 210, and for consolidating the annulus 214 between casing 210 and borehole surface 208. Surface equipment 215 may include a container or truck for containing cement slurry 212. Cement slurry 212 may be prepared at the well site 200 or off-site. Cement slurry 212 may be prepared by mixing cement 216, water 218, and cement additive 220. In some embodiments, cement additive 220 may be incorporated into cement 216 before being mixed with water 218. Cement additive 220 may include polyrotaxane or a slip ring polymer synthesized from polyrotaxane.

[0037] Surface equipment 215 may include an installed drilling rig, which may be a machine for creating a borehole in the Earth's crust. The term "drilling rig" may refer to equipment used to penetrate the Earth's surface 204. To create a hole in the ground, a drill string with a drill bit is lowered into the hole to be drilled. In operation, the drill bit may rotate to break up rock strata to form a borehole or wellbore 202. During rotation, the drill bit may engage with the ground or strata 206 to grind, cut, scrape, shear, crush, or fracture the rock to drill a hole. An open-hole wellbore with a wall 208 that is aligned with the strata 206 is drilled and formed, penetrating the Earth's surface 204 into the hydrocarbon or geological strata 206.

[0038] During operation, drilling fluid (also known as drilling mud) circulates downwards along the drill string (not shown) to the bottom of the open-hole wellbore 202. The drilling fluid can then flow upwards toward the surface through the annulus formed between the drill string and the wall 208 of the wellbore 202, which serves as the open hole. The drilling fluid can cool the drill bit, apply hydrostatic pressure to the formation penetrated by the wellbore, and carry formation cuttings to the surface. In addition to the drilling rig, surface equipment 215 may include tanks, separators, pits, pumps, and piping for circulating the drilling fluid (mud) through the wellbore.

[0039] The casing 210 can be lowered into the wellbore 202, and cement slurry can be applied to the annulus between the casing 210 and the formation surface 208 of the wellbore 202. Well cementing may include a slurry of cement and water, and pumping the slurry along the casing 210, tubing, or drill pipe to a specified height or volume in the well. As noted, primary cementing may involve casing cementing. Primary cementing may be cementing that occurs shortly after the casing 210 is lowered into the formation 206, and may involve filling the annulus 214 between the casing 210 and the formation 206 with cement.

[0040] Example

[0041] Eutectic composite particles were prepared using the method described in this application. A mixture of 12 mL polyvinyl alcohol (PVA; 10 wt% in water) and 0.5 g sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP; 15 wt% in water) was stirred at room temperature for 5 minutes. The pH of the mixture was adjusted to 10 using 0.4 mL of 30 wt% NaOH, and stirred again at room temperature for 5 minutes. Different amounts of eutectic alloy (BiSn) were added to the first mixture, and the mixture was stirred at 176°F for 16 hours. The remaining liquid was decanted from the second mixture, and the mixture was dried at 220°F for 16 hours to obtain a solid eutectic composite material. After drying, the composite material was ground into a fine powder to obtain multiple eutectic composite particles. Table 1 shows the specific gravity of the eutectic composite particles obtained at different volume ratios of PVA to BiSn.

[0042] Table 1

[0043] PVA:BiSn volume ratio <![CDATA[Specific gravity of composite material [g / cm 3 > 3:7 3.17 4:6 2.62 5:5 2.24 6:4 1.95 7:3 1.73 8:2 1.55 9:1 1.41

[0044] Use a specific gravity of 2.40 g / cm³ 3 The eutectic composite particles have a specific gravity of 8.4 g / cm³. 3 Commercially available BiSn particles were used to prepare compositions containing cement, water, a filtration reducer, and a retarder, respectively. Table 2 shows the size distribution of the commercially available particles.

[0045] Table 2

[0046] Size [µm] percentage <45 12.4 45 13.9 75 30.4 150 30.4 250 12.9

[0047] Following API RP 10B procedures, the component concentrations (by cement weight) were 28.6% eutectic composite particles or BiSn particles, 44% water, 1% filtration loss reducer, and 0.25% retarder. The composition was cured in a cylindrical curing mold at 180°F in a water bath for 72 hours. The cured composition was cut into three equal cylindrical segments to observe the specific gravity gradient from top to bottom (i.e., from the highest circular surface to the lowest circular surface). The specific gravity difference between the top and bottom of the cured composition containing the eutectic composite particles was less than 0.05 g / cm³. 3 The specific gravity difference of the cured composition containing denser commercial BiSn particles is greater than 0.05 g / cm³. 3 The lower difference in specific gravity of the cured composition containing eutectic composite particles indicates that the eutectic composite particles are more uniformly distributed in the composition compared to the composition containing BiSn particles.

[0048] Additional Examples

[0049] The embodiments disclosed herein include:

[0050] Example 1. A method comprising: crosslinking a mixture comprising a polymer, a metaphosphate and a plurality of eutectic alloy particles to produce a eutectic composite material; and preparing a plurality of eutectic composite particles from the eutectic composite material.

[0051] Example 2. The method according to Example 1, wherein the metaphosphate comprises sodium hexametaphosphate, sodium trimetaphosphate, or a combination of sodium hexametaphosphate and sodium trimetaphosphate.

[0052] Example 3. The method according to Example 1 or 2, wherein the polymer comprises polyvinyl alcohol.

[0053] Example 4. The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the pH of the mixture is about 8 to about 11.

[0054] Example 5. The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the eutectic alloy particles comprise bismuth-tin alloy, bismuth-lead alloy, bismuth-tin-lead alloy, or any combination thereof.

[0055] Example 6. The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the volume ratio of the crosslinked polymer to the eutectic alloy is about 3:7 to about 9:1.

[0056] Example 7. The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the crosslinking occurs at a temperature of about 160°F to about 190°F.

[0057] Example 8. The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the plurality of eutectic composite particles have a density of about 1 g / cm³. 3 Approximately 4g / cm 3 The proportion of.

[0058] Example 9. A composition comprising: cement; water; and a plurality of eutectic composite particles, said plurality of eutectic composite particles comprising eutectic alloy particles dispersed in a polymer crosslinked with metaphosphate.

[0059] Example 10. The composition according to Example 9, wherein the metaphosphate comprises sodium hexametaphosphate, sodium trimetaphosphate, or a combination of sodium hexametaphosphate and sodium trimetaphosphate.

[0060] Example 11. The composition according to Example 9 or 10, wherein the polymer comprises polyvinyl alcohol.

[0061] Example 12. The composition according to any one of Examples 9 to 11, wherein the eutectic alloy particles comprise a bismuth-tin alloy, a bismuth-lead alloy, a bismuth-tin-lead alloy, or any combination thereof.

[0062] Example 13. The composition according to any one of Examples 9 to 12, wherein the volume ratio of the polymer crosslinked with metaphosphate to the eutectic alloy is about 3:7 to about 9:1.

[0063] Example 14. The composition according to any one of Examples 9 to 13, wherein the plurality of eutectic composite particles have a content of about 1 g / cm³. 3 Approximately 4g / cm 3 The proportion of.

[0064] Example 15. The composition according to any one of Examples 9 to 14 further includes a filtration loss reducer, a retarder, or any combination thereof.

[0065] Example 16. The composition according to any one of Examples 9 to 15, wherein the composition is a solid.

[0066] Example 17. A method comprising: introducing a cement slurry into a wellbore penetrating an underground formation, wherein the cement slurry comprises cement, water, and a plurality of eutectic composite particles, the plurality of eutectic composite particles comprising eutectic alloy particles dispersed in a polymer crosslinked with metaphosphate; and solidifying the cement slurry into concrete in a downhole region of interest.

[0067] Example 18. The method according to Example 17, wherein the downhole region of interest is the annulus between the wellbore wall and the pipe fittings therein, the annulus between two pipe fittings, the micro-annulus, or a combination thereof.

[0068] Example 19. The method according to Example 17 or 18, wherein the metaphosphate comprises sodium hexametaphosphate, sodium trimetaphosphate, or a combination of sodium hexametaphosphate and sodium trimetaphosphate.

[0069] Example 20. The method according to any one of Examples 17 to 19, wherein the polymer comprises polyvinyl alcohol.

[0070] Example 21. The method according to any one of Examples 17 to 20, wherein the eutectic alloy comprises a bismuth-tin alloy, a bismuth-lead alloy, a bismuth-tin-lead alloy, or any combination thereof.

[0071] Example 22. The method according to any one of Examples 17 to 21, wherein the volume ratio of the polymer crosslinked with metaphosphate to the eutectic alloy is about 3:7 to about 9:1.

[0072] Example 23. The method according to any one of Examples 17 to 22, wherein the plurality of eutectic composite particles have a density of about 1 g / cm³. 3 Approximately 4g / cm 3 The proportion of.

[0073] Example 24. The method according to any one of Examples 17 to 23, wherein the cement slurry further comprises a filtration loss reducer, a retarder, or any combination thereof.

[0074] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that when the terms “comprising,” “containing,” and / or “including,” and variations thereof are used in this specification, they specify the presence of the stated feature, integral, step, operation, element, and / or component, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components.

[0075] The directional terms used herein are for convention and reference purposes only and should not be construed as restrictive. However, it should be recognized that these terms may be used by reference to the operator or user. Therefore, no limitation is implied or inferred. Furthermore, the use of ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) is for distinction rather than counting. For example, the use of "third" does not necessarily imply a corresponding "first" or "second". In addition, if used herein, the terms "coupled" or "coupled to" or "connected" or "attached" or "attached to" may indicate the establishment of a direct or indirect connection, and are not limited to either, unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0076] While several exemplary embodiments have been described in this disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and elements can be substituted with equivalents without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that many modifications will adapt particular instruments, situations, or materials to embodiments of this disclosure without departing from the essential scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed or the best mode for carrying out the invention, but rather will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, references in the appended claims to means or systems or components of means or systems adapted to, arranged to, capable of, configured to, enable, operable to, or operated to perform a particular function include the means, system, or component, whether or not it or the particular function is activated, turned on, or unlocked, provided that the means, system, or component is so configured, arranged, capable of, operable to, or operated.

Claims

1. A method comprising: A cement slurry is introduced into a wellbore penetrating underground formation, wherein the cement slurry comprises cement, water, and a plurality of eutectic composite particles, the plurality of eutectic composite particles comprising eutectic alloy particles dispersed in a polymer crosslinked with metaphosphate; and The cement slurry is then allowed to solidify into concrete in the downhole region of interest.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The downhole region of interest is the annulus between the wellbore wall and the pipe fittings therein, the annulus between two pipe fittings, the micro-annulus, or a combination thereof.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The metaphosphate comprises sodium hexametaphosphate, sodium trimetaphosphate, or a combination of sodium hexametaphosphate and sodium trimetaphosphate.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The polymer includes polyvinyl alcohol.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The eutectic alloy includes bismuth-tin alloy, bismuth-lead alloy, bismuth-tin-lead alloy, or any combination thereof.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The volume ratio of the polymer crosslinked with metaphosphate to the eutectic alloy is from about 3:7 to about 9:

1.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The plurality of eutectic composite particles have approximately 1 g / cm³ 3 Approximately 4g / cm 3 The proportion of.

8. A method comprising: Crosslinking a mixture containing polymer, metaphosphate and multiple eutectic alloy particles to produce a eutectic composite material; as well as Multiple eutectic composite material particles are generated from the eutectic composite material.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The metaphosphate comprises sodium hexametaphosphate, sodium trimetaphosphate, or a combination of sodium hexametaphosphate and sodium trimetaphosphate, and wherein the polymer comprises polyvinyl alcohol.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The pH of the mixture is from about 8 to about 11, and the crosslinking occurs at a temperature of from about 160°F to about 190°F.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein, The eutectic alloy particles include bismuth-tin alloys, bismuth-lead alloys, bismuth-tin-lead alloys, or any combination thereof.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein, The volume ratio of the cross-linked polymer to the eutectic alloy is approximately 3:7 to approximately 9:

1.

13. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein, The plurality of eutectic composite particles have approximately 1 g / cm³ 3 Approximately 4g / cm 3 The proportion of.

14. A composition comprising: cement; water; as well as Multiple eutectic composite particles, the multiple eutectic composite particles comprising eutectic alloy particles dispersed in a polymer crosslinked with metaphosphate.

15. The composition according to claim 14, wherein, The metaphosphate comprises sodium hexametaphosphate, sodium trimetaphosphate, or a combination of sodium hexametaphosphate and sodium trimetaphosphate.

16. The composition according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, The polymer contains polyvinyl alcohol.

17. The composition according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein, The eutectic alloy particles comprise bismuth-tin alloy, bismuth-lead alloy, bismuth-tin-lead alloy, or any combination thereof.

18. The composition according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein, The volume ratio of the polymer crosslinked with metaphosphate to the eutectic alloy is from about 3:7 to about 9:

1.

19. The composition according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein, The plurality of eutectic composite particles have approximately 1 g / cm³ 3 Approximately 4g / cm 3 The proportion of.

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