Degradable Elastomeric Material for Downhole Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in developing materials for downhole applications that can degrade selectively and efficiently in geologic environments, particularly for use in fracturing operations, where current solutions lack the ability to dynamically adjust properties in response to fluid exposure and pressure.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the polymerization of a blend of polymeric materials and degradable alloy particles, forming a degradable elastomeric component that can degrade upon exposure to fluids, allowing for controlled sealing and fracture management in downhole environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional materials are used in downhole applications, then they provide structural integrity and sealing, but they cannot degrade selectively in geologic environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials consisting of a polymeric matrix combined with degradable alloy particles (such as magnesium, zinc, or their alloys). This composite structure allows the material to exhibit both the structural integrity provided by the polymer and the degradable properties of the alloy particles, enabling selective degradation in geologic environments while maintaining stability during operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If degradable materials are used, then they can degrade upon fluid exposure, but they lack the ability to withstand operational pressures during the fracturing process
Solution Approach 1:
The degradable alloy particles are embedded within a polymeric matrix that provides the necessary mechanical strength and pressure resistance. During fracturing operations, the composite material can withstand high operational pressures due to the polymer's structural properties, while the degradable alloy particles remain intact until exposed to formation fluids, at which point they begin to degrade.
Solution Approach 2:
The material's degradation behavior is controlled by changing environmental parameters such as fluid exposure, pH, and temperature. The degradable alloy particles are designed to remain stable under operational conditions (high pressure, elevated temperature) but initiate degradation when exposed to specific formation fluid conditions, allowing controlled transition from pressure-resistant to degradable state.
3Productivity
If materials are designed to degrade quickly, then they can unblock passages efficiently, but they cannot maintain sealing function throughout the operational period
Solution Approach 1:
The degradation speed is controlled by changing environmental parameters such as fluid composition, pH, temperature, and pressure. The degradable alloy particles are formulated to degrade at different rates based on the local geologic environment and fluid conditions, allowing the material to maintain sealing function during the operational period and then degrade at an appropriate rate to unblock passages when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the composite material can have different degradation characteristics based on the distribution and composition of degradable alloy particles. The material can be designed with varying particle concentrations, sizes, and types to create zones with different degradation rates, allowing the sealing function to be maintained in critical areas while enabling passage unblocking in other regions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables the creation of degradable components that can withstand operational pressures and then degrade, facilitating the unblocking of passages and managing fractures effectively, enhancing the efficiency and safety of fracturing operations.
Implementation Method 1
a degradable component from the polymerized blend of materials... degradable elastomeric material can include a polymeric matrix and degradable alloy particles... degrade upon exposure to fluids
Data Source
AI summary
A method can include polymerizing a blend of materials where the materials include polymeric material and a degradable alloy material; and forming a degradable component from the polymerized blend of materials. Such a method can include exposing the degradable component to water where the degradable alloy material reacts with the water to at least in part degrade the component.