Degradable Thermoset Polymer Wellbore Component Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellbore system components, such as bridge plugs and fracturing balls, require complex removal methods like drilling or wireline intervention, which can be inefficient and costly, especially when exposed to wellbore fluids like water or brine.
Innovation Solution
Development of wellbore components made from a selectively degradable thermoset polymer, specifically polyhexahydrotriazine (PHT), which remains stable in wellbore fluids but degrades in acidic solutions, allowing for easy removal by exposure to hydrochloric or sulfuric acid, facilitating their extraction without disrupting ongoing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional materials (metal, thermoplastic polymers) are used for wellbore components, then the components provide structural integrity and stability during use, but they require complex removal methods (drilling, wireline intervention) that are inefficient and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting a thermoset polymer material with specific chemical composition and degradation characteristics. The material is engineered to remain stable under normal wellbore conditions (temperature, pressure, pH) but undergoes controlled degradation when exposed to specific chemical environments, enabling easy removal without complex operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material strategies by formulating thermoset polymers with specific properties that combine structural integrity during use with controlled degradability for removal. The material composition is designed to balance mechanical strength requirements with chemical responsiveness for on-demand degradation
2Ease of operation
If degradable materials are used for wellbore components, then removal becomes easier through degradation, but the components may degrade prematurely when exposed to wellbore fluids like water or brine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully selecting and controlling the chemical composition, crosslink density, and molecular structure of the thermoset polymer. These parameter adjustments create a material that maintains stability across a range of wellbore conditions (pH, temperature, salinity) while remaining responsive to specific degradation triggers, preventing premature degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions of different degradation resistance within the material structure. The thermoset polymer is formulated with heterogeneous crosslinking patterns or compositional gradients that provide resistance to general wellbore fluids while maintaining vulnerability to specific degradation conditions, ensuring reliability during use but enabling removal when needed
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 degradable thermoset polymer components provide temporary obstructions in wellbores without degrading during use and can be efficiently removed through acid exposure, reducing the need for invasive removal techniques and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
exposing the component to an acidic solution to degrade the degradable thermoset polymer
Implementation Method 2
The combination of paraformaldehyde, diamine material, and solvent is cured at an elevated temperature of at least about 50° C. to form a polyhexahydrotriazine material
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of using a component in a subterranean wellbore include positioning a component including a degradable thermoset polymer material in a wellbore location, obstructing flow with the component, exposing the component to an acidic solution to degrade the selectively degradable thermoset polymer material and to remove the component from the wellbore location, and flowing a fluid through the wellbore location where the component was positioned. Methods of forming a component of a wellbore system include forming at least a portion of the component to comprise a degradable thermoset polymer material. Wellbore systems include at least one component including a selectively degradable thermoset polymer material. The selectively degradable thermoset polymer material may be a polyhexahydrotriazine (“PHT”) material.