Degradable Rubber Composition for Downhole Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rubber members for downhole tools, while degradable, pose issues with storability and can cause obstacles in petroleum recovery due to non-degradability and storage challenges.
Innovation Solution
A rubber composition incorporating degradable rubber, a degradation accelerator represented by General Formula (I) or (II), and a degradation inhibitor such as carbodiimide, oxazoline, or epoxy compounds, with specific mass ratios to enhance storability and degradability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If degradable rubber is used in downhole tools, then the rubber can be degraded after use to avoid obstructing petroleum recovery, but the rubber suffers from poor storability and degrades during storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating a degradation inhibitor into the rubber composition before the degradation process is desired. This inhibitor is pre-loaded in the formulation and remains active during storage to prevent premature degradation, but can be deactivated or removed when degradation is needed after the tool's service life in the wellbore
Solution Approach 2:
The degradation inhibitor acts as an intermediary substance that mediates between the degradable rubber and the degradation accelerator. It temporarily blocks the degradation mechanism during storage, then allows degradation to proceed when needed, effectively controlling the timing of the degradation process
2Object-generated harmful factors
If degradation accelerator is added to degradable rubber, then degradability is improved, but storability deteriorates due to premature degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by adding a degradation inhibitor that counteracts the effect of the degradation accelerator during storage. This inhibitor prevents the accelerator from acting on the rubber, thereby maintaining stability during storage while allowing degradability to function when the inhibitor is no longer present or inactive
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the rubber composition by incorporating specific degradation inhibitors (carbodiimide compounds, oxazoline compounds, oxazine compounds, or epoxy compounds) at controlled levels (0.1 to 3 parts by mass per 100 parts of degradable rubber). This parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain stability during storage while preserving degradability capabilities
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 rubber composition exhibits excellent storability and degradability, maintaining tensile strength during storage and rapid degradation in well fluids, preventing petroleum production obstructions.
Implementation Method 1
degradation accelerator... rapid degradation in well fluids
Implementation Method 2
degradation inhibitor... maintaining tensile strength during storage
Data Source
AI summary
A rubber composition for downhole tools having excellent degradability and storability is provided. The rubber composition for downhole tools includes degradable rubber, a degradation accelerator, and a degradation inhibitor. The degradation accelerator is at least one type of the compound represented by Formula (I) or Formula (II) below. The degradation inhibitor is at least one type selected from the group consisting of carbodiimide compounds, oxazoline compounds, oxazine compounds, and epoxy compounds. The content of the degradation accelerator is from 0.1 to 20 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the degradable rubber. The content of the degradation inhibitor is from 0.1 to 3 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the degradable rubber.