Downhole tool having a sealing element constructed from a polyvinyl alcohol compound
AssigneeBubbletight, LLC
InventorCarl Andrew Rosenholm
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Degradable downhole tools, tool components, and balls are formed from a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) compound. The PVA compound exhibits strength and elasticity properties that are comparable to existing degradable downhole polymers and further exhibits degradability properties that are superior to existing degradable downhole polymers. For different components, the PVA compound may include a reinforcing material such as fiberglass. A plug for use in a wellbore conduit may include a sealing element that is formed of PVA compounds of various types.
Claims20
A plug for use in a wellbore conduit, comprising:
- a body having an axial bore extending therethrough;
- one or more slips configured to move radially to engage an interior wall of the wellbore conduit;
- and
- a water-degradable, elastomeric sealing element configured to form a seal between an outer surface of the body and the interior wall of the wellbore conduit, wherein the sealing element is at least partially formed from a first polyvinyl alcohol compound comprising a blend of polyvinyl alcohol and styrene-rubber polymer.
A plug for use in a wellbore conduit, comprising:
- a body having an axial bore extending therethrough;
- one or more slips configured to move radially to engage an interior wall of the wellbore conduit;
- and
- a water-degradable, elastomeric sealing element configured to form a seal between an outer surface of the body and the interior wall of the wellbore conduit, wherein the sealing element is at least partially formed from a first polyvinyl alcohol compound comprising a blend of polyvinyl alcohol and polycaprolactam.
A plug for use in a wellbore conduit, comprising:
- a body having an axial bore extending therethrough;
- one or more slips configured to move radially to engage an interior wall of the wellbore conduit;
- and
- a water-degradable, elastomeric sealing element configured to form a seal between an outer surface of the body and the interior wall of the wellbore conduit, wherein the sealing element is at least partially formed from a first polyvinyl alcohol compound that is produced using a chemical foaming agent.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.