Method of manufacturing a heat-shrink elastomeric element

A method of using a heat-shrink elastomeric element comprising:

• providing the heat-shrink elastomeric element;
• wherein the heat-shrink elastomeric element has a first shape;
• wherein the heat-shrink elastomeric element comprises a thermoset polymer having a polymer backbone comprising a monomer selected from the group consisting of acrylate, acrylamide, and any combination thereof;
• wherein the heat-shrink elastomeric element is produced from an amorphous thermoplastic polymer irradiated with a radiation dose of about 5 to about 300 kilogray to produce the heat-shrink elastomeric element;
• wherein at least one portion of the amorphous thermoplastic polymer was irradiated with a different radiation dose than another portion of the amorphous thermoplastic polymer;
• then heating the heat-shrink elastomeric element above its glass transition temperature prior to fitting the heat-shrink elastomeric element over at least a portion of a downhole tool or a surface equipment;
• then physically altering the shape of the heat-shrink elastomeric element after heating the heat-shrink elastomeric element above its glass transition temperature to a second shape larger than the first shape;
• then cooling the heat-shrink elastomeric element to a temperature below its glass transition temperature after physically altering the shape of the heat-shrink elastomeric element and before fitting the heat-shrink elastomeric element over at least the portion of the downhole tool or the surface equipment;
• then fitting the heat-shrink elastomeric element over at least the portion of the downhole tool or the surface equipment;
• then positioning the heat-shrink elastomeric element on an area of the downhole tool or the surface equipment;
• then heating the heat-shrink elastomeric element above its glass transition temperature to shrink the heat-shrink elastomeric element to its first shape while around the downhole tool or the surface equipment;
• and
• then using the downhole tool or the surface equipment.