Applications of Degradable Polymer for Delayed Mechanical Changes in Wells
AssigneeKureha Corporation
InventorClaude E. Cooke, JR.
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Degradable polylactic or polyhydroxyalkanoate polymers may be used to viscosify aqueous fluids for use in wells. Sand control screen or liner can be coated with a solid degradable polymer during placement in a well. Mechanical changes or flow changes in a well can be caused by solid degradable polymer that changes physical properties after it is placed in a well. Parts of devices or entire devices can be made of solid degradable polymer that converts to a fluid after selected times in an aqueous environment in a well.
Claims4
1-8. (canceled)
A device or part of the device for use in a well comprising a solid hydrolytically degradable polymer, the solid hydrolytically degradable polymer comprising a polyester, selected to decrease in strength a selected amount in a selected range of time in an aqueous environment in the well wherein the device is selected from the group consisting of a packer, bridge plug and cement retainer, wherein the decrease in strength permits removal of the device from the well.
(canceled)
(canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.