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US 2019/0169953 A1Published application
Molded degradable downhole tool elements
AssigneeMagnum Oil Tools International, Ltd.
InventorW. Lynn Frazier
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A two-part structural element for a downhole tool is disclosed, and methods of making the same. The two parts are a moldable plastic second part and a first part being an insert for placement in a mold, typically before a thermoset or thermoplastic second part is poured or otherwise placed in the mold. One or both of the two parts may be degradable in a downhole fluid.
Claims65
A structural element for a downhole tool, comprising:
- a first part and a second part;
- the first part comprising a metal capable of degrading in an aqueous downhole fluid and capable of being placed in a mold with the second part, the first part disposed within the structural element such that when the tool is used in an aqueous downhole fluid at least some of the first part is at an outer surface of the structural element, and in contact with the aqueous downhole fluid, and at least some of the first part is not at the outer surface of the structural element;
- the second part comprising a moldable material capable of degrading in the aqueous downhole fluid;
- the second part disposed within the structural element such that when the tool is used in the aqueous downhole fluid at least some of the second part is not at the outer surface of the structural element;
- and
- the structural element capable of degradation more quickly in the aqueous downhole fluid than a similar structural element comprised solely of the second part will degrade.
3 more elements
A method of making a structural element for a downhole tool, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a mold having a mold cavity;
- partly filing the cavity with a first material comprising an insert;
- filing the mold cavity with an uncured or unset second material, the second material comprising a material in a plastic or fluid state, the second material at least partly encapsulating the first material;
- allowing the second material to cure or set to a solid form;
- and
- removing the form from the mold cavity;
- wherein at least one of the first or second material is degradable in a downhole fluid.
4 more elements
A structural element for a settable downhole tool, the structural element comprising:
- a first part comprising a metal capable of degradation in an aqueous downhole fluid and configured to fit into a mold;
- and
- a second part comprising a moldable material.
A structural element for a settable downhole tool, comprising:
- a first part comprising a metal degradable in an aqueous downhole fluid and capable of being used in an injection mold with a second part comprising a thermoset or thermoplastic material, the first part comprising a skeleton and disposed within the structural element so when the tool is used in an aqueous downhole fluid at least some outer portions of the first part are at the outer surface of the structural element, are in contact with the aqueous downhole fluid, and at least some inner portions of the first part are not in contact with the aqueous fluid;
- and
- a second part comprising an injection moldable material.
A structural element for a downhole tool, comprising:
- a first part and a second part;
- the first part comprising a metal degradable in an aqueous downhole fluid and capable of being used in an injection mold with the second part, the first part comprising a skeleton and disposed within the structural element so when the tool is used in an aqueous downhole fluid at least some outer portions of the first part are at the outer surface of the structural element, are in contact with the aqueous downhole fluid, and at least some inner portions of the first part are not in contact with the aqueous fluid;
- the second part comprising an injection moldable material degradable in an aqueous downhole fluid;
- the second part disposed within the structural element so when the tool is used in an aqueous downhole fluid at least some inner portions of the first part are not in contact with the aqueous downhole fluid;
- the first part degrades more quickly in aqueous downhole fluid than the second part, and degradation of the first part increases the surface area of the second part in contact with the aqueous downhole fluid;
- and
- the structural element degrades more quickly in the aqueous downhole fluid than a similar structural element comprised solely of the second part injection moldable material will degrade.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.