One-time use composite tool formed of fibers and a biodegradable resin
AssigneeHalliburton Energy Services, Inc.
InventorsBradley L. Todd, Rajesh K. Saini, Loren C. Swor, Phillip M. Starr
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention is directed to disposable composite downhole tool formed of a resin-coated fiber. The fiber is formed of a degradable polymer, such as a poly(lactide) or polyanhydride. The resin is formed of the same degradable polymer as the fiber. It chemically bonds to the fiber, thereby making a strong rigid structure once cured. The fiber may be formed into a fabric before being coated with the resin. Alternatively, the fiber is formed of a non-biodegradable material.
Claims65
A disposable composite downhole tool comprising at least one fiber and a biodegradable resin that desirably decomposes when exposed to a well bore environment.
A disposable composite downhole tool comprising at least one aliphatic polyester fiber formed of a stereoisomer of polylactic acid and an aliphatic polyester resin formed of a mixture of L-lactide and D-lactide that desirably decomposes when exposed to a well bore environment.
A disposable composite downhole tool comprising a fabric formed of at least one poly(lactide) or polyanhydride fiber and a poly(lactide) or polyanhydride resin that desirably decomposes when exposed to a well bore environment.
A system for performing a one-time downhole operation comprising a composite downhole tool comprising at least one fiber and a biodegradable resin and an enclosure for storing a chemical solution that catalyzes decomposition of the downhole tool.
A method for performing a one-time downhole operation comprising the steps of installing within a well bore a disposable composite downhole tool comprising at least one fiber and a biodegradable resin and decomposing the tool in situ via exposure to the well bore environment.
A method for performing a one-time downhole operation comprising the steps of installing within a well bore a disposable composite downhole tool comprising at least one poly(lactide) or polyanhydride fiber and a poly(lactide) or polyanhydride resin and decomposing the tool in situ via exposure to the well bore environment.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.