Swellable compositions for borehole applications
AssigneeSchlumberger Technology Corporation
InventorsSimon James, Bruno Drochon
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Compositions that swell on contact with water contain a non-swellable thermoplastic or thermoset polymer and a swellable inorganic compound. In particular, the compositions are suitable for use in subterranean wells such as those used in the oil and gas industry. The polymer may be polypropylene and the inorganic compound may be magnesium oxide.
Claims20
A swellable composition, suitable for use in subterranean wells, comprising an inorganic material dispersed within a polymer matrix, wherein the inorganic material swells on contact with water due to hydration and phase modification of the inorganic material, and wherein the polymer matrix is in the form of a plaque.
A method of treating an apparatus for installation in a borehole, comprising applying a coating or a swellable composition on surfaces of the apparatus that can potentially contact water or other borehole fluids when installed, the composition comprising an inorganic material dispersed within a polymer matrix, wherein the inorganic material swells on contact with water due to hydration and phase modification, and wherein the polymer matrix is in the form of a plaque.
A method for manufacturing swellable compositions suitable for use in subterranean wells, comprising dispersing a swellable inorganic material within a polymer matrix, the polymer matrix being in the form of a plaque.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.