Isolation devices containing a transforming matrix and a galvanically-coupled reinforcement area
AssigneeHalliburton Energy Services, Inc.
InventorsMichael L. Fripp, Zachary W. Walton, Zachary R. Murphree
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Abstract
A method of using a wellbore isolation device comprises: introducing the wellbore isolation device into the wellbore, wherein the isolation device comprises: (A) a matrix, wherein the matrix has a phase transition temperature less than or equal to the bottomhole temperature of the wellbore; and (B) at least one reinforcement area, wherein the reinforcement area: (i) comprises at least a first material, wherein the first material undergoes galvanic corrosion; and (ii) has a greater tensile strength and/or shear strength than the matrix.
Claims17
A method of using a wellbore isolation device comprising:
- introducing the wellbore isolation device into the wellbore, wherein the isolation device comprises:
- (A) a matrix, wherein the matrix has a phase transition temperature less than or equal to the bottomhole temperature of the wellbore;
- and
- (B) at least one reinforcement area adjacent to the matrix, wherein the reinforcement area:
- (i) comprises at least a first material, wherein the first material undergoes galvanic corrosion;
- and
- (ii) has a greater tensile strength and/or shear strength than the matrix;
- and contacting the first material with an electrolyte, wherein the electrolyte is a wellbore fluid or a reservoir fluid;
- wherein the concentration of the electrolyte is adjusted to control the rate of galvanic corrosion of the first material.
A method of removing a wellbore isolation device comprising:
- introducing the wellbore isolation device into the wellbore, wherein the isolation device comprises:
- (A) a matrix, wherein the matrix has a phase transition temperature less than or equal to the bottomhole temperature of the wellbore;
- and
- (B) at least one reinforcement area adjacent to the matrix, wherein the reinforcement area:
- (i)comprises at least a first material, wherein the first material undergoes galvanic corrosion;
- and
- (ii) has a greater tensile strength and/or shear strength than the matrix;
- causing or allowing at least a portion of the matrix to undergo a phase transition;
- contacting the first material with an electrolyte, wherein the electrolyte is a wellbore fluid or a reservoir fluid;
- wherein the concentration of the electrolyte is adjusted to control the rate of galvanic corrosion of the first material;
- and
- causing or allowing at least a portion of the first material to galvanically corrode.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.