Hydrogel for use in downhole seal applications
US7304098B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 28, 2006 |
| Grant date | Dec 4, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 28, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC09K2200/0685
- WIPO fieldMacromolecular chemistry, polymers
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention is a composition for forming seals. The composition includes a base material and a hydrogel. The base materials is preferably an elastomer or a thermoplastic. Seals formed with the composition are particularly suited for use in a wellbore environment. The inclusion of hydrogel in the seals allows the seals to be manipulated or altered through certain environmental factors. For instance, temperature, oil/water ratio, pH and the electronic field may all be used to alter the characteristics of the hydrogel. In this way, the seal may be caused to swell in response to a specific stimulus, thereby preventing or sealing a leak without requiring additional work or input from the operator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.