Oilfield elements having controlled solubility and methods of use
Oilfield elements are described, one embodiment comprising a combination of a normally insoluble metal with an element selected from a second metal, a semi-metallic material, and non-metallic materials; and one or more solubility-modified high strength and/or high-toughness polymeric materials selected from polyamides, polyethers, and liquid crystal polymers. Methods of using the oilfield elements in oilfield operations are also described. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
1. An oilfield element for engaging a seat within a wellbore and provide a fluid barrier therewith, the oilfield element comprising:
a body of the oilfield element having a shape to facilitate travel through a wellbore;
a core portion of the body;
a shell portion of the body disposed about the core portion and having a shape that cooperates with the seat to provide a fluid barrier within the wellbore;
a non-soluble component of the shell portion which provides a structural integrity of the shell portion;
an opening of the shell portion providing fluid access to the core portion; and
a soluble component of the core portion which degrades when exposed to wellbore fluids thereby reducing the structural integrity of the shell portion and compromising the fluid barrier provided by the cooperation of the shell portion and the seat.
2. The oilfield element of claim 1 wherein the non-soluble component and soluble component are selected such that the degradation of the soluble component of the core portion provides an environment which degrades the non-soluble component of the shell.
3. The oilfield, element of claim 1 wherein the non-soluble component includes aluminum.
4. The oilfield element of claim 1 including a plug in the opening of the shell portion to temporarily block wellbore fluid from contacting and degrading the soluble component of the core portion.
5. The oilfield element of claim 1 wherein the non-soluble component comprises a metal selected the group consisting of iron, copper, titanium, zirconium, and combinations thereof.
6. The oilfield element of claim 1 wherein the opening comprises a plurality of holes extending through the non-soluble component into the soluble component, the number of holes controlling degradation of the soluble component.
7. The oilfield element of claim 1 , wherein the oilfield element has a shape selected from the group consisting of cylindrical, round, bar shapes, and dart shapes.