Degradable elements for downhole applications
A downhole element for use in a wellbore with a wellbore fluid. The downhole element includes a body formed from a dissolvable material to degrade at a first rate when exposed to the wellbore fluid, with at least one cavity defined by the body. A degradation agent is disposed within the at least one cavity. The at least one cavity selectively releases the degradation agent and the degradation agent degrades the body at a second rate when exposed to the wellbore fluid and the dissolvable material.
1. A frac plug for use in a wellbore with a wellbore fluid, the frac plug comprising:
a body of the frac plug formed from a dissolvable material to degrade at a first rate when exposed to the wellbore fluid;
at least one cavity defined by the body; and
a degradation agent disposed within the at least one cavity, wherein the at least one cavity selectively releases the degradation agent and the degradation agent degrades the body at a second rate when exposed to the wellbore fluid and the dissolvable material.
2. The downhole element of claim 1 , wherein the cavity is defined by at least one wall of the body.
3. The downhole element of claim 2 , wherein the at least one wall includes a reduced thickness portion.
4. The downhole element of claim 1 , wherein the degradation agent is a dry acid.
5. The downhole element of claim 4 , wherein the dry acid is at least one of boric acid, sodium bisulfate, oxalic acid, sulfamic acid, and phthalic acid.
6. The downhole element of claim 1 , wherein the degradation agent is disposed within a breakable container.
7. The downhole element of claim 6 , wherein the breakable container is broken by movement of the body.
8. The downhole element of claim 1 , wherein movement of the body releases the degradation agent from the cavity.
9. The downhole element of claim 8 , wherein the body translates to open the cavity.
10. The downhole element of claim 9 , wherein the body is selectively retained.
11. The downhole element of claim 10 , wherein the body is selectively retained by a shear device.
12. A method to accelerate degradation in a wellbore with a wellbore fluid, the method comprising:
defining at least one cavity within a body of a frac plug wherein the body is formed from a dissolvable material;
disposing a degradation agent within the at least one cavity;
exposing the frac plug to the wellbore fluid;
degrading the body at a first rate in response to the wellbore fluid;
selectively releasing the degradation agent from the cavity;
exposing the degradation agent to the wellbore fluid and the dissolvable material; and
degrading the dissolvable material at a second rate in response to the wellbore fluid.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the degradation agent is a dry acid.
14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the dry acid is at least one of boric acid, sodium bisulfate, oxalic acid, sulfamic acid, and phthalic acid.
15. The method of claim 12 , wherein the degradation agent is disposed within a breakable container.
16. The method of claim 15 , wherein the breakable container is broken by movement of the body.
17. The method of claim 16 , wherein movement of the body releases the degradation agent from the cavity.
18. A system for use in a wellbore with a wellbore fluid, the system comprising:
a casing string disposed within the wellbore; and
a frac plug disposed within the casing string, the frac plug including:
a body formed from a dissolvable material to degrade at a first rate when exposed to the wellbore fluid;
at least one cavity defined by the body; and
a degradation agent disposed within the at least one cavity, wherein the at least one cavity selectively releases the degradation agent and the degradation agent degrades the body at a second rate when exposed to the wellbore fluid and the dissolvable material.