Self-degrading fibers and associated methods of use and manufacture

Abstract

This invention relates to the use of degradable fibers, and more particularly, to self-degrading fibers and their associated methods of use and manufacture. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a self degrading fiber comprising: an outer shell, and a core liquid.

1 . A self degrading fiber comprising: 
 an outer shell, and    a core liquid.    
   
   
       2 . The fiber of  claim 1  further comprising a coating.  
   
   
       3 . The fiber of  claim 2  wherein the coating comprises at least one of the following: an adhesive or an enzyme.  
   
   
       4 . The fiber of  claim 1  wherein the fiber has a round cross-sectional shape, an oval cross-sectional shape, a trilobal shape, a star shape, a flat shape, or a rectangular shape.  
   
   
       5 . The fiber of  claim 1  wherein the fiber has a diameter of about 2 microns to about 200 microns and a length of at least about 1 millimeter.  
   
   
       6 . The fiber of  claim 1  wherein the fiber has an aspect ratio of greater than about 100.  
   
   
       7 . The fiber of  claim 1  wherein the fiber is straight, crimped, curved, or spiral-shaped.  
   
   
       8 . The fiber of  claim 1  wherein the fiber has a density of about 1 to about 4 g/cm 3 .  
   
   
       9 . The fiber of  claim 1  wherein the outer shell of at least one of the self-degrading fibers comprises at least one of the following: an aliphatic polyester; a poly(lactide); a poly(glycolide); a poly(ε-caprolactone); a poly(hydroxybutyrate); a polyanhydride; an aliphatic polycarbonate; a poly(orthoester); a poly(amide); a poly(urethane); a poly(hydroxy ester ether); or a poly(phosphazene).  
   
   
       10 . The fiber of  claim 1  wherein the core liquid of at least one of the self-degrading fibers comprises at least one of the following: an alcohol, an acid, or an aqueous-based fluid.  
   
   
       11 . The fiber of  claim 1  wherein the core liquid comprises an additive.  
   
   
       12 . The fiber of  claim 11  wherein the additive is a corrosion inhibitor, a chelator, an enzyme, or a breaker.  
   
   
       13 . The fiber of  claim 1  wherein the outer shell has a closed fiber end.  
   
   
       14 . The fiber of  claim 1  wherein the core liquid comprises a plurality of core liquids.  
   
   
       15 . A subterranean treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and a plurality of self-degrading fibers, the self-degrading fibers comprising an outer shell and a core fluid.  
   
   
       16 . The subterranean treatment fluid of  claim 15  wherein the treatment fluid is a fracturing fluid or a gravel pack fluid.  
   
   
       17 . The subterranean treatment fluid of  claim 15  wherein the outer shell of at least one of the self-degrading fibers comprises at least one of the following: an aliphatic polyester; a poly(lactide); a poly(glycolide); a poly(ε-caprolactone); a poly(hydroxybutyrate); a polyanhydride; an aliphatic polycarbonate; a poly(orthoester); a poly(amide); a poly(urethane); a poly(hydroxy ester ether); or a poly(phosphazene).  
   
   
       18 . The subterranean treatment fluid of  claim 15  wherein the core liquid of at least one of the self-degrading fibers comprises at least one of the following: an alcohol, an acid, or an aqueous-based fluid.  
   
   
       19 . A cement composition comprising a hydraulic cement, and a plurality of self-degrading fibers, the self-degrading fibers comprising an outer shell and a core fluid.  
   
   
       20 . The cement composition of  claim 19  wherein the outer shell of at least one of the self-degrading fibers comprises at least one of the following: an aliphatic polyester; a poly(lactide); a poly(glycolide); a poly(ε-caprolactone); a poly(hydroxybutyrate); a polyanhydride; an aliphatic polycarbonate; a poly(orthoester); a poly(amide); a poly(urethane); a poly(hydroxy ester ether); or a poly(phosphazene).