Degradable material for different oilfield applications

Abstract

This invention relates to compositions and methods A method of treating a subterranean formation including forming a fluid comprising zein, and introducing the fluid to a subterranean formation. A method of treating a subterranean formation comprising a wellbore, including introducing a tubular to the wellbore wherein the tubular comprises zein.

1 . A method of treating a subterranean formation, comprising:
 forming a fluid comprising zein; and   introducing the fluid to a subterranean formation.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid further comprises methanol, ethylene glycol, ethanol, or a mixture thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid further comprises 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride or 1-ethyl-3 methylimidalolium ethylsulfate. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising altering the wettability of a surface of the subterranean formation or a particle in the fluid. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid further comprises starch. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid is an energized fluid or foam. 
     
     
         7 . A method, comprising:
 introducing a tubular to the wellbore,   wherein the tubular comprises zein.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the zein is uniformly distributed across the surface of the tubular. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the zein is distributed across the surface of the tubular to facilitate the formation of perforations in the tubular. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the zein degrades over time. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 7 , the tubular comprises metal. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the tubular is a non conductive, electrically transparent tubular. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising NMR logging and/or resistivity measurements. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the tubular is a canister. 
     
     
         15 . A method of treating a subterranean formation comprising a wellbore, comprising:
 forming a fluid comprising zein; and   introducing the fluid to the wellbore.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the zein encapsulates a chemical that is released as the zein degrades. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the zein encapsulates a solid particle. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein a flowback of the particle is prevented. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein a particle transport of the fluid is more effective than if no zein were in the fluid. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the fluid further comprises a crosslinker. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the crosslinker comprises borate or zirconium. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the fluid has a viscosity that is higher than if no zein were in the fluid. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the shape and/or size of the zein is selected to control fluid loss or diversion. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the zein has a shape selected from the group consisting of fibers, particulates, tubulars, rods, containers, or a combination thereof.