Degradable compositions, apparatus comprising same, and methods of use

Abstract

Compositions, apparatus incorporating a composition, and methods of use are described, one composition embodiment consisting essentially of one or more reactive metals in major proportion, and one or more alloying elements in minor proportion, with the provisos that the composition is high-strength, controllably reactive, and degradable under defined conditions. Compositions of the invention may exist in a variety of morphologies, including a reactive metal or degradable alloy processed into an alloy of crystalline, amorphous or mixed structure that may constitute the matrix of other composition, for instance a composite. Methods of using apparatus comprising a composition, particularly in oilfield operations are also described (e.g. flow and displacement control, sensors, actuators). 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. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A material for providing an oilfield element for being placed in a wellbore, the material comprising:
 a core material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, zinc, magnesium and combinations thereof; and   a coating disposed about the core material,   
       wherein the coating includes aluminum. 
     
     
         2 . The material of  claim 1 , wherein the core material includes nanomaterials. 
     
     
         3 . The material of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the core material and the coating material is a dissolvable material. 
     
     
         4 . The material of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the core material and the coating material comprises a sensor. 
     
     
         5 . The material of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the core material and the coating material is a dissolvable material and a sensor is disposed within the dissolvable material. 
     
     
         6 . The material of  claim 5 , wherein the sensor comprises a chemical sensor. 
     
     
         7 . The material of  claim 5 , wherein the sensor comprises a piezo sensor. 
     
     
         8 . The material of  claim 5 , wherein the sensor provides one of an electrical response, an optical response, or a thermal response. 
     
     
         9 . The material of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the core material and the coating material is an inert material and the other material is reactive, wherein a sensor is disposed within the inert material. 
     
     
         10 . The material of  claim 9 , wherein the sensor comprises a chemical sensor. 
     
     
         11 . The material of  claim 9 , wherein the sensor comprises a piezo sensor. 
     
     
         12 . The material of  claim 9 , wherein the sensor provides one of an electrical response, an optical response, or a thermal response. 
     
     
         13 . A method of manufacturing an oilfield element, the method comprising:
 providing a coated metallic powder including aluminum; and   sintering the coated metallic powder to provide the oilfield element.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the coated metallic powder further includes magnesium. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the coated metallic powder includes nanomaterials. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising disposing a sensor in the oilfield element. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the sensor comprises a chemical sensor. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the sensor comprises a piezo sensor. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the sensor provides one of an electrical response, an optical response, or a thermal response. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the sensor is activated upon dissolution of a portion of the oilfield element.