US 12,320,232 B2
Controlled deployment of shape-memory articles using emulsified fluids
Aaron C. Hammer, Houston, TX (US)
Assigned to Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC, Houston, TX (US)
Filed by Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC, Houston, TX (US)
Filed on Jun. 15, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/335,479.
Prior Publication US 2024/0418053 A1, Dec. 19, 2024
Int. Cl. E21B 33/16 (2006.01); C09K 8/50 (2006.01); E21B 43/34 (2006.01)
CPC E21B 33/165 (2020.05) [C09K 8/50 (2013.01)] 18 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of installing a downhole device, the method comprising:
introducing a downhole device into a wellbore, the downhole device a shape-memory article, the shape-memory article comprising a shape-memory polymer, wherein the downhole device is disposed when the shape-memory article is in a compacted shape;
exposing the shape-memory article to a deployment emulsion comprising an activation fluid emulsified in a non-reactive fluid;
breaking the deployment emulsion to release the activation fluid; and
contacting the shape-memory article in the compacted shape with the released activation fluid to deploy the shape-memory article,
wherein the deployment emulsion has a density of about 0.75 lbs/gallon to about 17 lbs/gallon.