| abstract |
Through the combination of at least two polymer families, and the optimization of other components, a rubber compound has been developed for use in downhole applications that will swell in water-based fluids. A cellulose component, such as carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC), is used together with an acrylate copolymer (AC) that can increase the swelling capacity of an acrylo- nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) in water to over 1000%. The amount of swelling achieved depends on physical boundaries and limitations, the salinity of the water, and the temperature. |