Mechanically degradable polymers for wellbore work fluid applications

摘要

A composition including a wellbore work fluid and a polymer having mechanically labile chemical bonds is injected downhole, and combines with fluid present downhole to yield a composite fluid. Mechanical energy (e.g., ultrasonic energy) is provided to the composite fluid downhole to cleave the mechanically labile chemical bonds in the polymer. The polymer may be used as a viscosifier, friction reducer, or fluid loss additive. Cleaving the mechanically labile chemical bonds with mechanical energy allows precise degradation downhole.