Methods of using elastomeric components

Abstract

A method includes fitting an elastomeric component about a perimeter surface of a tool that includes a longitudinal axis, the elastomeric component including carbon-based nanoplatelets in an elastomeric matrix; and tripping the tool into a bore in a geologic formation.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method comprising:
 fitting an elastomeric component about a perimeter surface of a tool that comprises a longitudinal axis, the elastomeric component comprising carbon-based nanoplatelets in an elastomeric matrix; and   tripping the tool into a bore in a geologic formation.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the carbon-based nanoplatelets comprise chemically modified carbon-based nanoplatelets. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising compressing the elastomeric component to expand an outer perimeter of the elastomeric component. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising surface treating the carbon-based nanoplatelets. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the elastomeric component that comprises carbon-based nanoplatelets in an elastomeric matrix comprises the carbon-based nanoplatelets at less than approximately 10 percent by weight. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the carbon-based nanoplatelets of the elastomeric component comprise an average maximum platelet dimension less than approximately 50 microns. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the carbon-based nanoplatelets of the elastomeric component comprise an average platelet thickness dimension less than approximately 10 nanometers. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the fitting step comprises fitting the elastomeric component about an inner perimeter surface of the tool. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising, after the fitting step, expanding the elastomeric component in a radial direction to alter an inner perimeter surface of the elastomeric component, an outer perimeter of the elastomeric component remaining relatively constant and in contact with the inner perimeter surface of the elastomeric component. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising, after the fitting step, expanding the elastomeric component in a radial direction to alter an inner perimeter surface of the elastomeric component, an outer perimeter of the elastomeric component remaining relatively constant and in contact with the inner perimeter surface of the elastomeric component. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising, after the fitting step, contracting the elastomeric component in a radial direction to alter an inner perimeter surface of the elastomeric component, an outer perimeter of the elastomeric component remaining relatively constant and in contact with the inner perimeter surface of the elastomeric component. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the fitting step comprises fitting the elastomeric component about an outer perimeter surface of the tool. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the tool comprises a bore packer assembly. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the tool comprises slips. 
     
     
         15 . A method comprising:
 fitting a first elastomeric component about a perimeter surface of a tool that comprises a longitudinal axis, the first elastomeric component comprising carbon-based nanoplatelets in an elastomeric matrix;   fitting a second elastomeric component about the tool with respect to the first elastomeric component; and   tripping the tool into a bore in a geologic formation.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the first elastomeric component and the second elastomeric component contact each other. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein an axial gap exists between the first elastomeric component and the second elastomeric component. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the first elastomeric component that comprises the carbon-based nanoplatelets in an elastomeric matrix comprises the carbon-based nanoplatelets at less than approximately 10 percent by weight. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the tool comprises a bore packer assembly. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the tool comprises slips.