Abstract: A method of forming a swellable oilfield apparatus provides an apparatus with a body of swellable elastomeric material which increases in volume on exposure to at least one triggering fluid, and the surface energy of the swellable elastomeric material is modified to increase the water-wettability of the swellable elastomeric material. The swellable elastomeric material may comprise a base elastomer and at least one additive selected to modify the surface energy. Alternately, the swellable elastomeric material may comprise a base elastomer treated by an electrical treatment process to modify the surface energy of the swellable elastomeric material. An apparatus constructed according to the method provides improved swelling performance in aqueous fluids.

Abstract: A method of forming a swellable oilfield apparatus and an oilfield apparatus so-formed are described. In the method, a body of swellable elastomeric material which increases in volume on exposure to at least one triggering fluid is provided, and the surface energy of the swellable elastomeric material is modified to increase the water-wettability of the swellable elastomeric material. In one embodiment, the swellable elastomeric material comprises a base elastomer and at least one additive selected to modify the surface energy. In another, the swellable elastomeric material comprises a base elastomer treated by an electrical treatment process to modify the surface energy of the swellable elastomeric material. The invention provides improved swelling performance in aqueous fluids.