Abstract: Compositions and methods are beneficial for use in downhole applications, especially oil and gas well bores. A composition includes an elastomer doped with a dopant. The presence of the dopant increases a rate of microbial degradation of the elastomer by a microbe. A method includes forming an article including a doped polymer. The doped polymer includes an elastomer doped with a dopant. The method also includes placing the article in a service environment. The presence of the dopant in the doped polymer increases a rate of microbial degradation of the elastomer by a microbe in the service environment.

Abstract: A piston pump including a cylinder body having an internal fluid chamber, a piston configured to axially cycle within the cylinder body, an inlet valve, an outlet valve, an annular seal positioned between the piston and cylinder body, a barrier fluid pocket formed in the cylinder body adjacent one end of the annular seal, and a barrier fluid contained within the barrier fluid pocket, the barrier fluid preventing suspended solids in pumped fluid from contacting the annular seal.