Method of filtering a subterranean fluid from a well bore using a resin bonded well liner

• US 5,656,176 A
• Filed: 02/15/1996
• Issued: 08/12/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 09/23/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Gregory D. Scott
• Original Assignee: Gregory D. Scott
• Inventors: Scott, Gregory D.
• Primary Examiner(s): POPOVICS, ROBERT J
• Application Number:
  US08/602,102
• Time in Patent Office: 544 Days
• Field of Search: 210/747, 210/767, 264/112, 264/122, 264/126, 264/DIG. 48, 166/278
• US Class Current: 166/276
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2101/005 with a binder between the individual particles or fibres
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 29/111 Making filtering elements
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 29/15 arranged for inward flow filtration
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 41/08 Coating a former, core or other substrate by spraying or fluidisation, e.g. spraying powder spray-up of reinforcing fibres B29C70/305
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 67/205 comprising surface fusion, and bonding of particles to form voids, e.g. sintering
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 70/68 by incorporating or moulding on preformed parts, e.g. inserts or layers , e.g. foam blocks mould constructions therefor B29C33/12; joining preformed parts by moulding B29C65/70
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2105/16 Fillers
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2105/251 Particles, powder or granules expandable particles B29K2105/046
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2503/04 Inorganic materials
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2995/0068 Permeability to liquids; Adsorption
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 43/082 Screens comprising porous materials, e.g. prepacked screens
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 264/48 Processes of making filters

Abstract

An apparatus and method of manufacturing a prepacked resin bonded well liner comprised of bonding granular particles to a perforated pipe. The granular particles are coated with a partially polymerized resin that is hard and tacky to the touch. Upon the introduction of heat, the polymerization proceeds, curing the resin into an insoluble and infusible cross-linked state. The contact regions between the adjacent particles bond the packed particles into a porous and permeable matrix.

Claims

1. A method of filtering subterranean fluid from a well bore, comprising:

forming a plurality of apertures into a base pipe to form a perforated pipe, said base pipe being substantially cylindrical in configuration with a concentric first bore disposed along the axis thereof to define a tubular sidewall, said apertures longitudinally spaced and formed radially therethrough;

positioning said perforated pipe in an outer mold, said outer mold having a second bore of a diameter larger than the outer diameter of said perforated pipe, said perforated pipe positioned to form a space between said outer mold and said perforated pipe;

filling said space with particles, said particles being coated with resin which is partially polymerized to form a nontacky coating upon said particles such that said particles remain free flowing at ambient temperatures, said resin being reactive to soften or melt when heated to temperatures above ambient and then cure into an infusible cross-linked state;

heating said resin coated particles such that said resin fuses and unites at contact areas between contiguous particles to form a porous matrix having interstices of a predetermined size when said resin has cured, with said porous matrix affixing to said perforated pipe to define a prepacked resin bonded well liner;

extracting said outer mold from said prepacked resin bonded well liner;

introducing into a well bore said prepacked resin bonded well liner; and

allowing the subterranean fluid to flow through said interstices of said porous matrix and into said first bore of said base pipe while restricting therethrough the passage of solid particulates of a size greater than said interstices.