US3880233A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Well screen
Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Co
•
Filing: 1974-07-03
•
Granted: 1975-04-29
•
Expires: 1994-07-03
Abstract
Abstract A well screen is provided with a coating of a fusible material for corrosion protection and to prevent screen plugging during storage, handling and placement. The fusible material, preferably wax, is selected for its ability to melt at the normal subsurface temperature of the well. This opens the screen to production, permitting the passage of fluids therethrough.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas W Muecke
- 👤 John W Graham
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 11:18
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/02; E21B43/08; E21B43/04; E21B43/045
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
80 words
A subsurface sand control device for use in a well which comprises: a screen having a plurality of openings formed therein; and a protective coating of a fusible material covering the interior and exterior of said screen for preventing corrosion and temporarily closing said openings thereof for preventing premature plugging during storage and handling, said fusible material having a melting point or softening point equal to or less than the subsurface temperature at which said screen is to be located.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
80 words
A subsurface sand control device for use in a well which comprises: a screen having a plurality of openings formed therein; and a protective coating of a fusible material covering the interior and exterior of said screen for preventing corrosion and temporarily closing said openings thereof for preventing premature plugging during storage and handling, said fusible material having a melting point or softening point equal to or less than the subsurface temperature at which said screen is to be located.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said fusible material is wax.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
A device as defined in claim 2 wherein said wax is petroleum wax.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said fusible material is a bismuth alloy.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said fusible material is a thermoplastic resin.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said fusible material has dispersed therein a corrosion inhibitor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
78 words
A sand control device for use in producing well which comprises: a slotted liner; a layer of fine mesh wire wrapped around said liner; a heat-sensitive material covering the exterior of the wire layer, the interior of said liner, and substantially filling the internal openings and annular spaces of said wire layer and said liner, said heat-sensitive material being solid at surface temperatures and a liquid at the normal subsurface temperature of the setting depth of said device.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
78 words
A sand control device for use in producing well which comprises: a slotted liner; a layer of fine mesh wire wrapped around said liner; a heat-sensitive material covering the exterior of the wire layer, the interior of said liner, and substantially filling the internal openings and annular spaces of said wire layer and said liner, said heat-sensitive material being solid at surface temperatures and a liquid at the normal subsurface temperature of the setting depth of said device.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
A sand control device as defined in claim 7 wherein said heat-sensitive material is petroleum wax.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
48 words
A subsurface sand control device for use in a well which comprises: a screen having a plurality of flow openings formed therein; and a coating of wax covering the interior and exterior of said screen for preventing corrosion and for providing a temporary plug for the screen openings.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
48 words
A subsurface sand control device for use in a well which comprises: a screen having a plurality of flow openings formed therein; and a coating of wax covering the interior and exterior of said screen for preventing corrosion and for providing a temporary plug for the screen openings.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-04-28 | 1978-10-28 | 1979-04-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-04-28 | 1982-10-28 | 1983-04-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-04-28 | 1986-10-28 | 1987-04-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |