Abstract: A device for opening or closing a fluid flow path comprises: a fluid inlet, wherein the fluid inlet comprises one end of the fluid flow path; an inlet covering, wherein the inlet covering is adjacent to the fluid inlet; and a material, wherein the material is capable of expanding or contracting via a change in temperature; wherein the expansion or contraction of the material causes movement to the inlet covering, and wherein the movement of the inlet covering either opens or closes the fluid flow path. A method for opening or closing a fluid flow path using the device comprises: allowing or causing a change in temperature to the material.

Abstract: A well screen for use in a subterranean well can include a loose filter media, a sandstone, a square weave mesh material, a foam, and/or a nonmetal mesh material. A method of installing a well screen in a subterranean well can include dispersing a material in a filter media of the well screen, after the well screen has been installed in the well, thereby permitting a fluid to flow through the filter media. A method of constructing a well screen can include positioning a loose filter media in an annular space between a base pipe and a shroud, so that the filter media filters fluid which flows through a wall of the base pipe.

Abstract: A well screen for use in a subterranean well can include a loose filter media, a sandstone, a square weave mesh material, a foam, and/or a nonmetal mesh material. A method of installing a well screen in a subterranean well can include dispersing a material in a filter media of the well screen, after the well screen has been installed in the well, thereby permitting a fluid to flow through the filter media. A method of constructing a well screen can include positioning a loose filter media in an annular space between a base pipe and a shroud, so that the filter media filters fluid which flows through a wall of the base pipe.

Abstract: A well screen for use in a subterranean well can include a loose filter media, a sandstone, a square weave mesh material, a foam, and/or a nonmetal mesh material. A method of installing a well screen in a subterranean well can include dispersing a material in a filter media of the well screen, after the well screen has been installed in the well, thereby permitting a fluid to flow through the filter media. A method of constructing a well screen can include positioning a loose filter media in an annular space between a base pipe and a shroud, so that the filter media filters fluid which flows through a wall of the base pipe.

Abstract: A flow regulating system can include multiple flow restrictors, at least one of which selectively restricts flow between an interior of a tubular string and an external annulus, a plug which prevents flow through a respective one of the flow restrictors, the plug being aligned substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the flow restrictor. A method of variably restricting fluid flow in a well can include installing one or more plugs in selected one(s) of multiple openings in a housing, each installed plug preventing fluid flow through a respective flow restrictor, and externally accessing the openings, without removing any cover. An externally adjustable inflow control device can include a housing having multiple openings, multiple flow restrictors, a plug in selected one(s) of the openings, each plug preventing fluid flow through a respective flow restrictor, and each plug being externally accessible, without removal of any cover.

Abstract: A flow regulating system can include multiple flow restrictors, at least one of which selectively restricts flow between an interior of a tubular string and an external annulus, a plug which prevents flow through a respective one of the flow restrictors, the plug being aligned substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the flow restrictor. A method of variably restricting fluid flow in a well can include installing one or more plugs in selected one(s) of multiple openings in a housing, each installed plug preventing fluid flow through a respective flow restrictor, and externally accessing the openings, without removing any cover. An externally adjustable inflow control device can include a housing having multiple openings, multiple flow restrictors, a plug in selected one(s) of the openings, each plug preventing fluid flow through a respective flow restrictor, and each plug being externally accessible, without removal of any cover.