Abstract: Disclosed is a method of either plugging or lining a wellbore or casing using a polymer member into which stored energy or shape memory has been introduced. The shape memory is introduced into the member by reducing its diameter, such as by compressing the member using a rolling mill machine or stretching the member axially. Next, the member is lowered into a desired location in the wellbore or casing and subjected to conditions causing at least partial recovery of the anelastic strain. The conditions causing recovery of the anelastic strain can include heat from the reservoir surrounding the wellbore, heat introduced into the wellbore, solvents, and combinations thereof. Recovery of the anelastic strain causes the member to expand in diameter, thus plugging or lining the wellbore or casing at the desired location.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of either plugging or lining a wellbore or casing using a polymer member into which stored energy or shape memory has been introduced. The shape memory is introduced into the member by reducing its diameter, such as by compressing the member using a rolling mill machine or stretching the member axially. Next, the member is lowered into a desired location in the wellbore or casing and subjected to conditions causing at least partial recovery of the anelastic strain. The conditions causing recovery of the anelastic strain can include heat from the reservoir surrounding the wellbore, heat introduced into the wellbore, solvents, and combinations thereof. Recovery of the anelastic strain causes the member to expand in diameter, thus plugging or lining the wellbore or casing at the desired location.

Abstract: A method is provided to prepare a filter material, the method comprising the steps of: providing a porous substrate; preparing a high internal phase emulsion wherein the external phase of the emulsion comprises polymerizable monomers, and the internal phase is a non-polymerizable phase; impregnating the high internal phase emulsion into the substrate felt; and polymerizing the polymerizable monomers. A layer of cured foam as is thereby formed on the substrate and within pore volumes of the substrate. The cured foam can have a high porosity, small pore size, and low density, resulting in a filter material having a high efficiency in removal of particles, at a lower pressure drop than alternative high efficiency filter materials.