Use of coated slots for control of sand or other solids in wells completed for production of fluids

Abstract

The present invention relates to an approach to reducing or eliminating the plugging of slots in a slotted liner while otherwise allowing the liner to function in its normal capacity as a solids exclusion device which permits the reservoir fluids to flow through relatively freely. The approach taught by the present invention involves coating the surface of the slot with a suitable material. The coating at least partially covers the irregularities that are formed on the slot surfaces as a consequence of the slot manufacturing process. The presence of the coating results in a markedly reduced slot plugging problem while still enabling the slot to perform its main function in excluding or inhibiting the inflow of larger particles and allowing the inflow of fluids.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.