In situ filter construction

Method of inhibiting sloughing of sand and other materials from the entrances to fissures in a producing well in a formation having fissures through which crude oil is recovered comprising placing synthetic polymer particulates in and around said well, causing said particulates to contact each other at points of contact which also define interstices between them, to form a substantially compact mass at the site of said fissures, causing said particulates to fuse together at their points of contact with each other by initiating an exothermic reaction in the interstices between said particulates, thereby constructing a permeable mass for stabilizing said sand and other materials while permitting fluids to pass through said permeable mass.

A composition of matter useful for creating a permeable mass in a well or in a formation penetrated by a well, said composition comprising a plurality of thermoplastic particulates, said thermoplastic particulates being in a liquid carrier therefor, said liquid carrier including ingredients for inducing an exothermic reaction in said liquid carrier.

Method of making a permeable mass in a well in a hydrocarbon-producing formation comprising placing thermoplastic particulates in said well in contact each other as a substantially compact mass in said well, said compact mass also defining a void volume, and causing at least a substantial portion of said thermoplastic particulates to fuse at their points of contact with each other, by contacting them with a solvent.