Economical construction of well screens

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.

1 - 39 . (canceled) 
     
     
         40 . A well screen for use in a subterranean well, the well screen comprising:
 a generally tubular base pipe; and   a filter media comprising a foam which filters fluid that flows between an interior and an exterior of the base pipe, wherein a dispersible material fills pores in the foam.   
     
     
         41 . The well screen of  claim 40 , wherein the dispersible material comprises polylactic acid. 
     
     
         42 . The well screen of  claim 40 , wherein the dispersible material comprises a wax. 
     
     
         43 . The well screen of  claim 40 , wherein the dispersible material comprises a dissolvable material. 
     
     
         44 . The well screen of  claim 40 , wherein the dispersible material comprises a salt. 
     
     
         45 . The well screen of  claim 40 , wherein the dispersible material comprises a sugar. 
     
     
         46 - 93 . (canceled)