Sand control using shape memory materials

摘要

An embodiment of a method of controlling fluid flow in a borehole in an earth formation includes: deploying a fluid flow apparatus in the borehole, the apparatus including a carrier and a shape memory component disposed at the carrier, the shape memory component including a shape memory material having a transition temperature, the shape memory material having a first shape; activating the shape memory material by causing the shape memory material to soften and change from the first shape to a second shape, the second shape configured to cause the shape memory material to control fluid flow; and deactivating the shape memory material by applying a deactivation fluid to the shape memory material, the deactivation fluid configured to cause the shape memory material to stiffen and maintain the second shape, and control fluid flow through the fluid flow apparatus.