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.
