Patent ID: 8297368

Claim:
A system for initiating annular obstruction in a subsurface well, said system comprising: a) an at least partially permeable liner string situated within a portion of a wellbore that is at least partially open to a hydrocarbon-bearing formation; b) a load-bearing coiled spring disposed about a portion of the at least partially permeable liner string, wherein the load-bearing coiled spring is in a load-bearing state selected from the group consisting of a tensioned state and a compressed state; c) a spring retainer device attached to the load-bearing coiled spring so as to maintain the load bearing coiled spring in a load-bearing state, wherein the spring retainer device is at least partially fabricated of material designed to melt above a predetermined temperature, and wherein upon melting the spring retainer device loses the ability to maintain the load bearing coiled spring in a load-bearing state; and d) metal mesh interposed with the load-bearing coiled spring such that removal of the load from the load bearing coiled spring causes the metal mesh to engage the formation, thereby forming an annular obstruction between the liner string and the formation, wherein the load removal is effected by application of heat to the annular region sufficient to melt at least a portion of the spring retainer device.