Schlumberger introduces fully dissolvable plug-and-perf system

HOUSTON -- Schlumberger has released the Infinity dissolvable plug-and-perf system, which uses fully degradable fracture balls, and fully degradable seats instead of plugs, to isolate zones during well stimulation.

The first-ever fullbore intervention-less plug-and-perf system eliminates the need for milling operations and leaves nothing behind in the wellbore. As a result, no plug debris is produced to surface where it can potentially interfere with surface equipment. The technique eliminates lateral length restrictions, which maximizes reservoir contact and estimated ultimate recovery, and it greatly reduces intervention-related risks and costs.

“Operators are continuously looking to streamline plug-and-perf operations without compromising productivity,” said Olivier Le Peuch, president of Schlumberger’s Completions division. “With the new Infinity system, the ball and the seat assemblies both fully dissolve on contact with common completion fluids. As a result, the well is left with fullbore access and enables customers to bring production online faster, more efficiently and more cost effectively.”

The Infinity system underwent extensive material science and laboratory validation and has been field tested in multiple unconventional reservoirs across the United States. Numerous wells were stimulated across five of the major plays in North America without any type of mechanical intervention required.

A customer in South Texas deployed the Infinity system in a seven-well project that began with partial wellbores and, after the early successes, moved on to full wellbore completions. The system was deployed under extreme conditions, with temperatures up to 320 degrees F in laterals up to 8,000 ft. In these wells, more than 135 stages were completed without any stages skipped or any type of mechanical intervention required.