Illusion® Prestige dissolvable frac plugs exceeds expectations

Overview

With the release of the Illusion® Prestige dissolvable frac plug, Halliburton recognized an opportunity to expand the available options in the challenging Austin Chalk formation. The team deployed the Illusion Prestige frac plugs in a trial well that consisted of 5 ½-inch, 23-lb/ft casing run to a measured depth of 16,000 feet (4877 meters), a true vertical depth of 10,500 feet (3200 meters) and bottomhole static temperature of 270°F. Freshwater was used to pump the plugs to depth. This successful trial run highlighted the plug’s ability to provide efficient and reliable runs, ball action and quick cleanout. In addition, the robust design with anti-preset feature allowed for pulling a plug out of hole after encountering a casing restriction. 

Illusion Prestige dissolvable technology proved it can provide operators a reliable alternative to degradable plastic materials, with consistent performance during fracturing operations.

Challenges

The Austin Chalk formation presents unique challenges, such as limited flowback facilities and pressure anomalies that can create difficulties during cleanouts. Such challenges necessitate a frac plug that requires minimal intervention. 

Solutions

Results

The Illusion Prestige frac plug proved its ability to improve operational efficiency, with its quick and easy makeup on surface and ability to run the ball in place while reliably getting to depth. Predictable dissolution helped minimize intervention during cleanout. In addition, the plug’s anti-preset feature and robust design helped ensure the plug remained intact when it encountered a restriction while running in hole. The plug was successfully pulled out of hole with only a mark on the muleshoe observed.

Performance exceeded expectations and the operator is now running Illusion Prestige frac plugs 100%. This successful performance proved the Illusion Prestige frac plug can provide operators a reliable dissolvable plug option not only in the difficult Austin Chalk formation but all of North America Land.