Dissolvable Elements for Frac Plugs
We understand that downhole conditions vary significantly, which is why we offer custom-engineered dissolvable elements to match specific well environments. Our materials are developed to achieve:
🔹 Superior Holding Pressure – Our dissolvable elements are formulated to provide high compressive and tensile strength, ensuring reliable sealing and mechanical integrity throughout the stimulation process.
🔹 Controlled Degradation Rates – By optimizing the chemical composition and microstructure, our dissolvable elements degrade efficiently and predictably in the presence of wellbore fluids, eliminating the need for post-frac intervention.
🔹 Fluid-Responsive Dissolution – Our materials dissolve only when exposed to specific downhole conditions, ensuring long-lasting performance before controlled breakdown.
Simulated Pressure Testing
Our pressure testing gives you the confidence that our dissolvable elements can withstand extreme conditions and perform as expected in real downhole environments.
🔹 Optimized Performance – Ensures that dissolvable elements only degrade when required, preventing premature failures.
🔹 Enhanced Reliability – Reduces operational risks by validating the elements’ ability to handle high-pressure fracturing before deployment.
🔹 Cost Efficiency – Helps manufacturers and operators avoid costly failures and optimize material selection for different well conditions.
Dissolution Test
Overview
At Gorilla Energy Supply Inc., we engineer high-performance dissolvable elements for frac plugs used in hydraulic fracturing. Our advanced dissolution technology ensures that the elements completely degrade under wellbore conditions, eliminating the need for milling and optimizing well productivity.
To guarantee reliability, we conduct rigorous dissolution testing that simulates real-world downhole environments.
Dissolution Testing Procedure
1. Sample Preparation
- We conduct the dissolution test using the complete finished product rather than cut samples, as this more accurately simulates the actual fracturing environment and better evaluates whether our degradable rubber meets the expected degradability..
- Each dissolvable element is precisely measured and weighed before testing.
2. Simulated Downhole Conditions
- Wellbore fluids (brine, acid, or other specified compositions) are used to replicate field conditions.
- Temperature settings match the expected operational environment (e.g., 250°F ).
3. Dissolution Monitoring
- Samples are submerged in the test fluid, and dissolution progress is recorded at set intervals (4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 hours etc.).
- Changes in weight and structure are analyzed.
- The pH levels of the fluid are monitored to ensure proper chemical interaction.
4. Performance Evaluation
- Complete dissolution until the sample is fully dissolved.
- No residual material should interfere with wellbore operations.
- Results are benchmarked against industry standards and client-specific requirements.
Excellent Degradation Performance
After sustaining 70 MPa of pressure in 90°C water for over 48 hours........
We compare the degradation rates of pressurized and unpressurized elements.
Dissolution Progress:
🔹 After 4 hours, both samples exhibited slight surface corrosion.
🔹 After 6 hours, Sample #1’s surface began peeling, while Sample #2’s surface flaked.
🔹 After 12 hours, Sample #1’s surface started disintegrating, and Sample #2 fragmented into small pieces.
🔹 After 18 hours, Sample #1 also lost its shape and turned into small fragments.
Sample #2’s fragments continued to shrink.
🔹 After 21 hours, Sample #2’s residue became weak and disintegrated into a mud-like form with a light touch.Residues, when filtered through a 4mm × 4mm sieve, did not exceed 20 mm and accounted for less than 5% of the total dissolvable element mass. Sample #1 continued degrading.
🔹 After 27 hours, Sample #1 also turned into a mud-like form, with residue characteristics similar to Sample #2.
