In the petroleum and natural gas mining industry, well completion is critical to safe and efficient production with hydraulic fracturing. A wellbore is mined in sections or zones, and previous zones must be properly blocked before extraction can begin on the next one. Devices called well plugs, fracking plugs, or frac plugs, are used to block and isolate zones. Traditionally these plugs are placed during production and removed later when extraction is finished. Unfortunately, this often requires time-consuming and expensive retrieval operations, posing safety risks to the personnel involved.
A groundbreaking solution is shatterable glass well plugs made with tempered glass. Keep reading to learn how these controlled-shatter glass well plugs work and why they can revolutionize well completion operations.
Introducing Temporary Glass Well Plugs
Well plugs are used to isolate zones within a wellbore to block sections that have already been mined from subsequent sections. Plugs are often cylindrical and expand to form a secure circumferential seal with the wellbore casing. Inserted in the plug is an additional component that closes the inner diameter opening. This prevents a loss of pressure while fluids are pumped.
Traditional plugs must be removed when extraction is finished. This process is labor-intensive, contributes to production downtime, and can be hazardous to workers.
The alternative is shatterable plugs, which do not need to be removed. Instead, they are made from materials that are tough enough to withstand high-pressure situations, yet designed to completely break down and shatter within a designated pressure range.
Tempered glass can be used as an effective plug material. Swift Glass has developed very high tempered glass temporary plugs that disintegrate into a fine powder. These plugs can be used in various wellbore configurations, including horizontal and at angles, and they do not need to be removed, simplifying well cleanup.
How Tempering Makes Temporary Glass Well Plugs Possible
Tempered glass is an ideal material for plugs because it resists thermal shock, corrosion, and impact. This inherent durability is needed to withstand harsh conditions in the wellbore during operations.
The tempering process involves heating the glass to high temperatures and then rapidly cooling it, creating a unique stress distribution within the material. This strengthens the glass so it can be used in demanding applications, including well completion.
Tempered glass plugs provide excellent control over zone isolation and well completion applications because they can be shattered on command. When intentionally ruptured in this way, the tempered glass in these plugs breaks down in a controlled manner. The internal stress distribution causes the glass to shatter into small, blunt fragments, which then disintegrate into powder. This characteristic “dicing” pattern guarantees that the disintegration is predictable and safe, providing a reliable solution for zone isolation without the complications of retrieval.
The Benefits of Tempered Glass for Well Plugs
Tempered glass offers several significant advantages for fracking plugs:
- Strength and durability: The tempering process helps glass withstand the harsh conditions of well completion for reliable performance throughout the operation.
- Controlled disintegration: The predictable breakdown of tempered glass when intentionally ruptured allows for better control over the well completion process.
- Safety: Dissolvable frac plugs eliminate the risks associated with removable plugs, leading to safer working conditions and reduced downtime.
Revolutionize Your Well Completion Process: Contact Swift Glass Today
Swift Glass’s high tempered glass for dissolvable frac plugs is a significant advance in well completion technology. Our tempering process results in high-quality glass that addresses the limitations of traditional frac plugs, offering a safer, more efficient, and versatile solution.
We specialize in a range of glass materials and products tailored to your application. In addition to tempered glass, our capabilities include on-site CNC machining, bending, chemical strengthening, waterjet cutting, polishing, edge grinding, and drilling. We are also ISO 9001:2015 and ITAR certified. Learn more about our services and company history.
Contact Swift Glass today to learn more about controlled-shatter frac plugs made with highly tempered glass, or request a quote to get started.
