Applications of Dissolvable Magnesium Alloy in Oil and Gas Extraction

Use of Dissolvable Frac Balls

Dissolvable frac balls are used in multi-stage hydraulic fracturing operations. They are placed in pre-drilled guide holes, and as pressure increases, the frac balls break, releasing the guide holes. Subsequently, high-pressure fluid flows through these newly opened fractures into the reservoir, causing fractures to extend and branch, increasing the storage space.

Use of Dissolvable Bridge Plugs

Bridge plugs are used to seal non-productive layers or fractures in oil wells to prevent premature fluid backflow or maintain the pressure of artificial fractures. They are placed at certain stages or after fracturing operations and dissolve under appropriate chemical or temperature conditions, restoring the production path of the well.

Working Principle of Dissolvable Magnesium Alloy

The selection of dissolvable magnesium alloy is based on its dissolvability under specific conditions. In oil and gas wells, magnesium alloy can resist the initial acidic environment but starts dissolving upon reaching the predetermined depth or temperature. This dissolution process is controllable and can be initiated or accelerated by adjusting wellbore conditions. After dissolution, the magnesium alloy no longer obstructs the flow of oil and gas, thereby increasing recovery rates.

In practical applications, the formulation and manufacturing process of the magnesium alloy is optimized to enhance its mechanical properties and dissolution behavior to meet the specific requirements of different oil fields. For instance, adding zinc elements and optimizing heat treatment processes can produce high-strength magnesium alloys with excellent dissolution properties, meeting the needs of industrial-scale production and application.

Reasons Why Dissolvable Magnesium Alloy is Environmental Friendliness

The application of dissolvable magnesium alloy in oil and gas extraction can reduce the environmental footprint based on several factors:

• Automatic Dissolution: Dissolvable magnesium alloy bridge plugs can automatically dissolve after fracturing operations, reducing additional workload and environmental pollution associated with traditional metal bridge plug removal.
• Eco-Friendliness: Compared to metals like cast iron and aluminum, magnesium is more environmentally friendly because it degrades more easily under natural conditions, reducing the potential impact on ecosystems.
• Pollution Reduction: Dissolvable magnesium alloy bridge plugs do not leave behind debris that could contaminate reservoirs, unlike non-dissolvable bridge plugs, thereby ensuring better oil and gas quality.
• Energy Consumption Reduction: The automatic dissolution process reduces the need for equipment and manpower, consequently lowering the energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of the entire extraction process.
• Resource Utilization Efficiency: The use of dissolvable magnesium alloy enhances material utilization efficiency, as they eventually transform into useful substances or safely integrate into the environment rather than becoming difficult-to-handle waste.

Dissolvable magnesium alloy frac balls hold significant value in oil and gas extraction. They not only improve the efficiency and effectiveness of fracturing operations but also mitigate environmental impact through their controllable dissolution properties and anti-corrosion protection. By further optimizing material composition and manufacturing processes, dissolvable magnesium alloy tools will continue to enhance the sustainability and productivity of oil and gas extraction operations.

Vigor's dissolvable bridge plugs use industry-leading technology and production processes to customize the size and dissolution time according to customer requirements. Vigor's R&D department is also constantly experimenting to further improve the design of the product to ensure that the product can meet the needs of customers as they continue to upgrade. If you are interested in the Soluble Bridge Plug and Fracturing Plug, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the Vigor team and we will work with you to design and communicate the product, and strictly control the production of the product to ensure that everything meets or exceeds the customer's standards. We are looking forward to working with you for the first time.

For more information, you can write to our mailbox info@vigorpetroleum.com & marketing@vigordrilling.com