Product Name

Fully Dissolvable Bridge Plug

Model Series

Y457R / Y257R Series

Product Overview

Launched in 2014, the degradable bridge plug is our second-generation downhole isolation tool for staged stimulation in horizontal wells. We hold five national invention and utility model patents for this technology. We were also the first specialist company in China and internationally to develop and manufacture high-strength degradable tools and put them into full-scale production. By the end of 2014, more than 70 tool sets had completed surface performance tests, simulated downhole tests, and tests in experimental wells operated by domestic research institutions. These trials led to the finalized product and marked the start of industrial pilot applications in China for second-generation soluble downhole isolation tools. The plug also underwent its first mechanical performance test in staged oil-well stimulation. That year, we began comprehensive cooperation with the PetroChina Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development, and the project was included in major national and industry research programs under the 12th Five-Year Plan.

Detailed Introduction

The fully dissolvable bridge plug builds on conventional bridge plug technology and combines new soluble materials, degradable polymers, and high-strength ceramic technology. Its mechanical strength, dissolution, and degradation performance are designed to work together as an integrated isolation tool. The plug body is made from several water-soluble metal materials, and the sealing element uses a degradable polymer. The plug provides compressive strength of up to 70 MPa. Depending on the material formulation, it dissolves completely within a specified period and automatically removes the barrier from the formation.

From the start of development, we set “fully degradable, no residue” as the benchmark, developing the body, sealing, and anchoring materials in parallel. The product range now covers four temperature series: 60–80°C, 80–100°C, 100–120°C, and 120–150°C, to suit different well conditions. Models with outside diameters from 85 mm to 110 mm are available. The tools have been used in more than 20 oilfield operations, with a reported success rate of 100%.

1. Soluble Bridge Plug Design

The plug body is manufactured from No. 01–04 multi-strength soluble metal composites. Because the materials are produced in batches using our proprietary formulations, the assembled plug degrades consistently. The formulations can also be adjusted to tailor the degradation time to specific requirements.

2. Multi-Formulation Degradable Packer Element for Rapid Release

The packer element is made from a high-strength degradable material using a separate proprietary formulation. This allows its degradation time to be controlled. Six temperature-rated product series are available, and the formulation can be selected to adjust the release time.

3. High-Strength Composite Anchor Slips with Fracture Technology

Our degradable bridge plugs use high-strength frangible composite anchor slips, with strength of up to 1,250 MPa. They provide reliable anchoring in high-strength P110 and P105 casing and remain stable for more than 15 days. After this period, the slips fracture automatically into fragments smaller than 2 mm, helping prevent residual debris from causing stuck pipe or wellbore blockage. This proprietary technology has no known precedent in the domestic or international downhole-tool manufacturing industry.

The soluble bridge plug is an effective way to improve recovery from oil and gas reservoirs. It simplifies conventional fracturing operations and has become a key technology for reducing oilfield costs and improving efficiency.