Dissolvable fracturing tool based on a controlled electrolytic method

Fracturing tools such as sliding sleeves, fracturing balls, and ball seats are extensively used for downhole fluid and pressure control. The ball seat is one of the most important components in the multistage fracturing system. After the hydraulic fracturing treatment is complete, the traditional ball seat restricts the production flow and thus must be removed. Extra mechanical interventions are then required to mill out the ball seat after fracturing treatment. In this work, an innovative fracturing ball seat that can be dissolved was proposed and investigated using a controlled electrolytic method (CEM). The newly designed ball seat can be removed through a specific corrosion rate to facilitate an unrestricted flow path for oil and gas production. Comprehensive experiments on the CEM were conducted. The effects of various electrolytic parameters, such as electrolysis current, electrode distance, electrolytes, and tool thickness, on the material removal rate of the ball seat and sliding sleeve were investigated. Experimental results show that the electrolytic parameters significantly affected the electrolytic characteristics. Aluminum alloy is suitable for the manufacture of dissolvable fracturing tool because of its good strength and high electrolytic rate. The study on the newly proposed CEM could provide insights into the design of novel fracturing tools and intelligent well completion systems.