SIBBURMASH Group of Companies

Full-Bore Sliding Frac Sleeves

A technology in which full-bore sliding sleeves are installed in the liner.

Advantages

  • Full-bore inner diameter. After all operations (run-in, sleeve activation, pumping), no “bottlenecks” such as seats or balls remain in the borehole. This reduces the risk of sticking and simplifies further downhole work (e.g. flushing, logging) without additional complex operations.
  • The sliding sleeves can be opened and closed many times with a dedicated tool (e.g. a shifting key on CT or tubing). This provides flexibility: repeated fracturing in different zones can be performed and the plan adjusted during the job.
  • Selective control. The technology makes it possible to precisely choose which reservoir interval to stimulate at any moment. Zones can be isolated (e.g. in case of water or gas shows) by selectively closing ports, while working purposefully with other sections.
  • Unlimited number of frac stages. There is no hard limit on the number of stages — it is effectively unlimited and depends only on the length of the horizontal section and the tool’s capabilities. This is useful for fine-tuning stimulation (e.g. reducing tonnage per stage but increasing their number to avoid breakthrough into water- or gas-bearing horizons).
  • Compatibility with various completions. Such sleeves can be installed in both cemented and uncemented liners, which broadens the range of applicable scenarios.
  • Reduced time and cost. The laborious and risky operation of milling out seats or balls after each stage is eliminated. The ability to work without pulling CT also saves time.

Specifications

  • activation pressure: 48 to 93 MPa
  • number of stages: unlimited
  • port diameter: 12 mm
  • total circulation-port area: 2260 mm²
  • size range: 102/146; 114/168(178); 140(146)/219(245)

Application area and experience

  • Multistage fracturing (MSF) in horizontal wells. The technology is especially in demand where many stimulation stages must be performed in different sections of the horizontal borehole.
  • Work on wells already in operation. New intervals can be selectively stimulated or a refrac performed in previously untreated zones.
  • Complex geological conditions. When there is a risk of fracture breakthrough into nearby water- or gas-bearing horizons, the technology allows flexible control of the stimulation zones.
  • Projects with heightened process-control requirements. For example, when working with formations where it is critical to precisely localize the fracture-initiation zone and control its size and conductivity for maximum reserves recovery.