FLASH and FLASH PLUS Composite Frac Plugs
Improve reliability and increase completion efficiency
The FLASH composite frac plug is a millable, drillable well isolation device. It can be deployed through the vertical section of the well on wireline and then hydraulically pumped through the remaining horizontal section to the desired setting depth, and then set with the field-proven E-4 wireline pressure setting assembly. The E-4 setting tool sets bridge plugs, cement retainers, and production packers on electric wireline.
FLASH plugs can also be deployed on coiled tubing or pipe and set hydraulically with the Model J hydraulic setting tool, which sets mechanical-set bridge plugs on coiled tubing. FLASH plugs use a composite ball which seats on top of the plug to isolate the zones below the plug from the stimulation or treatment applications occurring above. The plug can be run with the ball on seat or the ball can be dropped after the plug is set and before the frac job.
FLASH plugs feature hybrid slips manufactured from a low-density material, significantly improving plug removal times without sacrificing mechanical integrity. The composite plug can be removed in less than 20 minutes in one trip using coiled tubingdeployed motors and milling tools, or with a power swivel and workover bit on threaded tubing.
FLASH plugs are also available with a specially designed valve to divert fracture treatments without having to use frac balls. This available FLASH PLUS configuration saves an average of 15 minutes and 150 barrels of water per stage.
Applications
■ Multistage unconventional completions
■ Plug-and-perf operations
■ Horizontal and vertical wells
■ Wells with limited water availability (FLASH PLUS)
Features and Benefits
■ Mechanically-bound construction
– Increases durability
– Eliminates conventional bonding techniques that can cause mechanical failure
■ Impact-resistant cross-section
– Withstands fast run-in rates and tolerates downhole obstructions by distributing impact forces up through the toolstring
– Maintains packer integrity by resisting wear, even in extended laterals
■ Hybrid metal slips
– Locks the plug firmly in place
– Aids in debris removal using a low-density formulation with minimized metal content
– Promotes smaller debris cuttings using slip geometry
■ Clutch feature
– Locks plugs during milling, which prevents bottom stump from spinning
– Maximizes drillout efficiency (20 minutes or less per plug)
■ One-piece shear ring
– Promotes consistent shear plane during setting sequence
– Prevents damage to shear studs
In North America, 75% of unconventional completions rely on composite plugs …
Plug-and-perf completions with composite plugs are a popular choice among unconventional operators because they enable flexible stage placement and provide fullbore access after plug drillout.
… but downhole impacts can cause presets—and unplanned interventions.
Downhole debris, irregular casing, and even vibrations can cause plugs to set prematurely before achieving target depth. A preset plug must be drilled out before operations can resume, resulting in additional days on location if coiled tubing services and milling equipment are not already on site; increased cost (up to USD 50,000, or more, per preset plug); and unnecessary health, safety, and environmental risks.
The new FLASH composite frac plug features a robust, impact-resistant design that signifcantly reduces the risk of presetting, helping operators to avoid unplanned interventions. And, for added effciency, the plug can be easily outftted with a new, flow-activated valve to divert fracture treatments without the need for frac balls.
Improve reliability with a new, rugged design
The FLASH plug’s components are mechanically locked in place for increased reliability—and a long, impactresistant cross-section enables fast run-in rates. When downhole impacts occur, forces are distributed up through the toolstring, rather than the slips, to protect against obstruction-related presets. At depth, the plug sets frmly in the casing and is held in place by tough metal hybrid slips.
To reduce completion times and costs, a specially designed valve can be incorporated into the plug to divert fracture treatments without having to pump down frac balls, saving an average of 15 minutes and 150 barrels of water per stage. This optional FLASH PLUS confguration reduces water requirements, making it ideal for remote locations and areas where water is scarce. The standard FLASH plug uses traditional frac balls to divert treatments.
After fracturing, the FLASH plug’s specialized composite material and hybrid metal slips are easily milled into small pieces for quick, complete removal.
Ensure efficient, trouble-free completions. Run FLASH and FLASH PLUS composite plugs on your next plugand-perf job to avoid unplanned interventions and to accelerate your completions.