Wiper plug elements and methods of stimulating a wellbore environment
US9016388B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 3, 2012 |
| Grant date | Apr 28, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 4, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B33/08
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Methods for preparing a wellbore casing for stimulation operations comprise the steps of cementing a wellbore casing in a wellbore, the wellbore casing having a downhole tool comprising a valve and an apparatus for restricting fluid flow through the valve, such as a ball seat, disposed above the valve. Actuation of the valve opens the valve to establish fluid communication between the wellbore casing and the formation. A plug element is disposed on a seat of the ball seat and a casing pressure test is performed. The plug element then dissolves or disintegrates over time increasing fluid communication between the wellbore casing and the formation, thereby preparing the wellbore casing for stimulation operations without additional wellbore intervention after the casing pressure test. In certain embodiments, during or after dissolution of the plug element, clean-out of the bore of the valve is performed by the plug element.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.