Ever wondered what sets one dissolvable frac plug apart from another? While many may seem similar at first glance, each is engineered with unique features that distinguish it from the rest. Today, we're honored to have our Technical Engineer, Jack W, join Vertechs Share to discuss which dissolvable frac plug he considers innovative. 

Vertechs Share: Hi Jack, welcome to Vertechs Share. At Vertechs, we offer a range of dissolvable frac plugs. So, in your eyes, which one do you find to be special?

Jack W: My favorite would be WIZARD ZERO Large-bore Dissolvable Collet. Once stimulation is completed, the well can be flowed back immediately through the extremely large internal diameter of the tool, preventing downhole debris or sand from packing up, eliminating the need to clean out runs, and saving substantially on intervention costs.

Vertechs Share: During the initial design and development, what specific goals were you aiming to achieve?

Jack W: When we launched the development program, our goal was clear: to engineer, test, and refine the simplest possible wellbore isolation tool, with a 10kpsi pressure rating, and wireline deployed. We also aimed to address pump-down issues associated with complex component designs and enhance dissolving capabilities by reducing overall material. Countless rounds of rigorous testing for setting, pressure, and dissolving followed. We tweaked and optimized the design until we hit all our targets. A mountain of pup joints marked the journey, but it was all worth it when we finally reached the field trial phase.

Vertechs Share: That's quite fascinating. So, you probably have some stories to share about field trials of the ZERO?

Jack W: Yep. When we brought the tool to the site and shared it with the wireline crew, they were impressed by its small size and design. It was unlike any plug they had seen before. Their question was straightforward: "Does it really work?" My response summed up our mission: "I don't know, that's why we're here."

Vertechs Share: Initial validations always face the unknown, but that's exactly what makes them thrilling.

Jack W: That’s right. As the plug was installed and the wireline crew rigged up the lubricator with the plug and perf BHA inside, the moment of truth arrived. The pump-down process was smooth, thanks to ZERO's one-piece design, which eliminated pump-down issues associated with complex parts. Once the plug and perf run was finished, the frac crew took charge of the operation. They pumped down the dart to isolate the stage and initiate the frac. I vividly recall being inside the frac data van, fixated on the computer screen, eagerly awaiting the moment when the calculated volume approached the dart landing. As a tool development engineer, this was an incredibly nervous yet thrilling moment. It marked the first time witnessing our product successfully achieve stage isolation and maintain pressure as the dart landed on the collet, triggering a pressure spike on the chart. After countless lab tests, experiencing this success was truly one of the most gratifying feelings imaginable.

Vertechs Share: That’s true, the most fascinating thing about a new product is the moment when the trial is successful, which means that it is no longer just a theory.

Jack W: Absolutely. And the success of the trial was followed by more runs, all completed successfully. Could you imagine the joy that brings? As we packed up and headed home, the satisfaction of our design's validation made every ounce of effort worthwhile. It's moments like these that make the journey of tool development truly rewarding.

Vertechs Share: Bravo. Thanks for bringing us the story behind the WIZARD ZERO Large-bore Dissolvable Collet today, and letting us know more about its features. Looking forward to our next communication with you!

👉Learn more about the case study of WIZARD ZERO Large-bore Dissolvable Collet application here, or send an email to engineering@vertechs.com for questions or cooperation.