The world’s strongest metal that dissolves in brine and a new tough polymer that degrades in low-temperature water are coming to OTC 2015 and can be seen in Booth #729. The term “downhole degradables” is new, but the concept should be familiar with folks involved in well completions. Degradable balls used to divert fluid flow or activate downhole tools have been popular in the industry since 2013. The concept of using a degradable tool that doesn’t need to be retrieved or machined out needs not stop with diverter and activation balls. Bubbletight, LLC (Needville, Texas) will be exhibiting an industry first at OTC 2015 — a frac plug manufactured completely from the industry’s strongest brine-degradable composite metal. Another industry first will be shown in Booth #729 — balls made from a polymer that is tougher than nylon and degrades in ambient-temperature fresh water.
