FracPoint EX-C Frac Sleeve System
Optimize well completions with increased number of ball-activated stagesThe Baker Hughes FracPoint™ EX-C frac sleeve system increases the capability of ball-activated multistage fracturing systems to 40 stages, by using a patented ball seat that provides additional mechanical support during pumping operations. The mechanical support in the ball seats allow for 1/16-in. increment balls and ball seats.
The main issue of using 1/16-in. increment balls and ball seats is getting a pressure rating high enough to fracture against. With the tolerances required for this system, there is very little surface area to pressure up against. The EX-C sleeves solve this problem. When the ball initially makes contact with the ball seat, pressure is applied and shears a set of shear screws that release a collapsible ring. The ring collapses under the ball and increases the amount of surface contact area between the ball and the seat, which provides enough support to achieve fracturing pressures. Continuing to pressure up opens the frac sleeve, and the fracturing can begin. When fracturing is complete and the pressure is bled off, the collapsing ring relaxes and returns to the original ball seat diameter. This allows for the frac balls from the stages below to flow back through the seat. The EX-C ball seats can also be milled out if the operator wants a full production diameter
It is widely accepted in the industry that in certain formations, more stages per well increase production. The EX-C sleeves allow operators to reap the production benefits of an increased number of stages, while keeping the efficiency of a ballactivated frac sleeve system.
Contact your Baker Hughes representative today or visit www.bakerhughes.com/fracpoint for more information on using our EX-C frac sleeves to extend fracturing capabilities to 40 stages for maximum production.
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