Plug and Perf Technology

Plug-and-perf (bridge plug + perforation) is the core technology for multi-stage volumetric fracturing in unconventional horizontal wells, including shale oil/gas and tight oil/gas. Using a single wireline or coiled tubing trip, the tool string simultaneously performs plug setting and multi-cluster perforating, enabling unlimited, high-efficiency staged reservoir stimulation.

• Bridge Plug: Set inside the casing, the plug effectively isolates the lower fractured stage, providing precise zonal isolation. Dissolvable or composite bridge plugs are commonly used, which either automatically dissolve after fracturing or are mechanically drilled out to restore full-bore access.
• Perforating: Directed perforation in the target stage creates flow channels between the wellbore and formation, enabling precise control over fracture initiation location and propagation direction.
• Core Concept: One trip completes both plug setting and perforating, reducing the number of trips, improving operational efficiency, lowering costs, and enhancing safety.

Wireline / Coiled Tubing → Casing Collar Locator / Gamma Ray Tool → Multi-Cluster Perforating Guns → Plug Setting Tool → Composite / Dissolvable Bridge Plug

• First Stage Operation: Perforating, fracturing, and wellbore cleanout are performed via tubing or coiled tubing.
• Pump Down: The tool string is hydraulically pumped to the designed downhole depth. In the horizontal section, pump pressure is relied upon for conveyance.
• Plug Setting: The setting tool is fired, anchoring the plug slips to the casing and expanding the elastomer to seal. After isolating the fractured stage, the setting tool releases from the plug.
• Multi-Cluster Perforating: The wireline is pulled up to the target stage, and multiple clusters are fired simultaneously.
• Pull Guns & Fracture: The perforating gun string is retrieved, and the stage is hydraulically fractured.
• Repeat Cycle: The process (pump down, set plug, perforate, retrieve guns, fracture) is repeated to complete staged stimulation across the entire wellbore.
• Post-Job Production: After fracturing, the well is flowed back. Dissolvable bridge plugs automatically degrade; composite plugs are drilled out, restoring full-bore access.

• Unlimited Stages: Not limited by sliding sleeve counts; can accommodate 30–50 stages, suitable for long horizontal wells.
• Precise Stimulation: Targeted perforating and controlled fracture initiation enable controlled fracture placement and high cluster efficiency.
• High Efficiency & Safety: One trip performs two functions, reducing trip frequency. Remote operation lowers explosive-related risks.
• Full-Bore Production: Dissolvable/composite plugs leave no downhole obstructions, avoiding interference with subsequent production or interventions.
• Strong Adaptability: Compatible with cased-and-cemented completions; unaffected by open hole borehole stability, providing high operational reliability.

• Hydraulic Pump Down: Uses pump pressure to convey the tool string, solving the challenge of gravity conveyance in horizontal sections.
• Multi-Fire Initiation: Allows multiple firing events in a single run, meeting multi-cluster perforating requirements.
• Dissolvable Bridge Plug: Made of aluminum alloy / composite materials; dissolves automatically in 7–30 days upon contact with water, eliminating the need for drill-out.
• Modular Perforating Guns: Modular assembly of perforating guns, adaptable to different casing sizes and formation thicknesses.

Plug-and-perf technology has become the industry standard for unconventional horizontal well completions. By enabling unlimited stage count, precise fracture placement, and significant reductions in trip time and operational risk, it provides a reliable, cost-effective pathway for maximizing reservoir contact and hydrocarbon recovery in complex, low-permeability reservoirs. The continued advancement of dissolvable materials and modular gun systems further enhances its efficiency and applicability. For more detailed information, please don't hesitate to contact Vigor team for more detailed product information.