The Oil and Gas Journal reports that extended-range frac plugs have proven successful in operations where casing integrity has been jeopardized. The outer diameter of these innovative frac plugs is smaller than their counterpart, allowing them to bypass sections of a restricted wellbore along with the ability to expand and isolate targeted zones throughout long laterals during completion methods.

The complexity of unconventional technologies poses a greater challenge to casing integrity. There remains an industry need for technologies that can help bypass wellbore restrictions and avoid well abandonment, even though producers have an increased toolset to help prevent or overcome these challenges, including improved measurement techniques, measurement while drilling and directional drilling systems to help improve borehole trajectory, and an improved set of drilling and completion techniques.

They describe the ideal extended range frac plug as one with a smooth surface. This helps prevent frac plug presetting and sticking during running operations. They also suggest that the plug should be easy to mill out. Furthermore, they suggested that a compact composite plug with ceramic button slips not only reduces the mill out time, but also reduces debris size, facilitating cleanup operations.

Yet another factor contributing to the success of an extended range frac plug is stated to be the slip design. It was reported that the slip must securely anchor to a hardened casing to prevent spinning on top of subsequent plugs. This is found to help improve the efficiency of mill out operations.