Degradable Frac Balls
Temporary Plugging. Better Fracture Diversior
Naturally Degradable.
Our degradable frac balls are engineered fortemporary wellbore plugging and fracture diversionin hydraulic fracturing and stimulation operations.After completing the treatment, the balls graduallydegrade under downhole conditions, minimizingthe need for mechanical removal.
Biodegradable Polymer Material
PLA,PGA,PLGA and custom formulations
Customizable Degradation Profile
Matched to your downhole conditions
Wide Size Range
From small to large diameters for different wellbore sizes
Reliable Performance
Effective temporary plugging and diversion
A Sustainable Degradable Frac Balls for Efficient StimulationFracture Diversion
Degradable frac balls are spherical plugging agents used duringhydraulic fracturing to temporarily isolate zones, divert treatmentfluids, and improve fracture coverage. Our frac balls are made frombiodegradable polymers and can be tailored in size, mechanicalstrength, and degradation rate to meet specific well conditions.
Temporary Plugging. More Effective Fracture Diversion.
Degradable frac balls are pumped into the wellbore and seat at target locations(e.g. perforations, sleeves, or fracture entries) to temporaniy block fiow paths.This increases treating pressure and diverts fracturing fiuid to un-stimulated zones.After the treatment, the balls gradually degrade into harmless byproducts,eliminating the need for retrieval.
with treatment fluid
and divert fluid
under downhole conditions
Product Specifications
| Material | PLA, PGA, PLGA, and customized formulations |
|---|---|
| Diameter | Typically 10 – 60 mm (custom sizes available) |
| Density | Adjustable |
| Compressive Strength | Tailored to application |
| Oegradation Time | Days to weeks (depending on formulation) |
| Application Temperature | Up to 150″C+ (customized) |
Need a Custom Specification?
Tell us your well conditions and performance requirements. Our technical team will help you find the right solution.
Degradable Frac Balls FAQs
Find answers to common questions about material selection, ball size, temporary plugging performance, degradation behavior, and customization for different downhole conditions.
Degradable frac balls are temporary downhole plugging components used in hydraulic fracturing, staged stimulation, and related well completion operations. They are designed to provide temporary isolation or pressure control and then gradually degrade under specified downhole conditions, reducing or eliminating the need for mechanical retrieval.
The frac ball is pumped downhole and seats against a corresponding ball seat or plugging profile. Once seated, it creates a temporary pressure barrier that can isolate a treatment stage or redirect fluid to the desired zone. After completing its function, the ball gradually loses its mechanical integrity and degrades under downhole conditions.
Degradable frac balls can be manufactured from biodegradable polymer-based materials and customized formulations. Material selection depends on the required mechanical strength, operating temperature, exposure time, fluid environment, and target degradation profile.
Ball diameter can be customized according to the well completion design and corresponding seat dimensions. Different sizes can be produced for multi-stage fracturing and other temporary isolation applications.
For custom sizes, please provide the required ball diameter and dimensional tolerance when requesting a quotation.
Yes. The degradation profile can be adjusted through material formulation, molecular characteristics, ball dimensions, and other design parameters.
To recommend a suitable grade, please provide your bottomhole temperature, target degradation time, fluid environment, and required ball size.
There is no single degradation time suitable for every well. Degradation behavior depends on temperature, fluid chemistry, ball size, polymer formulation, and exposure conditions.
We can develop different degradation profiles according to the required operating window—from maintaining mechanical integrity during treatment to controlled degradation after the operation is completed.
The applicable temperature range depends on the polymer formulation and required service time. Different formulations can be developed for low-, medium-, and higher-temperature downhole environments.
For accurate material selection, we recommend providing the bottomhole static temperature (BHST) and, where available, the expected treatment temperature.
Yes. Mechanical properties can be tailored according to the pressure and plugging requirements of the application. The frac ball should maintain sufficient integrity during pumping, seating, and pressure loading while still achieving the required degradation behavior afterward.
Please provide your target differential pressure or compressive strength requirement for custom development.
For a more accurate recommendation, please provide:
- Ball diameter and tolerance
- Bottomhole temperature
- Target degradation time
- Maximum differential pressure
- Treatment or completion fluid
- Required exposure/holding time
- Any special mechanical or dimensional requirements
With these parameters, we can evaluate the appropriate material formulation and product specification.
Yes. We support customized degradable frac balls based on specific downhole and completion requirements. Customization can include ball diameter, material formulation, degradation profile, operating temperature range, and mechanical properties.
Contact our technical team with your application parameters to discuss a suitable solution.