Exxon Production Research Company

James R Bailey

Manuel Eduardo Gonzalez

Walter J Lamb

Larry E Harrison

The invention is a rigid, hollow core, low-density ball sealer designed to perform effectively in hostile well environments. It temporarily seals perforations inside cased wells at temperatures up to 400.degree. F. (204.degree. C.), at hydrostatic pressures up to 20,000 psi (137 Mpa), and at differential pressures across the perforations up to 1,500 psi. Ball densities may range from 0.80 to 1.3 gm/cc (or higher). It can withstand the degradation effects of solvents common to oil and gas wells during a workover. Nominal changes in ball density occur during a 24-hour period when exposed to a hostile well environment. The ball sealer is comprised of two pieces made of a high strength material that snap together to form a hollow-core sphere. If necessary, adjustments to ball density can occur subsequent to manufacturing of the ball pieces.

Low-density ball sealer for use as a diverting agent in hostile

Ball sealers comprising a polyetheretherketone are introduced into a well to seal well perforations and divert fluid therein. In the preferred embodiment the ball sealers have a density less than the treating fluid.

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Houston, TX, United States of America

James R Bailey