Degradable aluminium grades
Alloys designed to corrode in wellbore fluids, for frac balls, seats, and plug components.
Aluminium Alloy
Moss Seal supplies degradable aluminium alloys for temporary downhole tools, including frac plugs, frac balls, and ball seats that must hold pressure through a treatment and then break down in the well. Each grade is matched to well temperature, fluid chemistry, and the hold time the job requires, so the part clears without a mill-out run. We also machine conventional wrought grades to drawing for housings, adapters, and retaining hardware.
ENGINEERING
Cross-section design & operation
A degradable alloy is machined to the finished geometry and holds pressure for as long as the job needs, then corrodes away in the wellbore fluid.
Grade selection
Degradable grades are selected against bottomhole temperature, fluid type and chloride content, and the required hold time, with margin for delays. Conventional wrought grades are chosen on load and corrosion exposure.
How it works
A degradable grade carries mechanical load while the tool is in service, then corrodes progressively in the wellbore fluid, generally faster in hotter wells and higher-chloride brines, until the part breaks down.
Typical uses
Degradable grades are used for frac balls, ball seats, and plug components in multistage completions, while permanent parts in conventional grades can be hard anodised for wear and corrosion resistance.
SELECTION
Materials & advantages
Performance advantages
Holds through the job · Degrades after treatment · No mill-out run · Matched to well conditions · Machined to drawing · Permanent grades available
