FracSleeves

FracSleeves are downhole devices used in hydraulic fracturing to selectively open and close perforation intervals within a wellbore. They are installed in the casing at target fracture zones and enable multistage stimulation by isolating zones until they are individually treated.

A frac sleeve typically comprises a sealed inner sleeve that slides within a fixed outer housing, creating a flow path to the formation when opened. The opening of the port is accomplished by a mechanical or fluid-activated action, such as a ball dropping onto a locator, a mechanical shift driven by coiled tubing or wireline, or an electrically or hydraulically triggered actuation. Some sleeves are designed to be retrievable or able to reclose after treatment.

During completion, the well is perforated across the target zones and enclosed by a frac sleeve and packer assembly. To stimulate a zone, the operator actuates the corresponding sleeve, allowing fracturing fluid and proppant to enter the interval. After the stage is complete, the sleeve may remain open or be closed for subsequent stages depending on the system used.

Common sleeve configurations include mechanical sleeves, ball-activated sleeves, retrievable or fixed-type sleeves, and hydraulic- or electric-actuated systems. They are used in multistage completions in shale and other tight formations and are often deployed with other completion hardware such as bridge plugs and packers.

FracSleeves are manufactured from corrosion-resistant steel alloys designed to withstand downhole pressures and temperatures. Their use increases flexibility and efficiency in hydraulic fracturing operations but adds complexity and cost, and requires careful design and quality control to avoid misactivation or debris-related issues.