Research progress of soluble magnesium alloy for fracturing temporary plugging tools

The staged fracturing technology of horizontal wells is an important mean to effectively improve the production of unconventional energy. Importantly, the application of soluble fracturing plugging tools has greatly improved the production efficiency. Mg alloys have become the preferred material for manufacturing soluble fracturing plugging tools and the focus of extensive research because of the characteristics of excellent strength, light weight and easy corrosion. In this paper, four series of Mg-Al, Mg-Zn, new Mg-RE alloy containing LPSO phase and other alloys were comprehensively reviewed from three dimensions of microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion rate. It was also suggested that the specification and standard should be further established in the engineering application. Especially, the unified test method and measurement unit should be established for the corrosion rate test. © 2022, China Science Publishing & Media Ltd. All right reserved.