Core In Action: Evaluating the Future of Plug-Less Completions

Core In Action: Evaluating the Future of Plug-Less Completions

May 14, 2026

Multiple major U.S. unconventional operators recently engaged Core Laboratories to evaluate emerging plug-less completion designs using its proprietary SpectraStim™ proppant tracer diagnostics. The results confirmed successful stage stimulation in these test cases, providing operators with reliable diagnostic data to assess where plug-less systems are a viable approach for reducing completion costs and improving operational efficiency.

Plug-less completion designs represent a growing area of interest among U.S. unconventional operators seeking to reduce costs and streamline operations by eliminating traditional mechanical isolation plugs. However, verifying that diverter-based stage isolation achieves effective stimulation across multistage laterals is critical before broader adoption. Without reliable diagnostic data, operators lack the confidence needed to determine where and when plug-less systems are appropriate.

Core Lab deployed SpectraStim™ proppant tracers and spectral logging equipment to assess diverter-based stage isolation and verify stimulation effectiveness across multistage laterals. This approach provided direct measurement of proppant placement, delivering clear insight into whether each stage was effectively stimulated under the plug-less design.

"Core Lab's SpectraStim™ proppant tracers and spectral logging equipment play a critical role in helping operators understand stage isolation, which is essential for maximizing production in unconventional horizontal wells. As operators continue evaluating new completion technologies, SpectraStim™ remains a cost-effective method for assessing diverter-based isolation and validating non-plug approaches that can deliver meaningful operational savings. This work not only strengthens decision-making today but also supports more efficient completion strategies in the future."

- Tanner Wood, Engineering Manager, Core Lab

SpectraStim™ diagnostics confirmed that in these test cases, plug-less systems successfully stimulated the targeted stages, demonstrating a reliable and cost-efficient method for evaluating emerging completion designs. As more diagnostically evaluated wells are needed to determine the full range of suitable applications, SpectraStim™ provides operators with the data-driven foundation required to make informed decisions about plug-less completion adoption.

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