The Infinity solution uses fully degradable fracture balls and fully degradable seats instead of plugs to isolate zones during well stimulation.

"Operators are continuously looking to streamline plug and perf operations without compromising productivity," Schlumberger Completions president Olivier Le Peuch said.

"With the new Infinity system, the ball and the seat assemblies both fully dissolve on contact with common completion fluids. As a result, the well is left with full bore access and enables customers to bring production online faster, more efficiently and more cost effectively."

Schlumberger has tested the product in the field, successfully performing plug and perf operations in unconventional reservoirs across the US without the need for mechanical intervention.

For one customer in South Texas, the system was deployed under extreme conditions, operating in temperatures of up to 160C and in wells with laterals of 2400m. In these wells, more than 135 stages were completed without any stages skipped.