The Vaca Muerta play has become the principal energy resource of the country after a decade of large-scale studies and pilot and first projects. Over 1,220 wells were drilled by 25 operators and over 18,000 hydraulic fractures were completed. The current production in Vaca Muerta formation represents 23% of the gas and 27% of the country’s total oil production. The geological features of Vaca Muerta formation and the good results achieved, predict its key role in the transition to renewable energy sources.

 

The thorough study of the subsurface demonstrated the regional and stratigraphic heterogeneity of the play in multiple variables and in different scales, resulting in a significant number of combinations of the geological parameters that define the different sweet spots. Likewise, there are considerable variations, in drilling and stimulation design options, and in the POP strategies. In addition, there are still many uncertainties about the growth of a hydraulic fracture as well as limitations to monitor the stimulations and production allocation. Given this outlook, it is essential to continue with a methodical data acquisition and an integrated analysis. Understanding the key factors involved in well performance, will improve the quality of the decision making on subsurface, and will help in the un-risking process. It is possible to contribute with a sustainable development in Vaca Muerta by improving well productivity and optimizing the available resources.

 

This workshop aims at sharing the knowledge and address the challenges associated to the subsurface, in order to implement them in the next steps on Vaca Muerta development and other analogous reservoirs.

 

 

Objetives:

 

• Present, share and exchange information, ideas, methods and concepts apply on Vaca Muerta development.
• Discuss new technologies and best practices that allow improving decision-making on subsurface matters.
• Contribute with the acceleration of the learning curve through the exchange of experiences and results.

 

Subthemes:

 

• Analysis of the variables that monitor productivity in Vaca Muerta.
• Interference between wells: well spacing, stacking and number of targets.
• Well design: optimal well length, geosteering and hydraulic fracture design.
• Understanding stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) and drained reservoir volume (DRV).
• Drawdown management, estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) and reserves.
• Well type, production simulation, forecasting and optimization.
• Data Analytics, Impact Assessment (IA), Machine learning - Big Data: technologies applicable to development optimization.
• Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR); Huff & Puff
• Methods and strategies for sustainable development and environmental management.

 

 

Reference Team:

 

Pablo Castellarini, TotalEnergies

Sebastián Estrada, TotalEnergies

Manuel Fantín

Federico González Tomasini, Phoenix Global

Diego Licitra, YPF

Guillermo López Pezé, Pan American Energy

Denis Marchal, Pampa Energía

Constanza Menghi, Wintershall

Guilermina Sagasti, YPF

Juan Manuel Reynaldi, Pluspetrol

Hugo Aguirre, Shell