Image from Google Jackets

A case study : New self-removing diverter application immediate operational efficiencies and enhanced production results

By: Description: 33 pDDC classification:
  • PD I116 3 0015570
Online resources: In: Summary: The Vaca Muerta shale reservoir in Neuquén, Argentina is transitioning from exploration to development in certain acreage positions. Developing an unconventional resource using lessons learned from previously developed shale plays in other basins has illustrated the importance of balancing operational efficiency and enhancing well productivity. A successful lesson learned from North America with regards to operational efficiency and productivity has been the novel use of a self-removing diverter application (SRDA). This paper presents a case study, including formation information, wellbore data, stimulation procedures, engineering considerations, logistical challenges, operational efficiencies, production rates/volumes, and economic value created by SRDA in a multistage Vaca Muerta shale refracture stimulation. Before applying fracture stimulation in source rock reservoirs, there are many technical services that need to be performed to complete a wellbore efficiently and effectively. A typical unconventional completion design requires the use of mechanical isolating plugs and multiple perforation clusters in each interval to effectively treat and isolate each stage interval during the fracture stimulation process. The economics for unconventional shale wells are heavily influenced by the completion process in regards to logistical challenges and necessary services. The application of SRDA and elimination of some or all of the wellbore interventions necessary when using conventional plug-and-perforating methods in a refracturing treatment in a harsh remote environment can reduce overall completion costs and the required timeframe significantly. In addition to improvements in operational efficiency, initial and sustained well production results were maintained and even enhanced. SRDA provides the ability to continuously stimulate multiple stages within a single wellbore and to help ensure all of the intended perforation clusters receive effective stimulation by incorporating a diverting material that is 100% degradable with time and temperature. Fracturing with SRDA technology began in 2010; by April 2015, it had been applied in more than 16,000 fracturing treatments in every major unconventional basin in North America, including the Eagle Ford, Haynesville, Marcellus, Bakken, Niobrara, Woodford, Barnett, Wolfberry, Monterey shale, and Duvernay shale. Its use is continuing to grow in these settings and around the world (e.g., the pioneer application in Argentina’s Vaca Muerta shale, the subject of this study). SRDA has been used in a wide range of formations with a true vertical depth (TVD) from 3,500 to 15,000 ft and treated perforation clusters at over 20,000 ft measured depth (MD); it has been applied to new completions and used in refracturing operations in wells with bottomhole static temperatures (BHSTs) as high as 360°F.
Item type: Congresos (trabajos presentados)
Holdings
Current library Call number Status Barcode
IAPG-Colección PD I116 3 0015570 (Browse shelf(Opens below)) Not for loan 200062344

The Vaca Muerta shale reservoir in Neuquén, Argentina is transitioning from exploration to development in certain acreage positions. Developing an unconventional resource using lessons learned from previously developed shale plays in other basins has illustrated the importance of balancing operational efficiency and enhancing well productivity. A successful lesson learned from North America with regards to operational efficiency and productivity has been the novel use of a self-removing diverter application (SRDA). This paper presents a case study, including formation information, wellbore data, stimulation procedures, engineering considerations, logistical challenges, operational efficiencies, production rates/volumes, and economic value created by SRDA in a multistage Vaca Muerta shale refracture stimulation. Before applying fracture stimulation in source rock reservoirs, there are many technical services that need to be performed to complete a wellbore efficiently and effectively. A typical unconventional completion design requires the use of mechanical isolating plugs and multiple perforation clusters in each interval to effectively treat and isolate each stage interval during the fracture stimulation process. The economics for unconventional shale wells are heavily influenced by the completion process in regards to logistical challenges and necessary services. The application of SRDA and elimination of some or all of the wellbore interventions necessary when using conventional plug-and-perforating methods in a refracturing treatment in a harsh remote environment can reduce overall completion costs and the required timeframe significantly. In addition to improvements in operational efficiency, initial and sustained well production results were maintained and even enhanced. SRDA provides the ability to continuously stimulate multiple stages within a single wellbore and to help ensure all of the intended perforation clusters receive effective stimulation by incorporating a diverting material that is 100% degradable with time and temperature. Fracturing with SRDA technology began in 2010; by April 2015, it had been applied in more than 16,000 fracturing treatments in every major unconventional basin in North America, including the Eagle Ford, Haynesville, Marcellus, Bakken, Niobrara, Woodford, Barnett, Wolfberry, Monterey shale, and Duvernay shale. Its use is continuing to grow in these settings and around the world (e.g., the pioneer application in Argentina’s Vaca Muerta shale, the subject of this study). SRDA has been used in a wide range of formations with a true vertical depth (TVD) from 3,500 to 15,000 ft and treated perforation clusters at over 20,000 ft measured depth (MD); it has been applied to new completions and used in refracturing operations in wells with bottomhole static temperatures (BHSTs) as high as 360°F.



Instituto Argentino del Petróleo y del Gas
Maipú 639 (C1006ACG) – Buenos Aires – Argentina
Tel: (54 11) 5277 IAPG (4274)
Lu - Vie 11 a 17 hs
Mail: biblio@iapg.org.ar


Copyright © 2026, Instituto Argentino del Petróleo y del Gas, todos los derechos reservados.

Protección de datos personales