000			03822nam a2200241 4500
005			20260520010501.0
008			260224s2025 xxu ing
041			_aInglés
245	0	0	_aCutting volume measurement _bA key tool for borehole cleaning and stability monitoring in horizontal drilling
260			_a _b _c2025
270			_a24/09/2025 ; 24/09/2025
300			_a16 p.
520			_aThe Vaca Muerta Formation, located on the western side of Argentina across Neuquén, Mendoza, and Río Negro, is one of most significant unconventional reservoirs of the world, rich in shale oil and gas. Its vast energy potential has led to rapid growth, increasing complexity in well construction, with horizontal sections often exceeding 5000 meters. This complexity increases the risks of borehole mechanical instability, emphasizing the critical importance of real-time monitoring and control of drilling operations. Effective borehole cleaning and stability assessment are essential for reaching the planned total depth efficiently, minimizing stuck pipe risks, and reducing Non-Productive Time (NPT), particularly in horizontal wells. Effective removal of drill cuttings enhances the Rate of Penetration (ROP) and improves drilling parameters. Conversely, stationary cuttings bed accumulation in the horizontal section can lead to drilling inefficiencies, including stuck pipes, erratic Equivalent Circulating Density (ECD), increased torque, and borehole instability. Realtime monitoring and quantification of borehole cleaning and stability conditions allow continuous optimisation of drilling and hydraulic parameters, ensuring maximum ROP while controlling downhole ECD and open-hole volume. Additionally, enables timely remedial actions and their effectiveness assessment. This study presents the field application of real-time Borehole Cleaning and Stability Monitoring Service in over 60 wells in the Vaca Muerta Formation, Neuquén Basin. Using advanced Cuttings Volume Monitoring (CVM) equipment installed in front of each shale shaker to continuously measure drill cuttings recovery. These devices, combined with specialized monitoring software, accounted for drilling fluid coating and compared measured cuttings volume with theoretical drilled volume. This approach enabled early detection of trend deviations associated with the borehole cleaning and stability issues, allowing for prompt remedial actions to ensure drilling operations efficiency. The CVM application granted significant results, helping operators drill efficiently within planned time and cost parameters. It minimizes the risk of stuck pipes and NPT related to borehole instability and poor hole cleaning. Even in extended horizontal sections, the service optimised ROP based on real-time wellbore conditions, reduced cleaning pill usage, limited circulation cycles at TD, and avoided unnecessary back-reaming or wiper trips, reducing Invisible Lost Time (ILT). Additionally, when running a Caliper Log was impractical due to high operational risks and costs, the CVM service provided a reliable alternative for effectively monitoring open-hole volume and estimating the average equivalent hole diameter in near real-time. This surface-based solution avoids the need to introduce tools into the hole, reducing stuck pipe and Loss in Hole (LIH) risk.
773			_g
942			_cCONGTP
100	1		_aLugo, César E. _962949
100	1		_aComotti, Sergio _962950
100	1		_aMoyano Paz, Raúl _962951
100	1		_aZagatto, Mateo _962952
111	2		_aCongreso Latinoamericano de Perforación, Terminación e Intervención de Pozos (5to. : 2025 sept. 8-11 : Buenos Aires) _962910
999			_c197777 _d197777
856			_uhttps://biblioteca.iapg.org.ar/ArchivosAdjuntos/5toCongresoLatPerfTerInter2025/Cuttings.pdf