Abstract
A new approach to upscaling and modeling of geomechanical properties using clusters has been set-up for Vaca Muerta Formation in the Neuquén Basin of Argentina. Using wells with core and cross-dipole logging tools, a core calibrated anisotropic model of the formation has been established. Clusters were determined from a logging suite comprising only gamma ray, compressional slowness, and bulk density in a key exploration well, and this cluster group was applied to several more wells in the study area. Using microseismic data obtained from three of the wells in the study area with two fracturing stages each, the vertical extent of microseismic events was determined, and the clusters obtained through our analysis have been upscaled over this interval using Backus averaging. All four upscaled wells show similar results by cluster for elastic stiffness coefficients and Young’s moduli, with a very tight range of values. Poisson’s ratio is more variable and a vague trend with the clusters is noticed. When compared to the core data, similar trends are observed in the stiffness coefficients and Young’s moduli. These clusters have been used as geomechanical facies to populate a 3D MEM which can be used to couple the petrophysical model for the study area, regional stress model, regional structure, and natural fracture network in order to combine the fully coupled geomechanics and flow effects in hydraulic fracturing treatments. The method we have developed allows for anisotropic properties to be applied over a wide area with limited available logging data.
