The Vaca Muerta formation is one of the primary source rocks at the Neuquina basin located in the central west portion of Argentina, South America. During the last few years, it has been at the industry forefront for different reasons. Currently, many operators, including some of the major industry leaders, are initiating their own approach to this promising play.
This shale reservoir, like many others, is characterized as a marine deposit with different depositional sequences and environments. Therefore, its organic content, as well as mineralogy, changes across its areal and vertical distribution. The Vaca Muerta areal extension is in the order of 30000 km2 (7,413,154 acres), and reservoir thickness varies from 160 to 400 m. Based on the many different analyses performed and results of vertical pilot wells across the basin, it is understood that this shale reservoir offers a very high potential within its different facies.
This paper includes some of the lessons learned from Vaca Muerta as a result of the characterization process that has been building for the last few years. Some recommendations are also provided that relate to well construction, reservoir characterization, and well completions.
URTeC 1508336
