Vaca Muerta shale

This paper explains how an operator’s projects in the Vaca Muerta have become more-efficient and cost-effective by increasing production and reducing well-delivery-cycle time while fostering the long-term sustainability of the project.

This paper describes natural fractures and their effect on hydrocarbon productivity in the Vaca Muerta shale formation.

The authors describe a casing-leak-repair alternative to allow continued hydraulic fracturing of an unconventional formation.

Results from more than 50,000 runs where shaped cutters resolved drilling issues demonstrate that, by matching the combination of cutters to the formation and the downhole conditions, it is possible to improve ROP, extend bit life, and drill longer runs for more cost-efficient operations.

Bidding is open for a 563-km natural gas pipeline that will expand the country’s natural gas transport capacity by 25%.

Oil producers that spent years gearing up for a growth spurt beginning in 2020 are making up for lost time.

Even though costs and market conditions are important for the development of the Vaca Muerta formation, regulation and trust in the fiscal and regulatory framework are fundamental to attract the required investments. And HSE rules are a key component in the regulatory framework. 

PowerChina said railway plans are moving forward under Argentina’s current administration and China could provide the financing for the $1.2–1.5 billion project.

The complete paper describes a physics-based model of interference and a sensitivity study to propose guidelines for well spacing and a drilling timeline for multiple horizontal wells in the Vaca Muerta shale.

Production from the Vaca Muerta now accounts for 23% of Argentina’s natural gas output. With only 4% of the shale play’s acreage in development, the US EIA says the country is in position to boost LNG exports in the coming years.