Multipay Well Completion in Argentina: A Versatile Pinpoint Completion Technology Applied through Several Conventional, Tight, and Shale Reservoirs

Abstract

Many fields in Argentina have multilayer reservoirs that require various stimulation techniques, primarily hydraulic fracturing. A variety of formations and types of reservoirs, such as conventional (mature fields) and unconventional (tight gas and shale), are the main focus in the Golfo San Jorge and Neuquén basin. The hydraulic fractures created in these basins present a variety of conditions and challenges related to depth, well architecture design, bottomhole temperature (BHT), reservoir pressure, and formation permeability. In 2006, a pinpoint completion technique was introduced to help achieve greater efficiency and reduce time and costs associated with completions. This paper presents experiences gained using this technology and proving such versatility in different types of reservoirs. The pinpoint technique, called hydrajet perforating annular-path treatment placement and proppant plugs for diversion (HPAP-PPD), was applied in new wells at different reservoir conditions. The history and evolution of this technique in Argentina was initiated in conventional oil reservoirs (mature fields in Golfo San Jorge) and then was introduced in the Neuquén basin in gas well completions. Throughout the last seven years, this technique has been tested and implemented in tight gas wells. More recently, it was used to improve a completion technique in a shale oil well. This completion method allowed operators to focus treatments in desired zones using specific treatment designs based on reservoir characteristics. Several case histories are presented for different basins, formations, and reservoirs types, highlighting lessons learned and reduced completion time.