Abstract
The development of unconventional reservoirs like La Calera in the Vaca Muerta formation presents unique challenges due to the complex behavior of gas-oil ratio (GOR), varying PVT properties, gas and condensate dispatch restrictions, parent-child degradation, frac-hits impacts, performance of different stacking/completion, rigs availability and simultaneous operations among others. In this paper, we introduce a set of custom-built tools designed to optimize the field's development strategy: Virtual Flow Metering (VFM), Auomated History Matching and an Integrated Production Model (IPM) coupled with an optimized and a Parent-Child Module. VFM enables daily production tracking, well-by-well allocation, and loss identification, allowing for real-time decision-making to meet gas and condensate demands. A workflow for automatic parameter estimation allows for scalable well-by-well tuning, capturing the uncertainties inherent in these reservoirs. By integrating these tools with a coupled reservoir model and optimizer, we generate reliable short- and long-term production forecasts, optimizing both development schedules and commercial commitments.
The decision to implement these tools in Python provided unmatched flexibility, enabling custom adjustments for the Vaca Muerta formation's specific characteristics. This in-house solution avoids the limitations of commercial software and allows for continuous updates and scaling as new data becomes available. We also minimize dependency on commercial licenses, making it possible to run the model across multiple workstations simultaneously. In the near future, we aim to migrate IPM to the cloud for enhanced computational scalability, enabling the parallel execution of complex scenarios. Additionally, a stochastic module is under development to capture uncertainties from type-well parameters and put-on-production schedules. An algorithm is also being designed to propose drilling and completion scenarios based on rig availability, production commitments, and fracture-driven interactions, minimizing the parent-child effect and optimizing economic performance.
These tools and workflows have proven effective in optimizing La Calera's development strategy, contributing to the overall value maximization of the asset by aligning technical and commercial objectives.