The main objective of this analysis is to bring support through 3D seismic interpretation in a multilanding Shale oil of Vaca Muerta Fm. field, applied in the drilling of three horizontal wells close to a fault system. Also, the long-term objective is to challenge drilling in these faulted zones to maximize development area.
A detailed seismic interpretation was done, along with the analysis of a set of echelon faults. Real and apparent throws were calculated along those faults and flexures to determine the best drilling plan. Likewise, tracers were used in the hydraulic fractures of one well to determine if there is an influence in production near the echelon fault.
The results were impacted in the successful drilling and completion of three wells with a minimum distance lower than 100 m from the fault. Those wells allowed a new development strategy considering faults in the area.
This kind of studies may be a good tool when it's time to face an unconventional faulted reservoir, giving an improve in the extent of exploitation area and an understanding of the effects that the stress that make up those structures have on drilling processes.
The study area is in the south-east zone of the Neuquen Basin, inside the Embayment region. This area is structurally characterized by 3 sets of principal faults. The first set (1) is a strike-slip fault with a NW-SE direction and its perpendicular echelon faults. The second set (2) are NNE-SSW faults, located in the eastern part of the area. Finally, the third set (3) are echelon faults with a NW-SE direction, located in the western part of the area. This are the faults that are the focus of this analysis (See Figure 1)
Stratigraphically, the analysis is focused on the Vaca Muerta Fm. (See Figure 2). This is a Shale Oil multilanding Field. The final goal is to challenge the development areas in a Factory mode, which forces to optimize safe distances to faults in the area. Seismic interpretation of faults and it's throws, along with complementary techniques, like petroleum traces, where used. This way, successful drilling of horizontal wells with a lateral closeness less than 100 m were made.
