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Applications of geostatistical seismic inversion to the Vaca Muerta, Neuquen Basin, Argentina
Johnson, James R.
Johnson, James R.
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2017
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Abstract
In the Neuquén Basin the Vaca Muerta is a world class source rock. The reservoir consists of a distal marine shale that transitions into a carbonate slope. The study area is 600 km2 with a diverse dataset including 3D narrow azimuth seismic, surface microseismic, and six wells. The primary goals of this research study are to understand the relationship between critical rock properties and geomechanical moduli, extract further value from the available data by increasing resolution, and to understand what drives hydraulic stimulation. Total organic content (TOC) is a major driver with unconventional reservoirs. The presence of high TOC makes an unconventional play viable and impacts the geomechanical properties. Understanding the relationship between TOC and geomechanical parameters is critical. Young’s modulus, bulk modulus, and shear modulus show a clear correlation with TOC, while Poisson’s ratio does not. Incorporating geostatistical inversion provides a route to increased resolution, a constant pursuit of geoscientists and engineers alike. Us- ing increased resolution, favorable zones for hydraulic stimulation can be more accurately targeted. Hydraulically induced fractures are shown to grow in homogenous zones and to dissipate energy in heterogeneous zones. Geostatistical inversion can help identify local areas of homogeneity contained within zones of greater heterogeneity in order to create complex fracture networks optimal for production. Further to this, geostatistical inversion provides a platform to understand the uncertainty of the datasets being utilized. Finally, these elements can be tied together by integrating microseismic data in order to understand what drives stimulation. Young’s modulus, bulk modulus, and shear modulus show a relationship with the number and magnitude of microseismic events. The integration of a variety of datasets, through a number of processes, have shown that understanding geomechanical properties, increasing resolution, and being aware of drivers to stimulation can help optimize completions within the Vaca Muerta.
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