Geological Characteristics and Exploration & Development Potential of Vaca
Muerta Shale Oil, Neuquen Basin, Argentina

Abstract

Abstract: Based on the analysis of geological and accumulation characteristics, exploration & development history and single-well production of Vaca Muerta shale oil in the Neuquen Basin, Argentina, and the comparison with shale oil plays in North America, it is concluded that Vaca Muerta Formation is a set of high quality shale oil accumulation with wide distribution, large thickness, over pressure, good geochemical indexes, and moderate maturity. But its strong heterogeneity, big lithology change in vertical and lateral directions, intercalation of hard layers and weak layers, and lower quartz content, carbonate content of more than 40% in general, and medium reservoir quality would affect the fracturing effect to some extent, making the rock mechanics more complex. For the Vaca Muerta reservoir, the production and estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) of wells in structurally stable areas are significantly higher than those of wells in strike slip extensional areas, and it is inferred that the production of wells in condensate areas are higher than those of wells in oil generation areas. Still in the initial stage of exploration & development, Vaca Muerta Formation has much worse indexes of drilling cost, single-well production and EUR than North American shale oil plays. Its economical efficiency is poorer, but tends to be better through possible and proper treatments. The development of shale oil and gas in Argentina is still facing a series of challenges in aspects such as politics, economy, and supply of raw materials. Under the circumstances of low oil price, its commercial development will not be started for some time.

Key words: Neuquen Basin, Vaca Muerta Formation, shale oil, geological characteristics, exploration & development potential

Tong Xiaoguang, Li Haowu. Geological Characteristics and Exploration & Development Potential of Vaca Muerta Shale Oil, Neuquen Basin, Argentina[J]. China Petroleum Exploration, 2015, 20(6): 72-83.

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Geological Characteristics and Exploration & Development Potential of Vaca Muerta Shale Oil, Neuquen Basin, Argentina

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