SPE-WVS-593

Vertical Well Completions in Multilayer Reservoirs: A Decade of Tec hnologies Implemented in

Argentina
Author(s): Juan Carlos Bonapace and Gerardo Perazzo, Halliburton

Section: Drilling and Completions

This paper was prepared for presentation at the 2015 SPE WVS 3er South American Oil and Gas Congress held in Maracaibo, Zulia State, Venezuela, 27–30 October 2015.

This paper was selected for presentation by the SPE Western Venezuelan Petroleum Section Program Committee, following review of information contained in an abstract
submitted by the author( s). Contents of the paper hav e not been rev iewed by the SPE W estern Venezuelan Petroleum Se ction Program Committee and are subject to
correction by the author(s). The material doe s not necessarily reflect any position of SPE Western Venezuelan Petroleum Section, its officers, or members. Electronic
reproduction, distribution, or sto rage of any part of this paper without written consent of the SPE W estern Venezuelan Petroleum Section is pro hibited. Permission to
reproduce in print is restricted to an abstract of not more than 350 words; illustrations may not be copied.

Abstract
Many fields in Argentina have multilayer reservoirs that require various stimulation techniques, mainly hydraulic fracturing. A variety
of formations and types of reservoirs, such as conventional (mature fields) and unconventional (tight gas and shale), are present in the
Golfo San Jorge and Neuquen 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 the last decade, new technologies were introduced and developed to help achieve greater efficiency and reduce time and
costsassociated with completions for these fields. This paper presents experiencesgained using two types of technologies.
First, a new conventional straddle-packer system (SPS) was used in conjunction with a workover unit, which was part of a
technological collaboration agreement between an operator and service company. It was mainly applied in conventional reservoirs,
mature fields, in wells with up to seven fracture stages, andin new or recompletion wells. Second, a pinpoint technique was used,
called hydrajet perforating annular-path treatment placement and proppant plugs for diversion (HPAP-PPD). This technique was
applied in new wells (rigless completion) and all types of reservoirs, both conventional and unconventional (tight gas and shale), and
allowed performing up to 30 separate fracture stages in a single well, with three stages completed in a 12-hr operation.
These completion methods allowed operators to focus their stimulation treatmentsin desired zones with specific treatment
designsbased on reservoir characteristics. Several case histories are presented for different basins, formations, and reservoirs types, as
well as lessons learned and completion time reductions.

Introduction
Hydraulic fracturing is one of the most-widely used stimulation techniques. It is intended to increase the production of reservoir fluids
by applying hydraulic pressure to aformation to initiate and extend fractures using a fluid pumped with proppant material
thatpartiallyfillsthesecreated fractures.
In Argentina, the application of this stimulation technique dates back to October 31, 1960, in Well YPF.Nqn.NG-10 in the Sierras
Blancas formation, Puesto Lopez field. Since then, this type of treatment has been performed in five producing basins in the country
(Fig. 1), as well as in a variety of formations, including conventional and unconventional reservoirs.
2 SPE-WVPS-593

Fig. 1—Argentina production basin.

Throughout the years, constant changes have been made to treatment fluid systems used in these operations, moving from
petroleum-based fluids, methanol (Hernandez et al. 1994; Antoci et al. 2001), CO2 and nitrogen foams, nitrogen-assisted systems
(Alvarezet al. 2012), and water-based systems (Powell et al. 1997; Fontana et al. 2007).
These types of stimulation treatmentshave a variety of requirements for use in this productive basin,which presents a wide range of
depths from 300 to 4500 m, BHTs from 100 to 350°F (Ramallo et al. 2002, Powell et al. 1997), various reservoir pressures (subnormal
to overpressured) and permeabilities (high, medium, low, and ultralow) (Schnaidler et al. 2013; Castellarini et al. 2015), anddifferent
types of complex formations (D'Huteau et al. 2001, 2007; Porollan and Yochcaff 2012).Also, different types of reservoir problems can
be associatedwith these stimulation treatments, such as proppant flowback (Daparo et al. 2009; Nguyen et al. 2013) and the production
of high levels of water (Brocco et al. 2000;Dos Santos et al. 2005; Diaz et al. 2009).
Because of the characteristics of these basins, productive fields were developed in monolayer or multilayer reservoirs, as well as
with multitarget type wells. Completions in these types of reservoirs (multilayer or multitarget wells) can be complex because of
project economics (Scianca and Gimenez 2002).
This paper documents the experiences, lessons learned, and results achieved with two new completion systems used in the last
decade in Argentina for oil or gas reservoirs in mature fields and tight formations in the Golfo San Jorge and Neuquen basin.

Straddle-Packer System (SPS)

Golfo San Jorge Basin—Operator A.This completion system was developedbecause the operator needed to improve completion
times of itswells. The completion methodology used by the operator involved a workover unit with workstring pipe, plugs, and a
packer. Within the well completion stage, opportunities for improvement (reduction of time) were identified, and based on these
elements, an agreement between the two companies (operator and service company) was developed to determine possible solutions.
ASPS was developed to test the reservoir beforea stimulation treatment(multireservoir layer) that also could be used later for hydraulic
fracturing operations. Thus, a significant reduction in required operation hours could be achieved compared with traditional
systemsusedfor the plug-and-packermethod. Greater detail on the scope of the project, descriptions of the tool, and the operating
sequence are provided by Velasquez et al. (2009).
The standard well geometry for this operator consisted of vertical wells with 51/2-in. casing, K-55, 15.5 lb/ft using 27/8-in. tubing,
J-55, 6.5 lb/ft for completion activities. The best progress in this project was achieved when using the tool for fracturing execution.
Initial analysis showed that an average of 15 hr was required to complete the full cycle of performing hydraulic fracturing using the
plug-and-packer methodology. On average,five fracturing stages per well were performed, requiring 75 hr to complete the full cycle of
the stimulation treatment in a well. After this analysis, the main factors causing nonproductive time (NPT) were identified to
determine alternatives for mitigation and improvement. Some activities discovered include the following: sealing test of the
plugandpacker previously used for each zone to be stimulated, shut-in time post-fracturing in areas where curable resin-coated
proppant (RCP) was used to prevent proppant flowback, cleanout and washing of sand thatwasobserved above the plug, and moving
the plugandpackerto the next interest zone.
SPE-WVPS-593 3

Once development of the tool was completed, a field test period was initiated consisting of three progressive stages (2007–2009).
During this period, some modifications and adjustment were made to the tool. The field tests consisted of 55 stages of fracturing
performed in 13 wells using different packer spacing (8 to 30 m) and different types of proppants (RCP and white sand) (Arze et al.
2010).

First Phase.This phasewas conducted from late 2007 to mid-2008 in threewells in which 16 stages of fracturingwere performed.
During this period, different spacing between packers wasused. In the first well,fracturingStages 1and 2had a spacing of 8 m, and the
remaining Stages 3 and 4used12 m. Furthermore, in the second well, the same design criteria were used.The first fourfracturingstages
used a spacing of 20 m,which was increased to 30 m in the remaining three fracturingstages. Finally, the last well treatment was
performed using the same spacing (21.5 m) for each fracturingstage. White sand proppant was used in all three treatments.

Observations and Solutions.Problems in the tool were identified that preventedsufficientfluid flow for proppant cleanout between
packers as well as for releasing thetool. As a consequence, a tool modification was madein the upper packer, as well as changes in the
internal valves and bypass systems,including design modifications in the lower packer.

Second Phase.Thiswas conducted during 2008 in twowells in which 13 stages of fracturingwere performed. During this phase, special
focus was given to evaluatingperformance when using RCP during operations for the entire fracturing treatmentdesign. Variable
spacing was used for each well; for the first well, three spacings were used (10.5 m in the first two stages, 15.3 m in the following
three stages,and 30.8 m in the last twostages). The second well was stimulatedusing a 30.5-m spacing for each stage.

Observations and Solutions.Problems were identified in the tool, primarily related to releasing thelower packer. Greater difficulty
in maneuveringwas also evident resulting from the RCP. Again, this led to a tool redesign in the lower packer (bypass valve and
increased flow area to enhance cleanout operations).

Third Phase.This phasewas conducted in mid-2009.It comprised a greater number of wells (eightwells) in which 26 stages of
fracturingwere performed. During this phase, spacing was between 12.3 to 31.5 m (spacing between upper and lower packer), and
only twowell spacings were modified.The main objective was to createan unique arrangement of packers for all of the fracturing
treatmentsto be performed in the wells,minimizing time and additional runs required to modify the spacing. The fracturing treatment
design mostly used RCP; however, some stages consisted ofwhite natural sand. A total of 80% of the wells were
completedusingfouror five fracturingstages.

Observations.No problems were identified, noting that the latest modifications were appropriate for the proper operation of the
tool.
After successfully completing the third stage of field testing, this tool configuration was considered for use in regular operations.
Operational job procedures, best practices, and recommendations were created and documented, such as a) packers must be fixed at a
distance of 1.5 to 2 m above or below the perforated intervals, b) wells for which the application of this tool would be feasible require
at least three completion stages, and c) use a distance between successive zones to be stimulated greater than 20 m.

Implementation Phase.Implementation of this tool as part of completion activities for this operator began in mid-2009 to late 2013.
In late 2009, acomparative analysis was made to evaluate the tool performance and the new completion methodology. As part of the
evaluation process, five fields were selected in which wells were completed using a traditional plug-and-packer system in a total of
seven wells. In addition, nine wells were completed using the new SPS completion system. Wells usingboth applications should meet
the following conditions: have the same number of stages or a minimum difference and be completed almost simultaneously to avoid
delayscaused by climatic variables or weather conditions, as wind and/or snow are typical of the area where the wells exist.
In Fig. 2,the wells are grouped by field (Field A to E). The bars show the number of fracturing stages performed by well (left
axis),where the black color indicates traditional plug-and-packer completions while red illustrates the new SPS completion system.
The marked points referenced in the right axis show the average time (hours) required per fracturing stage, where blue marksindicate
plug-and-packer completions and red marks reference SPScompletions. It can clearly be observed that an average of 10 to 16 hr per
fracturing stage was required for the traditional completions, whereas the new methodology required between 4 and 8 hr. This
reduction in time for each fracturing stage represents an average decrease on the order of 40 to 63%.
4 SPE-WVPS-593

Fig. 2—Wells grouped by field.

Arze et al. (2010) document average values of 6 hr per fracturing stage using this completion system, indicating a significant time
savingsfor workover equipment (18%) and also increasing the availability of fracturing. All of these factors allowforcompleting a
higher number of wellsin the same time frame; moreover, a greater number of wells could be completed that would generate
additional production, which can be viewed as a production increase.
Fig. 3 shows a summary of the historical development of using this completion methodology, from the field test phase to
implementation to its current use in well completion operations. Throughout the current year, 93 wells have been completed for this
operator using this methodology, performing a total of 366 fracturing stages (Fig.3a). It was determined that 78% of wells completed
usedthree to five fracturing stages (Fig.3b), and 69% of hydraulic fractures used 10,000 to 30,000 lbm of proppant (Fig.3c), providing
a maximum proppant concentration range of 6 to 8 lbm/gal (Fig.3d).
SPE-WVPS-593 5

Fig. 3—(a) Historical evolution; (b) fracturing stages per well; (c) fracture size; (d) maximum proppant concentration.

Also, 68% of the fracturing stages consisted of stimulating a unique zone (sand body), as shown in Fig. 4a. In reference to the
arrangement or spacing between packers, 97% used spacings longer than 20 m, enabling a tool configuration that provided many
fracturing stages in the well, which minimizedthe amount of additional runs required (Fig. 4b). While one of the premises to begin
using the tool in normal operations was to maintain a distance greater than 20 m between successive zones to stimulate, it can be
observed in Fig. 4c that only 11% used spacings below 30 m, and 50% of all fractures were created with spacingsgreater than 100 m
between zones to be stimulated. Additionally, almost 85% of the completions usedRCP.

Fig. 4—(a) Number of stimulated zones per fracturing stage; (b) packer spacing; (c) spacing between successive fractures; (d) proppant type.
6 SPE-WVPS-593

A number of lessons were learned over the years, and areas for improvement were identified forreducing operation times.
Achieving successful optimization of time and cost reductions using this methodology involves several components, such as
equipment and personnel for the workover unit, equipment and personnel related to the service company (set of fracture, tool),the
operator, logistics, and resources for a dynamic operation. Fig.5shows an analysis of total NPT per year and the percentage of
distribution according to the variable or factor considered. The following categories were evaluated:
 Completion System:corresponds to identifyingissues with the tool (lack of sealing) and mechanical problems occurring in
the workover unit that mademovement of the workstringimpossible for a new zone anddelays associated with fracturing
zones with high bottomhole pressure (BHP) and/orflowback fluidconditions (fracturing fluid) once the fracturing
treatmentiscompleted.
 Well/Zone Condition: corresponds to problems associated with the well and reservoir at the moment offracturing, including
problems with moving from one zone to another because of packaging or sealing problems withthe tool, elevated pumping
pressures to initiate the fracture, subsequent maneuvers to reposition the tool for performing contingencypumping because of
formation problems (excessive perforation friction), the need to reperforate intervals, annulus pressure increases while
beginning thefracturing treatment,and premature screenouts.
 Service Company: corresponds to problems associated withequipment and personnel duringthe completion of the well,
includingequipment damage, repair, or replacement of units, personal breaks, and preparation of the fracturinggel (premixed).
 Operator:corresponds to logistical problems, such as water suppliesfor operation, fluid removal from workover disposal pits,
coordination, and delaysin decision making resulting from changes in the operation program.
 Weather Conditions:refers to delays associated with climate conditions at the location, such as high wind velocities,
freezing problems during winter, and poorroad conditions.

Fig.
5—
NPT
anal
ysis.

T
he
valu
es
pres
ente
d in
Fig.
5
sho
w
stea
dy
imp
rove
men
t
over
the
last four years, achieving a reduced total NPT of 34 to 22%. This has been part of the learning curve for implementing the new
completion methodology with personnel from theoperating company, service company, and workover unit. Also, implementation of
identified improvement opportunities helped mitigate and resolve problems.
A summary per year from 2009 to 2013 is presented in Table 1,which details the operating performance. The main variables of
each well, including operation times achieved, are shown.
SPE-WVPS-593 7

Year 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Basin Golfo San Jorge Golfo San Jorge Golfo San Jorge Golfo San Jorge Golfo San Jorge
Mina El Mina El Mina El Mina El
Comodoro
Formation CarmenComodor CarmenComodor CarmenComodor CarmenComodor
Rivadavia
o Rivadavia o Rivadavia o Rivadavia o Rivadavia
ReservoirType Sandstone - oil Sandstone - oil Sandstone – oil Sandstone - oil Sandstone –oil
Stages per Well 5 5 5 4 7
Depth (m) 2300.0 to 2072.5 2790.0 to 1716.5 2528.5 to 2035.0 1212.5 to 1042.5 2346 to 1726
Packer Spacing (m) 25.6 21.7 24.8 31.5 31.6 and 25.4
Injection Test –Diagnostic Fracture
No No Yes Yes Yes
Injection Test (DFIT)
Fluid Volume Stage (gal) 6,400 to 10,600 8,200 to 10,700 8,000 to 22,600 9,100 to 16,100 6,900 to 13,000
Amount of Proppant Stage (lbm) 7,500 to 20,600 16,300 to 25,800 18,900 to 60,400 16,100 to 46,600 13,400 to 33,300
Total Fluid Pumped (psi) 36,590 48,740 70,850 44,350 76,120
Total Amount of Proppant (lbm) 70,100 107,300 179,100 118,900 185,500
Type of Proppant RCP RCP RCP RCP RCP
Proppant Mesh 20/40 20/40 20/40 12/20 20/40
Max Prop Concen (lbm/gal) 6 to 7 7 to 8 7 to 8.2 6 to 8.2 6 to 8
Slurry Rate (bbl/min) 15 to 16 14 to 14.5 15.4 to 16 13.5 to 14.8 14 to 16
Wellhead Pressure (psi) 3,150 to 2,950 3,420 to 2,640 4,100 to 3,100 2,570 to 2,200 4,040 to 3,110
Fracture Gradient (psi/ft) 0.55 to 0.63 0.66 to 0.69 0.62 to 0.69 0.66 to 0.69 0.60 to 0.70
Well Control after Fracturing Forced closure Forced closure Forced closure Forced closure Forced closure
Screenout No (1)-Third stage No (1)- Third stage No
DFIT: 30min for
pressure decline
and analysis
After DFIT: 60min for DFIT: 45min for After fourth
Comments — fourthstage,rest pressure decline pressure decline stage, change
crew4 1/2hr and analysis and analysis spacing tool [pull
out of hole
(POOH) and run
in hole (RIH)]12hr
FracturingTime per Stage (hr:min) 24:30 18:55 32:00 24:45 33:30
Time(min/stage) 294 227 384 371 287
Time(hr/stage) 5 3 3/4 6 2/4 6 1/4 4 3/4
Table 1—Operator A well variables.

Hydrajet Perforating Annular-Path Treatment Placement and Proppant Plug for Diversion (HPAP-PPD)
This completion technique, referred to aspinpoint stimulation, was introduced in the industry in 2004 (Surjaatmadja et al. 2005) in
vertical wells initially and was quickly applied in horizontal wells (McDaniel et al. 2006). It consists of an abrasive perforation tool
deployed oncoiled tubing (CT) and subsequent fracturing treatment pumping through the annulus between the CT and casing,
resulting in a fracturing stage followed bya sand plug for zonal isolation. This technique provides the benefit of allowing selective
zones to be stimulated, encouraging faster completions, and has the versatility to cleanout remaining sand (washed with CT). In
Argentina, it was introduced in 2006 in the Golfo San Jorge and Neuquen basins for conventional and unconventional reservoirs
(Favoretti and Ferrer 2008; Kovalenko 2009; Bonapace et al. 2009; Barbalace et al. 2012; Forni et al. 2015).
In Argentina, this completion technique has been successfully applied in a wide variety of formations, such as Mina el Carmen,
and Comodoro Rivadavia in the Golfo San Jorge basin and Molles, Lajas, Punta Rosada, Tordillo, Quintuco, Precuyo, and Vaca
Muerta in the Neuquen basin. To date, 37 wells have been completed with a total of 336 fracturing stages for six different operators.
Fig. 6 shows the distribution of wells completed with this technique in terms of basins, operators, types of reservoir, and well
geometry.
8 SPE-WVPS-593

Fig. 6—(a) Wells completed by basin; (b) wells completed by operator; (c) wells completed by reservoir type; (d) wells completed by
wellgeometry.

Two historical cases in the Neuquen basin will be discussed. The first corresponds to Operator B (operator that used this
completion technique the most, see Fig.6b), and the experience documented is associated with a conventional gas producer well. The
second case is for Operator C, which applied this completion methodology in tight gas reservoirs (Figs 6b and 6c).

Neuquen Basin—Operator B.The HPAP-PPDtechnique has been used bythis operatingcompany since 2007 in a total of 13 wells
(124 fracturingstages), mostly in conventional gas wells (Fig. 7a).
Favoretti and Ferrer (2008) document the two types of completion methodologies used by this operator—either rigless completion
by casing or pinpoint stimulation technique—in greater detail. This work presents a series of analyses generated to achieve a greater
understanding of this new technique. The performance of hydrajet abrasiveperforations was evaluated for both the stimulation and
production phases. Also, proppant flowback problems existing in the field (proppant flowback behavior when using this technique),
type of stimulation, proppant agent used, fracturing fluids, new surfactants, and redesign of fracturing treatments were considered.
SPE-WVPS-593 9

Fig. 7—(a) Conventional gas well completion; (b) conventional oilwell completion; (c) tight gas well completion; (d) shale oilwell completion.

Favoretti and Ferrer (2008) present comparative production results from wells completed using both methodologies. The first two
wells in which the technique was used (HPAP-PPD) were oil wells. The first well used five fracturing stages compared to an offset
well thatwas stimulated with a rigless completion (fracturingtreatment by means of casing). The same intervals were targeted in both
wells and were stimulated using the same design criteria (same amount of proppant). Production results showed a higher initial
production as well as stabilized production for the well in which HPAP-PPD was employed, indicative of a more selective and
effective stimulation. For the second well, stimulation criteria were modified such that a lower amount of proppant agent was used for
the well completed using HPAP-PPD, which provided a production response similar to an offset well in which the fracturing criteria
were not changed.
Favoretti and Ferrer (2008) conclude that the pinpoint technique generated a considerable decrease in operational costs. The
stimulation treatment efficiency achieved was significantly higher than that with the rigless fracturing by means of casingtechnique.
Additionally, a benefit beyond purely economic considerations was achieved—completion time was reduced for the wells located in
urban/rural areas, where operations must be performed under strict environmental controls. In addition, the generation of formation
damage for gas wells was decreased, either resulting from a shorter residence time of the fluid in the formation or the drowning of
stimulated areas, when using the rigless-fracture technique by means of casing.
Kovalenko (2009) concludes this technique results in reduced execution times forfracturing and completing wells, which positively
impactsproject economics. Additionally, this time reduction helps minimize residence time of the fracturing fluid in the reservoir
(which usually negatively impacts gas wells by generating damage and water blocking). Moreover, greater selectivity was achieved in
the target stimulation zones.
A multitarget well for this operator was evaluated and developed without using standard completion techniques. Over the years,the
operator included new reservoirs to be stimulated, thereby generating multitarget wells. Usually, the following zones are considered
for stimulation: Quintuco and Lajas (oil and gas producers), and the upper section of Los Molles (dry gas producer). Los Molles
10 SPE-WVPS-593

formation is exclusively a dry gas producer, where its basal section is a reservoir with very low permeability (tight gas) and is highly
sensitiveto damage during well construction. As such, the basal section can experience damage during completion operations into the
upper reservoirs, so the completion strategy used is important.
The operator proposed the goal of completing all zones in the wells—Los Molles (tight and conventional), Lajas, and Quintuco.
These zones would be stimulated selectively, allowing the application of the new technique.
A total of 30 fracturing stages were selected to be performed: a) basal Los Molles formation—tight: eight fracturing stages (F1 to
F8); b) middle-upper Molles formation: 10 fracturing stages (F9 to F18); c) Lajas formation: five fracturing stages (F 19 to F23); and
d) Quintuco formation: seven fracturing stages (F24 to F30).
The completion strategy consisted of performing well operations in three phases, corresponding to each of the formations being
stimulated. Based on this, once operations for each formation were completed, a wellbore cleanout and mechanical plug setting
operation was conducted using a wireline unit. Afterward, the same strategy and procedure was followed as for the previous
formations.
The following observations and concerns were considered for each phase of the completion operation.

Los Molles Basal (Tight).High fracture gradients greater than initially assumed values (> 0.8 psi/ft) were observed (Fig. 8a). This led
to changingthe fracturingtreatment to include an increased pumping rate based on the completion technique.Also,modificationstothe
proppant mesh size were required, changing from16/30-mesh to 20/40-mesh for fracturingStages 4 to 18. During operations, three
screenouts were observed (Fig. 8b) in this section of the well (Stages1, 3, and 7),andit was not possible to perform stimulation
treatments forStages 5 and 8 because of high pressures. Stage 5 showed a fracture gradient of 0.97 psi/ft. During this fracturingstage,
pressure control on surface became an important factor because of the elevated working pressure,and control of the pressure was
required to avoid movement of the sand plug in the bottom hole, which is a key factor forminimizingadditional activities
orcontingency plans that could necessitatemore time to complete the well.

Los Molles. Fracture gradients measured were according to expected values; 0.7 to 0.8 psi/ft for fracturingStages 9 to 15. However, in
the last stages, values greater than 0.8 psi/ft were also observed (Fig. 8a). Moreover, screenouts were observed in the last stages, and
only 60% of the total proppant mass was pumped into formation(20/40-mesh proppant was used) (Fig. 8b). Similarly, Stage 16 was
not stimulated because of high pressures.
After completing the first 18 fracturing stages in the formation, the next step included a wellbore cleanout using a standard BHA
(jets) and fluid assisted with nitrogen. Finally, a wireline plug was set at 2575 m to isolate the first section of the well.

Fig. 8—(a) Fracture gradient; (b) total proppant in formation.

Lajas.Fracture gradients measured were much lower than values obtained in previous wells. The first three fracturingstages showed
fracture gradients in the range of 0.65 to 0.72 psi/ft, while the last two fracturingstages showed values lower than 0.6 psi/ft (Fig. 8a).
All treatments were successful, but because of the rapid pressure decline observed, modifications tothe pad percentage were
considered.The proppant agent used was 16/30-mesh, as designed. In this zone,because of low reservoir pressure values, a sand plug
was pumped from surface to achieve the isolation required to continue operations. The sand plug scheduled to be pumped at the end of
fracturing was not successful (F21).Additionally,circulation loss was observed during wellbore cleanout and reversing (F22).
SPE-WVPS-593 11

Once the five fracturing stages were completed, a cleanout phase was initiated using a BHA similar to that used previously. No
circulation problemswere observed. Finally, a mechanical plug was set at 2210 m to isolate the second section of the well.

Quintuco.Fracture gradients observed were according to values measured in offset wells (0.61 to 0.75 psi/ft) (Fig. 8a). Because of
experience in the area,the fracturing design useda 20/40-mesh proppant agent, and treatments were conducted successfully. Once the
seven fracturingstages planned in this formation were completed, a wellbore cleanout operation was performed.

A total of 30 days was required to perform treatments in these formations(Fig. 9):

 Rigup and rigdown: fourdays
 Wellbore cleanout and mechanical plug millout: sevendays (fivedays for Los Molles and twodays for Lajas)
 Nonworking days ( holidays): twodays (Christmas)
 Fracturing operations: 16 days (10 days for Los Molles, threedays for Lajas, and threedays for Quintuco)

It is important to clarify that a unit time of “day” corresponds to operative day of 12 hr. The times achieved showed that for the
basal Los Molles formation, one stage per day could be performed, and in some cases,two stages per day. Two stages per day were
achieved in Los Molles, and three stages per day were conducted in Lajas and Quintuco.

Fig. 9—Completion times (those shown in black were aborted).

Neuquen Basin—Operator C.ThisHPAP-PPDcompletion technique was introduced for Operator C in 2008.To date,ninetight gas
wells and 84 separate fracturing stageshavebeen completedusing the pinpoint technique(Fig. 7c).
The zones stimulated for this operator are the Lajas and Punta Rosada formations. Both have common characteristics, such as low
permeability, in the range of 0.01 to 0.001 md, and overpressured zones, which have a pore pressure gradient from 0.65 to 0.70 psi/ft.
Nevertheless,their thickness and distribution are different. Lajashas a hydrocarbon thickness on the order of 20 to 45 m, while Punta
Rosadais more likely composed of lenticular sands being close to one other with a thickness of 2 to 10 m.
Barbalace et al. (2012)document the completion performed by this operator, which has been called a hybrid completion because
the stimulation treatments of the formations (Lajas and Punta Rosada) usedboth plug-and-perf and pinpoint techniques.
Their work discusses the characteristics of this type of hybrid completion, the types of stimulations performed for each formation,
the operative sequence, and considerations during flowback operations and well testing. Seven fracturing stages were performed in 35
hr in the Punta Rosada formation, which means one fracturing stage was performed every 5 hr, compared to 72 hr required to perform
the same number of stages using other completion techniques. Additional benefits included minimizing the contact time of the fluid
injected into the formation, being able to begin flowback operations faster,and providing cost savings for well completion
operationsand early well production.
12 SPE-WVPS-593

Alsoin the Punta Rosada formation, a well was completed that required 16 fracturing stages. The completion program included a
BHA modification for Stages 10 and 11. In addition, a pumping diagnostic test was planned to obtain information about excessive
friction pressure in the fractures, perforating and near wellbore friction, fracture gradients, and estimated closure stress. This type of
injection added one additional hour to each fracturing stage, except for the first stage in which an extended pressure decline period for
12 hr was managed.
Fig.10a shows the fracture gradient values observed during thesetests.All zones clearly show values above 0.80 psi/ft, including
some cases with values higher than 0.90 psi/ft. Fig. 10b indicates the amount of proppant agent placed into the formation.Treatment
proppant volumesvaried from 30,000 to 155,000 lbm. A unique screenout occurred in fracturing Stage 8,allowing only 92% of the
total treatment to be pumped into the formation.

Fig. 10—(a) Fracture gradient; (b) total proppant placed in formation.

Stage 8 presented higher operative complexity, which caused delays in the completion times. Once fracturingStage 7 was
complete, operations moved to the next zone, performing an abrasive perforation and later a calibration injection test. Higher friction
values were observed in the NWB region. To mitigate this elevated friction pressure, a proppant sand slug was placed into the
treatment. Once this proppant slug reached the perforations, a sudden screenout occurred. The operator decided to performa wellbore
cleanout using CT, andan inadequate injection rate was observed, reaching the maximum working pressure allowable in the system. A
small stage of15% hydrochloric (HCl) acid system was pumped through the CT, with no indication of improvement. CT was POOH to
determine the BHA condition; a new one was installed, and CTwas RIH again to perform abrasive perforating again, which allowed
pumping thetreatment, although a screenout occurredjustat the end of the flush stage.
The well completion time required using this technique was consistent with that documented by Barbalace et al. (2012). To
perform a total of 16 fracturing stages,eight days were required(Fig. 11).
 Rigup and rigdown: fourdays
 Wellbore cleanout: oneday
 Fracturing operations: sevendays
 Changes in BHA and reservoir conditions: oneday

Approximately three fracturing stages per day were possible inthe Punta Rosada formation.
SPE-WVPS-593 13

Fig. 11—Completion times for Operator C.

Conclusions
During the last decade in Argentina, the implementation of two well completion technologies has allowed achieving considerable
improvements in terms of reducing operating times and associated costs.
The SPS methodology was developed, field-tested, and used in well stimulation stages, achieving a significant reduction in
execution times for hydraulic fracturing and well completion operations.
 Time required to perform a complete fracturing cycle (pumping diagnosis - fracturing - forced closure – tool release -
sand washing - moving and positioning to the next zone) wasreducedto3 3/4to 6 1/4 hr.
 A time reduction of 40 to 63% for performing all fracturing processes in a well was achieved using this system compared
to traditional plug-and-packer systems.
 An 18% reduction in hours required for workover equipment was documented, allowing use of such equipment in other
operations.
 An increasein the availability of the fracturingequipment spreadwas generated when completing wells with this system.
 A permanent reduction in NPT over the years was achieved, with options for continuous improvements.
 Good preplanning involving the workover company (equipment and personnel), service company (tool, fracturing spread,
and personnel), and operatingcompany (logistic and supervising) helps minimize NPT.

HPAP-PPD has been evaluated in a wide variety of formations and reservoir tests, proving its versatility. It helps achieve
significant reductions in completion time, optimizing costs and resultinginhigher returns on projects.
 In conventional gas reservoirs, completion time to perform hydraulic fracturing was reduced by40 to 50%.
 It is possible to complete up to three fracturing stages in a periodof91/4 to 133/4 hr.
 In tight gas wells,up to seven fracturing stages can be completed in 35 hr, representing one fracturing treatment performed
every 5 hr.
 It allows selectively targeting zones for stimulation, which reduces the residence time of the fracturing fluid in the
formation,thereby helping to minimize damage, and offers improvements in production compared to wells completed
using other techniques.
 It is possible to reduce the total cost of well completions in environmentally sensitive areas (urban zones)by minimizing
required intervention times.
 Proper logistics preplanning is required to minimize NPT, as thiscan negatively impact the economics of the well.

Acknowledgements
The authors thank Halliburton for permission to publish this work and all staff of the Production Enhancement and Production
Solutions PSL for their efforts over the years to implement these technologies. Special thanks is offered to Federico Kovalenko,
German Rimondi, Mariano Garcia, and Federico Sorenson.
14 SPE-WVPS-593

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