Alluvial Papagayos Formation Case Study, Vizcacheras Field, Cuyana

Impact of Detailed Geological Modeling on Field Development: Alluvial Papagayos Formation Case Study,
Vizcacheras Field, Cuyana Basin, Argentina*
Pablo Barros1 and Jose Maria Jauregui2
Search and Discovery Article #20260 (2014)
Posted July 24, 2014
*Adapted from oral presentation given at 2014 AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition, Houston, Texas, April 6-9, 2014
**AAPG © 2014 Serial rights given by author. For all other rights contact author directly.
1
Exploitation G&G, YPF S.A. Buenos Aires, Capital Federal, Argentina (pablo.barros@ypf.com)
G&G Mendoza, YPF S.A. Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina
2
Abstract
The Papagayos Formation is a continental siliciclastic alluvial succession (Lower Cretaceous?) deposited in the Cuyo Basin, Western
Argentina. The Papagayos Formation is the main producing reservoir of the mature Vizcacheras Field (220 wells, STOIIP 76 Mm3) with
excellent reservoir properties (∼F 27%, 13D). New development opportunities were identified in 2011 after a new conceptual model revealed
reservoir development to the west of the main field in very low structural positions. Understanding the depositional setting of the Papagayos
Formation has become a key issue for further field development. Unpredicted thicknesses and reservoir quality variations meant that only 60%
of wells were successful. The objective of the reservoir characterization study was to reduce drilling risk, assess infill well placement and
reservoir delineation.
Based on the results of the integrated study, we subdivided the Papagayos Formation into two depositional units. The lower unit is
characterized by an alluvial-fan facies association dominated by debris-flow deposits (chaotic, matrix supported conglomerates and gravels).
This unit shows low transport capacity and changes laterally into fine-grained floodplain deposits (fan toe deposits). The upper unit is
characterized by fluvial-fan facies association showing amalgamated, poorly confined channel deposits in proximal areas changing towards
variable to low N/G fluvial system in the far-from-source portions of the fluvial system. Changes in discharge and bedload capacity between
the two units were linked predominantly to climate variation causing a transition from an episodic to a perennial flow regime. Implications of
such changes are visible in terms of extension and development of both units. Short ranges for mass-transport deposits and limited extent of the
alluvial fan reservoir facies are expected in the lower unit. Conversely, better reservoir quality and greater extent, together with thinning and
lower N/G towards distal areas is expected in the upper unit. Detailed paleoflow study (FMI) together with sand maps and seismic control
confirmed local migration of the system towards the west-northwest of the main field. Deterministic geological modeling generated from
constraining the depositional model with seismic and well-data, enabled prediction of sand- facies distribution within and nearby to the field.
As a result of this study, the infill drilling campaign was redesigned and the potential of future water-flooding demonstrated.
Impact of detailed geological modelling
on field development: the alluvial Papagayos
Formation case study
(Vizcacheras Field, Cuyana Basin, Argentina)
Pablo Barros & José María Jáuregui
AAPG 2014, Houston
Study Area: The Cuyana Basin
Vizcacheras Field
Argentina’s Oil Provinces
E
W
Bogetti et al. 2008
Noroeste
W-E schematic structural cross-section of
the Cuyana Basin.
Cuyana
Neuquen
San Jorge Gulf
Austral
Productive fields along SE-NW axis
2
Main reservoir: Papagayos Formation
Clay
SS m
Field discovery: 1962
Cg
20m
15m
Characteristics
Cumulative Prod. = 40.3 Mm3
Eocene
Divisadero Largo Fm.
Total Daily Prod.~ 1000m3
Producing wells = 220
Wells producing from Papagayos Fm= 140
WCUT  97 %
Vizcacheras Field
2013 Activity
Drilled wells = 15 producers
2014 Activity
5 producers, 2 injectors
Objectives
Papagayos Fm.
10m
Build a geological predictive model to
define reservoir presence and reduce
drilling risks
Opportunity
Punta de las Bardas Fm.
Lower Cretaceous
5m
N

Evaluate development scenarios

Waterflooding potential
2 km
Structural map at top of the Papagayos Fm.
0m
3
Reservoir Extension: Previous Interpretations
A
B
Pinch-out
Zampal
Oeste
First pinch-out interpretation
Seismic pinch-out 2011
Cañada Dura
500m
Seismic cross-section SW-NE
Vizcacheras
La Ventana
1007
1023
SW
20
B
NE
A
N
30m
2 km
300m
Structural interpretation
Isopach map (in time) of the Papagayos and Divisadero Largo Fm.
4
Seismic Interpretation: Potential Opportunities
A
B
S
Zampal
Oeste
N
First pinch-out interpretation
Seismic pinch-out 2011
Cañada Dura
2.5 km
50m
D
B
C
Vizcacheras
La Ventana
C
D
W
E
A
1.5 km
New
opportunities
50m
N
2 km
Isopach map (in time) of the Papagayos and Divisadero Largo Fm. interval
5
Existing Geological Model
Zampal Oeste
Pinch-out limit
2011
Cañada Dura
La Ventana
Vizcacheras
2 km
Braided fluvial system
Alluvial distributaries
Papagayos Fm. depositional model

Possible
distributary
system from the west.

Ambitious FDP > 30 wells
alluvial
 Only 60% of drilling success
Floodplain – playa lake
Volcanic paleo-high
2011 Paleoenvironement interpretation of the Papagayos Fm.
6
Approach
Clay
 Integrate core, FMI and well log data to establish a
high resolution stratigraphic framework for the
Papagayos Fm.
SS m
Core coverage
Cg
ViO.x-2
ViO.a-6
Vi-1060
Vi-1072
Vi-272
Vi-1101st
ViO-11
Vi.a-1100
Vizcacheras Field
1 km
Vi-274
Vi-1004
5m
Vi-1079
Core
FMI
Punta de las Bardas Fm.
ViO.a-13st
10m
0m
5 cores, 12 FMI
7
Core Vi-1004 (23m)
Papagayos Fm.
Structural map at the Top of the Papagayos Fm.
Core Vi-272 (17m)
 Generate predictive geological model
Core Vi-274 (23m)
15m
Core ViO-11 (18m)
 Re-interpret seismic thickness maps
Core Vi-1079 (11.5m)
Divisadero Largo Fm.
20m
Reservoir Characterization
Fluvial to playa lake facies association:
Fining upward sequence: through and planar cross bedded
conglomerates to sandstones, silt, shales and evaporites intervals
Alluvial to fluvial
facies association:
medium to very
coarse cross
bedded sandstone
ɸ: 22.8% K: 363 mD
ɸ: 30.8% , K: 3890 mD
Alluvial fan facies
association:
Chaotic, matrix
supported
conglomerates
ɸ: 16.2% K: 0.56 mD
20m
5m
Papagayos Fm.
Cg
ɸ: 14.5%
K: 14.2 mD
Distal alluvial to fluvial
facies association:
medium to coarse low
angle planar cross
bedded sandstone
Floodplain facies
association: highly
bioturbated fine sands
to siltstones
Ss m
Divisadero Largo Fm.
ɸ: 14.6%
K: 13.2 mD
ɸ: 19.2%
K: 16.89 mD
Punta de las Bardas Fm.
Clay
Papagayos Fm.
Cg
ɸ: 26.2% , K: 5664 mD
Extrusive igneous system: amygdaloidal basalt,
volcanic breccia, reworked volcanic breccia and
volcaniclastic deposits
Punta de las
Bardas Fm.
Ss m
Divisadero Largo Fm.
Clay
8
Stratigraphic Model
Clay
SS m
Cg
4th Order 3rd Order (?)
Climatic & Climatic &
+ ACC + ACC -
Divisadero Largo Fm.
20m
Depositional environment
Reservoir architecture
Sabkha / playa-lake
Fluvial aggradation  MFZ
Fluvial
Modified after Van Strien et al. 2010
Provenance change (?)
>200 km
Fan apex
Low N/G
Papagayos Fm.
Fluvial fan / fluvial system
Variable N/G
High N/G
Fan toe
Fluvial fan
Modified after Moscariello et al. 2005
Climatic change (arid to humid)
~15km
Alluvial fan
(proximal)
Fan toe
Pavements
and gully fills
Antidune backsets
Fan apex
Incised channels
Floodplain (distal)
Punta de las Bardas Fm.
Waterlain alluvial fan
Volcanic (weathered)
Volcanic Complex (extrusive igneous system)
0m
9
Paleoenvironmental evolution
Clay
Ss m
Cg
20m
Divisadero Largo Formation
Divisadero Largo Fm.
7
6
5
Cañada
Dura
Vizcacheras
6
Zampal
7
N
5
Fluvial
to
sabkha/playa
lake
depositional system. Rapid transition
towards low energy and evaporite
facies. Evaporites intervals correlate
field-wide.
Papagayos Formation
4
Papagayos Fm.
3
Alluvial
to
fluvial
system
with
paleotopography-controlled
deposition
(Punta de las Bardas Fm.)
Cañada
Dura
Vizcacheras
Zampal
4
N
3
Punta de las Bardas Fm.
Punta de las Bardas Formation
2
2
1
0m
Vizcacheras
Volcanic and magmatic events related to
aborted rifting within late sag stage in
the Cuyana Basin.
Severe weathering due to exposure.
Cañada
Dura
Zampal
1
N
10
Core-log calibration
Clay
Ss m
Cg
20m
Markers:
Mariño
Fm.
Divisadero Largo Fm.
Vclay SP
GR
Res.
DT
Acc
Top Divisadero Largo Fm.
15m
Divisadero Largo Fm.
Papagayos Fm.
Intra Divisadero Largo 3
10m
Intra Divisadero Largo 2
Intra Divisadero Largo 1
Intra Divisadero Largo 0
Papagayos Fm.
Top Papagayos Fm.
Punta de las Bardas Fm.
5m
Intra Papagayos Fm.
Punta de las
Bardas Fm.
10m
Base Papagayos Fm.
Top Basalt
0m
11
Geological model and correlation scheme
ViO.e-5
ViO.e-5d
ViO-11
Mariño
Fm.
Geological model and interpretation of W-E correlation panel showing the pinch-out of the Papagayos Fm to the
west and the lateral facies change
Vi-1038
Vi-1028
Vi-279
Vi-268
E
LargoFm.
DivisaderoLargo
Divisadero
W
Playa-lake / Sabkah
Fluvial (ephimeral)
Fluvial Fan (distal)
Distal Floodplain
Vizcacheras
Field
Vizcacheras West
las Bardas
Fm. Punta
Bardas
de las de
Punta
Fm.
PP
PPGY
GY
Fm.
Fluvial Fan (medial to proximal)
Basalt
Silt/ fine sand
Conglomerates
Sand, Cg
Sandstones
Evaporites
Alluvial Fan
1km
Vizcacheras (main field)
12
Stratigraphic Correlation
W-E correlation panel showing the pinch-out of the Papagayos Fm to the west
ViO.e-5d
ViO-11
Vi-1038
Vi-1028
Vi-279
Vi-268
Mariño
Fm.
ViO.e-5
E
Punta de las Bardas Fm.
PPGY
Fm.
Divisadero Largo Fm.
W
Vizcacheras
Field
Vizcacheras West
1km
Vizcacheras (main field)
13
Net Sand Maps
Clay
Ss m
Cg
Clay
20m
Upper PPGYS Fm.
Divisadero Largo Fm.
Ss m
Cg
well B
Divisadero Largo Fm.
well A
N
30m
Fluvial Fan
A
B
N 10km
Papagayos Fm.
Papagayos Fm.
Lower PPGY Fm.
Floodplain
dominated
A
B
Divisadero Largo Fm.
Upper Papagayos Fm.
Lower Papagayos Fm.
0m
West
Punta de las
Bardas Fm.
Punta de las Bardas Fm.
10km
East
0m
14
New Geological Interpretation
Zampal
Pinch-out
2010
2011
Cañada Dura
La Ventana
Vizcacheras
N
Braided fluvial system
Alluvial distributaries
Papagayos Fm. depositional model
Floodplain – playa lake
Volcanic paleo-high


New detailed geological model based
on
core
data
and
paleoflow
measurements (FMI interpretation)
Core
FMI
Paleoflow direction
New
interpretation:
Fluvial
fan
prograding from the East to the West.
15
Facies and Property Modelling
T5: Fluvial Fan Retreat
Facies model
T4: Fluvial Fan
T3: Fluvial Fan Progradation
T2: Alluvial Progradation
Property
modelling
Porosity model
T1: Initial Alluvial Fan
Permeability model
16
Sector Model
Local grid
for Vizcacheras West
60 bar
150 bar
60 bar
150 bar
Inital Pressure Grid 2010
Low transmissibility zone
Pressure Grid 2013
Dynamic modelling
Static modelling
Sector Modelling and Dynamic Simulation
Paleohigh
Paleohigh
Initial Oil Saturation Grid
History
 Dynamic Pressure
simulation
shows no aquifer
support in
Vizcacheras West,
unlike
Vizcacheras East
17
Results and Conclusions
Injectors
ViO-23
ViO-20
Vi-1133
Vi-1131
Vi-1106
New
producers
Vi-1071
ViO-18
Vizcacheras
Field
Net Sand Map Papagayos Fm. and new wells proposal
 Re-interpretation of previous exploratory model
 Facies and NtG re-distribution
 Re-evaluation of infill locations
 New Field Development Plan
 Dynamic simulation for waterflood
18
Thank you!
Acknowledgments:
P. Ataniya, R. Carbonari, S. Acosta, U. Gomez (Mendoza Development Team)
E. Morettini, L. Loss, JL Massaferro, A. Thompson (Subsurface Studies, Buenos Aires)
E. Schwarz & G. Veiga (La Plata University)
20
A
O
R A
R C
E A
C ET
P
E
O
T
A
G
N
U
S
P
U
0
A
R
E
N
O
D
Z
MENDOZA
A
NOTHERN CUYANA BASIN
20 KM
N
R
CRUZ DE PIEDRA
0
2
S
CACHEUTA
BARRANCAS
LA PILONA
Noroeste
NOTHERN
CUYANA BASIN
Austral
TUPUNGATO
6300000
San Jorge Gulf
20 KM
CERRO
PETACA
690
MENDOZA
NOTHERN CUYANA BASIN
20 KM
690
CERRO
PETACA
MENDOZA
NOTHERN CUYANA BASIN
20 KM
330
CERRO
PETACA
340
CRUZ DE PIEDRA
W
TUPUNGATO
PIEDRAS
COLORADAS
TUPUNGATO
RIO TUNUYAN
VIZCACHERAS
VIZCACHERAS
MENDOZA
LUNLUNTA
6300000
CHAÑARES
HERRADOS
LA PILONA
PZ
TR
NA
ATAMISQUI
LUNLUNTA
RIVADAVIA
CUYANA
PIEDRAS
COLORADAS
6300000
VIZCACHERAS
CHAÑARES
TUPUNGATO
EL QUEMADO
Tc
T
R
BARRANCAS
RIVADAVIA
Tc
CRUZ DE PIEDRA
CACHEUTA
LA VENTANA BASIN
RO TUNUYAN
PUNTA
LAS
BARDAS
ALTO VERDE
E
CRUZ DE PIEDRA
W
TUPUNGATO RIO TUNUYAN VIZCACHERAS
HERRADOS
LA VENTANA
RO TUNUYAN
PUNTA
LAS
BARDAS
ALTO VERDE
E
ALTO VERDE
E
VIZCACHERAS
S
A
RIO TUNUYAN
TUPUNGATO
340
BARRANCAS
LA PILONA
CUYANA
BASIN
W
330
CACHEUTA
MENDOZA
CHAÑARES
HERRADOS
LA VENTANA
RO TUNUYAN
PUNTA
LAS
BARDAS
Bogetti et al.
IN
S
Neuquen
MENDOZA
RIVADAVIA
PIEDRAS
COLORADAS
Cuyana
690
LUNLUNTA
A
B
CUYANA
BASIN
A
N
A
Y
U
M
C
K
O
L
R
A
C
0
33
E
W
E
TH
O
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IS
M
A
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A
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A
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D
IA
IE
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S
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A
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A
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A
A
IV
T
U
R
R
IZ
N
R
R
U
C
V
A
A
L
B
N N
N
A A
U
T Y
L
NU
EN
VU
A T
O
LO
A
D
R
T
A
N
S
M
S
U
E
A
A
P
L
U
D
R
Q
A
L
B
E
690
VIZCACHERAS
FIELD
CERRO
PETACA
MENDOZA
HEUTA
PUNGATO
M
E
D
R
S
S A
A D
S
R A
ES
D R
RO
AD
IE O
ÑA
P L
O
AR
C
HR
CE
H
E
V
Argentina’s Oil Provinces
0
34
0
9
6
O
T
L
A
Study Area: The Cuyana Basin
W-E schematic structural cross-section of
the Cuyana Basin.
VIZCACHERAS
EL QUEMADO
EL QUEMADO
Tc
SAN CARLOS
ATAMISQUI
TR
PZ
SAN CARLOS
ATAMISQUI
BARRANCAS
LUNLUNTA
SAN CARLOS
PZ
RIVADAVIA
PIEDRAS
COLORADAS
CHAÑARES
HERRADOS
Productive fields along SE-NW axis
LA VENTANA
RO TUNUYAN
PUNTA
LAS
VIZCACHERAS
21
Reservoir Characterization: Papagayos Fm.
Ss m
Cg
Divisadero Largo Fm.
Clay
ɸ: 22.8% K: 363 mD
Punta de las Bardas Fm.
Papagayos Fm.
5m
ɸ: 16.7% K: 1063 mD
Distal alluvial to fluvial
reservoir facies association
ɸ: 16.2% K: 0.56 mD
Floodplain facies association: highly bioturbated fine sands to siltstones
22
Reservoir Characterization: Papagayos Fm.
Clay
Ss m
Cg
Divisadero Largo Fm.
FMI interpretation shows low angle planar cross bedding
dipping W to NW.
ɸ: 22.8% , K: 363 mD
Punta de las Bardas Fm.
Papagayos Fm.
5m
ɸ: 16.7% , K: 1063 mD
Distal alluvial to fluvial
reservoir facies association
ɸ: 16.2% , K: 0.56 mD
FMI interpretation shows only bed boundaries, no sedimentary
structures due to bioturbation.
Floodplain facies association: highly bioturbated fine sands to siltstones
23
Reservoir Characterization: Papagayos Fm.
Ss m
Cg
Alluvial to fluvial reservoir facies
association
Divisadero Largo Fm.
Clay
20m
Papagayos Fm.
ɸ: 30.8% , K: 3890 mD
Alluvial fan facies association
Punta de las
Bardas Fm.
ɸ: 26.2% , K: 5664 mD
24
Reservoir Characterization: Papagayos Fm.
Ss m
Cg
Alluvial to fluvial reservoir facies
association
Divisadero Largo Fm.
Clay
FMI interpretation shows low angle planar cross bedding
dipping W to NW.
20m
Papagayos Fm.
ɸ: 30.8% , K: 3890 mD
Alluvial fan facies association
Punta de las
Bardas Fm.
ɸ: 26.2% , K: 5664 mD
FMI interpretation shows sedimentary structures dipping NW
25
Reservoir Characterization: Divisadero Largo Fm.
Clay
Ss m
Cg
Divisadero Largo Fm.
Fluvial to playa lake facies association
5m
ɸ: 14.6% , K: 13.2 mD
Papagayos Fm.
ɸ: 14.5% , K: 14.2 mD
Punta de las
Bardas Fm.
ɸ: 19.2% , K: 16.89 mD
0m
26
Reservoir Characterization: Divisadero Largo Fm.
Clay
Ss m
Cg
Fluvial to playa lake facies association
Divisadero Largo Fm.
FMI interpretation shows high resistivity evaporites layers.
5m
ɸ: 14.6% , K: 13.2 mD
Papagayos Fm.
ɸ: 14.5% , K: 14.2 mD
ɸ: 19.2% , K: 16.89 mD
Punta de las
Bardas Fm.
FMI interpretation shows low angle planar cross bedding and
through cross-bedding dipping NE.
0m
27
Isopach maps
Clay
Ss m
Cg
Clay
20m
Upper PPGYS Fm.
Divisadero Largo Fm.
Ss m
Cg
well B
Divisadero Largo Fm.
well A
N
30m
Fluvial Fan
A
B
N 10km
Papagayos Fm.
Papagayos Fm.
Lower PPGY Fm.
Floodplain
dominated
A
B
Divisadero Largo Fm.
Upper Papagayos Fm.
Lower Papagayos Fm.
0m
West
Punta de las
Bardas Fm.
Punta de las Bardas Fm.
10km
East
0m
28
Facies and Property Modelling
Facies and Permeability model
T5: Fluvial Fan Retreat
T4: Fluvial Fan
T3: Fluvial Fan Progradation
T2: Alluvial Progradation
T1: Initial Alluvial Fan
29
Facies and Property Modelling
Permeability model:
T5: Fluvial Fan Retreat
T4: Fluvial Fan
T3: Fluvial Fan Progradation
T2: Alluvial Progradation
T1: Initial Alluvial Fan
30
Results and Conclusions
 Re-interpretation of previous exploratory model
 Facies and NtG re-distribution
 Re-evaluation of infill locations
 New FDP
 Dynamic simulation for waterflood
31
N
Mendoza
Cerro
Petaca
20 km
Cacheuta
Barrancas
La Pilona
Rivadavia
Tupungato
La
Ventana
Zampal
Vizcacheras
Alto Verde
El Quemado
Atamisqui
San Carlos
32
Mendoza
Vizcacheras
20km
33
Static modelling
Sector Modelling and Dynamic Simulation
Local grid
for Vizcacheras West
Sector Model
Dynamic modelling
Low transmissibility zone
Pressure History
Paleohigh
Paleohigh
67 bar
150 bar
Pressure Grid 2013
Initial Oil Saturation Grid
67 bar
Inital Pressure Grid 2010
150 bar
 Dynamic simulation shows
no aquifer support in
Vizcacheras west, unlike
Vizcacheras east
34