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Ahead of Print Abstract
DOI:10.1306/11202525036
Vertical lithology variability and geomechanical analysis of intervals of petroleum interest in the Pilmatué Member, Agrio Formation, Argentina
Manuela Zalazar123 , Nerina Canale1 , Diego A. Pino12 , Julieta Omarini1 , Ricardo E. Gómez4 , Juan P. Álvarez3 , and Maisa A. Tunik12
1 Universidad Nacional de Río Negro, Instituto de Investigacion en Paleobiología y Geología, Av. Roca 1242, General Roca, Río Negro, Argentina
2 Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), IIPG, Av. Roca 1242, General Roca, Río Negro, Argentina
3 YPF Tecnología S.A (Y-TEC), Av. del Petroleo 900-1198, Berisso, Buenos Aires, Argentina
4 Géosciences Rennes, CNRS Université de Rennes, UMR 6118, Rennes, France
Ahead of Print Abstract
Unconventional reservoirs have received attention for their potential to fulfill energy supply, requiring techniques like hydraulic fracturing to enhance production. In Argentina's Neuquén Basin, the Agrio Formation has recently emerged as a promising unconventional play due to its similarities with Vaca Muerta Formation, the primary source rock. This study focuses on deposits of the lower Pilmatué Member, characterized by mudrock successions accumulated during transgressive periods, recognized as source rocks with three potential intervals. These intervals exhibit high TOC, thicknesses >20 meters, and type II/II-III kerogens, highlighting their hydrocarbon generation potential. Despite well-documented geochemical and sedimentological features, limited information exists on geomechanical properties and heterogeneity. This study applies a multi-proxy approach analyzing variability in organic-rich intervals, focusing on mineralogical, textural and mechanical properties, like strength and hardness. Additionally, interfaces and surface roughness were characterized. The dominant lithologies include marls, shales, and fine-grained limestones, with minor sandstones, tuff, and concretions. Allochemic mudrock microfacies characterize mudrocks, while limestones feature sparse biomicrite, micrite, and muddy allochem limestone. High quartz/carbonate and low clay content correlate with higher mechanical properties. Furthermore, studies of diagenetic textures reveal that rock strength increases with the degree of diagenesis. Vertical variability is low in organic level 1 (OL1) but increases in organic level 2 and 3 (OL2-OL3), marked by frequent interfaces with low roughness. These findings enhance understanding of Pilmatué Member's heterogeneity, guiding well landing and hydraulic fracturing strategies. This integrated approach offers a robust model for optimizing unconventional reservoir exploitation and evaluating other plays.
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