Innovative Production Strategy Introducing ESP Technology into Argentina's Vaca Muerta Shale Reservoir

Abstract Argentina’s Vaca Muerta production strategy has experienced a significant innovation arising from ESP technology deployment as an alternative to traditional lifting methods. This pioneering initiative aims to boost oil production, addressing the challenges of installing ESPs into wells featuring 5’’ casings, GOR>250m3/m3 (1400 cuft/bbl), and an initial reservoir pressure of 9,500psi. The pilot project was executed by YPF, the national leading producer of unconventional hydrocarbons accounting for 54% of oil production in Argentina - together with Baker Hughes. On average, unconventional wells in Vaca Muerta have a TVD of 10,000ft and an MD of 20,000ft. The current production strategy encompasses the stages of casing flow, tubing flow, SRP and/or Gas Lift. The ESP system deployment led to a steep learning curve on account of technical challenges, including 5’’#21.4 casings with a 0.11’’ clearance, GOR>250m3/m3, components designed for a 10,000psi pressure rate, wider pump operating range, solid handling at a concentration of 420mg/L, and pressure drawdown limits. In addition, workover operations were performed, ensuring well control before running the ESP in the hole at a 995psi wellhead pressure and 4,267psi bottomhole pressure. In the pilot project execution, four out of five ESPs were successfully installed, during the natural flow stage, reaching the setting depth without difficulties and safely performing workover operations. The units have been respectively running smoothly for 397, 364, 138 and 58 days. Furthermore, the gas-handling and motor-cooling systems have been proven effective. In view of the advantages, the ESP system allows for setting pressure drawdown limits measured with a sensor, controlling oil flow by regulating the annulus hole pressure and a remotely actuated pressure valve placed in the tubing instead of changing RPMs, and accelerating production by more than 30% in comparison with the traditional method (casing and tubing flow) within pressure drawdown limits. In addition, a SCADA system is used to carefully monitor variables measured by sensors placed in the production tree, ESP bottom, and VFD. All components were installed by means of the ESP Beam System, and an encapsulated (solid) and capillary-injected (liquid) chemical treatment was added. The ESP artificial-lift system is now proven to be a feasible production method for Vaca Muerta shale wells. The installation of the ESP system can be carried out even during the natural flow phase. Unlike the SRP (Sucker Rod Pump), ESP accelerates production by operating efficiently at higher flow rates. Moreover, its design allows it to adapt more effectively to the natural flow and semi-flow phases, where reciprocating pumping methods show significantly reduced efficiency. The pilot project outcomes may lay the foundations for scaling up the ESP system, which will eventually innovate the production strategy for YPF's unconventional fields, setting a benchmark for other companies across Argentina.