Baker Hughes completes shale frac project in Argentina

Baker Hughes recently completed its first unconventional hydrocarbon shale hydraulic fracturing and stimulation project in Argentina for YPF in the Neuquén basin. The multistage fracturing operation was performed using more than 12,000 hydraulic horsepower and a total fluid volume exceeding 7,000 cu meters.

YPF is evaluating well results to determine the potential for expanding operations. Several operators are developing and executing exploration plans in Argentina’s unconventional hydrocarbon plays.

“While the bulk of unconventional shale activity has been in the US, interest in shale plays in other parts of the world are beginning to expand, and indications are that Argentina will be a promising area for international success,” said Rod Larson, president of Latin American operations for Baker Hughes. “We are positioning our operations in Latin America to support this new market, and we are leveraging our capabilities and lessons learned in the US to help operators in Argentina develop the country’s unconventional resources.”

Baker Hughes also provided coiled tubing services for the project.