
Introduction
Petrel Robertson Consulting Ltd. recently completed its Phase 1 screening study of potential SAGD reservoirs in the McMurray Formation of northeastern Alberta. The Phase 1 study area covers Townships 69-97, Ranges 4-12W4M, and includes:
- Introduction – geological setting and stratigraphic architecture;
- All available well control released to 2005 (about 8000 wells);
- Cross-section grid and stratigraphic tops / parameters database;
- Maps illustrating total and vertically continuous reservoir thickness;
- Detailed mapping of existing SAGD operation sites;
- Exploration leads and analysis.
Companies can use this study to screen potential sites for optimal reservoir development, compare their existing assets with other properties, or undertake infrastructure planning based upon the distribution of most likely SAGD development sites.
Phase 2 ProposalPhase 2 will provide additional mapping over the southern area mapsheet (Twp. 69-84, Rge. 4-12W4), using data available from all wells as of March, 2007. The following maps are planned:
- Structure map, top Devonian (pre-Cretaceous unconformity), to demonstrate erosional relief on the unconformity surface, and its potential effects on fluid movements;
- Isopach map of McMurray Formation Channel Net Bitumen ~>50% bitumen saturation (20 ohm.m resistivity cut-off). The cutoff value is chosen to match that employed by most operators in calculating resource values;
- Isopach map of vertically continuous bitumen reservoir, using a cutoff of one metre thick resistivity breaks (non-reservoir mudstone) to delineate the vertically continuous section and a 40 ohm.m resistivity cut-off for bitumen saturation (~70% bitumen saturation).
Maps will be hand-contoured and digitized, and clients will receive them in both hard copy and digital (.pdf) versions.
A complete Excel database covering all available wells includes the following:
- Depths of top and bottom of 50% bitumen saturated reservoir;
- Net pay within 50% bitumen saturated reservoir;
- Isopach of 50% bitumen saturated reservoir;
- Net to gross of 50% bitumen saturated interval;
- Depths of top and base of channel sands defined by 1 and 2m thick resistivity breaks;
- Net pay within the channel sands defined by 1 and 2m thick resistivity breaks;
- Isopach of the channel sands defined by 1 and 2m thick resistivity breaks;
- Net to gross of the channel sands defined by 1 and 2m thick resistivity breaks;
- Depth of Devonian;
- Isopach of Base 50% bitumen saturated reservoir to Top Devonian.
The depths defined in the database allow visualization of the reservoir and its heterogeneities in a 3-dimensional program. Petrel Robertson uses Petrel™ software for 3-D modeling and are currently investigating another supplement to the SAGD study that would involve modeling the McMurray Formation using the SAGD database in Petrel™.
PRCL is open to discussion with clients about modifying the Phase 2 proposal to best suit client requirements, although flexibility to make changes will decrease as project completion approaches.
PRCL is also planning:
- Phase 3 (early 2008): Supplemental mapping, as done for Phase 2, over the northern map sheet (Twp. 84-97, Rge. 4-12W4);
- Phase 4 (late 2008): Expansion of the study area east and west.
For more information contact:
Leslie SearsPetrel Robertson Consulting Ltd.
500, 736- 8th Avenue S.W.
Calgary, Alberta
T2P 1H4
Phone: (403) 218-1618
Fax: (403) 262-9135
lsears@petrelrob.com

About PRCL