Application of an outcrop analogue to reservoir characterization, McMurray formation, northeastern Alberta

Conference · Sun Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1995

OSTI ID:229574

Strobl, R; Attalla, M; Cotterill, D ^[1]

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1. Alberta Geological Survey, Edmonton (Canada); and others

The McMurray/Wabiskaw Oil Sands Deposit in northeastern Alberta contains approximately 142 x 10{sup 9} m{sup 3} (890 x 10{sup 9} bbls) of bitumen. Application of Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage at the Alberta Oil Sands Technology and Research Authority`s (AOSTRA) Underground Test Facility (UTF) has demonstrated the commercial viability of in situ recovery, obtaining high bitumen recovery (>50%), low steam/oil ratios (<2.5), and high production rates (100 m{sup 3}/day) from each well pair. Three major types of reservoirs recognized for the McMurray Formation include: sand wave complexes, large scale estuarine point bar successions, and stacked channel successions. The UTF Phase B reservoir is characterized by the large scale estuarine point bar reservoir type. The UTF provides a prime opportunity to characterize this reservoir on the interwell scale. By integrating closely spaced core data with detailed dipmeter interpretation and outcrop examination, a high level of geologic understanding is achieved, leading to a quantitative reservoir model. From sedimentological and reservoir perspectives, three major flow units are recognized: trough cross beds, a transition zone, and inclined heterolithic stratification (lateral accretion) associated with the lower, middle, and upper units, respectively, with a cumulative thickness of approximately 40 m. The model provides estimates of the geometry of each flow unit and quantitative data on the lateral extent of heterogeneities such as mudstone beds and clast zones. The goal is to provide a basis for more accurate numerical simulations and to help predict reservoir behaviour. Three-dimensional reservoir sand body geometries and lateral extent of heterogeneities are illustrated by interlocking detailed cross sections in the north-south and west-east directions and outcrop studies. Petrophysical samples from representative cores provide quantitative data for each flow unit and selected heterogeneities in the reservoir.

• OSTI ID: 229574
• Report Number(s): CONF-9502114--Vol.2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

04 OIL SHALES AND TAR SANDS
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
ATHABASCA DEPOSIT
BITUMENS
DRAINAGE
FLUID FLOW
OIL SANDS
STEAM INJECTION
STRATIFICATION
STRATIGRAPHY
VISCOSITY
WELL COMPLETION