Identification of geological controls on productivity of low-permeability reservoirs using multivariate statistics

The Montney and the Duvernay formations, both are prolific low-permeability reservoirs currently developed using multi-fractured horizontal wells. Taking advantage of the enormous well database from these reservoirs, we aim to identify the key geological parameters controlling the well performance. Overall, a combination of nearly 40 different variables per well are known for affecting the reservoir performance (e.g. depth, thermal maturity, brittleness, lateral length, well spacing, proppant type, etc). Thus, using multi-variate statistics and advanced methods for visualization of data, we will explore relationships and patterns that suggest which are dominant geological factors, and further to stablish sensitivity analyses to recognize the degree at which each variable affects the well productivity. Approaches from this study can be replicated in other unconventional resources and will help to accelerate the learning curve during exploration.

Faculty Supervisor:

Per Kent Pedersen

Student:

Partner:

Equinor Canada Ltd

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Mining

University:

University of Calgary

Program: