Potential for CO2 Utilization and Storage in the Bakken Formation
In recent years, exploration and development of oil and gas resources have increased in tight, shale-dominated formations. One of the largest of these tight oil resources is the Bakken petroleum system in the Williston Basin of the United States and Canada. However, primary oil recovery rates are low, typically less than 10% of the estimated original oil in place. As efforts are made to improve the recovery factors of these unconventional reservoirs, many companies are considering the use of CO2 for EOR. Laboratory experiments using Bakken rocks and fluids, evaluation of reservoir characterization data from Bakken wells, and geomodeling activities for selected Bakken reservoirs were conducted to understand the potential magnitude of CO2 utilization and storage in tight oil formations. Additionally, detailed geologic field models focusing on the Middle and Lower Members of the Bakken Formation in two different areas of North Dakota were developed. Several injection/production scenarios were simulated. Because naturally occurring micro- and macrofractures can provide major connective paths to the matrix pores, injection wells should be placed in areas known to have high natural fracture intensity. Such fracture swarm areas will provide ample surface areas for CO2 penetration into the matrix. Generally speaking, the results of these activities suggest that tight oil formations may serve as targets for the geologic storage of CO2 and that the injection of CO2 may be effective in enhancing oil production from tight oil formations.View/Download Document
Event/Meeting Information
PCOR Partnership 2014 Annual Membership Meeting
9/16/2014
Denver, CO