The Role of Stratigraphic Architecture in Resource Distribution: An Example from the Niobrara Formation of the Denver-Julesburg Basin

Drake, William R.; Hawkins, Sarah J.; Lapierre, Scott G.

doi:10.1190/urtec2013-257

Cited by 6 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 6 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…The cyclic nature of the chalk and marl sections was controlled by marine transgression and regression cycles (Drake et al 2013). The cyclic nature of the chalk and marl sections were further defined by Lockridge and Scholle (1978) (Lockridge and Scholle, 1978).…”

Section: Stratigraphymentioning

confidence: 99%

Workflow Development and Sensitivity Investigation of Offset Well-to-Well Interference Through 3-D Fracture Modeling and Reservoir Simulation in the Denver-Julesburg Basin

Levon¹,

Miskimins²

2019

Proceedings of the 7th Unconventional Resources Technology Conference

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The objective of this research was to construct a calibrated multi-well 3D fracture model to evaluate well-to-well interference, also known as well "bashing", in the Niobrara and Codell formations of the Denver-Julesburg (DJ) Basin. Hydraulic fracturing is a vital component to produce in unconventional resource plays economically. In the early stages of development in all unconventional resource plays, including the DJ Basin, single well pads were common for either exploratory drilling or lease retention. Initially many shale plays across the world were not fully developed and in order to capture the resources originally left behind, infill drilling is taking place to access additional resources to create a greater effective stimulated rock volume (SRV) and achieve better recovery. Unfortunately, many previously drilled, producing "parent" wells and newly drilled "child" wells are actually yielding a reduction in recovery rates in short and long-term cases due to interference. Research has shown that one of the main contributors to the variability in production is the presence of pressure depletion from production around the parent wells and the impacts it has on subsequent child well completions. As a means of examining well-to-well interference, the focal point of this study was a nine well pad consisting of six wells in the Niobrara and three wells in the Codell. This pad showed evidence of interference measured using bottom hole gauges installed in the two "parent" wells, one in each formation, during the stimulation of the child wells. Oil and water flowback tracers utilized during the treatment of the child wells also supported the presence of communication. A multi-well, multi-stage (total of 500 stages) 3D hydraulic fracture model was developed using offset vertical well logs and geologic interpretation of mud logs to define the variation in rock properties that best represent the reservoir in which these wells were drilled. vi TABLE OF CONTENTS

show abstract

Section: Stratigraphymentioning

confidence: 99%

Workflow Development and Sensitivity Investigation of Offset Well-to-Well Interference Through 3-D Fracture Modeling and Reservoir Simulation in the Denver-Julesburg Basin

Levon¹,

Miskimins²

2019

Proceedings of the 7th Unconventional Resources Technology Conference

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Chemostratigraphic and depositional characterization of the Niobrara Formation: Techniques for assessing lateral heterogeneity, CEMEX Quarry, Lyons, Colorado, Denver-Julesburg Basin

O’Neal

Sonnenberg

2018

Interpretation

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The Late Cretaceous (89–82 Ma) Niobrara Formation is the primary target for unconventional horizontal well activity in the Denver Basin. With an abundance of horizontal activity, the question of well-length scale lateral heterogeneity becomes paramount addressing steering practices, completion, and ultimately well performance. We have incorporated detailed core description, high-resolution chemostratigraphy, and petrophysical logs from four near-surface cores taken at the CEMEX Lyons Quarry to assess lateral heterogeneity. Cores were originally intended to determine the geochemistry and areal extent of the Fort Hays Limestone Member of the Niobrara Formation, CEMEX’s primary target for cement production. However, due to the cores’ proximity to one another (91.4–609.6 m [300–2000 ft]) and the presence of not only the Fort Hays Limestone but also the petroliferous chalks and marls of the Lower Smoky Hill Member (including the D Chalk, C Marl, and a portion of the C Chalk), the data set can also be used as a proxy to model changes along a pseudohorizontal wellbore. Observations include lateral bentonite discontinuity, trace element and organic carbon variations, and distinct changes in sedimentary structures. Well-length sedimentological and stratigraphic changes may have unique implications for unconventional oil and gas development.

show abstract

Petrophysical rock typing in unconventional shale plays: The Niobrara Formation case study

2019

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Production from organic-rich shale petroleum systems is extremely challenging due to the complex rock and flow characteristics. An accurate characterization of shale reservoir rock properties would positively impact hydrocarbon exploration and production planning. We integrate large-scale geologic components with small-scale petrophysical rock properties to categorize distinct rock types in low-porosity and low-permeability shales. We then use this workflow to distinguish three rock types in the reservoir interval of the Niobrara Shale in the Denver Basin of the United States: the Upper Chalks (A, B, and C Chalk), the Marls (A, B, and C Marl), and the Lower Chalks (D Chalk and Fort Hays Limestone). In our study area, we find that the Upper Chalk has better reservoir-rock quality, moderate source-rock potential, stiffer rocks, and a higher fraction of compliant micro- and nanopores. On the other hand, the Marls have moderate reservoir-rock quality and a higher source-rock potential. The Upper Chalks and the Marls should have major economic potential. The Lower Chalk has higher porosity and a higher fraction of micro- and nanopores; however, it exhibits poor source-rock potential. The measured core data indicate large mineralogy, organic richness, and porosity heterogeneities throughout the Niobrara interval at all scales.

show abstract

The Role of Stratigraphic Architecture in Resource Distribution: An Example from the Niobrara Formation of the Denver-Julesburg Basin

Cited by 6 publications

References 6 publications

Workflow Development and Sensitivity Investigation of Offset Well-to-Well Interference Through 3-D Fracture Modeling and Reservoir Simulation in the Denver-Julesburg Basin

Workflow Development and Sensitivity Investigation of Offset Well-to-Well Interference Through 3-D Fracture Modeling and Reservoir Simulation in the Denver-Julesburg Basin

Chemostratigraphic and depositional characterization of the Niobrara Formation: Techniques for assessing lateral heterogeneity, CEMEX Quarry, Lyons, Colorado, Denver-Julesburg Basin

Petrophysical rock typing in unconventional shale plays: The Niobrara Formation case study

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About