A Tutorial on Petrophysical Analysis in Oil Sands 21 Dr

15 Apples and Aardvarks – A Tutorial on Petrophysical Analysis in Oil Sands

21 Dr. Francois Therrein: CSPG Outreach – Interview a Geologist

24 Go Take a Hike

32 Mineralogy on the Move – Applications in the Duvernay

$10.00SEPTEMBER 2014VOLUME 41, ISSUE 08 Canadian Publication Mail Contract – 40070050

RESERVOIR ISSUE 08 • SEPTEMBER 2014 3

SEPTEMBER 2014 – VOLUME 41, ISSUE 08

ARTICLES

Apples and Aardvarks – A Tutorial on Petrophysical Analysis in Oil Sands ................. 15

Dr. François Therrein: CSPG Outreach – Interview a Geologist ................................... 21

Honorary Member – Dr. Peter Putnan .................................................................................. 23

Go Take a Hike .............................................................................................................................. 24

Winter University Lecture Tour Wrap-Up .......................................................................... 29

Editorial Comment ....................................................................................................................... 30

Earth Science for Society (ESFS)

Inspiring the Next Generations of Earth Scientists ........................................................ 30

Mineralogy on the Move – Applications in the Duvernay ................................................. 32

DEPARTMENTSExecutive Comment .................................................................................................................. 5

Technical Luncheons ................................................................................................................. 8

Division Talks ........................................................................................................................... 13

Rock Shop ............................................................................................................ 7, 14, 16, 29

CSPG OFFICE#110, 333 – 5th Avenue SWCalgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 3B6Tel: 403-264-5610Web: www.cspg.orgOffice hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:00pm

Executive Director: Lis Bjeld Tel: 403-513-1235, Email: [email protected] Event Coordinator: Kelsey Thompson Tel: 403-513-1226, Email: [email protected] Services: Tel: 403-264-5610, Email: [email protected] and Website: Emma MacPherson Email: [email protected], Tel: 403-513-1230 Educational Trust Fund/Outreach Coordinator: Kasandra Amaro Tel: 403-513-1226, Email: [email protected] Programs: Biljana Popovic Tel: 403-513-1225, Email: [email protected] Sponsorship: Lis Bjeld Tel: 403-513-1235, Email: [email protected]: Eric Tang Tel: 403-513-1232, Email: [email protected]

EDITORS/AUTHORSPlease submit RESERVOIR articles to the CSPG office. Submission deadline is the 23rd day of the month, two months prior to issue date. (e.g., January 23 for the March issue).

To publish an article, the CSPG requires digital copies of the document. Text should be in Microsoft Word format and illustrations should be in TIFF format at 300 dpi., at final size. For additional information on manuscript preparation, refer to the Guidelines for Authors published in the CSPG Bulletin or contact the editor.

Technical EditorsHugh S. Mosher Colin Yeo (Assistant Tech. Editor)Nunaga Resources Ltd. Encana CorporationM.: 403-809-9997 Tel: 403-645-7724 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Coordinating EditorEmma MacPherson, Publications Coordinator, CSPGTel: 403-513-1230, [email protected],

ADVERTISINGAdvertising inquiries should be directed to Emma MacPherson, Tel: 403-513-1230 email: [email protected]. The deadline to reserve advertising space is the 23rd day of the month, two months prior to issue date.

The RESERVOIR is published 11 times per year by the Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists. This includes a combined issue for the months of July and August. The purpose of the RESERVOIR is to publicize the Society’s many activities and to promote the geosciences. We look for both technical and non-technical material to publish. Additional information on the RESERVOIR’s submission guidelines can be found at http://www.cspg.org/publications/pubs-reservoir-submissions.cfm.

The contents of this publication may not be reproduced either in part or in full without the consent of the publisher. Additional copies of the RESERVOIR are available at the CSPG office.

No official endorsement or sponsorship by the CSPG is implied for any advertisement, insert, or article that appears in the Reservoir unless otherwise noted. All submitted materials are reviewed by the editor. We reserve the right to edit all submissions, including letters to the Editor. Submissions must include your name, address, and membership number (if applicable). The material contained in this publication is intended for informational use only.

While reasonable care has been taken, authors and the CSPG make no guarantees that any of the equations, schematics, or devices discussed will perform as expected or that they will give the desired results. Some information contained herein may be inaccurate or may vary from standard measurements.

The CSPG expressly disclaims any and all liability for the acts, omissions, or conduct of any third-party user of information contained in this publication. Under no circumstances shall the CSPG and its officers, directors, employees, and agents be liable for any injury, loss, damage, or expense arising in any manner whatsoever from the acts, omissions, or conduct of any third-party user.

Designed and Printed by The Data Group of Companies, Calgary, Alberta.

FRONT COVERApparent non-Andersonian deformation in the Trail Pluton outcropping along the Columbia River near Trail, B.C. Field of view is 1.2 m. Photo by Danielle Kondla.

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View, search, import and export well, land and production data, documents, logs and more from almost anywhere. For more informationvisit our website at www.geoLOGIC.com


Warning: Our data has gone mobile(You may never return to the office)

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Now, get geoLOGIC’s value-added data almost any place, any time, any way you want it. Available through gDCweb on your tablet, smartphone or computer.

With 30 years of data experience behind it, gDC is the source for high quality, value-added well and land data from across Western Canada and the Northern United States. Another plus – our data is accessible through an expanding range of industry software utilizing our own easy-to-use gDC GIS and our geoSCOUT software.

View, search, import and export well, land and production data, documents, logs and more from almost anywhere. For more informationvisit our website at www.geoLOGIC.com

CSPG EXECUTIVE

PAST PRESIDENTPaul MacKay • Shale Petroleum [email protected] Tel: 403.457.3930

PRESIDENTDale Leckie

PRESIDENT ELECT Tony Cadrin • Journey Energy [email protected] Tel: 403.303.3493

FINANCE DIRECTORGord Stabb • Durando Resources [email protected] Tel: 403.819.8778

FINANCE DIRECTOR ELECTAstrid Arts • Cenovus [email protected] Tel: 403.766.5862

DIRECTORAlexis Anastas • Nexen Energy [email protected] Tel: 403.699.4965

DIRECTORAndrew Fox • MEG Energy [email protected] Tel: 403.770.5345

DIRECTORMilovan Fustic • Statoil Canada [email protected] Tel: 403.724.3307

DIRECTORMichael Laberge • Channel Energy [email protected] Tel: 403.301.3739

DIRECTORRobert Mummery • Almandine Resources [email protected] Tel: 403.651.4917

DIRECTORWeishan Ren • Statoil Canada [email protected] Tel: 403.724.0325

DIRECTORDarren Roblin • Endurance [email protected] Tel: 587.233.0784

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORLis Bjeld • [email protected] Tel: 403.513.1235

Message from the BoardA message from Alexis Anastas and Weishan Ren, Directors

It would be foolish to believe that what we learned through our academic training, in and of itself, would be enough to last us a whole career in a technologically-driven, fast-paced industry such as ours. This is why the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) clearly stipulates that all practicing persons within the Association must follow a program of continuous Professional Development (P.D.H. credits). While on the job training (Professional Practice) constitutes a large part of how we train and keep up-to-date, we must augment this with formal and informal learning.

Technical and professional training constitute a fundamental tenant to the Mission of the Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists (CSPG).

“The Mission of the Society is to advance the professions of the Energy Geosciences as it applies to geology; foster the scientif ic, technical learning and professional development of its members; and promote the awareness of the profession to industry and the public.”

Learning and development is carried out by the CSPG in a number of ways that include: GeoConvention, Technical Conferences and workshops, Technical Luncheons, Continuing Education Courses, Division Talks, Geocafe and Informal get-togethers.

The GeoConvention represents an annual highlight of this learning process. It brings together three societies (CSPG, CSEG and CWLS) in an integrated scope that is not seen anywhere in the Global Geoscience Community. The caliber and importance of the science and concepts presented in GeoConvention greatly exceed many geoscience organizations. All this happens

on a remarkable annual basis that is nimble to the scientific directions of industry and academia.

Technical Conferences and Workshops focus on special topics that bring technical experts in these areas to better understand common practice and challenges, and to advance technologies. Exposure to a topic in greater depth allows one to rapidly move up the learning curve and apply the concepts to work and research. These technical topics, coupled with the structure and layout of the meeting, has made CSPG’s special Technical Conferences the envy of other geological associations. This, in addition to collaboration with other geological organizations (e.g. AAPG, CSEG) allows CSPG to deliver the best to the membership. Four technical conferences are delivered by CSPG this year: PLAYMAKER FORUM in March, GEO ENERGY FORUM in June, GUSSOW GEOSCIENCE CONFERENCE on Advances in Applied Geomodeling for Hydrocarbon Reservoirs in September, and OIL SANDS SYMPOSIUM in October. What CSPG hopes to do is to take some of the Gussow Conferences and CSPG joint conferences to other Canadian locations and perhaps globally.

In 2014, the CSPG undertook a re-evaluation of its continuing education offering and strove to make some seemingly small but very important changes. These included surveying industry trends and needs and offering the courses with very little cancellations. Last year we cancelled too many courses and this impacts our credibility as a learning provider to the members and non-members. This year we are happy to say we have run the courses

Education is critical to our Science and Profession!

(Continued on page 7...)

Alexis Anastas Weishan Ren

CSPG & AAPG Present:Oil Sands and Heavy Oil Symposium: A local to global multidisciplinary collaborationOctober 14-16 , 2014 • Ca lgar y, Canada

To highlight the global nature of oil sands resources, understand advances in recovery processes, and the contribution that resource geoscientists can make to the challenges of environmental protection and social license as well as driving prosperity and better standards of living for all through sustainable energy development.

This is not your 'standard' talk type technical conference. It is more focused, offering an opportunity to advance your knowledge and understanding for many of these complex issues.

• Single track Symposium with multiple formats, including oral, poster and core presentations along with three panel discussions.

• Keynote Luncheon Speakers include recognized world class authorities on Industry, Government and First Nations perspectives.

• The symposium is meant to target all disciplines and skill levels - from the geologist, to the engineer, to the environmental scientist, policy makers and government regulators.

• An all-encompassing, multidisciplinary and multifaceted symposium to see the oil sands and heavy oil development from all angles, many aspects developed in Canada, but can be exported to the World bitumen and heavy oil resources.

www.cspg.orgwww.aapg.org


that we offered and promised. How do we do this you may ask? At the onset, all courses we put forward must be relevant to a significant portion of the industry (e.g. Heavy Oil Technologies, Cretaceous Stratigraphy, and Shale) and we carefully monitor our membership’s response to our courses and instructors so we can offer the best possible learning choices. While we still offer courses on the fundamentals, the CSPG will strive to offer industry-leading (“High End”) training that is critical to ones knowledge of geology and the oil and gas business. In addition, the CSPG has been promoting new instructors and courses in order to bring new material and interpretations to the forefront. Contact the office if you would like to work with us.

Along with courses, the Technical Luncheon and the Divisions work tirelessly to bring interesting and relevant topics to the membership. The Technical Lunch is a wonderful bimonthly event that brings global and more local scientific issues to the centre stage. By doing this, the Technical Luncheon raises the awareness of the membership in many areas. The luncheon is videotaped and archived to be eagerly watched by geoscientists all over the world.

The Technical Divisions represent a “gold mine” of information on topics of special interest including Basin Analysis and Sequence Stratigraphy, Core and Sample, Environment, Geomodeling, Heavy Oil / Oil Sands, International, Paleontology, and Structural Geology. These groups function very well and often manage to provide a monthly lunchtime talk by a geoscientist passionate about a particular topic. These

are free, open talks with a question and answer session that allows one to probe the ideas even further.

Informal sessions, such as Geocafe in the CSPG office, are excellent in bringing people together to learn about a technological, scientific or business concept that requires further examination or discussion. These are very open-ended sessions where the presenter and the audience equally share the floor.

All of these programs and initiatives that the CSPG provide are the result of many, many tireless volunteer and staff hours. While the CSPG year definitely has its busier times (e.g. GeoConvention), the Society is constantly active and working on the next new session, course or learning experience.

The best way to learn at CSPG is to become involved, stay informed and sign up. You the members make the Society strong and bring us through the twists and turns of the future. Speak to your colleagues who are not yet members and tell them what we offer so that they can join and become involved as well.

We ask that you support your technical society, CSPG, by looking for your PDH credits here and when you do not see what you are looking for, speak up and let the Education Director know. CSPG is your professional home!

Happy Learning and thanks to all of you who make the CSPG strong,

Alexis Anastas and Weishan Ren

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As of August 2014A Special Thanks to Geologic Systems Ltd., CSPG’s Top Sponsor of the Month.

(...Continued from page 5)

ROCK SHOP

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RESERVOIRPlease call:

Emma MacPhersonTel: 403.513.1230

Email: [email protected]

8 RESERVOIR ISSUE 08 • SEPTEMBER 2014

Eolian Explorations: Dunes, Deformation, and Diagenesis SPEAKERDr. Marjorie A. Chan University of Utah

11:30 am, Tuesday, September 9th, 2014Calgary, TELUS Convention Centre Exhibition Hall D, North BuildingCalgary, Alberta

Please note: The cut-off date for ticket sales is 1:00 pm, three business days before event. [Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014]. CSPG Member Ticket Price: $45.00 + GST. Non-Member Ticket Price: $47.50 + GST.

Each CSPG Technical Luncheon is 1 APEGA PDH credit. Tickets may be purchased online at https://www.cspg.org/eSeries/source/Events/index.cfm.

ABSTRACTEolian systems (sand dunes) are globally important reservoir units for both hydrocarbons and water. These systems contain complex geologic stories and paleoenvironmental records with applications to understanding reservoir properties and fluid migration pathways. This talk uses well-exposed Permian to Jurassic examples to addresses three groups of questions:

1. DIAGENESIS: Why are sandstones different colors (reflected in bleaching and iron oxide cements), and what does this tell us about reservoir properties and diagenetic history? When did it happen and is it useful as an exploration tool?

2. SOFT-SEDIMENT DEFORMATION: What

kind of deformation happens in eolian systems and why are they susceptible? What structures give us clues to deciphering the records of strong ground motion? How does such deformation affect fluid pathways?

3. WEATHERING: Why do particular weathering patterns develop on exposed sandstone surfaces and what do they tell us about microclimate?

Finally, this summary introduces new directions of eolian research, and the implications of biological and environmental interactions.

BIOGRAPHYDr. Marjorie A. Chan is Professor of Geology at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah. She received a Ph.D. in Geology from the University of Wisconsin – Madison in 1982. Her research topics have spanned the geologic time scale from the Precambrian to the Pleistocene. Her recent projects connect geology and planetary science to better understand and interpret the red planet Mars. She has authored or co-authored more than 100 peer-reviewed professional articles on a wide range of sedimentary topics involving clastic depositional environments, sedimentology, fluid flow/diagenesis (e.g., iron oxide sandstone coloration and concretions), Earth analogs to Martian environments, and geo-conservation.

Dr. Chan is a very active member of GSA. She has provided leadership counsel for academic department chairs and administrators at both GSA and AGU (American Geophysical Union) meetings. She has received numerous accolades for her presentations and was named the 2013/2014 GSA International Distinguished Lecturer, which will send her on tours throughout Asia, Australia and New Zealand this spring and Korea this October. She has also served as a science advisor for PBS-Nova Science Now. Dr. Chan has been a strong advocate and role model for women in science for the last three decades. She is active in encouraging women and minorities in science disciplines.

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Fifty Shades Freed: From Pore to Seismic an Integrated Workflow Identifying Sweet Spots in the Liquids Rich Duvernay Formation Kaybob, Alberta, Canada SPEAKERLindsay DunnCO-AUTHORS: Justin Humenjuk, Neil Taylor and David Mcharg Athabasca Oil Corp.

11:30 am,Tuesday, September 23rd, 2014Calgary, TELUS Convention, Exhibition Hall D, North Building, Calgary, Alberta

Please note: The cut-off date for ticket sales is 1:00 pm, three business days before event. [Thursday, Sept. 18, 2014]. CSPG Member Ticket Price: $45.00 + GST. Non-Member Ticket Price: $47.50 + GST.


ABSTRACTThe Devonian Duvernay Formation is fast becoming one of the most active liquids-rich shale plays in North America. The play fairway extends over some 400 km from the Kaybob sub basin in the north to the Willesden Green Basin in the south. In the Kaybob region, the play is rapidly moving from an early exploration phase that began in late 2010, towards commercial multi-well pad development. With this play evolution, companies are actively evaluating and high grading their acreage integrating all aspects of geosciences: from pore, to core, to log, to microseismic and ultimately to seismic scale.

Sedimentological and sequence stratigraphic work flows provide the starting point for developing a predictive geological and subsequently geophysical models that delineate rock quality and reservoir quality relationships. Relative amounts of total organic carbon, biogenic silica, carbonate, and clay have a first order control on reservoir quality in the Duvernay and vary systematically (Dunn et al., 2013). The Duvernay can be classified into three end-member rock types that display decreasing reservoir quality from highly siliceous organic rich mudstones, argillaceous organic rich mudstones down to non-reservoir carbonates. The geographic and stratigraphic distributions of these lithofacies are controlled by the basin bathymetry and morphology (Fig. 1). (Dunn and Humenjuk 2014a).

Key petrophysical attributes differentiate the three main rock types within the Kaybob study area. Cross plotting of Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio logs indicated that the siliceous organic rich mudstone, argillaceous organic rich mudstone and carbonate lithologies are distinctly clustered. Utilizing a 3D seismic volume within the study area, these same petrophysical attributes can be generated through AVO inversion producing a Poisson’s ratio and a Young’s modulus volume (Dunn and Humenjuk 2014b). In the absence of horizontal logs X-Ray Florence (XRF) on cuttings calibrated to core has proven to be a fast, cost effective, and accurate tool to quantify rock properties along the well bore. Rock mechanical properties extracted along the well bore from the 3D volume show an excellent correlation to those calculated from XRF.

These integrated data sets have been used to place frac stages and show a good correlation between lithology, fracture treatment parameters and micro-seismic events. The result of this workflow enhances our understanding of the heterogeneity

of the reservoir and how it relates to production. This integrated workflow is being used to high grade acreage, and to extract maximum net present value from the Duvernay.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:The authors would like to thank Athabasca Oil Corp for permission to present this ongoing work. We would also like to acknowledge Seitel Canada Ltd, Core Labs and XRF Solutions for permission to show the data.

REFERENCESDunn L. A., Gordon K. and Houle M. 2013. Fifty Shades of Grey: Utilizing “Conventional” Sedimentology and Sequence Stratigraphy to unlock rock quality to reservoir quality relationships in the liquids rich Duvernay Shale play, Kaybob Alberta, Canada. Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists Annual Convention Calgary, Alberta, 6-10 May program with abstracts.

Dunn L. A and Humenjuk J. A. 2014a. Fifty Shades Darker: Integrating Sedimentology, Sequence Stratigraphy, Chemostratigraphy and Geophysics to Identify Sweet Spots the Liquids-Rich Duvernay Shale Play, Kaybob Alberta. Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists Annual Convention Calgary, Alberta 12-16 May program with abstracts.

Dunn L. A. and Humenjuk J. A. 2014b. The Duvernay Formation: Integrating Sedimentology, Sequence Stratigraphy and Geophysics to Identify Sweet Spots in a Liquids-Rich Shale Play, Kaybob Alberta. Unconventional Resources Technology Conference Denver, Colorado, 25-27 August program with abstracts.

Stoakes, F.A. 1980. Nature and Control of Shale Basin Fill and its Effect on Reef Growth and Termination: Upper Devonian Duvernay and Ireton Formations of Alberta, Canada. Bulletin of Canadian Petroleum Geology vol 28. No 3 p 345-410.

Figure 1. Integrated Duvernay Depositional and Sequence Stratigraphic Model for the Kaybob Area. Axial transport of clastic detritus and estimated water depths as per Stoakes (1980).


Reservoir Characterization in Carbonate Mudrocks – The Unconventional Conventional – The Next Generation Carbonate Reservoirs SPEAKERRick Sarg Colorado School of Mines

11:30 amTuesday, October 7th, 2014Calgary, TELUS Convention Centre Exhibition Hall D, North BuildingCalgary, Alberta

Please note: The cut-off date for ticket sales is 1:00 pm, three business days before event. [Thursday, Oct 2, 2014]. CSPG Member Ticket Price: $45.00 + GST. Non-Member Ticket Price: $47.50 + GST.


ABSTRACTThe majority of carbonate reservoir rocks have been developed using conventional development schemes, due to the presence of macro-pores that are the product of skeletal and non-skeletal depositional textures modified by diagenesis. Carbonate reservoir heterogeneity is complex, due to ternary porosity distributions composed of matrix, vugs, and fractures. Recently, matrix related micro-porosity has been recognized

as an important control on transmissivity and storage capacity of hydrocarbons. With the advancement of completion technologies for low-permeability reservoirs, quantifying the matrix-related micro-porosity, understanding pore size and pore throat distributions as well as tortuosity has become increasingly important. Traditional methodologies for porosity characterization developed for conventional reservoirs are often inadequate for low permeability, micro-porous reservoirs. Within carbonate reservoirs, the matrix porosity contribution is often overshadowed by the relative contribution from vugs and fractures, yet it is the matrix pore network that effectively “feeds” the vugs and fractures through diffusive transport.

The main focus of this research has been on carbonate reservoir mud-rocks that lack macro-pores, but contain pores that are less than a micrometer in size. These rocks have high hydrocarbon saturation within the matrix micro-porosity. Examples come from both conventional carbonate wackestone and mudstone from the Gulf States region of the Arabian Peninsula, and

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INTRODUCTION TO GEOMECHANICS THEORY AND PRACTICE A Two-day Workshop - November 24-25, 2014, Calgary, AB Young Geoscientists

Networking Reception

WHEN: Thursday, October 30

4:30 pm - 7:30 pm

WHERE: Garage Sports Bar Eau Claire Market 195 –200 Barclay Parade SW Calgary, Alberta

WHO: University students, young professionals, and industry mentors

A networking event for young geoscientists and experienced industry mentors

FREE Event! | Drink tickets and appetizers provided | Register now at www.cspg.org Sponsored by Sponsorship opportunities available.


unconventional carbonate mud-rocks from the Bakken and Three Forks reservoirs of the Williston basin. These mud-rocks have porosities that range from less than 5% to more than 20%, and permeabilities that are in general less than 3mD, and most commonly much less than 1mD.

Porosity is estimated for these reservoirs by petrographic image analysis as well from QEMSCAN® (quantitative evaluation of minerals and porosity by scanning electron microscopy) analysis. Estimated porosities are compared to measured porosity from a CMS-300® (core measurement system) automated permeameter. Porosity and pore throat distributions are determined by mercury porosimetry and gas adsorption experiments in order to capture both micro- and nanopore distributions. Results show distinct differences in porosity, permeability, surface area and tortuosity among different facies, despite their seemingly similar mudstone to wackestone textures. Pore size distributions indicate bimodal pore distributions that are in the micro to nanoporosity range. Pore size distributions as well as tortuosity vary across the different lithofacies, which can be related to subtle differences in physical rock properties. These subtle differences in

lithofacies and in pore architecture appear to control fluid flow in these rocks. These fine-grained rocks are thus postulated to be facies determinate flow units.

BIOGRAPHYJ. Frederick ‘Rick’ Sarg received his Ph.D. (1976) in Carbonate Sedimentology and Stratigraphy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Rick also holds an M.S. (1971) and a B.S. (1969) in Geology from the University of Pittsburgh. He has extensive petroleum exploration and production experience in research, supervisory, and operational assignments with Mobil (1976), Exxon (1976-90), as an Independent Consultant (1990-92), with Mobil Technology Company (1992-99) where he attained the position of Research Scientist, and with ExxonMobil Exploration (2000-05).

Rick was a member of the exploration research group at Exxon that developed sequence stratigraphy, where his emphasis was on carbonate sequence concepts. He has worldwide exploration and production experience in integrated seismic-well-outcrop interpretation carbonate and mixed system stratigraphic sequences, and has authored or co-authored 34 papers on carbonate sedimentology and stratigraphy. Rick achieved

the position of Stratigraphy Coordinator at ExxonMobil Exploration Company.

In August of 2006, Rick joined the Colorado School of Mines as a Research Professor in the Department of Geology and Geological Engineering. Rick’s current projects at CSM include the Bakken Resource Play in the Williston basin; fractured carbonates in Abu Dhabi; and the lacustrine carbonates and stratigraphy of the Green River Formation in Colorado. Rick served as President of the Society for Sedimentary Geology (SEPM) (2004-05), and is currently the President of the SEPM Foundation. Rick has been awarded the 2013 Robert R. Berg Outstanding Research Award by the AAPG.

Young Geoscientists Networking Reception

WHEN: Thursday, October 30

4:30 pm - 7:30 pm

WHERE: Garage Sports Bar Eau Claire Market 195 –200 Barclay Parade SW Calgary, Alberta

WHO: University students, young professionals, and industry mentors

A networking event for young geoscientists and experienced industry mentors

FREE Event! | Drink tickets and appetizers provided | Register now at www.cspg.org Sponsored by Sponsorship opportunities available.

Register now at

www.cspg.org/conferences

Outcrops, Stratigraphy, and Geomodeling: Lisa Stright, University of Utah,USA

Michael Pyrcz, Chevron,USA

Multi-scale Data and Multi-variate Modeling: Sanjay Srinivasan, University of Texas at Austin, USA

Claude Scheepens, ConocoPhillips, USA

Properties in Models: Advancing Continuous Variables

Mohan Srivastava, FSS Consultants, Canada Colin Daly, Schlumberger, UK

Post-processing Geomodels: Clayton Deutsch, University of Alberta, Canada

Weishan Ren, Statoil, Canada

Modeling Uncertainty: Emmanuel Gringarten, Paradigm, USA

W. Scott Meddaugh, Midwestern State University, USA

Geomodeling Unconventionals: Jeffrey Yarus, Halliburton, USA

Ian Gates, University of Calgary, Canada

Conference Sessions & Chairs

Closing the Gap II: Advances in Applied Geomodeling for Hydrocarbon Reservoirs

Host: Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists (CSPG) Location: RimRock Hotel, Banff, Alberta, Canada

Dates: September 22-24, 2014 (Monday AM to Wednesday PM)


Elephant hunting in Southern Africa: the hydrocarbon potential of South Africa and NamibiaSPEAKERJohn Noad

12:00 NoonWednesday, September 17th, 2014Place: Check CSPG website Calgary, Alberta

INTRODUCTION Southern Africa has seen some of the largest hydrocarbon discoveries of the last two decades, with the ponded turbidites and other plays of Angola yielding a current production of almost 2 MM bopd, the second largest producer in Africa, much found since 2000. Meanwhile possibly the biggest discoveries of 2013 were made in Mozambique, where Eni’s Agulha and Coral gas fields are estimated at 700 MM boe each. However what of the exploration prospects of the two countries sandwiched between these world beaters, namely South Africa and Namibia?

A few small fields have been discovered off the southern South African coast, notably Oryx and Oribi, currently producing around 4000 bopd. Other fields are currently being evaluated. Offshore Namibia the Kudu and Ibhubesi gas fields may each hold recoverable reserves of between 1 and 2 Tcf. Yet despite this there is a buoyant exploration mood in the region, with many of the super-majors getting involved. What is getting these companies so excited? Further interest has been shown in the Karoo Basin, which may contain 390 Tcf of unconventional shale gas reserves, the world’s fifth largest.

SOUTHERN AFRICAN GEOLOGYThe geology of South Africa is a long and complex one, dating back some 3.7 billion years. The keystone is the Kappvaal Craton, which underlies the northeastern part of the country, and comprises Archaean gneisses and granitoids, and greenstone belts. Large sedimentary basins on the craton include the 2.9 Ba Witwatersrand Basin south of Johannesburg, the world’s largest gold deposit. This are overlain by younger carbonates and extensive banded iron deposits, while straddling Northern Province is the Bushveld Complex, the world’s largest layered intrusion, containing 70% of the world’s viable chrome deposits, as well as PGMs and vanadium. Other intrusives contain 3.4 million tonnes of copper and other minerals, including kimberlite pipes.

The Karoo Basin covers around two thirds of South Africa, and hosts the fluvio deltaic sediments and coals of the Ecca Group. The coalfields comprise mainly bituminous, thermal grade coal with low sulphur. These rocks are considered to have enormous shale gas potential. Extensive lavas cap the Karoo Supergroup, their extrusion preceding the fragmentation of Gondwanaland around 200 million years ago. Since the break up, Cretaceous and Cenozoic basins and structural traps have developed around the coast. A thick blanket of Cenozoic terrestrial sediments were deposited to the northwest.

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Namibia has a similar onshore history, with ancient metamorphic deposits in the central and northern regions (2.2 to 1.0 billion years old), and the volcano-sedimentary Sinclair Sequence, often with associated minerals. The Damara Orogen (800 to 500 Ma) is composed of carbonates and metasediments that outcrop across the country. The Nama shallow marine clastics are derived from these rocks. Coal bearing Karoo age rocks occur in the southwest and northwest of Namibia, and are extensively intruded by dolerite sills and dykes, relating to the breakup of Gondwana and the formation of the South Atlantic. Following the discovery of the Cretaceous Kudu Gas Field, further

wells have indicated oil prone source rocks. Younger Tertiary rocks of the Namib and Kalahari Sequences are widespread, and both countries have extensive coastal dunes with associated titanium minerals, as well as alluvial diamond deposits.

SOUTH AFRICA’S OIL AND GAS Hydrocarbons were probably involved in the mineralization of the Witwatersrand, but it was really the legacy of Apartheid, and the associated economic sanctions, that drove much of the offshore exploration in the 1980s and 90s. The SASOL oil from coal plants helped South Africa to weather that period, and a few discoveries were made along the southern coast, producing a mix

of oil and gas. However over the last few years the super-majors have woken up to South Africa’s potential, with an estimated US$1 Billion being spent by the industry on exploration. Offshore rights holders now include ExxonMobil, Total, Shell, CNRL, Anadarko, Cairn and other independents. South Africa is currently the continent’s largest oil importer, so any discoveries would be most welcome.

The US Energy Information Administration estimates that South African shale gas reserves stood at 390 Tcf in 2011, the world’s fifth largest. This took the country by surprise, with legislature lagging behind regarding fraccing, leading to a weak position when confronted by a torrent of opposition. The infamous MPRDA (Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act) Bill will do little to address this issue. The Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) lifted the 18 month moratorium on exploration in the Karoo in December 2012.

NAMIBIAN HYDROCARBON POTENTIALTo date 18 wells have been drilled offshore Namibia, including 8 in the Kudu gas field, with proven reserves of 1.45 Tcf. The field was discovered in 1974, with Tullow currently holding the license for this field. Many licenses have recently been awarded both onshore and offshore, mainly held by midsize companies looking for a southern extension of the Angolan discoveries of the early 2000s. A well drilled by HRT in 2012 indicated flowing hydrocarbons, though not in commercial quantities.

SUMMARYThere is clearly a great deal of potential offshore both South Africa and Namibia. South Africa’s divergent margin basins may yet yield some bonanza fields, although exploration so far has been relatively disappointing. There is also potential for the Mozambique gas plays to extend southward into South African waters. Onshore there is considerable shale gas potential, although legislation is not yet in place to manage such plays. Fiscal terms are relatively benign, although there is the potential for political instability and even piracy offshore. In Namibia, the government is very supportive of exploration, and the Kudu Field demonstrates that there is a working petroleum system. Competition has been fierce in recent bidding on the offshore blocks there, with hopes of working petroleum systems to match those of Angola and Brazil.


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INTRODUCTION Peter Pond called them “tar sands” in 1778 and in the early days of the oil business, tar sands were commonly called tar sands with a little bit of pride. The largest oil deposit in the world with a 400 year life span could not be sneered at. In today’s politically-correct double-speak, we now call them “oil sands,” not to be confused with conventional oil sands. So oil sands it will be.

The oil sands of Alberta appear to be an easy task for a petrophysicist. After all, the sands are pretty clean, quite porous, and the fluid properties are reasonably well known. Even a novice geologist should be able to do it. However, a series of forensic log analyses over the last 30 years or so suggest that there are some basic misunderstandings about how oil sand cores are analyzed and how to calibrate log analysis results to that data.

In each case, the forensic analysis was undertaken at the request of a client who was unsatisfied with prior work that did not appear to provide an adequate description of the hydrocarbon potential in an oil sands reservoir.

Standard petrophysical analysis models are used for the volumetric determination of clay, porosity, water, and oil, and from this a realistic permeability estimate. Unfortunately, the Dean-Stark core analysis method, widely used to assess oil sand cores, does not measure volumes. Instead, the technique measures oil mass, water mass, and mineral mass. These are converted to mass fraction and then to calculated porosity and water saturation. Rarely, there may be some helium porosity and permeability data, but this is difficult in unconsolidated oil sands.

It is tempting to compare log analysis volumetrics to the Dean-Stark calculated volumetrics, and adjust log analysis parameters to obtain a “good match.” The biggest problem is that this form of core analysis gives a measure of porosity that is sometimes called “total porosity,” which includes clay bound water. In real life, some of the clay bound water is not driven off by the Dean-Stark method, so the core porosity falls somewhere between total and effective porosity.

The calculated water saturation from Dean-Stark also falls somewhere between total and effective, when some clay is present. Since log analysis gives effective porosity and saturation, we are comparing apples to aardvarks. The message is that log analysis cannot be calibrated directly to the core volumetric data when clay is present. Virtually all oil sands have some clay content somewhere in the interval of interest.

But we CAN calibrate to Dean-Stark core data in the mass fraction domain, by converting the volumetric petrophysical analysis results to mass fraction. That allows us to compare apples to apples, and let the aardvarks go about their own business. Oil sand quality is judged by its oil mass fraction and net pay is determined by an oil mass fraction cutoff, not porosity and water saturation as in conventional oil. So oil mass fraction is a mandatory output from a petrophysical analysis.

There are additional problems to resolve, as will be discussed below.

WORKFLOWPetrophysical analysis of oil sands follows the standard methods that have been in use for more than 40 years: The math for these steps is at www.spec2000.net/01-quickmath.htm, except where noted in the test.

STEP 1: Load, edit, and depth shift the full log suite, including resistivity, SP, GR, density, neutron, PE, caliper, and sonic, where available. If a thorium or uranium corrected GR (CGR) are available, load these too. Create a Bad Hole Flag if one is needed.

STEP 2: Calculate clay volume. Because some uranium may cause spikes on the GR, use the minimum of the gamma ray and density-neutron separation methods. This eliminates false “shale” beds that would otherwise appear to act as baffles to the flow of steam or oil. The SP is unlikely to be a useful clay indicator due to the high resistivity of the oil zone.

STEP 3: Calculate clay corrected porosity from the complex lithology density-neutron crossplot model. This model accounts for heavy minerals if any are present, compensates for small quantities of gas if present, and reduces statistical variations in the porosity values. DO NOT USE THE DENSITY POROSITY LOG ALONE. It will read too low if heavy minerals are present and too high if gas is present. The statistical variations at high porosity can give a noisy result. Some oil sands have enough coal or carbonaceous material to look like a coal bed. Set a coal trigger on the density and neutron and set porosity to zero when the trigger is turned on. There is nothing complex about the complex lithology model, so use it. See “Special Cases” below if there is gas crossover in the oil zone.

STEP 4: Calculate clay corrected water saturation from the Simandoux or dual-water equations. These default to the Archie model in clean sands but give more oil in shaly sands.

STEP 5: Correlate core porosity and core permeability on a semi-logarithmic graph, if

APPLES AND AARDVARKS – A Tutorial on Petrophysical Analysis in Oil Sands| By E. R. (Ross) Crain, P.Eng., Spectrum 2000 Mindware Ltd, www.spec2000.net, [email protected]

Figure 1. In shaly sands, Dean-Stark core porosity (black dots) is often less than total porosity (black curve) and higher than effective porosity (left edge of red shading). In clean sands, Dean-Stark matches effective porosity extremely well.


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any data is available. The resulting equation takes the form Perm = 10^(A * PHIe + B) where A is the slope and B is the intercept at zero porosity on the graph. See Example in Figure 2.

STEP 6: Calculate permeability as a continuous curve versus depth, using the regression analysis in Step 5.

Steps 1 through 6 cover the conventional volumetric analysis of an oil sand, but we are not finished yet.

STEP 7: Convert log analysis volumetrics to mass fraction values.

1: WToil = (1 – Sw) * PHIe * DENSHY

2: WTshl = Vsh * DENSSH

3: WTsnd = (1 - Vsh - PHIe) * DENSMA

4: WTwtr = Sw * PHIe * DENSW

5: WTrock = WToil + WTshl + WTsnd + WTwtr

Oil mass fraction:

6: Woil = WToil / WTrock

7: WT%oil = 100 * Woil

Typical densities are DENSMA = 2650, DENSW = DENSHY = 1000, DENSSH = 2300 kg/m3. STEP 8: A bitumen pay flag is calculated with a log analysis oil mass fraction cutoff, usually between 0.050 and 0.085 oil mass fraction. A gas flag should also be shown on the depth plots where density neutron crossover occurs on the shale corrected log data.

STEP 9: Oil in place is calculated from the standard volumetric equation. However, some operators, especially surface mining people, work in tonnes of oil in place. This equation is:

1: OILtonnes = SUM (Woil * DENSoil * THICK) * AREA

Thickness is in meters and Area is in square meters.

If the oil equivalent in barrels or cubic meters is needed, the standard equation can be used:

2: OOIP = KV3 * SUM(PHIe * Soil * THICK) * AREA / Bo

Where:• KV3 = 7758 bbl for English units• KV3 = 1.0 m3 for Metric units• AREA = spacing unit or pool area (acres or

square meters)• Bo = oil volume factor (unitless)• OOIP = oil in place as bitumen (bbl or m3)

Recovery factor for surface mining operations is very high, maybe 0.98 or better. For SAGD, RF = 0.35 to 0.50 are used. Since we can’t keep the stream away from the shaly sands, recovery will vary with the average rock quality in a SAGD project. Water has a very high latent heat, so the volume of water to be steamed is as important to the economics as the volume of bitumen. High water saturation is bad news here, just as in conventional oil. Top water, top gas, and cap rock integrity are also major SAGD issues. The petrophysical analysis needs to look at the rocks well beyond the bitumen interval.

SPECIAL CASE – MID-ZONE AND TOP GASThe conventional equation for porosity in a gas sand is:

1: PHIe = ((PHInc^2 +PHIdc^2) / 2) ^ (1 / 2)

This equation is accurate enough for most gas zones, but in very shallow gas sands, it will underestimate porosity. The above equation must be replaced by:

2: PHIe = ((PHInc^X + PHIdc^X) / 2) ^ (1 / X)

Where:• X is in the range of 2.0 to 4.0, default = 3.0. • PHIdc and PHInc are shale corrected values

of density and neutron porosity respectively.

Figure 2. Meta/Log Analysis

Figure 3. Calculated tar mass from log analysis (black curve) matches Dean-Stark oil mass (black dots) in the mid-zone gas as well as in the bitumen interval.(Continued on page 19...)



Figure 4. Oil sand analysis with top water, bottom water, top gas, and mid zone gas. Core and log data match - but oil mass (third track from the right) is the critical measure of success. Core porosity is less than total porosity and greater than effective porosity in shaly zones Minor coal streaks occur in this particular area. Oil mass matches core extremely well, even in the mid-zone gas interval (pink shading in porosity track and in the density-neutron track), showing the eff icacy of the hydrocarbon partitioning and gas correction models.


The exponent X is adjusted by trial and error until a good match to core porosity is obtained.

This porosity is then used to find water saturation as in Step 4, described earlier.

Many, but not all, gas zones related to oil sands have some residual oil. Hydrocarbon saturation needs to be partitioned between bitumen and gas by the following method:

3: Vwtr = PHIe * Sw 4: Vhyd = PHIe * (1 – Sw) 5: GasTarRatio = Max(0, Min((1 – OIL_MIN),

(PHIDc – PHINc) / MAX_XOVER)) 6: Vgas = GasTarRatio * Vhyd 7: Voil = (1 – GasTarRatio) * Vhyd

Where:• OIL_MIN = minimum oil volume in gas zone

as seen on core analysis, could be zero.• MAX_XOVER = maximum density neutron

crossover in a gas zone (fractional)

Oil weight is calculated in a fashion similar

to Step 7 described earlier, but using the partitioned oil and gas volumes. CONCLUSIONSAppropriate shale, porosity, and water saturation methods are required for a top quality oil sand analysis. Oversimplified methods are not sufficiently accurate.

Due to the incompatibility between the Dean-Stark total porosity model and the effective porosity model used in standard log analysis, we find that there is no point in comparing these two porosity values, except in perfectly clean sands. Direct comparison in clean sands offers no insight as to the correctness or otherwise of the porosity in shaly sands. Comparing tar mass is the only way to put both models on an equal footing. Oil mass is not difficult to calculate so there is no excuse to avoid doing the extra step.

Mid-zone gas and top gas may not receive the porosity they deserve using the stard density-neutron crossplot model. The modified equation, plus the hydrocarbon partitioning model, allow both accurate porosity and accurate oil mass to be calculated.

ABOUT THE AUTHORE. R. (Ross) Crain, P.Eng. is a Consulting Petrophysicist and Professional Engineer, with over 50 years of experience in reservoir description, petrophysical analysis, and management. He is a specialist in the integration of well log analysis and petrophysics with geophysical, geological, engineering, stimulation, and simulation phases of the oil and gas industry, with widespread Canadian and Overseas experience. He has authored more than 60 articles and technical papers. His online shareware textbook, Crain’s Petrophysical Handbook, is widely used as a reference for practical petrophysical analysis methods. Mr. Crain is an Honourary Member and Past President of the Canadian Well Logging Society (CWLS), a Member of SPWLA, and a Registered Professional Engineer with APEGA

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Basics of Geomodeling – An Overview 3-Sep-14 2 days David Garner

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Characterization and Management of SAGD Reservoirs with Geostatistical and Optimization Techniques

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We recently caught up with one of this Fall’s Honorary Address speakers, the renowned Curator of Dinosaur Palaeoecology at the Royal Tyrell Museum, Dr. François Therrein, and asked him to share some of his experiences getting into and working in the very competitive field of paleontology. Originally from Ste-Julie, Québec, François completed a B.Sc. in Geology at the Université de Montréal then went on to pursue an M.Sc. in Geosciences at the University of Rhode Island and a Ph.D. in Functional Anatomy and Evolution at Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine in Maryland. He has been working at the Royal Tyrell Museum in Drumheller, Alberta for the past ten years. When he’s not carrying out research into dinosaur behaviour, environment, and climatic conditions, François spends a lot of time getting involved in the community. He has been an organizer and host of the annual Royal Tyrrell Museum Speaker Series, has collaborated with Dr. Darla Zelenitsky, a professor at the University of Calgary, has advised and supervised graduate students, and has acted as a scientific consultant for the Royal Canadian Mint to help develop a paleo-themed collectible coin series. Even with his busy schedule, François still manages to make time for public outreach, frequently giving guest lectures and contributing to

education programs and participating in videoconferences with schools throughout the province. François can also be heard on DrumFm, a local radio station where he presents a weekly paleontology segment. He is a gracious supporter of the CSPG and has acted as a Student-Industry Field Trip (SIFT) leader for field trips to Dinosaur Provincial Park since 2007. Q&AEvery kid loves dinosaurs, but not every kid becomes a paleontologist. What attracted you to paleontology and when did you first become seriously interested in the field?

It is at the age of 4, when I received my first dinosaur book, that I became fascinated with extinct animals and decided that I would one day become a paleontologist. While most kids go through such a phase, I guess I was too stubborn to grow out of it.

What challenges or stumbling blocks did you encounter during your studies and / or career (i.e., funding constraints, competition within the field, etc.)? What has helped you to achieve success in your career?

Having done my undergraduate studies

at Université de Montréal in a geology department focusing on hard rocks, opportunities to further my education in vertebrate paleontology were limited. Consequently I had to move to the United States to pursue my graduate career. The most challenging part of my graduate career happened while conducting f ieldwork in Romania, in the context of my Ph.D., where “turf wars” among Romanian colleagues made it diff icult for a “foreigner” like me to complete his research. Fortunately, diplomacy, as well as support from my supervisor and a Romanian colleague, helped me complete my research.

What do you find compelling or engaging about paleontology? What do you enjoy most about your job?

What I f ind most compelling about paleontology is that one gets to learn about the lifestyle of extinct creatures and the conditions that prevailed on Earth millions of years ago. From these, you gain a better understanding of interactions between lifeforms and their environments and how animals adapted to changes in their habitats. This provides you with a better perspective of the modern world and a better understanding of how the world came to be the way it is.

What is a typical day in the life of a paleontologist at the Royal Tyrrell Museum? Aside from research, what are some of the other duties that come with the role (e.g., public outreach initiatives, etc.)?

The type of work I do during a day varies depending on the season. During the summer, one has the freedom to devote as much time as one wants to conduct f ieldwork. During the rest of the year, I work on a lot of non-research-related projects, such as the development of new museum exhibits, participation in videoconferences with schools all over the province (and even beyond) through the Distance Learning Program at the Museum, and review work proposals from numerous companies (including ones in the oil and gas industry) to assess the potential impact of the proposed work

DR. FRANÇOIS THERREIN CSPG University Outreach – Interview a Geologist| By Melanie Klucker



on Alberta’s paleontological resources. In terms of public outreach, I’m often asked to present public talks or answer media enquiries about various paleontological topics. Finally, I’m the organizer/host of the Museum’s annual Speaker Series held every winter, where researchers from all over the world are invited to come to the Museum to present on a variety of paleontological, geological, and biological topics. The presentations are open to the public (free admission) and are later posted on the Museum’s YouTube channel. The Speaker Series has always been very well received and is anxiously anticipated by the online community every year.

How much field work do you typically do? What is your favorite memory from the field?

Typically my f ield season starts at the end of June and goes on until the end of September, but I usually do day trips as early as May if the weather is nice. My favorite memory from the f ield is related to the discovery of the f irst feathered dinosaur from North America. I was working with a museum crew near the small town of Kirkpatrick, excavating the skeleton of an ornithomimid (ostrich-mimic dinosaur) that had been discovered by a Drumheller resident. While chipping away at the rock, I kept breaking off small rock chips that had strange f ilamentous impressions on them. After asking the members of the team if they had ever seen such impressions before and being told they hadn’t, I then said jokingly “If we were in China, we’d call those feather impressions!” and everybody laughed. Nevertheless I was still perplexed by the nature of these impressions and it’s not long afterwards that I dislodged a f ist-sized chunk of rock that preserved f ilamentous impressions all over the fresh break. That’s when I realized that the impressions couldn’t just be artifacts and had to mean something. I showed photos and samples of the impressions to colleagues at the Museum, who conf irmed they weren’t plant matter and could be something signif icant. It is during preparation of the specimen in the Museum’s lab that it was revealed that the f ilamentous impressions were lining the back and neck of the dinosaur and represented feathers, the f irst time a feathered dinosaur had been discovered in the Western Hemisphere!

What is your most significant find / discovery? Why was it important and how did it further scientific understanding?

The most signif icant scientif ic discovery I’ve been a part of is, without a doubt, the description of the f irst feathered ornithomimids, specimens found in Alberta. The discovery is signif icant for three reasons: 1) these specimens are the first feathered

dinosaurs ever discovered in North America, showing that feathered dinosaurs can be discovered in any type of sedimentary deposits, anywhere in the world,

2) these specimens are the f irst report of the presence of feathers in ornithomimids, f illing a gap our knowledge of the distribution of feathers among dinosaurs, and

3) these specimens are the most primitive dinosaurs to have sported wings. Because evidence of wings is only found in adult individuals (i.e., wings are absent in juveniles), this discovery gives us an alternative scenario for the origin of wings, where these structures would have initially evolved for display and courtship, only to be co-opted later for other purposes, such as flight.

I understand that there have been some interesting finds made in the Athabasca Oil Sands. What fossils were found? How are these fossils different from / similar to fossils found elsewhere?

Many skeletons of marine reptiles, including ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs, have been discovered while excavating the Athabasca

Oil Sands. These specimens are complete (or nearly so) and are the best preserved Early Cretaceous marine reptiles in North America, giving us a lot of information about the distribution and evolution of these marine animals. But I think the most exciting specimen discovered in association with the oil sands so far is, without a doubt, the skeleton of an ankylosaur (armored dinosaur) discovered at the Suncor Mine. This specimen is essentially a mummified dinosaur, as it preserves the skin, armor, and all body parts in three dimensions. At roughly 115 million years of age, it is one of the most ancient and most complete armored dinosaurs in the world and is guaranteed to shed light on the early evolution of these dinosaurs. With a little bit of luck and the assistance of our friends mining the oil sands, I’m sure many more signif icant discoveries will be made.

What do you wish you would have known before starting your career and what advice do you have for aspiring paleontologists?

I wish I had had a better understanding of how competitive the field of vertebrate paleontology is due to the limited number of positions available. Fortunately everything worked out great for me but today there are a lot more people pursuing advanced studies in vertebrate paleontology than when I completed mine, and yet very few job opportunities. My advice to aspiring paleontologists is to always follow your dream, but always have a Plan B in case things don’t turn out the way you had hoped.

The CSPG University Outreach Committee would like to extend a big thank you to François for his continued support and for participating in this installment of Interview a Geologist. We hope you enjoyed reading about his experiences and insights into the field of paleontology as much we did.

If you would like to hear more about what François has to say, you can catch him at the CSPG’s 2014 Honorary Address on Monday, November 17. For more information or to register for the Honorary Address, please see “Events” on the CSPG site, www.cspg.org.



HONORARY MEMBER Dr. Peter PutnamDr. Peter Putnam’s involvement in CSPG began in 1978, and he’s been a valuable contributor ever since. He has earned a Link Award (1984) and a Service Award (1997). He was a member of the Executive Committee (1983, 1992-1994), serving as President in 1993. He has worked on a large number of committees, including the President’s Award Committee Chair (1993), the National Liaison Committee (1994), Canadian Geoscience Council Liaison Member (1994-1995) and Educational Trust Fund Committee (1995-1996). He also served as Associate and Book Review Editor of the Bulletin (1984-1988).

Dr. Putnam graduated with First Class Honors from Brock University (1977), obtained his Master’s Degree from the University of Calgary (1979) and earned his Ph.D. from the University of Calgary (1985) with a thesis on Reservoir Origin and Controls on Hydrocarbon Distributions Interpreted with a Computerized Data Base, Lower Cretaceous Mannville Group, West-Central Saskatchewan.

His distinguished career has spanned 6 continents and more than 35 countries, working in research, operations, corporate management, strategic positioning and equity raising. He started his career with Husky Oil Operations in 1979, quickly becoming the Section Leader of the Saskatchewan Exploration and Development Group, Heavy Oil Division. He joined Petrel Robertson Consulting in 1985 and became president 2000, and is still Chairman of the Board.

Since 2006, he has been president of Hay Valley Resources, while also serving as the Chairman of Central European Petroleum’s Board of Directors. Notably, Dr. Putnam’s work assisted the first junior company to enter Algeria (First Calgary), the conceptual basis and contribution to the exploration and development of the Grosmont carbonates in northern Alberta (Osum and Laricina) and instigating exploration in Eastern Germany post-reunification (CEP).

He has been very involved in the geoscience community: serving as an APEGA Councilor (2000-2003); at the University of Calgary as an Adjunct Professor (2000-2007) and a member of the Selection Committee for the Dean of Graduate Studies (2001); Committee Member and co-author of COGEH chapter on oil sands under the auspices of the Alberta Securities Commission (2005-2006); Member of the

Committee advising the provincial and federal governments on the future of government geoscience in Alberta (1994-1995); and a Distinguished Lecturer Committee Member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists.

Since 1980, Dr. Putnam has authored or co-authored numerous papers on a variety of topics dealing with various facets of applied geology including stratigraphy, sedimentology, formation pressures, reservoir composition, siliciclastics, carbonates, thermal recovery and, ground-penetrating radar applications. The geographical coverage of his publications includes Canada, the United States, Australia and Yemen. He has presented at a diverse range of locales including scientific conventions, specialized research and industry symposia, government agencies, universities, meetings of educators and financial meetings. He is frequently an invited speaker and distinguished lecturer, and has presented at seven CSPG monthly luncheons. Dr. Putnam has also presented several posters and core displays at CSPG and AAPG conferences

Over his career Dr. Putnam has been a technical specialist, an operational professional, an advisor, an executive, a board member and a company founder. His business acumen has enhanced the Canadian and international oil and gas industries and his volunteerism has been exemplary. He has had an illustrious geological and business career and the CSPG is proud to welcome Dr. Peter Putnam into the ranks of Honorary Members.

GO TAKE A HIKE Devonian Keg River Formation at Whitemud Falls, Clearwater River, NE Alberta| By Chris L. Schneider and Matthias Grobe

The Keg River Formation outcrop at Whitemud Falls on the Clearwater River is a good example of “typical” Keg River reef and inter-reef facies, as well as vuggy porosity after allochem dissolution, paleokarst, and Devonian-age marine flooding of an exposed Precambrian topographic high.

At the lower falls, the Keg River Formation sits directly on top of the granite wash of the La Loche Formation, and lacks the intervening argillaceous dolostone and siltstone of the Contact Rapids Formation. At this locality, the Contact Rapids Formation was never deposited; rather, the coarse sand of the La Loche Formation presumably sits directly on a topographic high in the Precambrian basement (unexposed). Because granite wash sediments appear in the surrounding carbonate, Keg River sedimentation commenced and the carbonate platform existed for some length of time before the topographic high was flooded.

The locality also includes several episodes of paleokarst. The oldest is associated with the topographic high and the La Loche granite wash. Adjacent paleo-crevices contain well-cemented granite wash sand and granules as well as green clay. The cliff above records another episode of paleokarst in a laterally and vertically extensive, well-cemented breccia. Modern karstification is apparent in the arch and the flowstone found on its inner surfaces.

Trailhead: Before your trip, gain permission from Alberta Parks and Whitemud Falls Wildland Provincial Park to land a helicopter in Whitemud Falls Recreation Area. Land to the flat, open camping area. Walk south or east to the trail, and follow the trail as it winds northeast and then south around the margin of the cliff along the river to the falls. At the lower falls, the cliff becomes a fairly easy scramble to the base of the lower falls, including a short traverse through an arch of the Keg River dolostone. Note: when visiting in late summer to early autumn, “normal” river levels on the Clearwater River are sufficiently low to observe the features described herein. Higher water levels may preclude the observation of the Keg River-La Loche contact.

Distance: Approximately 1 km.

Elevation Loss: Approximately 15m from the top of the cliff to the river’s edge at the base of the falls.


Figure 1. Map of the field area. The red “x” marks the approximate area of the clearing for helicopter landing. Dashed red line follows the path around the edge of the cliff.

Figure 3. Flowstone in the arch. Figure 4. View of the upper falls near the north bank and the island. Note the orange, red, and black staining of the cliff, typical of similar Keg River outcrops along the Clearwater River.

Figure 2. View of the area of accessible outcrop from the upper falls, north bank. The arrow indicates the recess where the described outcrop is located.

From base to top, the stratigraphy of the outcrop is:LA LOCHE FORMATION:1. Dark grey, coarse to very coarse grained, rounded, moderately sorted lithic

sandstone with occasional granules and pebbles. The thickness of the La Loche Formation is unknown.

KEG RIVER FORMATION:2. At the base of the outcrop, above the La Loche Formation: 75 cm, medium grey, fine

to medium crystalline, cherty, dolomitized lime mudstone containing solution vugs up to 2 cm in diameter. The chert is finely crystalline and dispersed in the dolostone; its presence becomes apparent in the sparks and odour while hammering the outcrop. A similar lithology also occurs in the Keg River Formation below the exposed La Loche Formation.

3. 565 cm of the “reef facies:” massive, vuggy, tabular-bedded in part, fine to medium crystalline, stromatoporoid-rich, dolomitized rudstone. Stromatoporoids are bulbous to massive. In-situ corals and stromatoporoids occur along an exposed bedding plane about 265 cm above the base of the unit.

4. Retracing your steps upslope towards the arch is 200 cm of grey breccia and flowstone. Clasts are dolomitized lime mudstone.

5. Upslope of the arch is 600 cm of “off-reef facies:” massive, medium-crystalline, crinoid-rich, dolomitized floatstone. Crinoid columnals are bright white against the beige-weathered surface of the rock.

Figure 7. At the outcrop, on the bank of the river, looking upstream at units 2 and 3 of the Keg River Formation and the lower falls. The dashed line denotes the approximate boundary between the units and the switch from lime mudstone to the reef facies. To the left of the photograph (yellow arrow) and from where the photograph was taken, the La Loche Formation outcrops.

Figure 8. View of the upper portion of the outcrop, mostly the inter-reef facies of unit 5.


Figure 5. (above) Unit 3 of the Keg River Formation. This portion of unit 3 appears bedded and is poorly vuggy.

Figure 6. (right) stratigraphic section of the La Loche and Keg River outcrop at the lower falls of Whitemud Falls on the Clearwater River.

From the stratigraphy and observations about paleokarst, we interpreted the geological history of the locality (see Schneider et al., 2013):1. Initiation of the Keg River Formation carbonate platform; some topographic

highs of the Precambrian Formation, covered with granite wash sediments of the La Loche Formation, remained exposed (Figures 9-1 and 9-2).

2. Hiatus in carbonate sedimentation, subaerial exposure, and karstification when base level was nearly even with the topographic high and La Loche sediments. Granite wash, carbonate clasts, and crinoid columnals are washed into karsted crevices, and green clay formed during subaerial exposure is washed in or formed in-situ (Figure 9-3).

3. Sea level rises; initial intertidal stromatolites form on top of the granite wash (Figures 9-4). Continued relative sea-level rise results in the flooding of the topographic high and the formation and aggradation of a stromatoporoid-coral reef (Figure 9-5).

4. With further sea-level rise, the reef drowns and crinoid-rich, presumably deeper water, off-reef carbonate is deposited (Figure 9-6).

5. Following burial, diagenesis, dolomitization (Figures 9-7 and 9-8) and possibly exhumation of the Keg River Formation, dissolution results in the collapse and accumulation of a breccia. This karst may or may not be related to the dissolution of the Prairie Evaporite Formation in the subsurface. Tilting of Devonian strata and subsequent erosion results in the Keg River Formation being uplifted close to the surface.

6 After Pleistocene glaciation, the Clearwater River downcut through the Keg River Formation. Resistance in the rock at this locality, perhaps from the existence of reefs, resulted in Whitemud Falls.

The take-away: The outcrop described herein at lower Whitemud Falls is a good example both of the reef and off-reef facies of the Keg River Formation and the influence of the Precambrian basement on deposition during this time. Furthermore, paleo- and modern karst at the outcrop indicate the important influence of karst processes during the history of the Keg River Formation.


REFERENCE: Schneider, C.L. M. Grobe, and F. J. Hein, 2013, Outcrops of the La Loche, Contact Rapids, and Keg River Formations (Devonian) on the Clearwater River: Alberta (NTS 74D/9) and Saskatchewan (NTS 74C/12). ERCB/AGS Open File Report 2012-20, 43 p.

Figure 9. Cartoon of the depositional and diagenetic history of the outcrop. Modified from Schneider et al., 2013.

Figure 10. La Loche Formation sandstone within the Keg River Formation carbonate. The La Loche sand may have filled a karsted crevice, now lost to erosion, or was washed into the surrounding carbonate sediment.

Figure 11. La Loche Formation sandstone and overlying domal stromatolites. Dashed lines outline several stromatolites. The La Loche Formation is red-brown in colour, whereas the Keg River Formation is grey (stromatolites) to beige (most of the outcrop).

The Stanley Slipper Medal is the CSPG’s highest honour.

The gold medal is presented annually for outstanding contributions to oil and gas exploration in Canada. The contributions of the winner of this award should encompass a number of activities related to aspects of petroleum exploration. Such activities include: initiating and/or leading exploration programs, significant discoveries on new or existing exploration trends, teaching and/or training of explorationists, and involvement in and leadership within geological societies and professional organizations. The committee is currently calling on the CSPG membership to provide additional nominations for this prestigious award. The award winner must be a CSPG member and should be able to attend the awards presentation to be held in the spring of 2015.

Please include an updated bibliography and letters in support of your nominee.

Nominations should be mailed, faxed or emailed before October 15 to:

CSPG Stanley Slipper Committee – Clint Tippett

110, 333 – 5 Ave SW

Calgary, AB T2P 3B6


Phone: 403-264-5610 Fax: 403-264-5898

“This pioneer and explorer in geology, engineering and natural gas technology bequeathed a fundamental knowledge, years ahead of his time and was considered by

many a virtual Leonardo da Vinci of the Petroleum Industry. Slipper, our First President, deserved the honour (unbeknownst to him) of our highest award in the

Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists” (Aubrey Kerr).

2013 Stanley Slipper Recipient Marc Bustin

Stanley Slipper Medal


Dates: October 16 - 17, 2014Time: 8:00AM – 4:30PMInstructor: Dr. Greg Hu, Loring Tarcore Labs Ltd.Fees: $675 for one day; $975 for two days. The fees include snacks, soft drinks, lunches, materials, use of computer and core logging software and Location: Loring Tarcore Labs Ltd., 6835 - 8 Street NE, Calgary

This workshop is a “hand-on” workshop for oil sands core logging. Any one will find it informative, inspiring, and practical. Day 1 covers all aspects of oil sands core logging, followed by core logging with one well. In Day 2, participants will work on more wells to gain more experience in core logging.

Topics include:

viewing rooms.

�Typical depth markers: marker types and their core and log expressions�Principles of core depth correction�Common oil sands facies and their core and log signatures�Identification of common ichnofacies on core and their significance in facies interpreation�Wabiskaw-McMurray Stratigraphy and their depositional model evolution�Common core sample types for lab testings and general sample selection guidelines�Core depth correction: core-based vs image-based with software assistance

For more information and registration, please call 403-874-4588 or visit: http://www.tarcore.com/training/

Practical Oil Sands Core Logging WorkshopPractical Oil Sands Core Logging Workshop


Each year, the CSPG University Outreach Committee recruits industry professionals to speak to students enrolled in geosciences programs across Canada. These lecture tours help to get the word out to students about opportunities in the energy sector, communicate information about industry, and put a face on the CSPG. This winter the University Outreach committee was able to send Dr. Brad Hayes to six schools in Western Canada. The schools hosting the talk were the University of Victoria, Vancouver Island University, Yukon College, University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University and University of Alberta. Brad is the president of Petrel Robertson Consulting in Calgary and a CSPG Past-President, serving his term in 2001.

The title of the talk was “Unconventional Oil and Gas Development: What Does it Mean for Future Geoscientists.” The talk began with a broad discussion about what makes plays “unconventional”, why they are important, where they are, and how they are explored for and developed. A discussion of the changing roles for geoscientists followed. With the importance of water intensive completion techniques like hydraulic fracturing in today’s oilpatch, much of this part of the talk centered on exploration for suitable water sources and water disposal zones, something Brad has experience with in the Horn River Basin and other areas. At Petrel Robertson Consulting, Brad noted that, “in Canada we’re probably spending about half of our time mapping water in the subsurface for the petroleum industry.” This is an important thing to relay to students

who may be thinking about what skills they might need, their next steps and what the themes of their careers might be.

The principal audience for the tour was the students, who got an inside look at the type of work that’s being done by geoscientists in Calgary – outside what they might think of as traditional roles of geologists and geophysicists. The students were also told about opportunities that the CSPG offers to students , including: activity grants, scholarships, the annual Student Industry Field Trip (SIFT), and free student membership. For students at most of the schools on Brad’s tour, which don’t have traditionally strong “soft-rock” programs, this was likely a unique opportunity to get a glimpse into the oil and gas industry and to get specifics on the wide range of opportunities. There was a lot of interest from faculty as well, and Brad was surprised to learn at UBC in particular how much faculty effort is going into mathematical modeling and engineering work on hydraulic fracturing.

It is understated to say unconventional resource development and hydraulic fracturing is a hot topic in Canada. So, in addition to speaking for students, Brad was able to speak to wider community groups in both Nanaimo and Whitehorse while on tour and also made time for the Yukon News and CBC North in Whitehorse. For curious and concerned members of the broader public this was a chance to hear from a professional who is actively working in unconventional

resource development in Calgary. In the Yukon, where unconventional development is still in the future, the government is currently working on regulations to govern it. In his CBC interview, Brad stressed the importance of having geoscientists gathering facts about the plays that might be developed and the water resources before the initiation of major development. When asked about the environmental concerns surrounding water and unconventional development for the Yukon News article, “Meet the Frackers”, Brad said that “there are good regulations in place in other jurisdictions to manage how water is used in the industry” and that “the key is making sure the regulations are followed.”

The University Outreach Committee is grateful to Brad for giving his time to spread the word to students about how the industry they may inherit in their career will be different than what was known by the last generation. The committee is also glad that Brad got to add his voice to the public debate; a debate that is not short on voices though the voices of professional geoscientists who gather facts on the reservoirs and aquifers are often hard to find.

More information about Lecture Tours can be found on the CSPG website (www.cspg.org) under the University Outreach section of the Student pages. If you or anybody you know is interested in taking part in a University Lecture Tour, please contact Chad Glemser ([email protected]) or Garrett Quinn ([email protected]).

WINTER UNIVERSITY Lecture Tour Wrap-Up| By Dr. Brad Hayes and Unconventional Oil and Gas Garrett Quinn

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Director Milovan Fustic, in the April 2014 Reservoir, reviewed the reasons for publishing in the Bulletin of Canadian Petroleum Geology. He made the point that preserving the impact of presentations made at CSPG Annual Geoconventions and enhancing their credibility is best done through publication in credible, peer-reviewed scientific journals. The Bulletin of Canadian Petroleum Geology traditionally has been the foremost journal for publishing petroleum-related Canadian-based geological studies. We surely do not have to remind members of the long publication history of the Bulletin, starting in 1963 as the “Bulletin of Canadian Petroleum Geology,” but also long before that date as the “Journal of Canadian Petroleum Geology,”

the predecessor of the present Bulletin. The Bulletin’s very long and continuous publication history is a strongly positive aspect for authors to consider when deciding where to publish, as their publication will be part of an unbroken legacy of petroleum geology-related work.

Recently the Bulletin (Figure 1) has made the difficult transition from a print journal to a fully digital “e-journal” that is now the standard publication format. However, the rise of the “e-journal” has been accompanied by a rapid proliferation of new petroleum-related journals that compete with the Bulletin for author submissions. During this transition period, the Bulletin has had difficulty maintaining its standing with regard to independently compiled scientific journal impact ratings. This happened because the Bulletin had, most unfortunately, fallen behind on its publication schedule. There is, of course, a feedback cycle to this; as a journal fails to publish on schedule and loses its impact factor, authors become reluctant to submit manuscripts. Papers that might have found their way to the Bulletin, consequently, have instead appeared in other journals produced by international publishers. The free access that CSPG members might have enjoyed if these papers were Bulletin publications, are now pay for view only.

We want to reassure CSPG members that the Bulletin has returned to its normal quarterly publication schedule, a process begun by previous editors, Robert MacNaughton and Denis Lavoie. Our obligation as editors is

to ensure that each Bulletin manuscript submission will be dealt with in a timely manner. The editorial process has returned to complete functionality with strong support from more than twenty associate editors, CSPG office staff, and from editorial and publication contractors. In other words, we are ready to serve our part in returning the Bulletin to its status as the premier peer-reviewed scientific journal dealing with petroleum geology-related studies.

Director Milovan Fustic has made the case for scientific publication by CSPG members and his article should be read by all. Our purpose here is to assure members that we will do everything we can to see that manuscripts submitted to the Bulletin are reviewed in a timely manner and published on time. It is the least we can do for authors who have dedicated part of their life to producing a well-researched study that advances understanding of Canadian petroleum geology.

CSPG members interested in submitting articles to the Bulletin should first carefully review the “BCPG Guidelines for Authors” for guidance in preparing a manuscript. These guidelines may be found under “Publications” and “Bulletin Submissions” on the CSPG website. Authors should also be aware that in addition to full-length articles, the Bulletin also publishes short topical articles (BCPG Explorations). Our editorial team is ready to help you achieve your goal of publishing in the foremost Canadian journal concerning petroleum geology.

EDITORIAL COMMENT | A message from Bulletin co-editors David Morrow and Burns Cheadle

Figure 1. The new look of the “on-line” Bulletin

On March 16-18, 2014 the fourth Earth Science for Society (ESfS) exhibition attracted thousands of junior high school students, teachers, parents and general public.

The ESfS program is driven by one core objective: Educating the students and the general public about how Earth Science impacts our daily lives. This was wonderfully demonstrated by various hands-on activities such as gold panning, fossil hunting etc.

The exhibition would not have been possible without the highly appreciated contribution

of all our generous sponsors, enthusiastic exhibitors and dedicated volunteers and committee members.

EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS:• About 600 members of the public

attended the exhibition on Sunday• 13 schools brought over 1300 junior

high school students on Monday and Tuesday

• 120 volunteers contributed about 765 hours of work during the days of the event

• 33 sponsors contributed over $100,000 in funding or in-kind donations

• 9 exhibitors / exhibits engaged and inspired visitors

• The new Geo-Theatre which hosted geoscience presentations on Sunday was very well received

We are looking forward to seeing you at the fifth Earth Science for Society exhibition, booked for March 15-17, 2015! For an ESfS 2014 event summary with photos, click on the Thank you booklet link on our Home page here: esfscanada.com

EARTH SCIENCE FOR SOCIETY (ESFS) Inspiring the next generations of Earth Scientists| By Navjot Aneja, ESfS Committee


Ph.D. AWARDWin $5,000.00 and a framed certificate; and a one-year membership with the CSPG for: the Doctoral thesis that makes the most significant contribution to Canadian sedimentary geology in 2014.

M.Sc. AWARDWin $4,000.00 and a framed certificate; and a one-year membership with the CSPG for: the Master’s thesis that makes the most significant contribution to Canadian sedimentary geology in 2014.

Winning thesis topics in recent years have included: detailed integrated studies of the Falher, Paddy, Hondo, and Gog; a stratigraphic re-interpretation of the Alexandra Reef

Complex, which has led to new insights into the nature of Devonian reefs; new thoughts about the classic Carboniferous section at Joggins, Nova Scotia; structural re-interpretation of the Livingston Range anticlinorium; detailed sedimentologic study of the Cenozoic geology in Trinidad; biogenic shale gas potential of the Upper Colorado Group; and evaporite diapirism in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago.

Deadline for submissions is September 19, 2014.

For submission, an electronic copy (PDF format if possible) of the thesis is preferred but a hard copy if properly bound will be accepted. Submitted hard-copy theses will be returned in late January 2015 after judging.

Eligible theses are either produced in a Canadian university, regardless of project

location, or deal with a Canadian sedimentary/petroleum geology topic, regardless of

the university of origin. Theses entered for the 2014 awards must have been submitted

to a recognized university inside or outside Canada, and must have formed part of

the requirements for degrees awarded at the Fall 2013 or Spring 2014 convocations.

Candidate theses must be well written, and clearly and adequately illustrated.

PLEASE SEND THESIS SUBMISSIONS FOR JUDGING TO:Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists (CSPG)

Graduate Thesis Awards Committeec/o Andre Chow

Pengrowth Energy Corporation2100, 222 – 3rd Avenue SW

Calgary, AB T2P 0S4Phone: (403) 213-3713 • Fax: (403) 234-6886


2014 Ph.D. and M.Sc. CALL FOR THESES


The Upper Devonian (Frasnian) Duvernay Formation contains widespread proven source rocks and is a major shale resource play. Although productive, the formation comprises shale – carbonate successions characterised by significant lateral facies variations, which cause problems when targeting sweet spots and identifying changes in mineralogy in order to optimise fracking. For many decades now X-ray diffraction (XRD) has been the tool of choice for the mineralogists, producing good quality, reliable bulk and clay fraction data. While this is unlikely to change for laboratory-based analysis, the oil and gas industry is forever on the lookout for smaller, faster and portable solutions. Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR) analyses may just be that solution.

Chemostrat has developed a portfolio of services ‘Shale Solutions’ to improve our understanding of shale plays. This involves the use of chemostratigraphy, C-isotope chronostratigraphy, magnetic susceptibility, TOC, Rockeval and mineralogy (based on XRD, and elemental data) and the new application of FTIR.

FTIR is a spectroscopy technique that collects data from a broad spectral range in the infrared. It can be used to obtain absorption or emission spectra of solids, liquids and gases. As the FTIR collects data simultaneously from a wide range of frequencies the data must undergo a Fourier transform (a mathematical operation) to

convert the raw data into the spectrum used (Figure 1). Due to this data collection technique measurements on the FTIR are rapid, in the order of one second. However, multiple measurements are usually added together to improve signal to noise ratio. The basic principles of FTIR have remained the same for decades; however, recent advances in technology have allowed the development of portable devices.

The extremely compact FTIR spectrometer ALPHA interferometer (Figure 2) has a

footprint of an A4 sheet of paper and weights c.7kg. The ALPHA is insensitive to vibration, so it can be placed almost anywhere, can be moved, and be immediately operational without any need for alignment. ALPHA delivers excellent sensitivity as well as x-axis reproducibility and stability. The ergonomic one-finger clamp mechanism simplifies the sample positioning. It is easy to clean, as the pressure applicator can be rotated 360° to provide the user with unobstructed access to the sampling area. This allows quick and easy analysis of small powder (Figure 3) with an average analysis time of less than two minutes. Rock sample preparation could not be simpler, a small quantity of material (<1g) is ground and then analysed (Figure 3).

As stated above XRD will undoubtedly remain the mineralogist beast of burden when time or sample location is no issue. However, as Figure 4 shows, once calibrated, the FTIR can supply data comparable to an XRD for many minerals. Its advantage is that it can readily be transported to a core warehouse and hundreds of samples can be analysed is a short timeframe without having to ship or transport samples to the lab. Because <1g of material is required, it is practically non-destructive (although obviously c. 1g of material is powdered). By enabling this amount of mineralogical

MINERALOGY ON THE MOVE – Applications in the Duvernay| By Gemma Hildred, Dr. Anne Forbes, Dr. Tim Pearce, Dr. Andy Wilson, Dr. Ken Ratcliffe


Figure 1. FTIR absorbance spectrum showing the main peak associations with their mineralogical component. A range of clay minerals can be detected by the FTIR, this example shows predominantly kaolinite. A larger peak signifies a greater concentration of a component; however each peak has a different sensitivity to the component it shows.

Figure 2. The FTIR instrument is compact, lightweight and easy to use, pictured above is a powdered sample which is prepared in the pictured mortar and pestle.


CHEMOSTRAT

Mineralogy on the moveChemostrat’s Portable Solutions can deliver mineralogical, elemental and magnetics data quickly and cost effectively when and wherever you need it most.

Our analytical flexibility allows non-destructive data acquisition in local storage facilities, ideal for delivery of Chemostrat’s Non Proprietary services. Current and proposed Non Proprietary studies in Canada include:

Chemostratigraphic correlation of the Cretaceous sequences, offshore Scotian basin

Chemostratigraphic correlation of the late Cretaceous to Eocene sequences of the Hopedale and Saglek basins

Chemostratigraphic correlation of the Mesozoic sequences from the Carson basin and greater area

A comprehensive Inorganic geochemical study of the Duvernay formation

For more information on any of these studies, call Gemma on 403-463-8188 or email [email protected]

Chemostrat Canada Ltd.144-4 Avenue SW, Suite 1600, Sun Life Plaza, West Tower,Calgary, Alberta, T2P 3N4

t 403-463-8188 e [email protected]

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data to be acquired quickly, there are obvious applications to reservoir quality and petrophysics.

As shown in Figure 4, the FTIR can also provide an indication of TOC, again unlikely to replace LECO-type instruments for laboratory analysis, but data on shale resource cores can be gained rapidly at the same time as mineralogical data, perhaps providing a screening mechanism for more elaborate laboratory based organic analyses. FTIR has also been used in the coal industry to provide indications of coal rank.

Chemostrat have recognised, however, that FTIR is sensitive to both coal maturity and maceral content / type. We are currently working with coal samples of known maceral content and maturity to build a model that will provide quick and cost effective ways to analyse coal sequences.

Finally, because of its robust, small footprint, lack of moving parts and simple user interface our FTIR mineralogy on the move services are ideally suited for well-site applications and is now available in Calgary via Chemostrat Canada and Belloy Petroleum.

Figure 3. Cross plots of selected variables obtained by XRD analysis (quartz, kaolinite, chlorite) and LECO analysis (TOC) compared against same variables obtained by FTiR analysis.

Figure 4. Close up of instrument stage, with analysis underway. Note simple sample presentation protocol and small amount of sample required.


Professionals in Geosciencewww.apega.ca

Are you looking for the next step in your profession? As a Professional Geoscientist, APEGA Branches offer exciting ways to advance your career. Enjoy golf tournaments, seminars, mixers and luncheons while reaping the benefits of networking with other APEGA Members. Attend and learn about diverse topics that affect your sector and your profession. Get exposed to exciting career possibilities. Check out the Branch calendar found in the Fast Find section of our homepage for the next opportunity to get involved.

To learn more, visit apega.ca or call us toll free at 1-800-661-7020.

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Documents

A Tutorial on Petrophysical Analysis in Oil Sands 21 Dr