Liquids in the Lower Montney: Investigations Using Fluid Dynamics Data

Since unconventional development via horizontal drilling and multi-stage hydraulic fracturing began in the Montney Formation around 2005, drilling has largely been focused on Upper and Upper Middle Montney low permeability distal dolomitic siltstones. Over the last few years, economics have dictated targeting the more liquids-rich areas at the expense of the drier gas regions. Operators have started to pursue liquids in the Lower Middle and Lower Montney zones from the same pads that they are developing the upper zones -with interesting results. In some areas, the lower zones appear to be more liquids-rich than the upper zones and are emerging as viable targets. While operators strive to unlock value in the Montney through operational efficiencies, hydrodynamics and geothermics have emerged as important tools for understanding the complex distribution of reservoir fluids within these low permeability reservoirs. This presentation summarizes some of the Lower Middle and Lower Montney production results to date, and examines how pressure, temperature and gas and liquid composition data can provide additional insights into potential deliverability.